Kula Ride: 18-Mile Upcountry Loop on Maui’s Kula Highway

Ride the Kula Highway on Maui’s windswept Upcountry on a community-led cycling loop that reads like a love letter to local pavement and panoramic sky. The Kula Ride departs from Long's Drugs in Pukalani (55 Kiopaa St, Makawao, HI 96768) and rolls south along 18.1 miles of ridgetop highway, turning around at Grandma's Coffee House (9232 Kula Hwy) for a round trip that gains roughly 1,400 feet. Hosted by the Maui Bicycling League, a 501(c)3 volunteer-run advocacy group, this ride is staged for intermediate to advanced cyclists who can hold 12–14 mph and appreciate disciplined group riding. Volunteer leader Jerry sets a friendly but efficient pace; expect steady climbs, open descents, and wide views that stretch toward Haleakala’s slopes and the farms of Kula. What makes this loop distinctive is its setting: you’re riding high on volcanic terrain where agriculture and weather meet—green plots, roadside protea and vegetable farms, and winds that test your climbing legs. The road alternates exposed shoulder and sheltered sections; crosswinds are common and influence strategy on climbs and fast returns. Riders often finish at the food trucks near the meeting area to refuel and trade route notes. Practical details matter here. Registration is required—rides cap at thirty riders to preserve safety and traffic flow—and helmets are mandatory. E-bikes are allowed when operators follow the Maui Bicycling League’s e-bike safety and etiquette expectations, which keep group dynamics smooth. Equipment is not provided; bring a well-tuned road or gravel bike, spare tube, and enough fluids for an 18-mile effort with climbing. This is community cycling as much as it is exploration. Donations support Maui Bicycling League’s education and advocacy work: projects include “Share the Road” outreach and local infrastructure campaigns. The ride’s volunteer leadership model means you get seasoned route knowledge without commercial fanfare, and the post-ride lunch scene gives visitors a chance to mingle with locals. Who should book this? Intermediate riders visiting Maui who want active morning miles with big views and a local group vibe. Why book it here? Because Kula Highway compresses island variety—agriculture, elevation, Pacific views, and volcanic landscape—into a manageable, spirited ride that showcases Upcountry Maui in a way few guided tours can match. Plan to arrive 15–30 minutes early to sign waivers and get a route briefing; there is limited on-street parking near Long's Drugs in Pukalani, so carpooling or drop-off helps. If you’re traveling to Makawao, allow extra time for narrow Upcountry roads and variable weather: mornings can be crisp and clear while afternoons bring tradewind clouds. Bring a multi-tool and CO2 or pump; neutral support is not guaranteed on volunteer rides. If you want a gentler pace, contact Maui Bicycling League before the event to ask about alternative pace groups or beginner options.