The climb up Haleakala is both challenging and long, taking several hours to complete. Starting from sea level, you'll make your way up 10,000 feet over 36 miles of paved road to reach the summit of the Haleakala volcano.
Once you leave the city, you’ll begin your ride on Baldwin Avenue, which turns into Haleakala Avenue. Eventually, you will merge onto the Haleakalā Highway.
The first stretch of the highway is relatively gentle, with a slight gradient. On this small 6-mile stretch, you'll pass through the town of Kula and into Haleakala National Park.
Once you hop onto Crater Road, it’s another 22 miles to the top. You’ll pass some switchbacks and a long, steady hill before you reach the gate to the park entrance, where there is a $15 entrance fee for bikes. Once you enter the park, you'll reach the visitor center. This is your last chance to refill water bottles.
As you continue climbing, you'll break through a moon-like terrain and into the clouds, enjoying stunning views of the entire island of Maui, including the crater. On especially clear days, you can spot the peaks of Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa on the Big Island.