As you probably gathered from my posts the last 2 weeks, I just returned from a fabulous family vacation in Hawaii. One of the highlights of our Maui trip was the Sunrise Bike Ride Down Haleakala. I’m going to give you a little glimpse of our one of a kind experience.
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Our driver from Bike It Maui picked us up from our hotel at 2:15 AM. Yup my kids were not happy about that one. I was banned from taking any pictures at that hour as well. I am sure you can imagine the 4 of us standing in the lobby waiting for the van to collect us. We picked up some other passengers for a total of 13 of us, the driver and the bike guide and headed up to Haleakala.
“Haleakala National Park is the most visited part of East Maui. The Hawaiian name Hale-a-ka-la (lit., house of the sun), is now nearly synonymous with the entire shield of East Maui volcano. Early Hawaiians, however, applied the name only to the summit area, the site where the demigod Maui snared the sun and forced it to slow its journey across the sky.” (source)
Because the summit of Haleakala is one of the most popular places to visit on Maui, there is a ton of traffic to get up there in time to catch the sunrise. It took us about an hour and a half to reach the entrance to the National Parka and about another 30 minutes to get through the gates and park. We arrived to secure our preferred viewing spot around 5 am.
We were told it was freezing at the summit (about 10,000 ft above sea level) and it was! Our guides quickly handed out winter coats, gloves, hats and water proof pants to our group. We lined up in the dark to wait for the sun to come up. Very fashionable don’t you think? I felt like an Oompah Loompa.
Slowly you can start to see the sky brightening before your eyes. A large cloud unfortunately appeared right as the sun was peeking out but we had spectacular views none the less. It is really so serene and at the same time majestic to watch the sun rising before you from the summit of a volcano.
We could see the vast crater beneath us and the summit in front of us as we felt the cool air surround and awaken us.
We spent about 30 minutes watching what many of us take for granted each day. I rarely stop to appreciate just how beautiful the sunrise can be.
Some of the flowers and plants that our guide pointed out to us only grow on the summit of Haleakala and nowhere else in the world. The Silver Sword is protected as an endangered species and revered by the locals. We were lucky enough to spot one. It only blooms once before dying and thus very rare to spot up here.
We headed back to van for instructions and to gear up for the bike ride. The guides were very good at explaining that we would be going down hill the entire time at around 20-30 miles per hour. We would basically need to be on our brakes the entire time in order to stay in a single file line to descend the 28 miles. This was the route we took down the mountain.
I am not used to coasting down for 28 miles without pedaling at all! It took some time to get used to the heavier mountain bikes and the braking system. I literally had to squeeze the brakes the entire time. We were given instructions on how to stay in a single file line to descend safely and avoid the cars as much as possible. I was a little nervous that my son might take a header off of the mountain but thankfully, he survived all in one piece. There is definitely an adrenaline rush as you fly down the mountain and navigate the twists and turns of the road.
As we descended the mountain we stopped a few times for pictures and to shed some layers. Slowly the temperature went from the mid 30’s back to the mid 70’s. We traveled through different micro climates where it was freezing and misting ending with sunny, warm breezes. The van followed our group down and allowed us to throw our layers off.
Biking down the mountain, we could see the other islands off in the distance including Molokini, Kahoolawe, Lanai, and the West Maui. We could also smell the eucalyptus trees and lavender as we descended making it a feast for all the senses.
The 28 mile bike ride literally “flew” by and it was over before we knew it. I definitely was surprised when our guide told me we were at the finish. Note to self: biking downhill is so much easier that biking uphill π
My husband and I had done this same adventure 20 years ago on our honeymoon and it was such a great opportunity for us to be able to do it again as a family. Certainly one of the highlights of our trip!
Β Have you visited Hawaii? Prefer to bike uphill or downhill?
It’s time already for the July Ultimate Coffee Date this Saturday the 4th. Hope to see you there!
Kelli says
Welcome back! I didn’t appreciate there were peaks that high in Hawaii – very cool. I enjoy riding downhills on roads, but put me on a trail or gravel and I much prefer climbing because I tend to be a chicken when it comes to descending technical terrain. This sounds like a great family experience!
Deborah Brooks says
It was so much fun! I am not sure I would count it as exercise per say bc I seriously didn’t even pedal at all.
Coco says
WOW! What an experience. Definitely worth that insane wake-up call! I would be sacred on that downhill ride – but thrilled at the same time.
Deborah Brooks says
Exactly scary and thrilling at the same time! Worth the early wake up to see the sunrise up there.
Susie @ SuzLyfe says
I have been DYING over your pictures, and I can’t wait to see more!
Deborah Brooks says
My pics don’t do the views justice! We really had a great time but happy to be back. Jet lagged but happy to get my butt back in gear.
Meghan says
I did the same thing with my family a few years ago and absolutely loved it! I was so surprised by how frigid it was at the top of the volcano, but the sunrise made the cold and early morning wake-up call definitely worth it. So cute to see you and the family out there doing it again!
Deborah Brooks says
I know so unexpectedly cold up there! Do you have the same pictures of all of you on the bike? I want to see them?!
Michelle says
What an amazing experience Hawaii must’ve been! Thanks for sharing some of the great things you did!
Deborah Brooks says
We had a blast thanks!
Annmarie says
I did the bike ride down Haleakala when I went there for my honey moon and it really such an AMAZING experience! I did get a little nervous at times though….I am not used to going that fast on a bike! π
Deborah Brooks says
Either am I! I was a little worried about the kids flying off of their bikes π
Stephanie says
What an awesome adventure! It looked like you and your family created the memories of a lifetime. Beautiful pictures! (…and I definitely prefer to go downhill)
Deborah Brooks says
We really did have a great time thanks! Everything always goes by so fast with the kids doesn’t it?!
Chaitali says
Wow, those photos are beautiful, and I love that you guys had done this on your honeymoon as well! I would never have thought that it would be so cold in Hawaii that you would need winter jackets.
Cristina @triathlonmami says
wow. sounds like such a great experience …. i love biking adventures with my kids though I don’t think they are old enough for something like this just yet. then again, they are little beasts on the bike so, hmmm….
Deborah Brooks says
It was great! I believe you have to be 12 to do it.
JIll @ Champagne for Everyday says
I LOVE your pics of the sunrise bike ride!!!! We Luau’d a little too hard the night we were supposed to go, and totally slept through it. Next time, for sure!
xx Jill
McBride Sisters Interview: On Wine, Following Your Dreams, and Being an Oprah Favorite!
Deborah Brooks says
ha ha too funny! It is a tough wake up for sure
Jamie says
My grandparents had a place in Maui and seeing the sunrise above Haleakala was one of the most incredible experiences in my life. I just wish I was a smidge older so I could have appreciated it more at the time : ) So glad you got to experience it – and bike riding had to be phenomenal!
Deborah Brooks says
Definitely an amazing experience! You will have to go back and do it
Sarah@creatingbettertomorrow says
Oh I want to go t Hawaii!!! And I’d love to hike, run, do everything I could while there π thanks for linking up
Deborah Brooks says
We did have a great time!
Mary Beth Jackson says
How beautiful ! and what a cool thing to do as a family indeed! I cannot imagine going downhill for 28 miles in a single file! incredible!!!!!
Deborah Brooks says
It was a blast really and so much fun to do together!
Julie @ Running in a Skirt says
I’ve been to Maui twice and not done this yet! The 30 degree temps at the top keep scaring me away! I hate the cold.
Next time though I am doing it! Welcome home!
Deborah Brooks says
I you have to do it! You would love it. They give you all the coats you need.
Janelle @ Run With No Regrets says
Such beautiful photos! I think I would have been scared to ride downhill a mountain for so many miles…but I bet it was an amazing experience! Hawaii has been my dream vacation spot for years…one day!
Deborah Brooks says
It was a great experience and I hope you get to have it sometime as well. Beautiful place to visit!
Debbie @ Deb Runs says
Bill and I did the sunrise bike tour at Mount Haleakala back in the mid-90’s, too. Our trip was in October so we didn’t have to get up as early to see the sunrise. It was a lot of fun, but I do remember getting stung by some type of bee as we rode past a pineapple field. Our van driver was very concerned that I might be allergic even though I’m not allergic to bee stings (I was fine). Crazy what you remember!
Thank you for the coffee date reminder! I’ll try to link up.
Deborah Brooks says
Oh wow really?! It was an amazing experience wasn’t it?!
Kathryn @ Dancing to Running says
The visit to and then bike ride down Haleakala was one of my favorite parts of our honeymoon back in 2011. I love the picture of my hubby and I sitting on the bike during the ride down!
Deborah Brooks says
I think they must position everyone on the bikes the same way! π
Nicole @ Fitful Focus says
That looks so amazing, though the coasting downhill would probably freak me out a bit too. If I ever get the chance to go to Hawaii, I have to do this!
Deborah Brooks says
It is a little freaky at first if you are not used to it!
Mrs.BarBelle says
I grew up in Hawaii and I’ve never biked this but I have been there and it’s so gorgeous! Love this post. Thanks for taking me down memory lane.
Deborah Brooks says
Thanks! I hope when you go back that you have the chance to experience it by bike. It was gorgeous!
Wendy@Taking the Long Way Home says
Looks amazing! I don’t know if I”d like that bike ride down hill tho….
Deborah Brooks says
oh I bet you would!
Lynda@fitnessmomwinecountry says
Deborah you got to complete on of my bucket list items. I have always wanted to get up early watch the sunrise on Haleakala. We were in Maui two summer’s ago and the hubby was not going for it that early. What an awesome experience and I am hoping to get that done. The bike riding I can do without, not great at that especially down hill LOL
Deborah Brooks says
It really was so beautiful I hope you do get to experience it sometime!
Whitney @ To Live & Diet in L.A. says
Wow, this looks/sounds amazing! I was in Maui a few years ago and would have loved to try this but alas, my family is not as adventurous as yours!
As for uphill or downhill biking…I’m going to go with downhill! π
Deborah Brooks says
Lol some of them enjoyed it more than others π
Cassi says
Wow, I didn’t know it got so cold anywhere in Hawaii! I’d love to walk that route.
Deborah Brooks says
It is really cold up there and then gradually gets warmer as you go down.
Kate @KateMovingForward says
Wow!! What an experience to have with your family! Worth the 2am wakeup call! Hawaii is so beautiful–I can’t wait to go!
Deborah Brooks says
Yes certainly worth the 2 am wake up but I am not sure my daughter agrees π
Sharon says
That looks like an amazing experience! Love the pics at the summit and the sun rising!! I will have to add that to my bucket list! I definitely prefer biking downhill to uphill! π
Deborah Brooks says
You do have to add it to your list!
Akaleistar says
That must have been a crazy bike ride! I remember going there when I was a kid, and the twisty turny road was a recipe for car sickness…
Deborah Brooks says
Ha I did get a little car sick on the way up. I am much happier on the bike for sure
GiGi Eats says
Biking on mountains/hills scared the crap outta me… Wait, biking in general kinda scares the CRAP OUTTA ME! LOL! I had a bad experience. lol….
However, traveling to Hawaii doesn’t scare me AT ALL! π
Deborah Brooks says
I bet there is a great story there π
Sandra Laflamme says
Oh my goodness! How fun and I adore your oompah loompa reference! What a cool adventure on bikes in paradise. If I ever make it back to HAwaii this is on my list of must do’s. Your vacation has looked absolutely heavenly!!!!
Deborah Brooks says
It was a great vacation for sure and I do hope you have the chance to do the ride sometime. It’s beautiful
Natalie says
Such an amazing experience!! Love all of your pics! The last time I was in Maui, I was pregnant and couldn’t do the haleakala bike ride, but we did go up to the top to watch the sunrise. It was so beautiful.
Looks like you guys had an unforgettable vacation!! Welcome back! xo
Deborah Brooks says
Thanks we sure did! It is beautiful up there π
rachel says
Gorgeous photos! I have never been to Hawaii… soon I hope. π And what a ride! WOWSER!
Deborah Brooks says
Really quite the experience so beautiful.
Jess @hellotofit says
Wow – what a unique experience!! I can’t imagine getting up at 2am for anything, much less a bike ride haha. But that view!! Thanks for sharing π
Deborah Brooks says
It was worth it! My kids might not agree but I do!
Sam @ PancakeWarriors says
This sounds fantastic! Downhill for surer! I just can’t imagine the rush. I love watching the sun come up when I go to the beach. I’ve never done this from a volcano though!!
Deborah Brooks says
It really was amazing I hope you get to try it sometime
Jennifer says
Great pic if you and your family in the bikes! I went there with my family in 2006 (I think ) and we drove up Haleakala, but not at sunrise. I remember seeing the bikers come down the mountain.
Deborah Brooks says
It was so much fun! You would have loved it. You will have to go back and ride down π
GiselleR @ Diary of an ExSloth says
This looks like such an awesome experience! I’m kind of terrified of riding bikes on the same roads as cars, but I think I might make an exception for this π
Deborah Brooks says
It was awesome really!
Mary Long says
What great memory makers! The sunrise looks awesome even with the cloud. When we were in Oahu, we had heard about how North Shore was THE spot to watch the sun set because if it was just right, you would see a green flash as the sun hit the horizon line. We did not see anything like that but it was beautiful.
Deborah Brooks says
I didn’t see the green flash either in Hawaii but I did see it on a cruise ship once. Pretty cool!