Best Haleakala Downhill Self-Guided Bike Tour with Maui Sunriders

Maui , United States

Best Haleakala Downhill Self-Guided Bike Tour with Maui Sunriders

Active

(485 reviews)

4h - 5h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

For over 25 years Maui Sunriders Bike Company has been offering the Self-Guided Haleakala Downhill Bike Tour on Maui. We're the only bike tour on Maui operated by USA Cycling Coaches & BICP Certified Bike Instructors. We have 3 full-service bike shops on the island with expert mechanics tuning bikes daily. This bike ride is one of the most popular activities to do on Maui with guests returning annually. Our tour van goes up the same route you’ll bike down pointing out the local history, points of interest & suggestions for places to visit. Ride begins at 6,500 feet right outside the National Park where all bike operators on Maui start. You have the freedom to stay in your comfort zone & stop along the way to enjoy the beauty of the upper Haleakala National Park section. The lower section of the ride starts in Makawao. You will find many unique shops, restaurants, churches & art galleries in the charming towns on the route. Experience why visitors & locals love Maui Sunriders Bike Co.

Available options

Best Haleakala Downhill Self-Guided Bike Tour with Maui Sunriders

What's included

Wind/Rain Jacket, Pants & Bike Gloves

Bike ride down self-guided the Upper & Lower segments of the volcano

Full-face mountain bike helmet for the ultimate protection or regular helmets for Advanced-Expert cyclists

Dakine Backpack with Bike Lock & Route Map

Mountain Bike with Front-Suspension and Disc-Brakes, Tuned every day by our In-House Expert Mechanics

Guided Drive Up to 6500' & Roadside Assistance

Only operator with 3 Full-Service Bike Shops operated by USA Cycling & BICP Certified Coaches

Detailed itinerary

The staging area for our Maui bike tour is at 6,500 ft – where all bike operators on Maui begin their rides. Riders get to enjoy a self-guided ride experience starting from 6,500 ft up Haleakala Volcano on the upper switchbacks.

On your Haleakala bike tour you will get to see scenic Kula Community in our van shuttle. Located at about 3,200 feet on the western slopes of Haleakala this is a beautiful neighborhood.

The next section of downhill begins with entering into a small town that carries on the traditions of the paniolo (Hawaiian cowboy) life. In the heart of Paniolo Country sits the historic town of Makawao. This quaint town located on the slopes of Haleakala is rich in paniolo heritage with rustic charm as well as being a flourishing arts community. Stop to have lunch or browse through one of the fascinating shops or galleries scattered throughout this charming town. With our self-paced Haleakala downhill bike ride, guests have more freedom to stop along the route to eat, shop, and sightsee than on a guided tour.

Finish your ride at our bike shop in downtown Paia. Return your bike, check out our retail shop and explore our North Shore Beach town. There are great places to eat from Paia Fish Market to Mama's Fish House (w/reservations 3-6 mo in advanced.) Paia offers the most casual, fun & funky laid back shopping back experience on the whole island. Paia is loaded with everything from art galleries, specialty gift shops, beach attire and more. It's many visitor's favorite town to visit on the island for it's laid back appeal.

What's not included

We don't claim we're the best, #1 rated, safest... our customers who have tried them all tell us!

We don't hire outside mechanics to periodically service our bikes. They're tuned every single day

Parking in front of our shop is about $15 credit card only. Free public Paia lot is available.

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.8

169 reviews

5★

145

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 4.9

316 reviews

5★

294

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Bike Manufacturers recommended riders maximum weight - 300lbs.

Meeting point

Check-In: 8:45AM (After 9AM, you risk missing the tour) We are located in PAIA on the North Shore. We are not street front, we are in the Paia Plaza behind the Lima Restaurant, Parking in front of our shop is about $15 credit card only. Free public parking lot on Hana Hwy.

About Maui

Maui, known as the Valley Isle, is the second-largest Hawaiian island and offers a diverse landscape of pristine beaches, lush rainforests, and volcanic mountains. It's renowned for its stunning sunrises and sunsets, world-class snorkeling, and the scenic Road to Hana.

Top Attractions

Road to Hana

A 160 km (100-mile) drive along the island's northern coast, featuring waterfalls, lush rainforests, and stunning ocean views. A must-do for any visitor.

Scenic Drive Full day Free (parking fees may apply at some stops)

Haleakala National Park

A UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring the dormant Haleakala volcano, unique ecosystems, and stunning sunrise and sunset views.

Nature Half day to full day $30 per vehicle (7-day pass)

Molokini Crater

A partially submerged volcanic crater offering world-class snorkeling and diving with crystal-clear waters and abundant marine life.

Adventure Half day $100-150 per person (including snorkel gear and lunch)

Lahaina Town

A charming historic town with a rich whaling history, boutique shops, art galleries, and waterfront dining.

Historical Half day to full day Free to explore (costs vary for shopping and dining)

Iao Valley State Park

A lush, tropical valley featuring the iconic Iao Needle, a 1,200-foot tall volcanic pinnacle, and scenic hiking trails.

Nature 1-2 hours $5 per vehicle (Hawaii residents free)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Poke

A traditional Hawaiian dish made with diced raw fish, typically tuna or salmon, marinated in soy sauce, sesame oil, and green onions. Served over rice or as a salad.

Lunch/Dinner Can be made with cooked fish or vegetarian options.

Loco Moco

A hearty dish featuring a bed of white rice topped with a hamburger patty, a fried egg, and brown gravy. A comfort food favorite in Hawaii.

Lunch/Dinner Vegetarian and vegan versions available.

Malasadas

Portuguese-inspired fried dough balls, dusted with sugar or filled with sweet fillings like custard or haupia (coconut pudding). A popular treat from Teddy's Bake Shop in Lahaina.

Dessert Vegetarian (contains eggs and dairy).

Shave Ice

Finely shaved ice topped with flavored syrups and often served with a scoop of ice cream or sweetened condensed milk. A refreshing treat, especially on hot days.

Dessert Vegetarian and vegan options available (check for dairy-free syrups).

Popular Activities

Hiking Snorkeling Scuba Diving Surfing Zip-lining Beach lounging Spa treatments Sunset cruises

Best Time to Visit

April to May, September to November

These months offer pleasant weather, lower humidity, and fewer tourists. It's ideal for outdoor activities and exploring the island.

22-29°C 72-84°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: Hawaiian, Tagalog, Japanese, Ilocano
English: Widely spoken

Currency

US Dollar (USD)

Time Zone

Hawaii-Aleutian Standard Time (HST), GMT-10:00

Electricity

120VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Maui is generally safe for travelers, with low crime rates in tourist areas. However, petty theft and scams can occur, so it's important to stay vigilant.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Be cautious of strangers offering services or deals that seem too good to be true
• Use reputable tour operators and rental companies

Getting there

By air

Kahului Airport • 2.4 km (1.5 miles) from Kahului

By bus

Kahului, Lahaina, Wailuku

Getting around

Public transport

Affordable but infrequent service. Best for short trips between towns.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Kihei Wailea Lahaina Upcountry Maui

Day trips

Lana'i

16 km (10 miles) by ferry from Lahaina • Full day

A secluded island known for its luxury resorts, scenic beaches, and off-road adventures. Ideal for those looking to escape the crowds of Maui.

Molokini Crater

16 km (10 miles) by boat from Kihei • Half day

A partially submerged volcanic crater offering world-class snorkeling and diving with crystal-clear waters and abundant marine life.

Haleakala National Park

48 km (30 miles) from Kahului • Full day

A UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring the dormant Haleakala volcano, unique ecosystems, and stunning sunrise and sunset views.

Festivals

Maui Film Festival • June Maui County Fair • Late September to early October Maui Whale Festival • February to March (peak whale watching season)

Pro tips

Rent a car for at least part of your trip to explore the island's diverse landscapes and attractions
Book tours and activities in advance, especially during peak season
Visit popular attractions like the Road to Hana and Haleakala National Park early in the morning to avoid crowds and heat
Pack reef-safe sunscreen to protect marine life and follow local guidelines for responsible snorkeling and diving
Try local specialties like poke, loco moco, and malasadas for an authentic Hawaiian culinary experience