Ride the Thrill

Although I have never personally done a bike tour myself, I do highly recommend it if you are visiting and would like to explore the island. Riding a bike down Haleakala offers a more intimate experience than just driving around in a car. Charging on a bike allows the riders a closer connection to the road: feeling the tires grip to the asphalt, feeling each individual divot as you ride along, conforming to the windy road, enjoying the warmth of sun, and feeling the breeze on your face. Of course you cannot forget the amazing bicoastal views that riding the bikes offer, there are not any seat belts nor are you limited to the obstructive views out of a car window.

I do caution all people who are seriously considering participating in a bike tour, riders ride directly on the road or on the little amount of shoulder room that is available. Locals are not particularly fond of this activity, but they should be courteous of riders as well as you should be aware of drivers on their local commutes. Tours are typically lead by an instructor with a trailing van anchoring down the back to protect the riders as much as possible. If riders get tired, at the periodic stops the guides will ask if anyone would like to jump in the van for a break or to call it a day. Various lengths of tours are available, but you should definitely check with the companies to see what they offer. There are a few major and trusted companies that offer daily tours.

Maui Downhill

Owned and operated by Rich Goodenough, he is the original one who conceived the guided downhill bike tour concept in 1983. Maui Downhill is part of the Maui Bicycle Safaris, LTD, it is the oldest and most experienced bike tour company on Maui. Since 1984, Maui Downhill has been doing there thing. They have guided over 1,000,000 visitors down Haleakala from the summit to the sea, touring over 11 million miles on their custom-built bikes.

A recent review from yelp described their tour, “Had a great time and a great ride! Billy and Stan were great guides, they were a great duo! They kept us entertained and informed on the ride in the van and most importantly, kept us safe on the ride down. Those guys really know how to do this tour right!”

Haleakala Bike Company

The Haleakala Company is another great company that offers various bike tours, they also offer tours of Haleakala without the biking. Many choose this company for these reasons: 1) self guided tour, 2) all gear provided, 3) you can do either the sunrise tour or one a little later in the morning, and 4) the bicycles – disc brakes are a must for this ride. You are pretty much using them the whole way down.

Mountain Riders

Pick your choice of either a Sunrise, Day trip, Guided or Unguided/Self Paced tour. They like to provide all options to their customers with special online prices coming in at a significant discount. A recent review of the tour, “Took the mountain riders bike tour with family. Ages ranged from 19 to 62. Basically see sunrise atop volcano at 10000 feet and then ride bike 28 miles, which is all down hill. The guide Tom aka “pops” was great and very informative. I would request him. We learned so much. A must do.”

Kula Real Estate

Oma’opio Ridge: 83 Ikena Kai Place

Valued at $2,750,000, this boldly designed, beautifully constructed and magically set toward the top of its six acre parcel in Oma’opio Ridge, one of Kula’s finest, gated communities! Upon entering the 20′ atrium, you feel the volume and openness of this architecturally stunning home full of light and air. The outdoor water feature appears to flow into the home, under the suspended entry and down to the lower level; an exciting and intriguing illusion thoughtfully engineered. Taking advantage of the exceptional views and privacy, walls of glass open to covered lanais, the 50 ft. long, infinity edge pool, the in-ground spa and lush gardens.

The home is designed for year-round indoor/outdoor living at this perfect lower Kula elevation only 15 minutes to the airport and 10 minutes to the Kula Highway. On the practical side, the bedrooms and main living area are on the entry level, there’s an oversize three car garage, central air conditioning, security system, solar water heater, central vac system, built-in speakers, even an elevator to the lower level family room, separate office and pool area. As an added bonus, the existing high end furnishings are included in the sale. Unique and extraordinary, this is a “Statement ” home for the most discerning.

Undervalued Kula Gem: 97 Wahelani Street

The only element that rivals the Panoramic bi-coastal Ocean & West Maui Mountain View afforded from this property is the pristine mountain air! This 4 bedroom, 3 bath, 3258 sf home, sits upon 2+ mostly cleared useable acres; the list price is $1,548,500. Privacy & a luxurious feeling of space characterize this classic up-country Kula setting. Upon entering the home your attention is immediately drawn to the full-on picturesque view of the W. Maui Mountains as well as Maui’s North & South Shore coastlines. High vaulted ceilings & numerous skylights accentuate the feeling of spaciousness. Oak floors, a marble fireplace, & natural wood ceilings add warmth & ambiance. The kitchen, with its granite counters, stainless steel appliances, double oven, gas cook-top, & built-in wine cooler is light filled, spacious & will inspire your inner chef.