Imagine the thrill of riding down one of the largest dormant volcanoes in the world on a bicycle, and never having to pedal. This is a reality on Maui's Haleakala Mountain.

Thousands of downhill mountain biking enthusiasts have experienced this adventure on Maui since the industry began in 1982. Of all the activities on Maui, this is the most unique - the mountain bike ride that can't be done anywhere else on Earth.

This is how most of the mountain bike tours operate:

You're picked up at your hotel and transported to the top of Mount Haleakala and its famous crater at a height of 10,000'. Here you're fitted with the windbreakers, helmet and gloves you'll be wearing on your downhill journey. You'll also be served a continental breakfast. This enormous crater is 21 miles in circumference, 3000 feet deep, and is large enough to fit all of Manhattan Island within its perimeter. If you choose to go at sunrise (a good choice) you will also see one of the most spectacular solar displays found anywhere on the planet.

From here you'll be transported via your van down to the entrance of Haleakala National Park at about the 6,500' level where you will begin your decent on your bike.

Each group of about 10 to 12 participants follows their "lead guide" down the mountain and he (or she) is in continuous radio contact with the "chase van" that follows the group with cameras and warm clothing, etc. Many stops are made on the way down for extraordinary views of the island. A luncheon stop is either made at one of the restaurants on the mountain or at the small town of Paia which is reached during the final descent to the seacoast.

Once at the bottom, the experience takes on a somewhat surreal quality as your mind keeps replaying the constant series of turns and roadways that led to your final destination. One glance up at the top and you realize that you've conquered a mountain. You've connected with Maui in some way that you know is different. You smelled the camphor of the eucalyptus trees as you passed through the forests, and you breathed the cool thin air from Maui's highest slopes. Today was a different day for you; one you won't soon forget.

One Final Word of Caution:

The bike tours down Haleakala have been among the most popular tours of any sort on Maui. Literally hundreds of thousands of cyclists have descended the slopes on these exciting tours. You must remember however that you are on a moving vehicle that is traveling at speeds generally a bit in excess of 20mph. It is incumbent on you to ride your bike safely. Though there have been relatively few accidents with regard to the overall volume of bike tours that descend the mountain some of the accidents that have happened have been simply disastrous and in fact there have even been some fatalities. Once again you must remember that the movement of your vehicle and how and where you guide it is ultimately up to you

Biking Tours and Rides in Maui - Options

• Sunrise - early morning pickup (about 3 am) and cold temperatures (in the 30s and 40s) are rewarded by the incredible display of a Maui sunrise above the crater rim.
• Free-style - take off down the mountain on your own.

Helpful Tips from Tom Barefoot - Maui Bike Tours and Maui Bike Rides

• A sunrise bike tour is best to plan on your first or second morning on the island. You'll still be on 'home time' and waking up very early. Take advantage of those wee hours and do something outstanding!
• Long pants, sneakers and a sweatshirt are essential on these bike trips. Remember to pack them.
• Dress in layers on the morning of your bike down Haleakala. The temperature warms considerably as you reach sea level.
• No cameras are allowed on the bike, but bring one anyway. It will ride safely in the "chase van" and you can take advantage of all the photo ops that appear around every corner.

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