Hi all,

My husband and I are going to Maui for our first anniversary. I wanted this trip to be totally relaxing and romantic. We are staying five days in Wailea at a resort. After that we thought we would use our remaining two nights in Hana. I thought it would be a totally relaxing place before we fly back to the real world. Is this too much time there? Has anyone gone horseback riding over there? Also, can anyone recommened any good places to stay there?

Thanks in advance!
BooBoo

I think that two nights is much better than one since it can be an all day trip to get there and back. I think its the Hana Maui Hotel that has individual cottages near the ocean for a most romantic time. There are beautiful beaches and waterfalls to explore in Hana.

I don't think two nights necessarily are enough! Last trip we spent two nights at the Hotel Hana Maui, loved it, and for our next trip we are planning on four nights. It was a most relaxing, serene place, yet there was so much to explore in the area. If you wish to stay at the Hotel Hana Maui, call the hotel directly, you can often negotiate room rates. As for horseback riding, we made arrangements through the hotel. The ride was quite nice. A guide brings you out, but you can control your pace; the guide rides along with you to direct you, but does not lead you, so there is an ability to really ride.

My husband and I stayed in Hana for three days and then went to Wailea for 7 days. I must say that the first three days were the most relaxing. I loved it there! We didn't stay in Hotel Hana, although we did eat breakfast there every morning. It seemed really nice. We stayed in Hana Hale Malamalama www.hanahale.com
The cottages and the grounds are beautiful, but it is for the self catering crowd...and Hana doesn't have a McDonald's. As for the horseback riding, I haven't been, but your hotel will have a list of any activities going on there.

we went on a great horseback ride 2 years ago and can't wait to go again this year. we went on the Mendez Ranch. it is an actual working ranch and the horses are working horses. it is NOT your typical "head to tail" ride. the horses were great for beginner to advanced rider. the cowboys were very knowledgeable and fun guides. you could canter in places, if you wished. we went through rain forest and by the shore. WONDERFUL Experience

Don't even CONSIDER Hawaii. There are too many travel agents going there to spend their first anniversaries. It'll be hell !!!

Hana is great - the whole coastline area offers way more excitng adventures and beautiful land/seacapes to enjoy than you could possibly cram into two days - stay a whole week! Check out the book Maui Revealed - it'll let you know what all you can choose from in your limited two days.

Hey Boo Boo,

We traveled the road to Hana. I never wanna do it again. Being brave enough to travel the road, you should stay at least two days. The first time ever that I have been car sick was on this road. I believe the road should be called the "Road to Hell"! It has over 600 curves and you'll feel every one of em'! No kidding! Take it very slow, enjoy the sites. Do not be in a hurry to get there. Once you are there, you will love it. Have Fun!

Roger

Maybe the road to Hana use to be tough, but unless you get car sick, or are not used to moutain driving, its not so bad. There are many worse roads in California. But yes I agree 2 days would be better than 1. Staying in Hana is great. We stayed there 3 days. We had the pools to ourselves in the morning and left just as the crowds were getting there.
We put hana at the end of our trip, which was a great way to relax. The only problem was it was a little stressful being that far away from the aiport on the day we had to leave.

Have a nice trip.
Tim

We spent 4 nights at the Hotel Hana and absolutely loved it. It was the most relaxing time of our lives. Definitely get the ocean cottages with the jacuzzi on the balcony. The garden suites would be very disappointing. You can't see the ocean and there isn't much "garden". If we had to do it again, we would have flown to the Hana airport and not rented a car. The road to Hana isn't that bad, but would be way too hard to drive back for 4 hours to the airport. The hotel has lots of excursions (do the Blue Pool). We were disappointed with the food for breakfast and lunch at the Ranch restaurant so we stocked up at Hasigowa's (sp?) general store and put the food in our fridge. We also picked up apple-bananas a local stand.

Hana is beautiful beyond compare. We spent one night (before our flight home) in Kaanapali and we were shocked at the difference. Hana is quiet and "Hawaiian" - Kaanapali was like Florida but with about a thousand screaming kids running around.

I can't imagine anyone under 60 enjoying a stay in Hana or having any difficulty driving the Road to Hana.