The best road cycling routes in Maui County

The West Maui loop via Honoapiʻilani Highway offers a truly wild road cycling experience, transitioning from the resort-lined coast to Maui's rugged, less-traveled northern reaches. You'll navigate winding roads and steep climbs, including "The Wall" near Honokohau Bay, all while soaking in sweeping ocean panoramas and views of neighboring islands. The scenery shifts dramatically from developed areas to remote cow pastures and lush valleys, with highlights like Kahakuloa Head. This challenging 70.8-mile (114.0 km) route with 4429 feet (1350 metres) of elevation gain is a difficult ride, best suited for experienced cyclists. It typically takes around 5 hours and 21 minutes of moving time, but plan for a full day.

To make the most of this adventure, an early start is recommended to avoid strong afternoon winds and to allow ample time for stops at scenic viewpoints. While the Honoapiʻilani Highway section often has wide shoulders, the Kahekili Highway portion narrows significantly, sometimes to one lane, with limited to no shoulder and rough pavement. Carry plenty of water, as hydration can be an issue in remote areas, and consider stopping at local spots like Lorraine's in Kahakuloa for refreshments.

This loop is considered one of Maui's bucket-list road cycling routes, offering a unique opportunity to explore the island's diverse landscapes beyond the typical tourist spots. It provides a distinct contrast to the more famous Hana Highway, showcasing Maui's wilder side with vibrant blue ocean meeting rich red earth. The route's highest point reaches about 950-1,000 feet, providing a different perspective of the island's interior.

Cycle from Paia to Haleakalā, a difficult 71.3-mile road cycling route with 9908 feet of gain through Haleakalā National Park.

The Ahihi Bay via Kihei Frontage Road offers a delightful road cycling experience along Maui's southern coast, perfect for those seeking continuous ocean views and a relaxed pace. You'll cruise past stunning beaches like Keawakapu Beach, with the route eventually leading into the unique ʻĀhihi-Kīnaʻu Natural Area Reserve, characterized by its distinctive black lava fields and crystal-clear waters. This easy 18.0-mile (29.0 km) ride, with just 706 feet (215 metres) of elevation gain, typically takes around 1 hour and 13 minutes, making it an ideal choice for a scenic, low-effort outing.

Planning your ride is straightforward; the route is generally well-maintained with good shoulders or dedicated bike lanes, though the road can get bumpy as you near the ʻĀhihi-Kīnaʻu Natural Area Reserve. This makes it a great option for beginner road cycling in Ahihi Bay, Maui, as it doesn't require advanced skills or endurance. Consider going in the morning to enjoy the best light and cooler temperatures, and remember to bring water and sun protection for your coastal journey.

What truly sets this route apart are the abundant opportunities for scenic stops and ocean access. You can pull over for a refreshing swim at various points along the way, or plan to spend some time snorkeling at Ahihi Bay, which is renowned for its vibrant marine life. This trail beautifully combines the joy of cycling with the natural beauty of Maui's coastal areas and lava fields, offering a memorable experience for anyone looking to explore the island on two wheels.

This moderate 46.4-mile (74.7 km) road cycling loop from Kīhei to Kula offers a challenging climb and diverse scenery with Haleakalā views.

The Mokulele Bike Path & Kahekili Highway loop offers a dramatic contrast in road cycling experiences across Maui's diverse landscapes. You'll start on the flat, paved Mokulele Bike Path, gliding past sugar cane fields, before tackling the rugged, twisty Kahekili Highway. This section treats you to breathtaking ocean views, winding roads through tropical trees, and panoramic vistas of green hills, especially as you approach the fishing village of Kahakuloa. It's a ride that showcases Maui's wild northwest coast, where rich red earth meets the blue waters.

This difficult 60.7-mile (97.7 km) loop involves a substantial 4000 feet (1219 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking around 4 hours and 36 minutes. The Kahekili Highway portion is particularly demanding, with continuous ascents, switchbacks, and even some unpaved sections where you might need to push your bike. This route is best suited for experienced cyclists with good fitness who are prepared for a challenging and varied ride. Always carry ample water and check conditions before heading out.

What makes this route truly stand out is its reputation as one of Maui's premier and most challenging road cycling routes, often compared to the famous Hana Highway for its stunning coastal beauty. It allows you to experience both the straightforward sections of the Mokulele Bike Path and the visually spectacular, less-traveled coastal ride along Kahekili Highway. The combination of contrasting environments and the demanding nature of the Kahekili Highway make it a memorable adventure for those seeking a true test of endurance and a unique perspective of Maui.

Explore a challenging 33.6-mile road cycling route concept through Ma'alaea, Mākena State Park, and the scenic Pi'ilani Highway.

This moderate 29.0-mile road cycling loop on Maui offers diverse scenery, from Makawao's charm to Hoʻokipa Beach's ocean views.

Cycling the Road to Hāna is an immersive journey through Maui's wild, eastern coast. You'll navigate the iconic Hāna Highway, a winding two-lane road with over 700 turns and 60 one-lane bridges, many over a century old. The route plunges you into dense tropical rainforests, lush valleys, and dramatic coastline views, often with the ocean by your side and a jungle canopy overhead. Expect a constant series of "big rollers" rather than continuous steep climbs, with wet sections from roadside waterfalls. This difficult 65.3-mile (105.2 km) ride, with 6878 feet (2096 metres) of elevation gain, typically takes around 5 hours and 48 minutes.

To make the most of your experience, plan to start early in the morning to avoid the heaviest tourist traffic. While the road surface is generally in excellent condition, be prepared for potentially slippery sections due to frequent rain. You'll find numerous colorful food stands along the way, offering convenient opportunities to refuel and take a break. This challenging route is best suited for cyclists with good to very good fitness levels.

What makes this route particularly special is the chance to experience Maui's remote beauty at a slower pace than driving. The constant presence of the ocean and the sounds of waterfalls create a distinct atmosphere, making it one of the most picturesque bike rides in Hawaii. Stopping almost anywhere to take in the views or explore attractions like Hāna Beach Park is a significant advantage over being in a car.

The Wailuku & Kahului loop offers a delightful blend of coastal beauty, agricultural vistas, and urban stretches, making it one of the best road bike rides in Wailuku Kahului. You'll cruise along the dedicated Mokulele Bike Path, winding through lush sugar cane fields, and enjoy stunning ocean views as you pass the Keālia Pond National Wildlife Refuge. This easy 22.9-mile (36.9 km) route, with a modest 661 feet (201 metres) of elevation gain, is a fantastic way to experience Central Maui's diverse scenery in about 1 hour and 29 minutes.

Planning your ride is straightforward, with ample parking available in Wailuku or Kahului town centers, or near key access points like the Mokulele Bike Path and Maui Tropical Plantation. Be mindful of the strong trade winds, which tend to pick up in the afternoons; an earlier start can make this already easy route even more enjoyable. This loop is suitable for most fitness levels, though the wind can add an unexpected challenge.

What makes this route stand out among Maui road cycling loops is its accessibility and variety. The Mokulele Bike Path provides a safe, car-free experience for a significant portion of the journey, and the route passes by the Maui Tropical Plantation, offering a glimpse into the island's agricultural heritage. It also connects to other popular cycling paths, like the Wailuku to Kihei route, making it a versatile option for exploring Central Maui.