Haleakala bike tour Maui: 6500 feet to sea level

Switchbacks, coastal views, and a descent from the volcano to the ocean

A guided bike tour on Maui that starts at 6500 feet on the slopes of Haleakala and descends 29 switchbacks to sea level, ending in Paia Town. The ride takes about 4 hours and includes a local guide who narrates the route through Makawao and Kula, stops at a historic cowboy town, and points out bi-coastal views. Check-in is 7:30am at the Maui Mountain Riders office. Return is around 11:30am to noon.

Step-by-step itinerary

Haleakala bike tour from summit to sea level

• Check in at Maui Mountain Riders office
• Tour through Makawao and Kula towns
• Bike down 29 switchbacks from 6500 feet
• Stop in historic cowboy town Makawao
• End bike ride in Paia Town
• Return to Maui Mountain Riders office

The experience

The bike itself is the point here: you start at the entrance of Haleakala National Park at 6500 feet and ride down 29 switchbacks to sea level, finishing in Paia Town on the North Shore. The descent is what the tour is built around, and the guide narrates the route through the quaint towns of Makawao and Kula on the way up, then stays with you through the switchbacks themselves. You'll see bi-coastal views twice as you drop elevation, and there's a stop in Makawao, the historic cowboy or Paniole town on the slopes, where the guide points out the local history.

The whole day runs about 4 hours from check-in to return. You meet at the Maui Mountain Riders office at 7:30am, and you're back there by 11:30am to noon. Early enough to do something else on the island the same afternoon. The guide is local and speaks English, and the tour includes bottled water and snacks along the way. All taxes and fees are built in, so there's nothing to settle at the end.

Riders need to be at least 12 years old and over 5 feet tall. The maximum weight is 280 pounds. The tour runs in all weather, so bring layers and rain gear if the forecast looks uncertain. This is a moderate-to-active ride (the switchbacks are the physical part, not a casual roll), so you should be comfortable on a bike and ready for the descent.

What’s included

• Local guide in English.
• bottled water and snacks.
• live commentary on the route through Makawao, Kula and the switchbacks.
• all taxes, fees and handling charges.

Information

Lasts 4h, runs Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 07:30, from US$ 145 per person, with a live guide in English, in groups of up to 12 and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.

Days and timesTuesday, Thursday, Friday and SaturdayDeparts at 07:30Last departure this season: 31 DecAnother time? ›

GroupUp to 12

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Under 12: can't be booked

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortNot recommended during pregnancy

Operated by Mountain Riders LLC

Is this one for you?The 4-hour window gets you down the mountain and back to the office by noon, leaving the rest of your day open for the beach or another part of the island. The moderate fitness requirement and the 29 switchbacks mean this is an active ride, not a casual pedal. Book this if you're comfortable on a bike and ready for a real descent.

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Top questions

What are the 29 switchbacks like on the Haleakala bike tour?

The switchbacks make up the main descent from 6500 feet to sea level. You ride through them after passing through Makawao and Kula on the way up the slopes, and the guide stays with you the whole way down, pointing out the bi-coastal views as you drop elevation.

When does the Haleakala bike tour start and end each day?

Check-in is 7:30am at the Maui Mountain Riders office. The tour returns to the office around 11:30am to noon, depending on the season, so you're finished by early afternoon.

What's included in the Haleakala bike tour price?

The tour includes a local guide, bottled water, snacks, and live commentary throughout the ride. All taxes, fees and handling charges are included in the price.

Is the Haleakala bike tour suitable for beginners?

You should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness for this tour. The switchbacks require active riding, and you need to be comfortable descending on a bike. Riders must be at least 12 years old, over 5 feet tall, and under 280 pounds.

What is Makawao, the stop on the Haleakala bike tour?

Makawao is a historic cowboy or Paniole town on the slopes of Haleakala where the tour stops. The guide points out the local history and character of this quaint upcountry settlement.

Where does the Haleakala bike tour end?

The tour ends in Paia Town on the North Shore of Maui, where you finish the descent from the volcano. You're then driven back to the Maui Mountain Riders office for return around 11:30am to noon.