When you think of a Hawaiian vacation, you probably imagine sitting on a sun-drenched beach with a Mai-Tai as palm trees sway in warm tropical breezes. That is, after all, the quintessential tropical Hawaiian vacation. But what about biking down a massive, towering volcano? You can in Maui, with little effort at all!
Haleakala towers above Maui, rising over 10,000 feet into the sky. It’s the volcano that helped shaped this island all the way through the 17th century. Scientists say that one day it could erupt again, or it couldn’t. Native Hawaiians hold the volcano with deep reverence. And, on a clear day, Haleakala seems to pierce its way all the way up to the heavens. So, adventure companies decided to offer visitors the adventure of a lifetime. Bike 28 miles down a 10,023 feet volcano in just under 4 hours, without having to pedal!
It’s a bike ride like no other on the planet. You begin your ride on top of the world, where the landscape is rocky, harsh, and virtually barren. As you coast down, you pass through the fertile farm land of Maui where the famed Maui Onion grows, cattle roam, and flower farms are plentiful. Then, you end up down by the ocean in the town of Paia, where a refreshing drink is waiting for you!
Of course, the bike ride alone is thrilling enough. Bikers get to ease into switchbacks as they take in absolutely gorgeous views of one of the most beautiful islands in the world. But, there is another benefit. Haleakala offers some of the most gorgeous sunrises on the planet. As the sun creeps over the crater, the sun’s rays play off the numerous cinder cones, creating a rainbow of colors. So, these adventures companies offer Sunrise Bike Tours of Haleakala. But, you will need to be an early riser to take the sunrise tours. Adventure operators pick you up at your hotel around 2:30AM!
Do you need to be a world-class bike rider and in terrific shape to ride down Haleakala? Absolutely not! If you can ride a bike and are in decent shape, you will do just fine. In fact, most tours have a safari van follow the bike riders. If you get tired or are uncomfortable on the bike, just hop in the van and ride down the volcano in air conditioned comfort.
Interested in learning more about adventures on Maui? Our Maui Pocket Travel Guide can help. Learn about off the beaten path adventures, receive 4 distinct Maui itineraries, discover the best places to stay (it’s not the big chains), where to eat, play golf, and beaches that offer the best in snorkeling, swimming, and walking.
Have a Kindle, IPhone, or IPad? Then, purchase the Maui Pocket Travel Guide directly from the Kindle Store: www.amazon.com/dp/B005G0JJA6. Or purchase the PDF version from our website: www.greatamericanvacationideas.com/Hawaii.html
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