The bikes of Lahania, Maui

Rollin’ on Front Street.
-Slideshow below-
(Photos © J. Maus)

Just got back from a week in Maui. While there — besides swimming with dolphins and turtles and hanging with family and friends — I spent some time in the island’s most famous town, Lahaina.

As per usual when I explore a new town (see my reports from Guadalajara and Los Angeles), I kept a special eye out for bikes and the people who ride them.

On Lahaina’s main drag, Front Street, bikes are everywhere; and for both tourists and locals, the archetypal beach cruiser reigns supreme.

Besides one gear, big tires, and a laid back position (and attitude), most bikes in Lahaina have a patina of reddish colored dirt (it’s common in the area) and huge handlebars tilted nearly straight up. The riders themselves are much more varied — from “haoles” on rental bikes to local fisherman carrying spears and buckets. Even the urban fixie trend has taken hold.

Since Front Street has very calm traffic, people just take the lane and there are no bike-specific facilities. To Lahaina’s credit they have ample parking right in front of the shops. One hotel owner just off Front Street has even built a freestanding bike parking structure dubbed the “Bike Hut.” True to island style, the hut has a thatched roof and the racks are made from bamboo.

I was impressed with the quantity of bikes not only in Lahaina but throughout the island. On the highways you see much more carbon than cruisers and more spandex than swimsuits, but the appeal is just the same — there’s no better way to soak up Maui’s legendary island vibes and views than on two wheels.

See more of my Bikes of Lahaina photos in the gallery or watch the slideshow below: