Biking Maui

Kaupo Road Ride

How to get there: Kaupo Road is accessed from either Hana or `Ulupalakua. From `Ulupalakua, pass the 20 acre Tedeschi Vineyards along Pi’ilani Highway 31 and proceed approximately 19 miles east until the paved highway ends. The dirt road marks the beginning of Kaupo Road.

  • Distance: 4.5 miles one way Rating: Beginner to advanced
  • Special: Public access road. No permit needed.
  • Note: Unkept coastal dirt road.
  • Hazards: Vehicular traffic, stream crossing and steep cliffs.
  • Amenities: None
  • History: Sites include St. Joseph Church (1862) and Hui Aloha Church (1859). Kaupo; lit. “landing [of canoes] at night”
  • Elevation Range: Sea level to 100 feet

Kahakuloa Road Ride

How to get there: Take Kahekili Highway 340 from either direction around the West Maui mountains. Between the 40 and 41 mile marker, turn up at the Kahakuloa Game Management Area (GMA) Access sign.

  • Distance: Approximately 5 miles one way
  • Rating: Intermediate to advanced
  • Special: GMA. Stay on main road and do not stray onto hunting trails. Wear bright colored clothing.
  • Note: 4WD road.
  • Hazards: Vehicular traffic, loose roots and rocks. Hunting.
  • Amenities: None
  • History: Old access road for hunting. Kahakuloa, lit. “the tall lord”
  • Elevation Range: 370 to 2,000+ feet

Kula Forest Reserve Ride

How to get there: From Kahului, take Highway 37 south up country towards Kula. Between the 13 and 14 mile marker, turn left onto Highway 377 east and make your first right onto Waipoli Road.

You will pass through private ranch land and over a series of cattle guards to get to the forest reserve. You will pass the hunters checkin station at the entrance to Waiakoa Loop Trail just 5 miles up. See map.

Proceed up Waipoli Road another mile to where it becomes a dirt road known as Polipoli Access Road. You may park here to begin your ride, or drive in another 3.5 miles to Polipoli State Park.

  • Distance: 5.4 miles one way
  • Rating: Beginner to advanced
  • Special: All trails downslope of the dirt road are off-limits to mountain bikes and are for hiking only. See map.
  • Note: 4WD road when wet.
  • Hazards: Prepare for cold and wet conditions. Dress warmly. Steep acclivity with cliff areas after first 5 miles.
  • Amenities: Polipoli State Park offers one cabin and campgrounds by permit only. Parking, shelter, potable water and flushing toilet also available.
  • History: 1950’s access road to the Haleakala summit observatories, referred to then as “Science City”.
  • Elevation Range: 6,100 to 6,800 feet

Mamane Trail Ride

How to get there: Mamane Trail is accessed as a downhill from Skyline. See map.

  • Distance: 1.2 miles one way Rating: Intermediate to advanced
  • Special: Best accessed as a downhill from Skyline. See map. Note: Single track.
  • Hazards: Rocks and off-camber sections. Prepare for wet and cold conditions.
  • Amenities: None
  • History: Trail was cleared in cooperation with the Maui Mountain Bike Club and Na Ala Hele in 1995. Mamane is named after the native tree which thrives in this area
  • Elevation Range: 7,000 to 6,500 feet

Waiakoa Trail Ride

How to get there: Access is from Polipoli Access Road just 1.1 miles from the entrance to Polipoli State Park. Access is also from the Waiakoa Loop Trail. See map.

  • Distance: Approximately 7.5 miles one way
  • Rating: Intermediate to advanced
  • Special: Unfinished trail. Crosses section of private land.
  • Note: Single track. Trail head marker on Polipoli Access Road might indicate it as Upper Waiohuli Trail. This is the correct entrance to Waiakoa Trail.
  • Hazards: Steep, rocky and narrow trail with some cliff areas. Prepare for cold and wet conditions.
  • Amenities: None
  • History: Old hunting trail, rebuilt as public hiking, biking and horse trail. Waiakoa, lit. “water [used] by warrior”.
  • Elevation Range: 6,190 to 7,000 feet

Skyline Trail Ride

How to get there: Proceed up past Polipoli State Park for approximately 2 miles to Ballpark Junction. Stay left to access Skyline.

From Ballpark Junction, Kahua Road continues right for approximately 3.5 miles, but becomes private property of DHHL where entry is strictly prohibited.

  • Distance: 2.0 miles one way from Ballpark Junction.
  • Rating: Intermediate to advanced.
  • Special: Restricted use beyond the gated entry to the summit
  • Note: 4WD road.
  • Hazards: Steep, rocky, loose and uneven terrain with soft shoulders and cliff areas. Possible vehicular traffic. Prepare for unpredictable winds with wet and cold weather conditions.
  • Amenities: None.
  • History: 1950’s access road to the Haleakala summit observatories referred to then as “Science City”.
  • Elevation Range: 6,800 to 7,800 feet

Waiakoa Loop Trail

How to get there: The Waiakoa Loop Trail is located just 5 miles up Waipoli Road from Highway 377. Park at the hunter check-in station. Proceed to the end of the .8 mile 4WD access road to begin the Waiakoa Loop Trail.

Stay on the main road and do not stray onto private land and hunting trails. You will need to pass through a gate to enter the forest reserve. Be sure to close the gate behind you. Waiakoa Loop can also be accessed via the Waiakoa Trail.

  • Distance: 4.3 miles round trip from hunter station
  • Rating: Intermediate to advanced
  • Special: Crosses section of private land. Stay on main road
  • Note: Single track and 4WD road.
  • Hazards: Steep and slippery in some sections. Rocks, roots, washouts and cliffs are prevalent. Prepare for cold and wet conditions. Warm clothes are recommended.
  • Amenities: None
  • History: Old hunting trail, rebuilt as public hiking/biking trail. Waiakoa, lit. “water [used] by warrior”
  • Elevation Range: 5,700 to 5,400 feet