Self-Paced Haleakala Downhill Bike Adventure

Ride Maui's Famous 29 Switchbacks at Your Own Pace!

Trade crowded tour groups for the freedom to experience Haleakalā on your own schedule. This self-paced downhill bike adventure lets you enjoy one of Maui's most iconic rides while stopping whenever the scenery, fresh mountain air, or charming Upcountry towns invite you to slow down. With sweeping bi-coastal views, cool volcanic slopes, and miles of downhill riding ahead, it's an unforgettable way to experience a side of Maui many visitors never see.

Your day begins with a scenic drive up the mountain, where you'll be outfitted with your bike and safety gear before starting the descent from approximately 6,500 ft (1,981 m). From there, you'll cruise through the famous 29 Haleakalā switchbacks, rolling ranchlands, and eucalyptus forests while enjoying nearly continuous downhill riding. Along the route you'll travel through the Upcountry community of Kula, spend time exploring the historic paniolo (Hawaiian cowboy) town of Makawao, and continue toward the North Shore through pineapple fields, colorful flowering trees, and quiet country roads before finishing in Pāʻia.

Covering approximately 26 miles (42 km), this is one of Maui's longest self-paced downhill cycling experiences. Although the ride requires very little pedaling, it is not simply a leisurely cruise. Riders descend public roads shared with vehicle traffic, often without dedicated bike lanes, on grades averaging 5–6% while navigating winding mountain roads. Guests should be comfortable riding a bicycle with hand brakes and confident sharing the road with vehicles. The reward is an incredible journey from the slopes of Haleakalā to the sea, experienced entirely at your own pace.

Good to Know: Where the Ride Begins

Itinerary

1. CHECK-IN: Check in at our local office in the morning!
   
2. NARRATED RIDE TO LAUNCH POINT (45 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 upcountry area being driven through. The ride will end at the launch point of 6500 feet (1981 m).
   
3. 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.
   
4. RIDE BACK TO LAUNCH POINT (10 min)
   
5. REPEATED BIKE RIDE (20 min): The fabulous 29 switchbacks will be repeated for a more exhilarating ride the second time.
   
6. VAN TOUR THROUGH KULA (15 min): Followed by a van tour through Kula to the town of Makawao.
   
7. EXPLORE MAKAWAO (30 min): Explore the town with either a cup of coffee or breakfast and some shopping.
   
8. FINAL BIKE RIDE (20 min): Ride bikes from Makawao down to our office on Baldwin Ave. where the tour began!
   

Duration

1. 4 Hours Total
   
2. Biking portion: self-paced, typically 70+ minutes across two runs of the switchbacks, plus a final descent from Makawao (actual time varies by rider)!
   

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.
   

What's Included

1. Van transportation from Paia to the launch point, with narrated commentary along the way
   
2. Volcano Chrome Cruiser bikes that are designed with drum brakes to handle the downhill ride.
   
3. Full Face Helmet
   
4. Safety briefing and bike fitting
   
5. Self-paced downhill ride down the 29 switchbacks (two runs)
   
6. 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!
   
2. There is not a guided tour! This is completed SELF-GUIDED. You are in charge of your timing, your route (though you have a route map), and safety.
   
3. Meals or beverages purchased during the Makawao stop.
   
4. Personal transportation to and from the Paia check-in office.
   
5. The tour starts at 6500' (1981 m), NOT at the summit. There is no summit visit on this tour.
   
6. 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 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)