We want to plan a day to go to Hana and want time to stop along the way - swimming, picnicking, etc. What time should a person leave Kihei to spend a nice, leisurely day and still have time to enjoy the Olivine Pools, Hana, and viewing the different sites on the road.

I don't think you have to leave at 7am (at least I wouldn't) but how about by 9? The earlier you leave, the more time you'll have en route to relax.

Also keep in mind that the last hour of your return trip could be done after dark if you are coming back the same way, as you will be going through Kahului and up to Kihei. It you are going all the way around, try to do it all in daylight.

Leave at daylight. Kihei to Hana and its environs is a full day if you want to make stops, and you should stop. And worth it. By the way, the Olivine pools are not on a direct route from Kihei to Hana. They're in the northwest and Hana is in the east. There are pools along your route, including the Blue Pool, a trip which stirs almost as much controversy as swimming with dolphin programs. Make the full circle coming back. The views are astounding.

We left our hotel at 6:45 am (in Wailea).

Baddeck? Canadian eh? (east coast right?)

We are Western Canadians and we visited the Maritimes last yr- fell in love with all of Cape Breton Island! Whale watching is beautiful there, sailing wonderful and Baddeck has the Alexander Graham Bell museum which was wonderful- try a vacation there some time