Haleakala Maui Skyline Trail

The Haleakala Maui
Skyline Trail

The Haleakala Maui Skyline Trail is known as one of the best downhill, point-to-point or out-and-back mountain bike rides on Maui. This is an off-road/off-pavement ride. Most visitors to Maui and want to bike down the volcano on the road, this IS NOT that kind of ride.

The trail is mostly above the treeline, there for the terrain is mostly volcanic rock dotted by a few small shrubs. The trail is rated as a moderately difficult, but offers unmatched views of Maui’s north and south shores as well as the valley below. When Riding from the top of Haleakala (10,023ft) to Rice Park, Kula the total ride is almost 7000ft of vertical and 17 miles long. Plan on around a 2-3 hr ride, 5 hrs from shop back to shop.

The Skyline trail begins 1.25 miles southwest of 10,023-foot summit of Haleakala. The trail travels approximately 6.8 miles and has an elevation change of 2,600 feet. Again, this is an out-and-back ride. The Haleakala Maui Skyline Trail can be ridden as an out-and-back trail or as part of a point-to-point epic ride. Below are the trails that can be accessed from the Maui Skyline Trail.

From the Haleakala Maui Skyline Trail you can also get the Mamane Trail’s upper trailhead. The trail’s lower trailhead can be accessed via the Kula Forest Reserve. The Mamane Trail is a 1.8 mile trail that’s good for most all skill levels. The terrain includes groves of mamane trees, shrubs and other sub-alpine vegetation. The elevation change is 520 feet.

The Mamane Trail can be connected with the Upper Waiohuli Trail. The Upper Waiohuli Trail is a 7-mile trail with a 1,200 elevation change. The trail passes through rugged terrain and mixed pines. There is also a natural cave along the Upper Waiohuli Trail. This is a difficult trail and might not be suitable for beginner riders.

The Upper Waiohuli Trail connects to the Waiakoa Loop Trail. This moderately difficult trail is approximately 3 miles with a 400-foot elevation change. The terrain includes a pine-tree forest, many switchbacks, and has excellent views in all directions. It is suggested that vehicles be parked below the hunter’s check-in station.

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Getting To The Haleakala Maui Skyline Trail

From Krank Cycles in Makawao, take Makawao Avenue west to Highway 37. Turn left on Highway 37. Continue on Highway 37 to the juction of Highway 377 and turn left. Continue on Highway 377 and turn left onto Highway 378 to Haleakala National Park. The road will enter Haleakala National Park. Turn left just before the Red Hill Overlook and proceed to Science City. The road ends just past the Haleakala Maui Skyline Trail trailhead.

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Getting To The Waiakoa Loop Trail

From Krank Cycles in Makawao, head west to Highway 37. Turn left on Highway 37. Turn left at the junction with Highway 377. Take Highway 377 for approximately 0.3 miles and turn right on Waipoli Road. Cross the first cattle guard and continue up the mountain to the hunter’s check-in station.

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Got a Questions

Frequently Ask Questions

I Am Having Trouble Booking Multiple Bikes

Please select date or dates
Select size bike is named so We can tell the difference
select next (do not select another bike) yet
input – height, weight, and other data than enter “next”

Maui Bike Riding Weather?

No matter what the weather on Maui, you can always ride a mountain bike on Maui. The island of Maui has over 11 climates and over 300 micro climates! There are parts of the island that get only 5″ of rain and others that get almost 500″! The 2 State Parks where all the mountain biking on Maui are. Makawao Forest is is Rain Forest and if wet can take a couple of days to dry out. Poli Poli rides in all types of weather. EVEN IN THE RAIN!!

What Equipment Comes With A Bike Rental?

Helmet
Repair Kit
Maps/Detailed Directions /Routes
Flat Pedals
Protective Armor Limited – First come First Serve
Clipless Pedals Limited – First come First Serve
Back Packs Limited – First come First Serve

How Do I Transport My Bike Rental?

Trunk compression racks that fit on most cars & SUV $15 per day for a compression rack Full size SUV with 2″ hitch receiver up to 6 bikes
$39 per day Recon Rack or Lolo Rack
Front Wheel removal we provide brake shim
Rear wheel removal NOT ALLOWED!
Guides/Tours/Shuttles NOT ALLOWED!

Shuttle/guide For Skyline Trail Maui?

Unfortunately, there are no shuttles or guided trips on the Skyline Trail. There probably never will be, as the trail goes through native Hawaiian lands.
Some of the biggest reasons are the many sacred places throughout the area. There are also many endangered native species of animals and plants.
The State of Hawaii who owns the trail stated there never be commercial activity in that area.
Meaning Krank can rent Bicycles, but cant offer Shuttles,Tours, our Guides.
In light of all that and in regard for the place that we live we try to respect that.

So your options are limited:

1) Rent 2 cars place one at bottom and shuttle back up for the other. (this is the best)
2) Have someone in your party (or meet a willing person) drive you to the top and pick you up or drop a car at bottom.
3) Drive to the top and when finished ride to where Haleakala Hwy 377 and Crater road 378 intersect and hitch hike back to the top. One person stays with the bike the other will get pick up in 10-15 min.

Can I Ride To And From The Trails To Krank

Krank Cycles is at the hub for all the MTB trails on Maui. Makawao Forest Reserve is 3.8 miles from the shop and a 10 min drive. It is a 45 min uphill pedal to the trail head. A quick 15 min downhill bike ride back to the shop.
Skyline trail Maui is a 45-60 min drive from the shop to trail head and a 35 min downhill on a nice bike lane from Rice Park back to the Shop.

How Long Is A Rental Period?

Krank Cycles rental period is from 10am – 4pm. We do offer a COURTESY pick-up 4pm the night before this is contingent if the renter for that day is back by 4pm. Krank Cycles sits right the base of the 2 legal single track trail systems on Maui. Most clients pick up first thing at 10am and the rental period is plenty of time to ride.