Day Bike From 6500 Feet

Maui Haleakala Day Bike Tour with Mountain Riders from 6500 to sea level runs through Mountain Riders LLC. Rated 4.6 across 97 reviews. Runs 4 hours. From $145.

Overview

This guided day ride with Mountain Riders starts at the company's office at 497 Baldwin Ave in Paia at 07:30, and from there a van takes riders up the volcano with bikes in tow. The group unloads at elevation and descends by bike through Maui's upcountry slopes toward sea level, with guides leading the way and commentary during the ride. Total time on the experience is about 4 hours, and it ends back at the Paia office between 10am and 11am depending on the season.

Along the way the route passes through Makawao and Haleakala Ranch country, with a 45-minute stop in Historic Makawao Town with free admission. Several travellers describe the upcountry scenery as a highlight of the ride, and many single out the guides for keeping the group safe and informed.

One thing to understand before booking: this tour does not enter Haleakala National Park and does not visit the crater or the summit, a point at least one reviewer makes clearly. Riders must be over 15, taller than five feet, under 280 lbs, and have a moderate fitness level. Groups cap at 12.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Meet in PaiaMeet at the Mountain Riders office at 497 Baldwin Ave, Paia at 07:30. Hotel pickup is not included, so travellers arrange their own transport to the office.
2. Makawao pass throughThe van route passes through the Kula area near Makawao, about 45 minutes, with no admission cost.
3. Haleakala Ranch rideThe main riding segment covers 1 hour and 30 minutes around Haleakala Ranch land, free entry, with guides leading the group.
4. Historic Makawao TownA 45-minute stop in Historic Makawao Town, free admission. Lunch is not included in the tour price.
5. Return to PaiaThe tour finishes back at the original meeting point, arriving between 10am and 11am depending on the season.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points come up in the listing details and in traveller reviews.

• Dress for cold. A reviewer warns that temperatures up the mountain are colder than at the coast. The operator says the tour runs in all weather, so bring layers.
• Comfort with speed. One reviewer notes you cannot ride your brakes the whole way down and describes the descent as fast. The listing asks for moderate physical fitness.
• Lunch is on you. Breakfast and lunch are not included, though snacks and bottled water are. A stop is made in Makawao, where one reviewer mentions a lunch break during the tour.
• No crater visit. A reviewer states plainly that this tour does not enter the national park and does not visit the crater. If seeing the summit area is the priority, this is not that product.
• Guides and van support. Reviewers across many trips describe guides who lead the ride and a driver who transports the group up the mountain. Commentary and island history are given during the ride and drive.
• Group size limit. The operator caps the tour at 12 travellers. Reviews describe groups riding together with guides who emphasize safety.

Common issues. The tour requires a minimum number of travellers to run; if it is cancelled for low numbers, guests are offered a different date or a full refund. One reviewer flagged confusion about the route, noting the tour no longer goes to the volcano inside the national park despite older descriptions, and the same reviewer felt the description did not match the actual ride. One reviewer found the bikes older and in need of maintenance, though others described the equipment as comfortable and safe. Riders must be over 15, taller than 5 ft, under 280 lbs, and the tour is not wheelchair accessible and not recommended for pregnant travellers. The tour runs in all weather conditions.

Before You Book A Seat