OT - Looking for info and advice on Maui

[sayhello]

I've read a lot of stories on TripAdvisor about accidents happening on the downhill bike tours. I think the problem is that there are a lot of curves and cars may not be able to see you, so there can be some pretty bad accidents. If this is something that really interests you, by all means do it...but I know the destination experts on TA do not advise doing these tours.

Whoa, guess I need to do more reading on TripAdvisor! Thanks for the heads' up, I think I'll pass!

I figured I'd mention the less expensive options as alternatives and also for some others who might be reading this, those less expensive options could really come in handy.

Buying your own snorkel gear is a great idea. You are correct about not snorkeling alone, however, if you go to a lifeguarded area and stay near other snorkelers, you should be fine. I have a bright yellow bathing suit and my wife now calls it my snorkeling bathing suit, because she can spot me in the water at all times! Make sure that you use flippers even if you don't buy them. It really does help you get through the water and it is less disturbing to the fish since you don't have to work as hard. The less you work your body at swimming, the longer you can watch the fish!

Also, NEVER turn your back on the ocean. That may be the most important advice that people don't listen to. Those waves can be a powerful force.

I totally agree with you about the ocean. I grew up in Southern California, so I learned all about it growing up.

Sayhello

 

[TEK224]

SayHello,

I've done the bike down Haleakala twice and will do it again in Feb. I always go with a tour. They have a guide at the front, one at the back and a driver in the van. There are a lot of curves and you're not riding fast. We rode single file all the way down. In fact they say the things that will hurt the must is your hands from using the brakes so much.

I've heard of the accidents, also, but don't know if they were with tours or riders on their own that may have been going too fast or were not seen by drivers. There are no guardrails so taking the turns to fast can be hazardous.

Terri

 

[sayhello]

SayHello,

I've done the bike down Haleakala twice and will do it again in Feb. I always go with a tour. They have a guide at the front, one at the back and a driver in the van. There are a lot of curves and you're not riding fast. We rode single file all the way down. In fact they say the things that will hurt the must is your hands from using the brakes so much.

I've heard of the accidents, also, but don't know if they were with tours or riders on their own that may have been going too fast or were not seen by drivers. There are no guardrails so taking the turns to fast can be hazardous.

Terri

What company did you go with? Thanks!

Sayhello

 

[ScubaMickey]

Aloha!

Our group also did the bike tour down Haleakala...Awesome. No one in our group got hurt. Remember, "Back Brake, Back Brake" when you want to slow down. Hitting just the front brake will send you over the handle bars (Ouch). The ride is a real rush!!!

Snorkeling out at Molokini Crater is great too. I read in one of the other posts recommending fins. Absolutely! We made stops all along the coast line to snorkel and see the very colorful fish.

Not sure what type of rental car you selected, but we rented jeeps. Fun to drive around with the tops off. Made the trip around the island special.

One morning, we walked the beach early and watched the locals picking up newly landed seaweed off the shore. Interesting!!!

ScubaMcikey

 

[knewton64]

knewton64, did you have any issues with #2? I'm assuming that's a bicycle ride down Haleakala after viewing the Sunrise? I'd like to give it a try, but I'm a little intimidated by the idea of all that downhill biking. Seems a bit scary to me.

Several people have recommended the Old Lahaina Luau, and I have heard it's one of the best.

Sayhello

Due to a lot of fatalities, Maui Downhill really really has toned down their tour recently; contrary to what you have or may have read on trip advisor.com


Moreover, to those who have incurred injury while on this tour?? IMHO, they had NO BUSINESS being on a bike!!

IMO, the
Bike ride (last week) was tame w/the exception of 3 times when tour guide gave us the all clear to use no brakes and WOW!!! that was fun!! yes, I would reccommend it. If you go, IMO bring a flashlight for the sunrise part of the tour as it will help you to see easier.



and the Luau? Very relaxing and excellent food. The pig? I tried it - tho I do say its like eating cooked hamburger w/o draining the grease. Hey, atleast I tried it.


Overall, both I would highly recommend.


P.S. I am about 2 days away from writing about it in my below listed blog if this helps ya.



Enjoy and let us know whatcha gonna do -

Sunrise in Maui





ALOHA

 

[sayhello]

Aloha!

Our group also did the bike tour down Haleakala...Awesome. No one in our group got hurt. Remember, "Back Brake, Back Brake" when you want to slow down. Hitting just the front brake will send you over the handle bars (Ouch). The ride is a real rush!!!

Snorkeling out at Molokini Crater is great too. I read in one of the other posts recommending fins. Absolutely! We made stops all along the coast line to snorkel and see the very colorful fish.

Not sure what type of rental car you selected, but we rented jeeps. Fun to drive around with the tops off. Made the trip around the island special.

One morning, we walked the beach early and watched the locals picking up newly landed seaweed off the shore. Interesting!!!

ScubaMcikey

Thanks, ScubaMickey. What tour company did you use for Haleakala?

I did Molokini the last time I was on Maui, and it was kind of crowded (and, unfortunately, the water was cloudy that day). I'll keep it in mind, but I think I'm leaning more towards Lanai. Or maybe both!

I think I'm a little too paranoid to drive in a jeep, especially with no top. If someone else was driving, I might go for it. I'm *hoping* for a sunroof...

I'm staying right on the beach (although it's really only a walking beach) so I might try that early morning thing. Maybe. I'm not exactly a morning person!

Sayhello

 

[sayhello]

Due to a lot of fatalities, Maui Downhill really really has toned down their tour recently; contrary to what you have or may have read on trip advisor.com

Fatalities?????? OK, I don't care how much they've "toned it down". FATALITIES???

IMO, the Bike ride (last week) was tame w/the exception of 3 times when tour guide gave us the all clear to use no brakes and WOW!!! that was fun!! yes, I would reccommend it. If you go, IMO bring a flashlight for the sunrise part of the tour as it will help you to see easier.

All it takes is one non-tame time...

Sayhello

 

[ScubaMickey]

Thanks, ScubaMickey. What tour company did you use for Haleakala?

I did Molokini the last time I was on Maui, and it was kind of crowded (and, unfortunately, the water was cloudy that day). I'll keep it in mind, but I think I'm leaning more towards Lanai. Or maybe both!

I think I'm a little too paranoid to drive in a jeep, especially with no top. If someone else was driving, I might go for it. I'm *hoping* for a sunroof...

I'm staying right on the beach (although it's really only a walking beach) so I might try that early morning thing. Maybe. I'm not exactly a morning person!

Sayhello

We used Haleakala Bike Company. Equipment was very good and the van driver was a lot of fun. Sit in the front seats of the van if you are prone to getting car sick. Lots of curves.

Enjoy the freshly made coconut ice cream on the Road to Hana!!! Yummy!!!

Enjoy Hawaii and then on your next island adventure keep going to Tahiti. Spectacular islands that still have the tropical charm.

I hope I get to meet you at the upcoming DIS meet in Orlando next month. I would love to hear more about your recent adventure to Europe!! Loved reading your blog.

ScubaMickey

 

[knewton64]

Fatalities?????? OK, I don't care how much they've "toned it down". FATALITIES???

All it takes is one non-tame time...

Sayhello

all it takes it ONE TIME.

And yes, if one doesn't watch out, you can really be going quite fast downhill on that bike.
Yes, there was one occassion that I didn't bend my body correctly and i crossed (just a smidge) over the median , BUT I quickly corrected.

That's one of their rules: you cross the median = 1st class ticket to the crash van.


And
yes, approx 90-95% of the time, I was using one or both brakes on that bike. Only 3 times did I feel comfortable looking around while biking (for NO MORE than 3-4 seconds)


yes, approx 3-4 times, we were allowed to use NO brakes and it was during that time I had even more of an incredible time.


yes, I too had concerns about going over cattle crossing guards. But again, I took a deep breath and just went over them like they weren't there.


Yes, there was a lady biker in front of me on one of those occassions (when we were allowed to use no brrakes) who didnt feel comfortable NOT using her brakes. yes, that upset me but I was respectful of her.


ALl in all, its what makes you feel comfortable. and yes, they also have a van that you can ride in as well if necesary. tour leader say at any time you wanna in the van, just say so and they will assist you no ?'s asked.


Overall, you can't lose on this add-on. It's a very beautiful way to see the mountain while getting some excercise and meeting a big cross section of people.




It's good that you are asking questions because if you go (for the sunrise part of the tour):

bring a flashlight
bring sweat pants and hood
bring something to keep you head warm
bring sunglasses

bring a hotel towel to put around your head (to keep warm cuz its rather windy up there).



(for the biking part of the tour) -
and yes, the tour guide does say its ok to use you ipod if you want to.
To me, this tour came across as tame since they HEAVILY accenuated safety and meant it. It was still fun though; a really nice way to see the mountain from a different p.o.v.




hope all this helps . ME?? I loved it!! and wouldnt hesitate to do it again.


Overall,
with the island of Maui, you can't lose with whatever excursion/add-on you choose.


Enjoy!!





- ALOHA -

 

[sayhello]

all it takes it ONE TIME.

I think that's what I said!

It's good that you are asking questions because if you go (for the sunrise part of the tour):

bring a flashlight
bring sweat pants and hood
bring something to keep you head warm
bring sunglasses

bring a hotel towel to put around your head (to keep warm cuz its rather windy up there).

(for the biking part of the tour) -
and yes, the tour guide does say its ok to use you ipod if you want to.
To me, this tour came across as tame since they HEAVILY accenuated safety and meant it. It was still fun though; a really nice way to see the mountain from a different p.o.v.

hope all this helps . ME?? I loved it!! and wouldnt hesitate to do it again.
Overall, with the island of Maui, you can't lose with whatever excursion/add-on you choose.
Enjoy!!
- ALOHA -

Actually, I've been to Maui twice before, and done Haleakala both times. It's only the bicycle part I haven't done. But thanks for your input. If someone who hasn't been reads this, hopefully it will help. (Although I think I'll just bring a hat & earband rather than wrap a hotel towel around my head...)

Sayhello

 

[sayhello]

We used Haleakala Bike Company. Equipment was very good and the van driver was a lot of fun. Sit in the front seats of the van if you are prone to getting car sick. Lots of curves.

Enjoy the freshly made coconut ice cream on the Road to Hana!!! Yummy!!!

Enjoy Hawaii and then on your next island adventure keep going to Tahiti. Spectacular islands that still have the tropical charm.

I hope I get to meet you at the upcoming DIS meet in Orlando next month. I would love to hear more about your recent adventure to Europe!! Loved reading your blog.

ScubaMickey

Thanks, ScubaMickey! I'll check out Haleakala Bike Company.

Tahiti! Oh, my! I think if I was going to fly that far, I'd probably suck it up & go to China, but who knows!

I aam planning on attending DISapalooza, so I look forward to meeting you, too. I'm so glad you're enjoying my Trip Report. I hope to have more up really soon!

Thanks!
Sayhello

 

[TEK224]

I used Maui Mountain Cruisers both times I've done it before!

Terri

 

[sayhello]

I used Maui Mountain Cruisers both times I've done it before!

Terri

Thanks, Terri!

Sayhello

 

[pankajs]

What are the specialties in Maui?

 

[Diskidatheart]

Not trying to discourage anyone from biking down Haleakala, but I just read this story today. So sad.

http://mauitvnews.com/blog/http:/mauitvnews.com/blog/tag/haleakala-bike-company/

 

[knewton64]

Not trying to discourage anyone from biking down Haleakala, but I just read this story today. So sad.

http://mauitvnews.com/blog/http:/mauitvnews.com/blog/tag/haleakala-bike-company/

1) the guy was 65 yrs old.
2) you HAVE TO USE to brakes literally 98& of the time because if you dont, you will be going FAST - I am mean FAST.

When I was on this escursion last month,
Yes there was one curve that I bent my body to the far right and leaned in and yet due to my speed, I still crossed the median by about 1 foot. I didnt panick nor overcorrect. I simply allowed the physics of my body to take me back over to my side of the road and proceed as if nothing happened.
And yes, there was no oncoming car approaching - I KNEW THAT BEFORE HAND.


IMO, the key is to be using those brakes. They are your lifeline. Same for your helmet. gloves, rainwear, etc.


3) you have to have a basic knowledge of how to control that bike as it is literally like snow skiing....per se, you use your body to control that bike.
4) be aware of your surroundings and your fellow cyclists.
5) Respect the road and all who are on it.
6) Be aware of the weather and dress accordingly.


I feel the guy was in way over his head. in short, when in doubt, ride in the crash van.

There is no shame in your game should you choose to ride in the crash van.



I applaud him for trying but look what the end result was.



The exeperience while on that mountain is something to behold - its just you have to know what you are doing.




T.T.F.N.

 

[sayhello]

Not trying to discourage anyone from biking down Haleakala, but I just read this story today. So sad.

http://mauitvnews.com/blog/http:/mauitvnews.com/blog/tag/haleakala-bike-company/

That *is* quite sad! Thanks for the link. I really think I'll skip this one. It's not like there aren't dozens of other ways to experience Haleakala!

1) the guy was 65 yrs old.
2) you HAVE TO USE to brakes literally 98& of the time because if you dont, you will be going FAST - I am mean FAST.

When I was on this escursion last month,
Yes there was one curve that I bent my body to the far right and leaned in and yet due to my speed, I still crossed the median by about 1 foot. I didnt panick nor overcorrect. I simply allowed the physics of my body to take me back over to my side of the road and proceed as if nothing happened.
And yes, there was no oncoming car approaching - I KNEW THAT BEFORE HAND.
IMO, the key is to be using those brakes. They are your lifeline. Same for your helmet. gloves, rainwear, etc.

3) you have to have a basic knowledge of how to control that bike as it is literally like snow skiing....per se, you use your body to control that bike.
4) be aware of your surroundings and your fellow cyclists.
5) Respect the road and all who are on it.
6) Be aware of the weather and dress accordingly.

I feel the guy was in way over his head. in short, when in doubt, ride in the crash van.
There is no shame in your game should you choose to ride in the crash van.
I applaud him for trying but look what the end result was.
The exeperience while on that mountain is something to behold - its just you have to know what you are doing.
T.T.F.N.

I think it's shameful to assume that this accident was somehow the bike rider's fault when you know nothing about the man or what happened. Your little excursion 1 foot over the median could just as easily have gotten you killed if you'd been unlucky. This is a tragedy, and just because you were lucky and he was not doesn't make this any less of a tragedy.

Sayhello

 

[knewton64]

That *is* quite sad! Thanks for the link. I really think I'll skip this one. It's not like there aren't dozens of other ways to experience Haleakala!

I think it's shameful to assume that this accident was somehow the bike rider's fault when you know nothing about the man or what happened. Your little excursion 1 foot over the median could just as easily have gotten you killed if you'd been unlucky. This is a tragedy, and just because you were lucky and he was not doesn't make this any less of a tragedy.

Sayhello

** (very thankful I brought a big hotel body towel to keep me warm!!)**

**hotel towel has many uses in addition to keeping my head warm ** wud recommend bringing one.



While being respectul of eveyone's opinions here, I feel very strongly that if the indiviudal in question would have paid attention to the tour director's hand signals, this would have never have occured.

per se,
The tour directions gives very very very specific hand signals (during this section of the excursion) telling you the biker when you are allowed to do what, when and where.

I paid very close attention to him as I saw very quickly just how easily this section of my adventure could have turned into my last one had I not been paying attention.

yes, I agree it is sad to see 11 people lose their lives over this this year alone.

but again, if people would simply just read the brochure explaining what this tour entails, these 11 deaths would have never occured.
There, it specifically tells you the minimun requirements for this adventure.



Per se, this is NOT a nice slow bike ride in the country tour. this is a very serious tour.

** (tour director is pictured w/me) **



So serious, that YES , I had every right to feel frightened about crossing that median because one of the rules was by the tour leader:

You cross the median for any reason = automatic trip into the crash van.



And yes, the crash van was right behind me as I chose to be the last one in the group.
I was very concerned I would be pulled and put in the crash van.

ANYWHO -



this is why i am making such a big deal over crossing the median.


moreover,
SO you can see just how far I had to look to watch the tour leader (at the front of the pack) for his hand signals.

This adventure is literally tailored for people who read "Outdoors" magazine and or who like to be up at a observatory in Switzerland at the 13,000 foot level.
(hey I saw a blip on tv where NBC's Matt Lauer was at that Switzerland location)



Not here to start anything with anyone, i am here to gently state that whereas I felt this adventure was quite tame (because they stressed safety soooooo much) it can get quickly out of hand if you dont pay attention to the tour leaders hand signals.



Same goes with watching the sun rise at the top of the mountain. Meaning, you need to dress apropriatly or you will be in serious trouble as it was VERY COLD up that high.
Yes, I had fun taking many a pic and I have lots of video from both sections of this adventure, and yes I had about 10-15 minutes of making sure my exposed picture taking right hand got all of its feeling back as we were making our way back down to the 9000 foot level via a heated motorcaoch before we began the biking portion of this tour.

But I knew I wasnt in total danger on both sections of this add on because I knew my limits.



All in all,
This is an adventure that is a sight to behold: ya just have to know your limits.




And yes, based upon your hesitancy, I applaud you for sitting this one out.
there is no shame in your game.


how I work?
I like handling a 65 foot catamaran while in Hawaii last month in 28 knot winds - that's what i get into.
or feeling the power of a jetty while snorkeling off the coast of Molokini.

Yes, I will be snorkeling off the coast of Key West in a few more days as yes, I will also be riding TOT and Aerosmith rollercoaster attraction as well as Star tours (never been on that one) while in Orlando in Jan 5th before I head out on my DCL cruise.


Moreover,
chances are i will be taking a helicopter ride while in NYC in Sept 2012 as I head off into that neck of the woods for the very first time.


it is to each their own limits.


Now if I just can remember that when I try some HOT & Spicy NYC food next year.
So yes, If you know of any wonderful restaurants I can look into while in and around the area of the Sheraton hotel (811 7th ave nYC), feel free to let me know as I do welcome your input.



but above all, enjoy whatever you do and have fun as this wasnt meant out of meaness. It was meant to be blunt in reference to this Hawaii add-on and above all, hope ya write a trip report!!



T.T.F.N.

 

[Diskidatheart]

I didn't intend to cause an argument in my post about the tragic death of the man on the bike riding tour. As I was reading this post earlier, I was getting the impression from some that these Haleakala bike tours were not that difficult. I just wanted to put it out there that sometimes things happen. Let's face it, something could easily happen on a snorkel trip or a simple hike as well.

I also don't think that you can fault the man who was killed for being in over his head. Just because he was 65 years old has nothing to do with it. He could be a world class athlete for all you know and been in the wrong place at the wrong time. It's unfortunate that his life was lost on this bike ride. My point all along was that this excursion should not be taken lightly. If you want to bike ride down the volcano, by all means do it, but just know what you are getting into ahead of time. Similar to snorkeling, if you aren't a good swimmer, you might not want to go snorkeling in an area that does not have calm waters.

Knewton, I am a pretty fit person and have biked at home for the past several years. I enjoy thrill rides at amusement parks, zipling through the jungle, and hiking through the bamboo forest of Maui....but there is no way that I would ever bike ride down Haleakala. It's too dangerous and there are too many unknowns on the way down. I'm sure it's as safe as you can possibly get for this excursion, but this is something that I just don't get. You're going downhill the entire time...you can't enjoy the scenery because you have to pay attention to everything. I'm glad you enjoyed it as I'm sure many others have, but it's just something that shouldn't be taken lightly.

 

[LSmith]

I didn't intend to cause an argument in my post about the tragic death of the man on the bike riding tour. As I was reading this post earlier, I was getting the impression from some that these Haleakala bike tours were not that difficult. I just wanted to put it out there that sometimes things happen. Let's face it, something could easily happen on a snorkel trip or a simple hike as well.

I also don't think that you can fault the man who was killed for being in over his head. Just because he was 65 years old has nothing to do with it. He could be a world class athlete for all you know and been in the wrong place at the wrong time. It's unfortunate that his life was lost on this bike ride. My point all along was that this excursion should not be taken lightly. If you want to bike ride down the volcano, by all means do it, but just know what you are getting into ahead of time. Similar to snorkeling, if you aren't a good swimmer, you might not want to go snorkeling in an area that does not have calm waters.

Knewton, I am a pretty fit person and have biked at home for the past several years. I enjoy thrill rides at amusement parks, zipling through the jungle, and hiking through the bamboo forest of Maui....but there is no way that I would ever bike ride down Haleakala. It's too dangerous and there are too many unknowns on the way down. I'm sure it's as safe as you can possibly get for this excursion, but this is something that I just don't get. You're going downhill the entire time...you can't enjoy the scenery because you have to pay attention to everything. I'm glad you enjoyed it as I'm sure many others have, but it's just something that shouldn't be taken lightly.

I don't think Knewton was taking lightly the bike ride down Haleakala. Quite the opposite. He was trying to convey that this is serious business.

I have driven up and down this mountain and there is no way in heck I would ever think I was capable of riding a bike down it. My entire family ride bikes for 6 months of the year but riding down Haleakala is for the extremely skilled or daredevils. Consider it an extreme sport. Not for your average tourists looking for a thrills. It's not ziplining.

Two years ago when we were here I though that this tour was going to be stopped soon due to the danger and deaths I kept reading about. I think that the company is irresponsible taking letting amateurs do this.