Biking in Maui not easy, but well worth it
“I never bike here,” the real estate agent said as she drove us to look at a beachfront apartment in Wailea. “Too many tourists.”
My husband, Eric, and I were dumbfounded. As avid cyclists, we’d packed pedals, helmets and bike shoes and were eager to explore the island. With Maui’s gentle winds and average temps of 70 to 80, we had envisioned roads where bikes far outnumbered cars. But it turns out cycling — unlike surfing, kayaking and kiteboarding — isn’t embedded in the local culture.
It’s surprising, since Hawaii is a state intent on improving air quality — the Clean Air initiative passed in 2008 calls for 70 percent of Hawaii’s energy to come from renewable energy sources by 2030. Yet despite the state’s sustainable efforts, and the great pride that Hawaiians take in their land, we couldn’t find a single shaded off-road bike path on Maui. In fact, the majority of routes are on the shoulders of main roads, where cars and trucks zoom past. A recent Bike League report rated Maui 40th out of 50 in terms of biking policies, infrastructure and laws.
With some digging, however, we uncovered three pretty spectacular rides for various fitness levels. Each begins and ends at a bicycle shop, where knowledgeable employees can provide maps, gear and advice. (Some also offer group rides.) If you rent for the day, start early so you can get back in time to return your wheels.