Bike Down a Volcano

About the only thing that tops the view from the summit of Maui's 10,000-foot volcano is flying down its slopes on a bicycle. No, you don't have to power your way up the mountain for the thrill of coasting down. That's what bicycle tour companies do best. They'll pick you up at your doorstep, drive you to the mountain, outfit you with bikes and gear, and see you safely down the road.

Haleakala, or what the Hawaiians called "House of the Sun," rises 10,023 feet above sea level at its summit. It is located in a 30,000-acre national park, home to rain forest, rare native species, 400-foot waterfalls, freshwater swimming holes and striking archaeological features.

Commercial bicycle tours are staged outside the entrance to the park at an elevation of about 6,500 feet. Some companies offer vehicle tours inside the park prior to beginning the downhill ride. But all commercial biking inside the park was suspended last year when the National Park System imposed a "safety stand-down."

The park, almost as well known for sunrise bike tours as for its natural wonders, attracts some 90,000 tourists a year who pay $100 to $150 to ride 36 miles down the volcano along a twisting, two-lane highway.

Biking companies offer three kinds of tours: structured, guided and freestyle. On the guided trips, the slowest riders ride in back of the lead guide so the group never exceeds the abilities of its least experienced rider. The van that transported you up the mountain now brings up the rear and protects the riders from following traffic.

The lead guide and van driver keep in touch with each other via two-way radio. The bikers ride single file, with comfortable spacing in front and back to avoid pile-ups. If you decide you're not skilled or comfortable enough to ride safely from the summit, you can stop and ride in the van to a lower elevation. The average tour speed is 15 to 20 mph slowing to 10-15 mph for turns and curves.

Bicycle companies don't limit their tours to guided Haleakala rides. Some offer freestyle rides and tours in other locations.