Biking Down Haleakala

Personally, I have never embarked on any biking trips around Maui. But after reading about a "bike trip down haleakala" in a tourist magazine I will definitely have to try biking on my next visit. "The ride is gorgeous and unchallenging." (Travel + Leisure)

The volcanoes on Maui are not dangerous at all. Of the two volcanoes on the island, West Maui last erupted 200,000 years ago and is thought to be extinct, while Haleakala is dormant and unlikely to erupt anytime soon.

Haleakala also called "House of the Sun" is an enormous dormant volcano located on the east-ish side of Maui, in the Haleakala National Park. Its most recent volcanic activity occurred around 1790. It is 10,023 feet above sea level. Here's a great information site about Haleakala and other volcanoes on Maui... Hawaiian Volcano Observatory.

A downhill bike tour trip would consist of coasting down 38 miles to sea level AND only 400 yards of the trip would actually involve pedaling. Some biking tours such as Maui Downhill will bus you up to the crater at sunrise which is the best time to view its Mars-like surface.

Tips: wear warm clothing in layers & close-toed rubber soled shoes

Biking companies in the area offer 3 kinds of tours
Structured tours provide variety of tour times provides prices & services includes transportation either from your hotel or the company's baseyard to the starting point provides bikes equipped with special heavy-duty brakes provides safety gear including helmets & gloves provides rainwear includes meals includes escort van transportation & tour guide last...on the trip...bikes will be adjusted & briefed on road hazards, signals from your guide, and safety features	Guided tours slowest riders ride behind the lead guide appropriate for bikers of all skill levels provides van transportation up the volcano the van follows the biking group from behind to protect riders from traffic lead guide & van driver stay in contact with two-way radios riders ride single file have the freedom to stop & ride in the van to a lower elevation if not comfortable average speed 15-20 mph...10-15 mph for turns and curves	Free-style trips ride begins 12 miles down from the volcano outside of the national park's entrance other riders may be in your group when you start off ride @ your own pace freedom to stop wherever you want

Recommended Biking Tours

Haleakala Bike Co. 808-575-9575 or 888-922-2453 site- detailed tour info Mountain Riders (808) 242-9739 or (800) 706-7700 site- detailed tour info click here for direct online booking & 15% discount Maui Mountain Cruisers include van pickups at area hotels (808) 871-6014 or (800) 232-6284 site- detailed tour info Upcountry Cycles 573-2888 Maui Downhill Haleakala Bike Safaris daily tours available (808) 871-2155 (800) 535-2453 (off Maui #) (Maui Downhill site- detailed tour info) Chris Bike Adventures (808) 871-2453

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