To anyone travelling the road to Hana, I would HIGHLY recommend not taking the same road back and continuing on the "scary" southeast road. That was one of my favorite parts of Maui besides Lahaina town. Some rental car companies may say your insurance is void if you take this road, but I didn't think the road was that bad-I've been on much worse. There is a serene little church in Kaupo overlooking the ocean that has its own black (with some red sand mixed in) sand beach. Absolutely gorgeous setting. I could've spent the whole day there relaxing. If you go, you SHOULD have it all to yourself. When we went, there were some people there having what I thought was a religious experience. I even have this scene as a screensaver just to remind myself to someday go there again.

I agree that doing the loop instead of turning around at Hana was great. Although the road is bad, no matter what people say. The whole car was shaking for miles!

If we ever go back, I would also try to hike Pipiwai trail. We had an easy choice when we got there, as it was also raining for us.

For those waterproof fanny packs, you can buy a good one at Snorkel Bob's for about $15.