HANA
Dec 4th, 2000, 04:23 PM
#21
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Thanks everyone for your replies regarding Hana. Thanks Lori for info on the trip to Hana. We are not young people, but are active. That is why the question about the road to Hana was a concern for us. Unfortunately, there are drivers everywhere who will make their own rules - we see it all the time. I think you have convinced me that to drive ourselves is a good idea. Am I right to realize that we should provide our snacks and drinks, and not rely on "roadside" stops? We did see the Haleakala sunrise - it was unforgettable. We were very cold however, but would not have missed it. Many, many thanks
Dec 5th, 2000, 08:37 AM
#22
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I would definitely not do the drive to Hana at night. We stayed at a cozy studio cottage in Huelo which is about a half hour from the airport and is on the way to Hana (35 miles from Hana). If you want info - you can e-mail me - it is the Blue Ginger Hideaway.
Either stop in town after your flight to get groceries - or get them in Paia(sp?) on the Hana Highway.
Either stop in town after your flight to get groceries - or get them in Paia(sp?) on the Hana Highway.
Dec 5th, 2000, 08:46 AM
#23
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Joy,
Never fear - we're not young kids either!! That said
we always take snacks/picnic with us on the ride to Hana. We normally rent a condo above Kaanapoli so we "shop" anyway. You can also buy food to take along in Paia, the last town before the Hana road, (also use the rest room facilities there). It's good to have water/drinks with you as well even if you plan on having lunch at the hotel in Hana, which we've done on occasion too (they have nice restrooms ... this is an issue on that long ride, believe me! -- the public stops along the road can be a bit icky if you know what I mean.)
If you do decide to drive just take it slow - let the crazies past is my motto. There are plenty of stops along the way.
I just hope if you do drive and find you are not enjoying it you don't blame me! We just like the freedom of doing it ourselves but I can understand not being comfortable with the narrow, winding road too. it's really a personal decision (frankly I found it less nerve wracking then the several times I've driven in England!!!).
Never fear - we're not young kids either!! That said
we always take snacks/picnic with us on the ride to Hana. We normally rent a condo above Kaanapoli so we "shop" anyway. You can also buy food to take along in Paia, the last town before the Hana road, (also use the rest room facilities there). It's good to have water/drinks with you as well even if you plan on having lunch at the hotel in Hana, which we've done on occasion too (they have nice restrooms ... this is an issue on that long ride, believe me! -- the public stops along the road can be a bit icky if you know what I mean.) If you do decide to drive just take it slow - let the crazies past is my motto. There are plenty of stops along the way.
I just hope if you do drive and find you are not enjoying it you don't blame me! We just like the freedom of doing it ourselves but I can understand not being comfortable with the narrow, winding road too. it's really a personal decision (frankly I found it less nerve wracking then the several times I've driven in England!!!).
Dec 18th, 2000, 10:15 AM
#24
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Hi Joy...
We traveled the road to Hana back in May and im glad we drove..and didn't take a tour bus. Although I don't know about the tour bus..we liked being in control and stopping whenever we got car sick!! There are soooo many beautiful spots to see. You can pull off..and hike to a waterfall..or just to take pictures and get some fresh air! We also hiked to a remote little waterfall..and found out it was a popular spot for nude sunbathers...so that was a treat! We were able to sit and relax on some big boulders..and take a dip in the waterfall pool. It felt like our own little private spot. Something we couldn't have done if we had taken a tour bus! so give it a thought...traveling it alone.. and taking your own sweet time. I'd plan on taking the whole day to drive to and from...get up early.. the earlier the better!! Enjoy!!!
We traveled the road to Hana back in May and im glad we drove..and didn't take a tour bus. Although I don't know about the tour bus..we liked being in control and stopping whenever we got car sick!! There are soooo many beautiful spots to see. You can pull off..and hike to a waterfall..or just to take pictures and get some fresh air! We also hiked to a remote little waterfall..and found out it was a popular spot for nude sunbathers...so that was a treat! We were able to sit and relax on some big boulders..and take a dip in the waterfall pool. It felt like our own little private spot. Something we couldn't have done if we had taken a tour bus! so give it a thought...traveling it alone.. and taking your own sweet time. I'd plan on taking the whole day to drive to and from...get up early.. the earlier the better!! Enjoy!!!
Dec 19th, 2000, 09:27 AM
#25
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Message to Joy: Sorry I'm so late in responding. I personally drove the Ford Ranger on the Road to Hana and I really don't feel I missed a thing. The driving is very slow, and if someone came up behind me, I pulled over as soon as I could to let them pass. Natives may drive a little faster, but they're very aware of the tourists. My vote for driving yourself is mostly based on the stops when and where you want. In general, the tour busses all stop at the same places, so those spots can be crowded. I do know people who insist on a bus, but it's not for me.
