Scenic Bike Routes: Southeast Maui, Hawaii

Southeast Maui, HawaiiWe don't talk much about Hawaii when the subject of scenic bike routes comes out. That's a shame, because Hawaii is an incredibly beautiful state that deserves some attention. If you are looking to combine a tropical vacation with an incredible bike ride, we recommend you visit the island of Maui. There is a coastal loop on the southeast end of the island that is absolutely to die for. 

If you live on Maui, using your own bike should not be a problem. If you are a visitor, you're better off renting a bike rather than trying to bring your own. Also be aware that this is a VERY challenging ride. Beginners should only attempt this ride under the supervision of an experienced veteran. Having said that, let's take a closer look.

Riding the Route

The riders who enjoy this route choose different starting places according to their own preferences. We prefer starting on the outskirts of Kahului, just south of the airport. Find your way to where routes 36 and 37 intersect and go from there. Head south on Rt. 37 toward the town of Pukalani. You'll follow that route for what seems like forever; it becomes Rt. 31 near the southern tip of the island. Route 31 turns eastward along the southern coast of Maui.

Rt. 31 takes you along the southern tip of the Kiphahulu Forest Reserve and past the seven Sacred Pools of Ohe'o (this is a favorite tourist spot if you're interested in stopping and taking a look). Just before Ohe'o Rt. 31 becomes Rt. 330 it swings north and becomes Rt. 360 as you head up the east coast. Rt. 360 will take you along the mountains, through some tiny villages, and all the way back up to Rt. 36. Follow 36 west back to Kahului.

Scenery and Road Conditions

The Southeast Maui loop is just over 110 miles in total distance. However, it rides more like 150 to 200 miles because some spots require you to take it slow. The road conditions are very good most of the way ? the one exception is a short patch of dirt road outside of Hana. Be aware that there are a significant number of one-lane bridges and narrow mountain passes on the eastern end of this ride.

Take your time and go slow here. There are more twists and turns than any other ride we have been on. Certain sections of the route are also heavily traveled by tourists, so leaving early in the morning is your best bet for avoiding heavy traffic. Lastly, Hawaii's tropical environment means you get pretty good rains every afternoon. Keep that in mind when deciding what time to head out in the morning.

As for the scenery, that is the whole purpose for taking this ride. What we enjoy the most is the fact that it is so diverse from one end to the other. You will be skirting areas of dense rain forest in some areas while hugging the mountains and the coastline in others. You will get to see some awe-inspiring drop-offs along the rugged cliffs of the eastern shore. And of course, you will pass through some quaint Polynesian communities that give a little glimpse of what Hawaii used to be like in days past.

Hawaii is all about the lush green tropical landscape made possible by the near-perfect year-round weather. If you are looking for something completely different ? something you'll never find on the mainland ? this is one ride you can't afford to miss.

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