Is anyone familiar with Bamboo Inn on Hana Bay? It seems to have mostly good reviews. It looks like Travaasa is undergoing renovations in August, not really what we want in terms of relaxing, plus so, so expensive.

We are looking for 2 nights in August, either at the end or beginning of a one week trip. Hana has been on my bucket list forever!

Second question - is 2 days enough, or should we go for 3?

There are several ways to spend time nearby; Hamoa Beach, Oheo gulch ("sacred pools"), the state park with the black sand (ther's a red sand beach near Hana, but can't remember the name), not to mention the drive past the gulch around the back of Haleakala for stunning scenery, Lindbergh's grave (at Palapala Hoʻomau church; other churches in the area are pretty).
I'd go 3 days, if I could, and spend the mornings doing, and the afternoons/evenings relaxing.

sylvia, that's what I'm thinking. I love all the history around there.

Any hotel experience to share?

Given the choice, I'd prefer a private rental with kitchen and 3 nights, although we could only manage 2 nights last month - our 4th stay in Hana. But no, I am not familiar with Bamboo Inn, but a great location. All those people who say it is about the Road and not the destination have no idea the joy of staying in Hana.

Waianapanapa (the black sand beach state park)

I think if we were staying longer, a private rental would be good. But I don't relish the thought of having to shop for supplies for just a few days. Although, I guess if we go at the end of our trip, we would already have enough basics with us.

sf7307, I am not sure what you are saying? Is there a hotel at Waianapanapa?

What is the difference in staying at a B&B or hotel and having a private rental as far as provisioning? The park does have cabins. Though I have a feeling they wouldn't be your style.

I'm curious what you think our style is...

But to answer your question, I really don't know. Mr. Kat isn't a fan of the B&B except in very certain circumstances, like a private entrance and places to eat close by. We stayed at one in Normandy where we ate dinner with the hosts and it was very awkward. We stayed at one in Mendocino that had a lovely breakfast in the main house and other than that, we could come and go as we pleased and it was perfect!

This is all coming up pretty fast and I know we need to book soon, which is why I'm trying to figure things out as much as possible.

Cabins might be very cool, as long as they have private bathrooms! That is a requirement for sure!

On a driveby last month they seemed very rustic - the polar opposite of Hotel Hana/Travassa and even the inn you are considering. Not meant to assume your style. Mea Culpa.

Make sure to put Shaka Pops in your file! Pricey, yes, but half the price of an adult beverage. Great Gal sets up at Hana Ranch Store entrance.

http://shakapopsmaui.com

No worries! I'm not even sure what our style is! I just know that I have wanted to stay in Hana since I was young. We first made the drive when I was ten, and I have loved it every time since, except I hate just turing around at the end.

The last time we were in Maui we did the drive completely around the island. I love it!

Is there any sort of working dude ranch type place on Maui? That would also be a dream come true. I see that Ulupakalua is still a working ranch, but I don't see that you can stay there.

And those pops look wonderful! We will definitely put that on our list of must-do's!

Cat, I was referring to the "state park with the black sand" that Sylvia mentioned.

Oh! Gotcha!

Thank you!

My head is sort of spinning. We hadn't even really considered a honeymoon and then a week in Maui became available for a great price and now I'm trying to figure else I would love to do while we are there.

I'm torn between Hana and Upcountry/Kula area.

Either one would be awesome. Can't you do half-and-half?

Trying to figure that out as I type!

We returned last week from a Hawaii trip that included two nights in Hana. It was our first time in Maui and the road to Hana looked great but we knew we'd never get out early enough with our two young daughters to properly do a RT in a day so we decided to stay over.

For us, Hana was by far the best part of Maui and we were thrilled we stayed over night. So good decision to stay there!

We stayed in the Hana Kai Maui (http://www.hanakaimaui.com/) and we all liked it. Nice condo, very well appointed, beautiful view. I liked that we could walk over to Hana Bay for a swim. There is a small but comfortable and modern kitchen (at least in our unit, I think they are all different) with enough kitchen supplies to cook.

We enjoyed going to the Haleakala park for the short hike to the waterfall as well as the botanical gardens that are on the way back towards the airport but very near Hana. They are very beautiful and we nearly had the place to ourselves.

Waianapanapa is gorgeous. The kids loved the cave you can go in right on the beach and talked about that adventure for days. Have fun!