We just got back from Maui and Kauai and spent two nights in Hana. The road is nothing to write home about, but there were two things that stuck out as the highlights on Maui. One is Venus Pool. It's about 3 miles past Hana right before a bridge at mile marker 7 or 8, I forget. Ask a local. It's very secluded, we were by ourselves, and the scenery is unreal. The other highlight was driving all the way around the other side. I was very hesitant but, thankfully, my wife is adventurous. We had a convertible and made it fine. There are parts where the road isn't paved, but those parts are actually better than others where the road is so bumpy you can't go over 10 MPH. If you don't drive all the way around you're cheating yourself.

stay at the hotel hana maui for sure! if you're only going to be there for one night or so, it won't break your bank and will be a memorable experience! the staff and atmosphere is exquisite! and don't forget to stop by hasegawa's general store! :)

What's the average speed?<BR><BR>thanks.

<BR>What is the speed? S L O W :-)<BR><BR>With something like 600 curves, you'll have to allocate most of the day to get from the airport to Hana and back. We did stop for lunch, visited the Garden of Eden, and the beach at Wai'anapanapa Park but it pretty much an all day affair.<BR><BR>Mike Honeycutt

Whether or not you enjoy the road to Hana depends on what you enjoy doing on vacation: if you love restaurants, an active nightlife and lots of people you will probably have more fun in Kaanapali. We came to Maui after a week of serenity on the north shore of Kauai and were initially jarred by the traffic, crowds and commercialism. Our road trip to Hana and two night stay there was heaven. We could have stayed longer, yet I have read postings from people who were bored. <BR><BR>The driving speed on the road to Hana is very slow, and in general drivers are very courteous, so it was not scary for me at all. We had driven the road up Haleakala for sunset the day before in the mist and rain and I was much more nervous doing that (it was really worth it though!) <BR><BR>We did our whole vacation in a convertible and didn't encounter any problems. The Camaro and Firebird are low to the ground and sometimes the front scrapes, but you just have to take it slow (Sebrings are better). I was glad to have the convertible because the top is so easy to put up and down in case of small showers, etc. <BR><BR>I wore Teva sandals every day and they took me everywhere, hiking, in the water, on my daily morning walks. Brought my athletic shoes, but never wore them. The suggestion to bring a cooler is a good idea, since there is no good place to eat on the road or in Hana. We got gas in Paia and picked up some good sandwiches right next to the gas station. In Hana Bay, we made the mistake of eating at Tutu's. Let's just say, one of the least memorable dining experiences of my life. Maui Revealed, under best food for this area says, "I don't know...what did you bring with you?" I agree with that, although we have a nice Thursday night luau buffet at the Hotel Hana-Maui. Beautiful setting, enchanting keiki hula review, as Joan said. <BR><BR>Agree with bluefan, Nahiku road to the end is beautiful, but we would not attempt this road in a non-4 wheel drive if it has been raining. Very steep up and down and a couple of times our car almost didn't make it. <BR><BR>My favorite spots were the blue pool, Hamoa Beach and Koki Beach.