Nancy03

We want to spend 4-5 nights in Wailea and 2 nights at Hana Maui. In which order should we do these? Is it better to fly in and go to Hana or stay there last and fly out in the afternoon?

bluefan

Depends on your arrival time and expected energy level. If I arrived late in the afternoon drained from a long flight, I wouldn't want to drive the Road to Hana (2+ hours going against the flow of day-trippers, having to wait at all those one-lane bridges to let them pass). Probably wouldn't take in any sites along the way either and just feel like rushing to the hotel.

Although it's a great idea to unwind in and around the sedate town of Hana during the first few days or in the middle of your stay, oftentimes logistics tend to push a stay at Hana to the last few nights, which is quite alright. It's still much better than doing it as a daytrip!

One advice if you stay in Hana last, don't plan any major sightseeing/hiking on your departure date. Be mindful of your luggage as their has been instances of theft along the Road. Take some precautions but don't get paranoid over it.

Hope this helps!!!

Doug

For all the same reasons as bluefan mentioned, would definitely recommend the end or even the middle of your stay. Stayed 5 nites at the 4S this past February and tried to get a nite in Hana somewhere in the middle but didn't work out logistically. Staying over allows you to break up the Road so you don't have to rush through as we did (and we left before 7 in the morning).

Just keep in mind that there's not much to do in Hana itself; hence I personally wouldn't stay for more than one nite, unless you're looking for extreme peace and tranquility which IS Hana.

sail10

I second stay one night in hana. And go to Wailea first to wind down relax and get ready for hana experience. Also if you plan on going all the way arround ( and i did and it was great ) there will be some driving to get back to the airport so i second bluefan on hiking second day and carefull of your baggage. nick

bquarre

I would end the trip in Hana. I personally love the Hana area and would stay at least two nights. I have spent a whole week there and it was fabulous... hiked in the mornings and then spent the afternoons at Hamoa Beach chilling out. The Hotel Hana Maui is once again a world class property and the sea front cottages are worth the $$$.