Sunrise Downhill Bike, Small Group

Maui Haleakala Sunrise Downhill Bike Tour with Mountain Riders Rated #1 runs through Mountain Riders LLC. Rated 4.4 across 268 reviews. Runs 7 hours. From $279.

Overview

This tour starts at 02:45 in Paia, with a shuttle ride up through the dark to the top of Haleakala. The whole outing runs about 7 hours. Riders watch the sun come up near the summit, then take a van out of the park before mounting chrome cruiser bikes for a long downhill coast through ranch land, ending with time in Makawao town and a return to the original meeting point.

The group carries a maximum of 12 travellers. One reviewer who passed other tour companies on the ride said their smaller group made for a smoother trip. Guides are praised across reviews for being friendly, informative and entertaining, with Hawaiian stories told on the drive up according to one traveller.

The trip suits riders over 15 who are at least 5 feet tall and under 280 lbs, with a moderate level of fitness. It does not suit travellers who use wheelchairs, and the listing advises against it for pregnant travellers. Expect an alarm clock in the middle of the night and near-freezing temperatures at the summit before a fast, mostly downhill ride back toward the coast.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Meet in PaiaArrive at the Mountain Riders office at 497 Baldwin Ave, Paia, for a 02:45 start. Hotel pickup is not included, so travellers arrange their own transport.
2. Shuttle to the summitThe van climbs Haleakala before dawn. One reviewer recalled Hawaiian legends being told on the ride up.
3. Haleakala National ParkRoughly 4 hours in and around the park. Admission is free. Watch the sunrise near the summit, then take the van out of the park to the mounting point.
4. Haleakala RanchAbout 1 hour 30 minutes riding the downhill sections through ranch land on the cruiser bikes, with no admission fee.
5. Historic Makawao TownAround 1 hour in town for coffee, pastries or breakfast, at your own cost, since lunch and food are not included.
6. Return to PaiaThe ride finishes back at the Baldwin Ave meeting point. Exact return times vary depending on the season.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points come up again and again in reviews and in the listing details, and they shape the day more than anything else.

• Dress for winter. Nearly every reviewer mentions the cold at the summit, with one describing it as around 30 degrees with wind. Bring gloves and warm layers, and plan to stand outside waiting for the sun. Layers let you shed clothing as the day warms on the ride down.
• Very early start. The meeting time is 02:45 in Paia, and reviewers describe the wake-up as the hardest part of an otherwise great morning. You must arrange your own transport to the office on Baldwin Avenue, since hotel pickup is not included. Build the late night into your plans for the rest of the day.
• Fast downhill riding. Reviewers call the descent exhilarating, very fast and, at moments, a little scary. One reviewer appreciated the option to ride with a guide or on your own. If the ride feels like too much, one reviewer's daughter chose to ride the van down instead.
• Small group feel. The tour carries a maximum of 12 travellers. One reviewer noted their group was smaller than the other tours on the road and was thankful for it. Across reviews, guides are repeatedly praised for being friendly, encouraging and informative.
• Food and drink. Bottled water and snacks are included, along with the bike and helmet. The Makawao stop is your chance for coffee or breakfast, which you pay for yourself. One reviewer suggested skipping a full breakfast and grabbing a pastry.
• Photos and timing. The same reviewer wished there had been more time to explore the little shops in Makawao, so keep an eye on the clock during the town stop.

Common issues. The summit cold catches out travellers who under-dress, a point raised in review after review. Weather can cancel the trip; in that case the operator offers a different date or a full refund, and the same applies if the minimum number of travellers is not met. Full refunds require cancelling at least 24 hours before the 02:45 start. One reviewer found the bikes a bit worn. The tour is not wheelchair accessible and is not recommended for pregnant travellers.

Before You Book A Seat