My mom, sister, and I went on the Sunrise Tour to Mount Haleakala, which is a volcanic crater. For this tour, a van picks you up at 3am so that you can make it for the sunrise at the top of the crater. Your group and about three other groups of people are picked up before you head to their offices to watch a safety video and pick up helmets and other gear. You then drive to the mountain, and drive up for quite a while before reaching the top. It was freezing cold at the top. So much so that I didn't get out of the van to watch the sunrise. Pity though, because my mom DID and she got some amazing pictures. After sunrise it's time to get on your bike. I was really nervous because I hadn't been on a bike for six years, but I picked it up very quickly. You travel single file, with the leader in front, less experienced riders next (me!), and more experienced riders in the back. I was so nervous, but as soon as we started I was not nervous anymore. Cruising down the crater was probably the best feeling I've had in my life. The view was incredible...you are above the clouds! For the most part, you are coasting because it is downhill, but there are some parts when you must pedal. As we were nearing the bottom, and only 10 minutes away from the finish, I wiped out and flew over the bike handlebars!! We were on a turn and I kept going straight and couldn't stop myself. I came out with a rip in my pants and some bruises, but that didn't stop me! I finished the ride which ends at a beach. Despite my little accident, this was probably the best thing I have ever done in my life. It was fun, adventurous, relaxing, and beautiful.

This was my third time doing this tour and what a blast it was. Our driver Joe picked us up at 2am at the resort. Then we had to go to three other hotels and resorts to pick up some other people. Then a 30 minute drive to the other side of the island to stop and pick up our tour guide Erron and our trailer with the bikes and equipment. Then had an hour and 10 minute ride to the top of the volcano.

The sun started coming up about 5:30am. What a view this was. It's worth it to do the sunrise tour even though it's early--it is worth it. With all the stops and even stopping for breakfast, which is included in the tour, we were back at the resort by 11:30am and spent the rest of the day by the pool and beach getting some sun and having drinks.

We were picked up at 3:30am at our hotel the EVR in Maui and were accompanied by eight other brave souls. We took the trek to Haleakala for sunrise and it was nothing short of amazing!!!

We took a van up the mountain for a one hour drive after all was said and done, and witnessed breathtaking views and were above the clouds. We were given gortex pants and tops as well as a helmet for the ride down the mountain. We were able to stop several times and our guide was safe for the novices who had never been on a bike for 20 years.

The ride down was a fun way to experience another part of Maui, and we even stopped in Paia' and went to the beach. We stopped part way down in a small town and had a nice Mexican breakfast that was included in the price.

Imagine biking down a volcano 10,000 feet up at 35 degrees at the top and enjoying the view and biking down the crater. Don't miss this. Believe us, it is safe!

The tour company picks you up at your hotel (2:30am for us) and others in their van, takes you to their HQ to watch a bike riding safety video and to get the bikes, then drives you in the dark the 1-2 hour ride to the summit of Haleakala. There you don wind/rain suits (which, even if you've bundled up, is very helpful in keeping you warm in the 30-degree dark), drink some coffee, eat a pastry, and wait for the sunrise.

As the sun starts to brighten the distant horizon, the picture-taking commences, until the full fire-ball appears and seems to light-up the entire sky. Only at that time can you see the outlines of the large moon-like crater that last erupted over 200 years ago. Some 40+ miles in the distance you can see the twin peaks of Mauna Kea & Mauna Loa on the Big Island in a sea of white clouds.

The bike ride begins shortly thereafter -- all downhill -- on the winding road out of the national park, past the pastures and old ranches, down the side of the dormant volcano. You eventually make your way to the small cowboy town of Makawao, which is where, as our tour-guide commented, many people who want to get lost from civilization end up.

After shedding the wind/rain suits, gulping down a hot breakfast of eggs or pancakes (radioed ahead so it's basically ready when you arrive) and strolling around the town a bit, you're back on the bike to ride another few miles (with a little more pedaling, but not much) past sugar cane fields to Maui's north shore at the town of Paia, home to a number of quaint stores. After some more pictures at the beach, its back in the van for the journey home, arriving between noon and 1pm, and ready for a well-deserved nap.