Fodor's Travel Talk Forums - Hawaii - First Time

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Not sure if you are still considering spending a night out in Hana - but we did and loved it. The drive from the airport is around 600 curves, which didn't bother us - and we liked to stop occasionally - for a snack - little walk to the water, whatnot. As for how long - it all depends on how you drive - but suggest you put the lights on as that helps letting people coming the other way know you might be around a blind curve.

There were 4 of us in a VW bug/convertible - with luggage - and we even picked up a hitchhiker - part way there - who gave us some good tips. She was from NY- and said in Hana there are only two types of residents (way back in '77 this was) - either wealthy and or visitors/ - or the locals on welfare, still living the good life. :)

BTW - also pick up the local tourist maps at the airport - as they not only have good maps, but discount coupons and ideas of things to do.

Aloha (which also can mean good-bye. :)

jeremy001 and Tomsd,

Thanks for the replies. We have finally made all our plans and are booked for 4 nights in Hilo, 7 nights in Kona on the Big Island and 8 nights in Kihei on Maui...all with ocean front views! One hop is all I'm getting out of my DH! ;)

We will definitely do the Road to Hana. It was one of my main draws to Maui. Whether we go all the way around or not remains to be determined. We had considered spending the night in Hana but we don't land till 2:00 PM on the day we arrive and didn't want to have to rush their. Didn't want to spend the last night there either, so it's a day trip.

Utahtea

I just want to add that Oahu is much, much more than "just a big city." Honolulu is the city; the rest of the island is as much paradise as any of the others.

Good luck on your adventures, and you are right, the planning is half the fun ...

I check the Maui Revealed out from my library to see how I liked it. I enjoyed it so much that I have ordered both the Maui and the Big Island books. The books are much more entertaining than the usual dry travel books!

Utahtea