Haleakala Independent

(4.3)
$109
Why We Love It -  For those that want a downhill volcano cycle experience, but prefer to go it alone, the independent journey is highly recommended!

Enjoy the ride down the spectacular slopes of Haleakala at your own pace! 


This tour is perfect if you don't want to be on a set schedule.  Stop when you want for the many photo opportunities, coffee breaks (that's me!), flower and fruit stand, and whatever else strikes your fancy while you coast down the slopes. 


You will meet the guide in the town of Paia at 8:15 am. You will then proceed to the summit of Haleakala in our van to view the spectacular crater. After viewing the National Park you will descend to the staging area at 6,500 ft. At the staging area, our guide will give you instructions and expectations as to the rules of the road.

A map of your route which includes our phone numbers, and a list of restaurants you may encounter along the way. A backpack will also be provided for you to store your personal belongings. Your route will include a couple of mandatory checkpoints along the way where your guide will double check your equipment and provide further information for the remainder of your tour.

You will also be given a time to meet back in Paia, ample time will be allowed for you to stop and eat in Kula, Makawao, or Paia. Our guide will position themselves in Paia at the Paia Post office to receive the equipment back from you.

Travel down the mountain on your bike through pasture lands with incredible vistas of Maui below and other islands are visible off in the horizon. 

Pass through the cowboy town of Makawao, famous for its rodeo held each July. The trip takes you past pineapple fields, sugar cane and ends up in the quaint old style town of Paia, once the capital of Maui. 

Custom bikes feature
  • Wide comfortable saddle
  • Quick release seat adjustment
  • Hand activated brake levers: right controls front, left controls rear
  • Heavy-duty motorcycle brake cables and housings
  • Front and rear drum brakes with genuine HondaATM brake shoes
  • Gears: single-speed, no shifting, 21T free wheel on rear, 44T front crank
  • Chain guard for protection
  • Steel rims for added weight and stability
  • White-wall tires 26x2.125 street tires for a classy, smooth, stable ride
  • Classic-style curved frame
  • Cruiser-style pedals
more
Time 8:15am
Duration Self-paced - 4 to 8 hours
Location Pa'ia

Please view the cancellation policy and restrictions. You can find addition information in frequently asked questions

Cancellation Policy

Parties of 1-3 people: 100% refund for cancellations made more than 24-hours prior to tour start time.
Parties of 4+ people: 100% refund for cancellations made more than 48-hours prior to tour start time.
Cancellations are only valid if phoned-in(by the customer or the agent)during normal business hours of 8:00am to 9:00pm daily.
All cancellations within 24 hours of the tour are charged 100% unless the client can give a compelling reason to only charge a service fee.


Last Minute Bookings

Please be aware that these bookings are subject to confirmation. If this is a same-day or next-day booking, there is a reasonable chance this will not be confirmed. For bookings that are confirmed, there will be no cancellations or refunds.


Restrictions

  • This ride is NOT for beginners; please be an experienced cyclist, having ridden a bicycle in at least the past 12 months.
  • Participants must wear closed toes shoes
  • Wear warm clothing in layers; it's best to wear a pair of short with sweat pants over that, a short sleeve shirt, long sleeve shirt and a jacket
  • No pregnant women; take the day off and relax
  • Riders must be 13 years old and under 65 years of age
  • All cyclist should have recent cycling experience
  • Riders should be at least 5 feet tall
  • Maximum weight for bike rider is 250 lbs.
  • No one with medical conditions that would adversely effect them in this activity should participate.
  • Riders must sign acknowledgment of risk & safety form as well as a medical/ physical clearance form.


Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the bike ride?
The bicycle tour is approximately 28 miles long. It starts at the 6500' elevation and continues down to sea level. The total time spent on a bicycle is about 2 hours.

What if someone in my party doesn't want to ride a bike? Can they still go with us?
Yes, we offer a scenic van tour for our guests that don't want to ride a bike. The van makes every stop the bikers do, so you will be able to stay together the whole time. At least 50% of your party should be cyclists.


When do we get picked up at our hotel?
The Sunrise tour pick up is approximately 2:00 AM depending on the season.
The Day tour pick up is approximately 7:00 AM also depending on the season.
The Scenic Van Ride pick up is at the same time as the Sunrise or Morning tour with your friends.

When do we return to the hotel from the Morning tour?
You should arrive back to your hotel before 3:00 pm.

When do we return to the hotel from the Sunrise tour?
You should arrive back to your hotel before noon.

What do I need to bring?
For the sunrise tour we suggest you layer your clothing with tee shirt and shorts as your bottom layer then long pants (jeans or sweats, but make sure they are comfortable and no bell bottoms), closed toed shoes, a sweatshirt, or jacket, a knit cap would be great, eye protection such as sunglasses or regular prescription glasses, sun screen, camera, layer your clothes as the temperature at the summit can be in the low 40's and the temperature at sea level can be close to 90 degrees in the summer. You should keep all your belongings in a day pack that will be stored in the van which is following at all times. We make photo stops and restroom stops as well, so you can always peel a few layers as we make our way down the mountain.

Are there any restrictions?
Yes, every rider must be a minimum age of 13 years old and a maximum age of 65 years old, Over 5' tall, NOT pregnant, weigh less than 250 lbs. and must have ridden a bicycle in the last 12 months.

How Dangerous is this?
Riding a bicycle downhill is not without risk. Serious injury may occur and possibly death if you are involved in an accident. You should be in good physical condition and free from any medications that may cause drowsiness or inattentiveness, such as decongestants, Benadryl, motion sickness, medications, and or any medications for hypertension and/or stress. Remember serious medical help may be up to 2 hours away.

What kind of bike are we going to use?
Our bikes are all single speed "cruiser" bikes built by Worksman Bicycle Company. They all have special drum brakes and extra wide comfortable seats. Since 99% of this trip is downhill, there is no need for a multi-speed bicycle. 

What is included in the trip?
Hotel pickup and return for the sunrise and morning trip, Coffee, and snacks at our baseyard, bike, Helmet, Windbreaker suit, Insulated gloves and a winter type jacket for your added safety and comfort are all included in the basic tour.

Can I drive to your base yard rather than hotel pickup?
Absolutely! If you are planning more activities following the bike ride, it is sometimes easier to drive into the base yard. We will give you easy to follow directions should you want to choose that option.

Will we get to see the sunrise?
We can only guarantee that the sun will rise, actual viewing of the sunrise depends on a power much higher than ours. We are at Haleakala for sunrise and about 89% of the time the weather is clear and great for viewing incredible stars, planets, and a very special sunrise, however, we are a small island out in the middle of the Pacific and occasionally we have clouds, rain, and even snow at Haleakala.

How steep is the bike ride?
The grade is about 5%, almost all of it downhill. You will be going from 6,500 ft to sea level in 38 miles.

What can I expect to see on this tour?
You will be leaving from Haleakala (House of the Sun) which is a dormant volcano with very little vegetation, however, the few plants that do grow at that elevation are very rare and protected, it is important that none of our guests bring foreign material into the park via our shoes etc.
As you travel down the mountain you will bike through pasture lands with incredible vistas of Maui below and other islands are visible off in the horizon. We pass through the cowboy town of Makawao, famous for its rodeo held each July. The trip takes us past pineapple fields, sugar cane and ends up in the quaint old style town of Paia, once the capital of Maui. We are on the public roadway the whole time and we have a well-trained guide in front and the tour is followed by the van behind whose driver communicates with the cruise leader, keeping him informed of traffic conditions and weather conditions coming up ahead. 

Our number one goal is for each of our guests to experience Maui in a very personal and special way. We want your trip to be a safe, memorable one. Our van is always available if for at any time a rider feels apprehensive or uncomfortable.


Reviews

Review Summary
(4.3)
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- Oct 23, 2023 -

Scan C.

This is an awesome organization. We did the Haleakala bike tour and this group were awesome. They were organized, professional and very accommodating. Mike...  more

(5.0)