Bike the Parks

Parks / Hawaii

Haleakalā National Park

One of the longest paved climbs on earth, to a volcanic summit above the clouds.

3/5
Worth bringing a bike

One of the world's great paved climbs, from near sea level to the summit area at nearly 10,000 feet, but no bike paths and fast-changing weather.

Riding here

Riding up Haleakalā is a bucket-list climb: starting from the coast, the road gains about 10,000 feet to the summit area, passing through farms, forest and finally a stark volcanic landscape. In the park, the road climbs from the Headquarters Visitor Center at 7,000 feet to the Haleakalā Visitor Center at 9,740 feet. Weather turns fast, and the descent is cold.

Where you can ride

Bikes may ride the summit road, shared with cars and buses.

Where you can't

There's no bike path, and bikes aren't allowed on trails. Commercial downhill bike tours are not allowed in the park; the moratorium continues.

Rides

  • Summit road: Headquarters to Haleakalā Visitor Center

    • Road
    • Within the park
    • Paved
    • Hard

    The final, high-altitude part of the climb, on a narrow winding road with little shoulder. Most riders start much lower, near the coast.

    Start: Headquarters Visitor Center (7,000 ft)

When to go

Rideable year-round, but summit weather (rain, mist, high wind) changes fast in any month.

Safety

Hypothermia is common on descents, year-round: carry a waterproof layer and extra food. Check the weather and crater webcam before riding. Watch for loss of coordination and confusion. Water and restrooms are available around the clock at both visitor centers.

E-bikes

The park's own bicycling page doesn't spell out e-bike rules. Under the NPS e-bike rule (36 CFR 4.30), an e-bike with working pedals and a motor under 750 watts is generally allowed where regular bikes are, and riding on the motor alone is barred anywhere cars can't go. Parks can restrict them, so confirm with the park before you bring one.

Fees and reservations

$15 per single cyclist, paid by credit card at the entrance station.

Haleakalā requires reservations for vehicles entering for sunrise; check the park's sunrise reservation page if you plan to ride up before dawn.

Rentals, tours and shuttles

  • Your bike shop hereSample listing

    This spot is for one rental shop, guide service or shuttle near Haleakalā: your name, what you offer, and a link straight to your booking page, at the top of this section.

    Feature your shop on this page, free until spring 2027

Run a shop near Haleakalā? Add it here.

Sources

Checked November 2026 against these sources. Rules, closures and fees change; confirm with the park before you ride.

  1. Bicycling Information — Haleakalā (NPS)
  2. Downhill bicycle tour moratorium continues (NPS)
  3. NPS e-bike regulations (2020)

Edited by David Bussell. Spot something out of date? Tell us.

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