Haleakalā Summit Sunrise Viewing & Downhill Bike Tour

Watch the Sunrise Above the Clouds, Then Ride the Volcano to the Sea!

Start your day above the clouds at one of the most spectacular sunrise locations in the world before experiencing Maui's most famous downhill bike ride. This full-day adventure combines two of the island's most iconic experiences—watching the first light of day spread across the summit of Haleakalā National Park and then descending from the slopes of the volcano all the way toward the North Shore by bicycle.

Before dawn, you'll travel to the 10,023-foot (3,055 m) summit of Haleakalā, where you'll watch the sun rise over the volcanic crater while your guide shares stories about the mountain's geology, Hawaiian cultural significance, and the rare plants and wildlife found nowhere else on Earth, including the remarkable silversword. After sunrise, you'll descend to approximately 6,500 feet (1,981 m), where you'll receive your bike, gear, and safety briefing before beginning the cycling portion of the adventure.

The ride follows Maui's legendary downhill route through the famous 29 Haleakalā switchbacks, giving you two opportunities to enjoy the mountain's most exhilarating section before continuing through rolling ranchlands, the agricultural community of Kula, and the historic paniolo (Hawaiian cowboy) town of Makawao, where you'll have time to stop for breakfast or coffee. The final miles carry you through pineapple fields and colorful flowering trees before finishing in the North Shore town of Pāʻia, completing approximately 26 miles (42 km) of mostly downhill riding.

Although the route requires very little pedaling, it is designed for riders who are comfortable handling a bicycle on public roads. You'll descend grades averaging 5–6% while sharing winding mountain roads with vehicle traffic. For confident riders, this tour offers one of the most memorable ways to experience Maui—from sunrise above the clouds to an unforgettable ride from the volcano nearly to the sea.

Itinerary

Check in times vary throughout the year depending on the time of the sunrise. A text message will confirm the exact meet time at our office the day before the tour.

1. CHECK-IN TIME AND LOCATION: 2:45am – 3:30am, 497 Baldwin Ave, Paia HI 96779
   
2. NARRATED RIDE TO TOP OF HALEAKALA (90 min): The van ride will start at the check-in location. And will include narration of history and focal points such as historic churches, the historic cowboy town of Makawao, agricultural town of Kula and the upcountry area being driven through. The ride will end at the peak point of 10,000 feet.
   
3. WATCH THE SUNRISE (30 min): See the sunrise over Maui from 10,000 foot elevation – the top of Haleakala.
   
4. NARRATED RIDE TO LAUNCH POINT (30 min): After watching the sunrise, we’ll load back up into the vans and enjoy a narrated ride down to the launch point of 6500 feet.
   
5. FIRST BIKE RIDE (20 min): After a safety briefing and gear fitting the ride begins and proceeds through the 29 switchback turns through the beautiful bi-coastal views of Haleakala Ranch.
   
6. RIDE BACK TO LAUNCH POINT (10 min)
   
7. REPEATED BIKE RIDE (20 min): The fabulous 29 switchbacks will be repeated for a more exhilarating ride the second time.
   
8. VAN TOUR THROUGH KULA (15 min): Followed by a van tour through Kula to the town of Makawao.
   
9. EXPLORE MAKAWAO (30 min): Explore the town with either a cup of coffee or breakfast and some shopping.
   
10. FINAL BIKE RIDE (20 min): Ride bikes from Makawao down to our office on Baldwin Ave. where the tour began.
    

Duration

1. 7 Hours Total
   

1. Check in times vary throughout the year depending on the time of the sunrise. A text message will confirm the exact meet time at our office the day before the tour.
   

Location / Where to Meet

1. Check In / Departure Address: 497 Baldwin Avenue, Paia, HI 96779
   
2. Check-in takes place at your guides' office! The tour also ends back at this same location.
   

Ages & Requirements

1. Minimum age: 15 years old. Riders under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
   
2. Minimum height: 4'10" (147 cm)
   
3. Maximum weight: 280 lbs (127 kg), due to bike manufacturer limitations.
   
4. Riders must not be pregnant.
   
5. Participants must be competent, experienced, and confident bike riders. They should be able to get on and off the bike safely, keep it under complete control at all times, and be able to maneuver the bike through 180-degree turns, as well as at speeds of 18-25mph.
   
6. Riders must wear closed-toed shoes only. No exceptions.
   
7. Riders must be capable of engaging in activity at higher elevations.
   
8. Riders cannot be taking medication that may cause drowsiness or fatigue.
   
9. All riders must understand all risks involved in this tour, and must sign an acknowledgement of risk form. Must view the “Leave No Trace” video prior to participation
   

What's Included

1. Entrance to Haleakalā National Park for the sunrise viewing
   
2. Van transportation from Paia to the summit and then the launch point, with narrated commentary along the way.
   
3. Volcano Chrome Cruiser bikes that are designed with drum brakes to handle the downhill ride.
   
4. Full Face Helmet
   
5. Safety briefing and bike fitting
   

1. Guided downhill ride down the 29 switchbacks (two runs)
   
2. Granola bars and bottled water
   

Not Included

1. Gratuity - Never expected but if you have a great experience, please consider gifting 10-25% to your drivers & guides!
   
2. Meals or beverages purchased during the Makawao stop.
   
3. Personal transportation to and from the Paia check-in office.
   
4. There is a small gas surcharge at checkout per person.
   

What to Bring / Wear

1. Closed-toed shoes (required — no exceptions)
   
2. Pants (no dresses or baggy pants)
   
3. Layered clothing — temperatures vary between the summit, upper elevations, and the coast.
   
4. Sunglasses and/or prescription glasses
   
5. Sunscreen
   
6. Camera (your guides are not responsible for lost or damaged personal items)