Maui Bike Trails – An Adventure at Every Elevation

Maui’s bike trails offer a cyclist's paradise with diverse landscapes, ideal year-round weather, and peaceful riding conditions. From lush rainforests to volcanic mountains and pristine coastlines, the island's varied terrain caters to all cycling enthusiasts.

The island’s year-round pleasant weather makes it an ideal destination for cycling. The trade winds keep temperatures moderate, and the dry season, from May to October, offers clear skies and minimal rainfall.

The island's low traffic and peaceful roads provide a tranquil cycling experience. Whether you prefer a leisurely ride along the coast or a challenging climb up a volcano, Maui has something for everyone.

Best Time to Visit Maui for Cycling

Not sure when to conquer your next Maui trail? Well, the best time to visit the Valley Isle for cycling depends on your preferences and the type of riding you enjoy:

• Peak Season (December-February): This period offers ideal weather conditions with sunny skies and moderate temperatures. However, it's also the busiest time of year, so expect more crowds and higher prices.

• Shoulder Seasons (March-May and September-November): These months offer a pleasant balance of good weather and fewer crowds. The trade winds are strong, making it ideal for road cycling.

• Off-Peak Season (June-August): While the weather is still enjoyable, it can be more humid and rainy, especially in the afternoon. However, this is a great time to find deals on accommodations and avoid crowds.

For road cyclists, the shoulder seasons are generally the best time to visit. Mountain bikers may prefer the drier months of the peak season or the shoulder seasons.

Now, to help you plan the best cycling adventure, we've compiled this list of the top Maui bike trails (that we also believe are the most fun to conquer!). Whether you're a seasoned cyclist or a beginner, you'll find the perfect route to suit your skill level and interests.

Top Maui Bike Trails We Recommend

Napili Community Bike Park – Sea Level

An endeavor in the rebuilding community of Lahaina, this Westside Napili bike park is the start of something new.

Krank Cycles Maui is thrilled to announce the latest addition to West Maui’s outdoor recreation scene: the Napili Community Bike Park in Lahaina. This long-awaited project is the result of years of hard work and passion from key figures in the local cycling community, especially Ray Watson, president of the Maui Mountain Bike Coalition (MMBC), who has been pushing to legalize trails on the West Side for years. Now, with the collaboration of Krank Cycles and some of the best names in trail-building, that dream is becoming a reality.

This Napili bike park is being built on a privately leased parcel of land, thanks to the support of Maui Land Pine, and is conveniently located adjacent to Maui Preparatory Academy. This amazing new venture is the combined vision of Krank Cycles, Cameron Zink’s Sensus Rad Trails, and legendary trail builder Cody Wilkins.

Makawao Forest Reserve Trails - 3000 Feet

The Makawao Forest Reserve, located in Maui’s Upcountry region, is a favorite for those seeking a cool, shaded ride through dense eucalyptus and pine forests. It is arguably the most popular downhill biking experience on the island, and conveniently located close to our flagship store. The reserve’s Pineapple Express trail offers winding paths, moderate inclines, and scenic views, making it a versatile choice for all downhill biking skill levels. Much like the climate at Poli Poli, the forest's cooler temperatures are a relief from the tropical heat found at sea level, and the well-maintained trails provide a smooth yet exhilarating journey through some of Maui’s best woodland. Makawao Forest Reserve is ideal for riders looking to immerse themselves in Maui’s lush, serene landscapes while enjoying an adventurous ride.

Be prepared for a 35-45 min all uphill climb before you get on single track. The Kahakapao Recreation Area is the perfect place for riders of all ages and ability levels. With terrain suitable for beginners as well as the all-mountain Enduro expert. Most who embark on the trails within Makawao Forest end up delighted by the day mountain biking around this forest compared to the uneventful bike tours down the volcano (we’re NOT talking about the Skyline trail)! Enter the Makawao Forest Reserve Trails and you will find many multi-use trails that are open for hiking and even horseback riding alongside biking. All trails are conveniently marked with red arrows and there are maps posted at the trail intersections

There are multiple skill areas the populate the trail head, just a short walk (or ride) from the parking lot. So even if you are a downhill newbie– there’s a chance to practice and build your confidence before making the 3 mile uphill trek.

Poli Poli Trail - 6500 Feet

The Poli Poli Trail, located in the Poli Poli State Recreation Area alongside the Kula Forest Reserve, further East in Maui’s upcountry offers riders a rather secluded mountain biking experience through the native Hawaiian upcountry forests. Similar to The Makawao Forest Reserve and much unlike the popular tropical rainforests that populate Maui’s Back and East Side, the Upcountry forests where the Poli Poli Boundary and Redwood Trails are located offer a typically cool and crisp air ride through pine forests. This trail offers a mix of intermediate and advanced routes, with options of steep descents and technical sections that keep riders engaged. 

As mentioned, the trails at Maui Poli Poli Springs State Recreation Area offer a little bit of everything from towering 200-foot Redwood trees to technical boulder-strewn single track as well as double track. Don’t do this mountain bike-only/off-road ride when it’s wet because it can pose some dangerous topography. It’s a 4-mile drive on a dirt road after the pavement ends to get to the trailhead.

The Kula Forest Reserve includes the Redwood Trail and the Boundary Trail. Remember: the trail lengths might not seem long, but elevation, terrain, and whether all are factors in how difficult riding at Maui Poli Poli can be. 

The weather at Maui Poli Poli is often clear in the morning, making it a great time to start your ride. While afternoon clouds are a possibility, they can also add a unique atmosphere to the trails. We find that taking a full day to really explore this park, and all of its secret trails is the best way to do it.

Haleakala Skyline Trail - 10,000 Feet

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. This is not the same as biking down the side of the volcano on the road with or against traffic. This is an adventure for those looking for an adrenaline-pumping ride down Hawaii’s tallest peak.

The Haleakala Skyline trail is for those looking for a true thrill solidified as one of Maui’s most epic mountain biking experiences. Starting at the summit of the Haleakala volcano at 10,000 feet, this trail provides a dramatic descent with sweeping panoramic views of the island. The trail is rugged and can be challenging at points making it best suited for riders who have previous downhill biking experience.

The trail is mostly above the treeline, therefore the terrain is mostly volcanic rock dotted by a few small shrubs. Rated moderately difficult– the Haleakala Skyline Trail offers unmatched views of Maui’s North and South shores. At 17 miles long, plan for around a 2-3 hour ride totalling 5 hours from the Krank Cycles shop, trail, and back.

What Makes These Maui Bike Trails So Unique?

These Maui’s bike trails are really unique because they span an incredible range of environments, from coastal bike trails and red clay pine forests to volcanic landscapes that start above the clouds. With elevations ranging from sea level to 10,000 feet, riders can experience diverse multi micro-climates and breathtaking scenery across the island, often within a single ride. Maui’s trails are also well-maintained, with parks and reserves dedicated to preserving the natural beauty and adventure opportunities for both residents and visitors. From adrenaline-pumping descents on Haleakala’s volcanic slopes to rides on the new Napili Community Bike Park on the Westside, Maui offers something for every biker, making it a premier destination for cycling enthusiasts seeking a dynamic adventure in paradise.