For here_today_gone2Maui....
 

Hi,

I have been reading several of your posts and I see that you have been a big help with others regarding your beautiful island, so... I was hoping perhaps you could advise me as well.

Hubby and I will be there next month for his annual company trip, and will be spending all but two nights at the Ritz Carlton. The night that we arrive, I booked the Pioneer Inn for cost effectiveness, since our additional nights aren't paid for by the company. Since we will probably be spending the majority of our time on that end of the island during the week, I'd like to spend our last 2 days/1night on the eastern side of the island.

I can't decide whether to stay in Wailea and drive counter-clockwise to Hana, or try to get a north shore accomodation for one night... it seems that everyone is booked this time of year. Also, do you think that the Hotel Hana Maui would be worth the $400 for one night? (Again, would rather spend the money elsewhere unless the place is an experience in itself) I'd really like to take my time on that side of the island, perhaps even drive upcountry.

Sorry for so many questions in one post... I just wish that I had more time on that side of the island to squeeze everything in. It's hard to decide what's most important!

Thanks in advance for any advice you can give. :)

Kristin

We stayed two nights in Hana in July 2003 and loved it. We stayed in the Bamboo Inn Villa building at the Hana Hale Malamalama (www.hanahale.com). They have a jungley property on Hana Bay that is dotted with a variety of unique structures ranging in price from around $125 to $250 a night. It's a very cool place. You can read about the hotel and our adventures all along the Hana Highway in my very detailed trip report here: http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34436140

If you really want to explore and soak it all in, you really need to stay a night or two. I check the Malamalama website and they do have availability in February. The owner's a funny guy and the property is wonderfully serene, with the sounds of the waves raking over the pebbles at Hana Bay.

Why would you want to drive to Hana counterclockwise?

Let me know if you have any specific questions!

love
roxy

Thanks Roxy!

I'll start with the reason for driving counter-clockwise: less traffic. We did the drive 2 1/2 years ago and found it bumpy, but highly preferable to being in a long string of cars!

Thanks for the hotel recommendation... I hadn't seen that one yet! I think that I'm going to wait until our trip gets a little closer before trying to book, so that I might be able to take advantage of any cancellations or one-night "holes" in the calendar.

I feel pretty strongly that we should stay in Hana for that last night, I'm just having trouble with the cost. 8-(

Thanks again for your help!

Kristin

You cannot drive to Hana counter clockwise from Wailea. The roads do not go all the way through.

I see we posted at the same time and you have already driven counter clockwise! I have been told many times that you couldn't drive all the way - I guess that is why it was so bumpy!

You cannot proceed east from Wailea and reach Hana by road. You drive north towards the airport then sharply down south 37 (Haleakala Hwy) to 31 east through the upcountry. Upside: usually less traffic. The downside: you're on the outside of a narrow road at times perched on a cliff and if you meet a car coming from opposite direction on a narrow cliff hugging passage, you get to back up.

I just got back from east Maui. The roads from Kaupo to Ulapalakua are a mess from the winter weather. Lot's of mud and rocks.

The drive to Hana town is pretty much the same from either direction--3 hours-- but do be aware of weather conditions in March. It might be sunny and clear when you start out, but flooded beyond Kaupo. Road closures at Kipahulu during heavy rains are not uncommon in March, and you have to be careful of loose gravel, falling rocks, etc. And yes, you will be on the pali side of the road and it casn get hairy when you come face-to-face with another driver, expecially locals in big trucks travelling along lickety-splickety.

I personally would not do one night at the Hana Hotel, since you'd essentially be paying the big bucks to crash there. I love the hotel, but only if I can stay for at least two nights to really enjoy it. For me, I'd rather spend the $$ on something else. I hate to spend money on luxe accommodations if I can't spend sufficient time at the resort to get my money's worth out of it, but this is just me. YMMV, of course.

There are a lot of vacation rentals in Hana, but finding a single night in March may take some work. But you might get lucky and find a place with an open night at either end of an exisiting reservation.

If you are thinking about doing upcountry or the north shore, you might be able to find a sweet little cottage or B&B. Again, the single night can be harder to find. You can contact Margit at Ho`okipa Haven in Pa`ia 808-579-8282 ; [email protected] She might be able to find you something on the north shore or upcountry.

Thanks! I have to say that I agree about the $$$ thing... I keep going back to my original plan of staying in Wailea, perhaps doing the upcountry one day and Hana the day we leave. (Our flight doesn't leave until 10p.m.) It's going to be a lot of driving for sure, but at least it's a beautiful drive. :)

Thanks also for the info about the roads. Last time we were there in May so the weather hadn't been an issue. I'll definitely check before we head that way.

Have a great weekend... and thanks a bunch! :)