Maui - Hawaii with Kids - page 296

Moments

Cruising Down a Volcano

It's not even close to dawn, but here you are, rubbing your eyes awake,
riding in a van up the long, dark road to the top of Maui's dormant
volcano. It's colder than you ever thought possible for a tropical island.
The air is thin. You stomp your chilly feet while you wait, sipping hot
coffee or chocolate. Then comes the sun, exploding over yawning
Haleakala Crater, big enough to swallow Manhattan—a mystic
moment you won't soon forget. Now you know why Hawaiians named
the crater the House of the Sun. But there's no time to linger: Decked
out in your screaming-yellow parka, you mount your mechanical steed
and test its most important feature, the brakes—because you're about
to coast 37 miles down a 10,000-foot volcano.
Cruising down Haleakala, from the lunarlike landscape at the top
past flower farms, pineapple fields, and eucalyptus groves, is quite an
experience—and just about anybody in the family 12 and over (and at
least 5 ft. tall) can do it. This is a safe, no-strain bicycle trip that
requires some stamina in the colder, wetter winter months but is fun
for everyone in the warmer months—the key word being warmer. In
winter and the rainy season, conditions can be harsh, especially at the
top, with below-freezing temperatures and 40 mph winds.
Maui's oldest downhill company is Maui Downhill ( & 800/535-
BIKE or 808/871-2155; www.mauidownhill.com), which offers a sunrise
safari bike tour, including continental breakfast and brunch, starting
at $150. (Book online and save $48.) If it's all booked up, try Maui
Mountain Cruisers ( & 800/232-6284 or 808/871-6014; www.maui
mountaincruisers.com), which has sunrise trips at $130 (book online
and save $35); or Mountain Riders Bike Tours ( & 800/706-7700 or 808/
242-9739; www.mountainriders.com), with sunrise rides for $115 (book
online for $98). All rates include hotel pickup, transport to the top,
bicycle, safety equipment, and meals. Wear layers of warm clothing—
there may be a 30° change in temperature from the top of the moun-
tain to the ocean. Generally, the tour groups will not take riders under
12, but younger children can ride along in the van that accompanies
the groups. Pregnant women should also ride in the van.
If you want to avoid the crowd and go down the mountain at your
own pace, call Haleakala Bike Company ( & 888/922-2453; www.bike
maui.com), which will outfit you with the latest gear and take you up
to the top. After making sure you are secure on the bike, they will let
you ride down by yourself at your own pace. Trips range from $65 to
$85. They also have bicycle rentals to tour other parts of Maui on your
own (from $45 a day).

history, native flora and fauna, and volcanology. His rates are $59 to $69 for a
half-day and $89 to $109 for a full day and include day packs, rain parkas,
snacks, water, and, on full-day hikes, sandwiches. He welcomes kids who can
walk, and will suggest age-appropriate hikes.
Maui's oldest hiking guide company is Hike Maui ( & 808/879-5270;
www.hikemaui.com), headed by Ken Schmitt, who pioneered guided hikes on