Escapes: Biking Haleakala Volcano on Maui
Roaring Down Haleakala Volcano
Experience the rush of letting go at 10,000 feet!
By Melissa Valenzuela
Photo at right: A traveler basks in sunlight at the summit of Haleakala in Maui, Hawaii. Photo by Max Wanger, courtesy of Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA)
Most people can recall a moment on a trip or vacation when the experience was meant to be, when you believed you were on the right path. I had one of those moments at an unlikely time — while I was biking 36 miles per hour down the Haleakala Volcano in Maui, Hawaii.
I was one of 22 people on a biking tour hosted by the Haleakala Bike Company. Located at the base of Haleakala in Haiku, the company provides three biking tour options. I chose the Haleakala Express Tour, which includes being driven to the summit of the volcano to sightsee a bit followed by a self-guided, go-at-your-own-pace bike-ride down the volcano to the company’s headquarters at the Old Haiku Cannery.
The risk-taking adventure enthusiasts just wanted to ride, but I am glad I was able to take in the amazing views of the crater at 10,000 feet. As we ascended toward the summit and visitor center, we could really see the weather shift. It changed abruptly from Hawaii’s customary sunny and comfortable to chilly and brisk.
Once at the summit, we had the opportunity to learn more about the historical and natural elements of Haleakala at the visitor center. We didn’t stay long, though, as the tour guide was quick to get us on our bikes.
Would I eat it on a sharp turn?
The author geared up and ready to ride down Crater Road in Maui, Hawaii. Photo courtesy of Melissa Valenzuela
The ride starts outside the visitor center on Crater Road, the volcano’s main highway. We donned BMX racing helmets, mounted our modified bikes and lined up to be given the green light to go. I wanted to be the first down the volcano.
Traveling 36 miles per hour down a volcano is exhilarating and fun — the wind slaps you in the face and your arms become ice cold if you opt not to wear the protective jacket provided by the bike company. I barreled down the volcano until I reached my first turn. Intermingled with my feelings of joy and excitement was terrible fear that I would eat it on that sharp turn. I held tightly to the handlebars and crouched in my seat, doing what I could to prevent myself from falling.
And, then out of nowhere, minutes into my ride, she arrived.
“Hey!” Perched on her customized bike, a woman not part of our group slowed her speed and called out to me between the currents of the wind. I could barely hear her voice. I tried to maintain eye contact with her, turning my head reluctantly from the road, uncertain whether I could remain on the bike if I diverted my eyes.
Intuitively, she must have known this, because her voice became louder and she began to offer tips about braking and turning, and engaging the rails.
The paved twisty Crater Road continues to the summit of Haleakala. Nene, the state bird, is sometimes seen on the roadside. Photo courtesy of Hawaii Tourism Japan (HTJ)
“Lean this way, drop your leg this way, sit up, relax,” she encouraged and instructed while exhibiting the actions. I mirrored her movements, managing my fragile state of mind while trying to keep pace.
“Lean in like this, switch, lean, switch!” This petite woman, dressed in white bike gear was teaching me a cadence. Her eyes were hidden behind her sunglasses, but I knew they were fierce.
Our tour bus had passed her earlier while she was pedaling to the summit. At the time, our guide joked about how crazy some locals were to actually bike up the volcano and race down, but I knew then why she did it — for the absolute rush that comes from letting go.
When our ride together, however brief, was nearing its end, she left me with one last lesson: “Lighten up!” She nodded toward my white-knuckle grip, and moved ahead of me. I struggled to keep pace, while remembering to switch and lean. I watched her blend into the view ahead, and she was gone.
It had happened — my bike ride on a commercial tour turned from just something I did in Maui to a meaningful, novel experience.
I decided after my encounter that I would let go and bravely loosen the grips of my control. I took the turns with roaring pleasure, stood on the foot pedals and gleefully sped on down the road.
If You Go
Haleakala Bike Company: www.bikemaui.com
Aston Hotels and Resorts: www.astonhotels.com
Kula Kottage Eco-Lodge: www.kulakottage.com
Hawaii Tourism Authority: www.gohawaii.com
Melissa Valenzuela lives in the Seattle area and does not own a bike, but she still enjoys an active lifestyle full of long runs, exercise regiments and sport and recreational activities. She supervises a recreation community center and volunteers with Girls on the Run and Camp Erin.
