We are going to Hawaii for our honeymoon in May, and spending 7 nights on kauai and 5 nights on Maui. In Maui we wanted to spend the entire time exploring the road to Hana and doing something OTHER than resort type vacation stuff....
We are spending the first night somewhere along Kihei/Wailea to get ourselves together (our flight comes into Kahului around 5pm)....suggestions on a great place to stay that's not too expensive - we would like to have some great drinks that night, go to the beach in the early morning, and then head up to Paia.
Then we were thinking 2 nights near north shore, 2 around the Hana town...any suggestions?
OR 1 night north shore, 2 Hana, 1 upcountry...any suggestions?
Secret places in Hana? We want to experience the rainforest, waterfalls, natural beauty of Hana....we were thinking of staying at the treehouses for one night..
Thank you so much!

My best suggestion is to buy the book "Maui Revealed". You may even be able to check it out of some libary. It has got all the information that you will need to know. Inside the book is the password to their website to read about the hotels. Good luck.

I also used the book "Maui Revealed" for my trip last month. It has very detailed info, especially for the Road to Hana. If you are really adventurous, I would suggest the Haleakala Crater loop hike. It's about 14 miles and it was DEFINATELY the highlight of my trip. You'll feel like your in a whole different world and will have the place to yourself. I met only a handful of people along the trail. There are shorter hikes that you can take if this one is too long and strenuous.

http://www.maui.cc/PaiaBay.html

This is great, very private cottage in Paia. You can walk to Charley's and the beach, and fall asleep to the sound of the surf.

on a personal note - have you been to Maui and Hana before?

yes, I have been to maui, but not Hana....and have been to kauai and oahu several times. My father is moving to Kauai in the fall.
We have decided to nix the Kihei area altogether and spend the entire time from Paia to Hana and upcountry.
2 nights Paia, 3 Hana area.
Does anyone have any feedback about the Treehouses in Hana?
Does anyone have any opinions on whether a Jeep 4WD or convertible is better for Hana? Revealed says convertible for Maui, Jeep for Kauai....
Thanks!

I admire your plan! I can only recommend Homoa Bay House and Bungalow, as exceptional a couple of years back. My most recent stay has sold, Heavenly Hana, and may not be a rental with the new owners. I haven't seen Trees but from what I've seen on the web, well it looks like fun, but you can find other options for wonderful places. Websearch! Check out Mamas Fish House for lodging.. look for David Paul's place upisland for lodging I couldn't fit into my schedule last trip, but fell in love with..hang at red sands, and venus pool...In Kauai...hang out at Hanalie Bay with the locals watching the surfers and feeling local yourself. From your original post, you have it all together. I can't get enough of Hana and Kauai's north shore....Tunnels woooohooo