Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
• If you visit in summer, you will lose an hour of sleep because the sun is rising an
hour earlier.
• If you're on a budget and don't care about the sunrise, choose a midmorning
tour. It isn't as cold, you don't have to wake up as early, it isn't as crowded,
and the trips are substantially cheaper, even though you're doing the exact same
thing. There are only two reasons why bike companies charge more for the sun-
rise tours: because they're popular and because they can.
• Pack closed-toe shoes, long pants, a rain jacket, and warm clothing. Early morn-
ing temperatures can often dip below freezing at the summit, and although many
tour companies provide rain gear, the more protection you have against the ele-
ments, the better.
• Ask if your company provides gloves. Even if you are wearing four jackets while
riding, the wind generated from your speed will be frigid against your fingers.
• Keep your eyes on the road, and only take pictures if you are pulled over at a stop.
• Keep an eye out for cattle, other bikers, oncoming traffic, and debris in the road.
• Don't expect to get any sleep in the van ride up. The road switchbacks so many
times you can never get in a rhythm, and tour bus drivers are usually entertaining
the crowd with island history and jokes. It's best to just get a good sleep the night
before.
• If you're a little skittish, go with a guided group. If you're an independent person,
choose an independent company where you can ride down without a guide. The
only option for watching the sunrise and riding independently is with Haleakala
Bike Company, but know that with this company you can't ride all the way to the
beach (without paying an extra fee).
• Don't schedule a ride down Haleakala on a day after scuba diving. In order to
avoid decompression sickness, don't fly or travel to higher altitudes for 24 hours
after diving.
• Most bike companies have age restrictions of 12 years old and weight restrictions
of 250 pounds. Pregnant women cannot participate.
• Don't schedule a lu'au for the evening of the bike ride. You've been up since 2am.
You're exhausted. This is a good afternoon for lounging and being lazy.
