Sun, sand, sea—this is the top-of-mind scenario for most people who visit Maui. Not for adrenaline-loving mountain bikers, however! For them, Maui is the perfect destination to experience bucket list-worthy mountain bike tours. From downhill rides to single-track trails, Maui is a haven for both new and seasoned mountain bikers.

If you plan to visit Maui for some mountain biking adventure, here’s what to add to your itinerary:

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Top Places to Go Mountain Biking in Maui

When planning your mountain biking route in Maui, don’t forget these top go-to places:

1. Makawao Forest Reserve – Kahakapao Trails

The Makawao Forest Reserve – Kahakapao Trails is a favorite mountain biking destination in Maui. The place boasts wonderful new trails and features buried away in the gorgeous forest reserve thanks to the Maui Mountain Bike Coalition and IMBA. The riding ranges from flowing burled-out single track to switchback-filled glades, all while being protected from the sun by a forest cover.

2. Poli Poli Springs in Kula Reserve

Poli Poli Springs, located above Kula, offers a variety of hiking, bicycling, and hunting routes. The Mamane trail, which drops over 800 feet over 1.8 miles from the start on Skyline to its end on Waipoli Road, is the most popular of all. The trail begins above the tree line and glides smoothly and quickly, progressing into low scrub and tree covers where the trail becomes increasingly tricky.

3. Skyline Trail

Also known as the Haleakala Summit, Skyline Trail is an incredible MTB adventure. It’s a terrific opportunity to view the island and ride from the summit at 10,023 feet. In Haleakala’s volcano crater, you’ll be able to see juvenile cinder cones and admire the masterpiece of colors that only nature can create. As you descend, the trail will take you off-road, giving you majestic views of the Big Island.

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Top Maui Bike Tours

To make the most of your Maui biking experience, book these tours too, which are the most popular on the island:

1. Haleakala Express Self-Guided Bike Tour

Expect to cruise down the slopes and switchbacks on Maui’s largest volcano, Haleakala, on this bike tour. You can go at your own pace with this self-guided bike trip where you can start right outside the national park gate, at an elevation of 6,500 feet. It’s a must-try leisure ride.

2. Maui Haleakala Sunrise Downhill Bike Tour

Cycling while witnessing the sunrise on the beautiful island of Maui—nothing can top that. The tour typically starts early with a pre-dawn pick-up before making the winding climb to the 10,023-foot summit in the dark. Bikers can watch the sunrise from Haleakala Crater and bike down a dormant volcano through the communities of Makawao and Kula.

3. Cycle to the Sea

This half-day cycling tour takes bikers from the top of Haleakala Volcano to the beaches of Maui where they’ll beat the crowds and traffic by starting early with the tranquil 26-mile or 42-kilometer descent. This tour is ideal for leisure cyclists and new mountain bikers so, more experienced mountain bikers can request their tour providers and guides to visit more challenging or MTB-specific trails.

Make the most out of your next trip to Maui and include these mountain biking must-try tours and destinations in your trip itinerary. The adrenaline junkie and nature lover in you will both come alive in these one-for-the-books MTB adventures in Maui.

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