Pacific Northwest - Hawaii vacation with bike

Hi- i'm interested in taking my bike to Hawaii for a vacation. I'm interested in doing very challenging climbs and riding 30-70+ miles per day. I also want to be near a resort (the higher priced the better) where I can relax, etc.

Can someone please let me know what they recommend? Does anyone have a list of the best climbs in Hawaii?

On Maui stay around Lahaina or Kaanapali (very nice), or better yet a little north is Kapalua, which is very nice also (and expensive). Then ride around the West Maui mountains - it's about 65 miles. Lot's of hills. There's one called the 'Wall' that will get your heart pumping. I've done this my last two trips there. If the hills don't get you, the heat and tradewinds will.

You could also ride up Haleakala. There have been a few discussions on this board about it.

Try the Grand Wailea Resort and Spa. The $17k per night suites are spectacular (or so I've heard).

+1 on the Haleakala climb, that should be challenging.

Stay on Maui, rent a bike and ride up Haleakala. Other than that, most of the roads are not exactly the best for cycling....you have better rides near LA...take a break from the bike for a week or so

[QUOTE=Ben FR;7685256]Hi- i'm interested in taking my bike to Hawaii for a vacation. I'm interested in doing very challenging climbs and riding 30-70+ miles per day. I also want to be near a resort (the higher priced the better) where I can relax, etc.

Can someone please let me know what they recommend? Does anyone have a list of the best climbs in Hawaii?[/QUOTE

I'll be on Maui Nov 9-23 and plan to at least ride around West Maui (65 miles) and up Haleakala. Most other routes (Hana Hwy, Hwy 30 Lahaina-Kihei, Piilani Hwy 30) are not recommended due to either too much traffic or being just dull.

Here's a link to the Maui County Bicycle Map:
http://www.westmauicycles.com/Maui-Bike-Map/Maui-County-Map-1802x1506%20copy.pdf

The Kaanapali area is the place to stay: several high end resorts, and close to Lahaina.

Hope it helps

thanks this map is great

where can i get a really good bike rental in Maui?

You can rent ANYTHING in Hawaii. Take your shoes, pedals and helmet and you'll be all set with these guys, they are in Lahina. At these prices it would cost more to take your own bike.

http://www.westmauicycles.com/Maui-bicycle-rental-shop.html

I've rented from West Maui cycles - they're helpful. I've also taken my bike with me, which cost about as much, but I had my bike the whole time (vs. just a few days for the rental.)

The next time I may try Go Cycling Maui (http://www.gocyclingmaui.com/) with Donnie and Co. I've heard they've got some incredible rides, one of them is upcountry to a winery.

Anyway, when you do go you'll need to try the banana bread in Kahakuloa (iirc). It's truly the best.

+1 Go Cycling Maui

Rode up the big hill there with them, they rent too. Also, ask about Rice park which is an extension of the winery ride (I drove it didnt ride it).

I'm in the Hawaii business (wholesale travel agent... call your local travel agent, I help them), and I haven't found a better site discussing this subject than... This guy's site:

Bike Ride UP haleakala (http://www.chainreaction.com/haleakala.htm)

His info is good, and I've done what I can to keep him up-to-date.

Also, concider Tantalus... it's a nice ride (down), haven't tried it as a climb.

Mele Kalikimaka!
Hau'oli Makahiki Hou!
K'Tesh

Just returned from Maui; rode twice with Donnie's Go Cycling Maui, once up Haleakala, the other time on Hana Rd to Keanae Peninsula (this is where I think you get the best banana bread ;-)). You might think that Hana Rd is dangerous to ride because it's narrow and because of the cars; in fact, it felt safer than riding on Honoapiilani Hwy where cars zoom by at 55-65mph.

I also rented a bike from West Maui Cycles in Lahaina. While the bike was fine (Cannondale Six13), the store and the service didn't impress me much, not much heart unlike Donnie's Maui Cyclery in Haiku.