Haleakala Bike Tour -- Hotel pickup vs. drive to shop?

I know the question of Haleakala bike tours has been done to death on the forum, but I can%26#39;t find any clear discussion of whether people prefer to have the van come pick them up at their hotel vs. driving to the bike company shop in Paia.

We are staying in Kaanapali (Sheraton), and plan to do the bike tour on the morning after we arrive (getting in 5 PM day before). As the one who will have to do the driving, I%26#39;m slightly worried about driving on a strange island at 2 AM and trying to find a bikeshop for a 3 AM meet-up. How difficult is this drive? Also, will I regret not having my rental car with me after the tour, to go see other things?

The difference in price between tours that pick you up and tours you go to meet up with seems to be $50-$80 pp. depending on which tours you compare. For two people that%26#39;s a fair amount of money. Has anyone done this tour both ways? Which did you prefer?

Thanks in advance.

Haleakala Bike Tour -- Hotel pickup vs. drive to shop?

I stayed at the Sheraton recently and did a bike tour where they pick you up at the hotel. The drive to Paia is not difficult, as there are not a lot of turns. I don%26#39;t know that I would want to be driving it in the middle of the night however. When you get to the airport there are newspaper type stands around with maps, guides etc. plus your car rental co. should give you a map. Once again there are only maybe 2-3 turns to get to Paia. To get right to their shop, I don%26#39;t know about that.

As far as wanting your car, if you don%26#39;t plan to be back on that part of the island during your stay you might wish to do some sightseeing up that way while you are there. Do a search of Paia as it has some interesting twists. Also it is near the airport, but it is a long way to the Sheraton. The pricing you are quoting sounds very good as I paid about $100. This doesn%26#39;t answer all your questions, but should give you some idea.