Makawao Forest Reserve Trails & Info

Mountain Biking At The

Makawao Forest Reserve

A short 10-15 min drive from Krank Cycles front door, if you choose to ride a bike to Makawao Forest be prepared for a 35-45 min all uphill climb before you get on single track. Within the the Kahakapao Recreation Area, is the perfect place for riders of all ages and ability levels. There are seven trails and three skill areas in the Forest Reserve. With terrain suitable for beginners as well as the all-mountain Enduro expert. The first 100 yards of trailhead will clear your sinus due to the strong smell of massive eucalyptus trees surrounding you. Wind blowing through the Cook Pine grove make’s it hard to believe that, this too, is Hawaii. Most who visit are in agreement that a day mountain biking around this forest is much more than one of those bike tours down the volcano! Enter the Makawao Forest Reserve Trails and you will fine many multi-use trails that are open for hiking and horseback riding. All trails are marked with red arrows and there are maps posted at the trail intersections.

Makawao Forest Reserve Pump Track & Skills Area

Pineapple Express a.k.a. Downhill Flow Trail.

Everything on this mountain bike trail is ridable by everyone. Period. Whether you’re a five-year-old ripper, an expert, or a 70-year-old grandpa, this trail holds true to it’s name. It’s all about flow. The two-mile downhill trail (downhill traffic ONLY) is packed with table tops that can be rolled by a beginner or intermediate riders or doubled up by big-air riders.

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Makawao Forest Reserve Pump Track & Skills Area

Pineapple Express a.k.a. Downhill Flow Trail.

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SKILLS AREA for

Novice, Intermediate, & Expert Riders

Because there are trails for every rider ability, the Makawao Forest Trails also have skill areas and pump tracks to help riders hone their existing bike skills and take their bike riding skills to the next level.

Akahi Akahi Skills Area

'Akahi Akahi Skills Area includes berms and small teeter toter to build the mountain bike skills of novice and beginner riders. The Hawaiian word ‘Akahi Akahi means inexperienced or trying it out for the first time. This skills area is the first area on the right as you enter the trailhead from the parking lot.

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Pauma Skills Area

Pauma Skills Area is made up of two pump tracks. The Hawaiian word Pauma means to pump. This area includes an uphill skills area and is meant for intermediate riders. This skills area is on the left across from the ‘Akahi Akahi area.

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Akamai Skills Area

Akamai Skills Area contains a wooden step-up jump. Step-upjumps are learning tools for riders who are ready to catch air with their bicycles. The Hawaiian word Aka mai means expert, smartness, or to show off. There are also otherjumps and berms for riders to hone their already expert skills. This skills area is located on the right just after the beginner area and is always a hit venue at the Makawao Forest Reserve Trails.

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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.