Of course, my travel style may be different that others. After enjoying the Hyatt we drug ourselves all the way to the Maui Prince :-). We balanced out little trips out and around the island with lazy days by the pool at the Hyatt and on the beach at the Prince. I enjoyed the Road to Hana very much. My friend hated it. It was a very long day, but we were on Maui for about 10 days that trip so in the scheme of things, it worked out. On a short "weekend" trip, I would vote not to do the road to Hana. The reference to Kauai is because that island offers some of the lushness that they would see on the way to Hana - and are less likely to see on the BI. One of my favorite memories of the trip was stopping and walking around one of the tiny schools. I have great photos from there - some of my favorite photos on the trip. When I go back to the islands, Maui is on the bottom of my list but one day I may do the road to Hana again. It reminded me of a day spent with a local exploring St. Lucia. But, would I do it on a "short weekend visit" to Maui the first time I went to Maui? No. Definitely no for me. The good thing is the OP can read lots of opinions and make their own decision, isn't it?

Aloha eczook..
Being in Maui for only 4 days, I would say no because it really takes a whole day..when you look on a map, you can't believe that its an all day event..
Maybe next trip to Maui.
Have a great time..the islands are beautiful!

Hi - this is just my additional 2 cents...
Unless you really enjoy driving ALL day I would skip the Road to Hana ALTHOUGH it IS a beautiful drive. BUT in that short amount of time spent on the island you can get in many other sights/activities with less driving. Please trust everyone that says this is an ALL DAY event. If you do a search you will find some threads on Maui trips. I looked up my last Maui trip and here's what that day went like:
7am - leave Kapalua area in car
11am - get to Haleakala Park (near 7 Pools/Oheo Gulch) and hike Pipiwai Trail
1:30pm - get back in car to drive around mountains (I am not sure if this part of road will be open yet)
4pm - return to Kapalua
Please note that this trip was accomplished with NO other stops on Hana Road (since we have done this drive twice on past trips) and with a pretty fast-paced driver. Otherwise you will be on the road a LOT longer to see the various waterfalls, maybe take side road to Blue Pool, see other sights, take photos, etc. I hope this helps your decision.

BTW - you are going to love Kaanapali Beach. It's usually beautifully sunny and swimmable there.

I forgot to mention that Kapalua is about 20 minutes farther up the road from Kaanapali (without traffic).

I've done the Road to Hana a few times (just have to declare my level of experience so I don't get flamed like Starrsville did).

IMHO, I much prefer the western loop around the West Maui mountains. It is a much easier drive with gorgeous sweeping views, many fewer cars crawling along, and it didn't take the entire day- just a few hours.

I actually also enjoy driving up Haleakala and experiencing the different ecosystem, flora, and cooler weather upcountry (again, I also love the sweeping views!)

Not worth it. It takes ALL DAY. It is very winding and nauseating with all the twists and turns. There are no rest stops that are clean and there are much more beautiful drives on Maui.

Our biggest disapointment was once we got to Hana after driving all day there was nothing there!!

Thank you, thank you, thank you to the Hana naysayers! Those of us that love Hana and "get it" love you and thank you for your discouraging words!

Fewer people = more paradise.

Keep up the good work! =D>

With just 3 nights, I would say no. ITA with starrsville. That's one very long day coming from Kannapali. Next time have 5 nights or more on Maui, and go to Hana then.

Our last two trips to Maui, we stayed near Mama's Fish House (in Haiku). That's a much easier spot to visit both Hana and Haleakala from. I would suggest that area for future visits, or spending a couple of nights in Hana.

Hi eczook

I have done the road to Hana and beyond twice. My vote is to skip it, unless you have late (9pm+) flight and do it before you leave. Maui has the best beaches. Spend the days on the beach.

Have Fun
GP

eczook,
I reread you orginal post and noticed that you are staying at KBH. You chose well! It has the best location of any of the hotels in the area. The beachfront there is the best for swimming and the snorkeling at Black Rock is just a short walk away.

And in repsonse to the question, consider driving some of the Road to Hana but not the entire thing. Personally I got a little tired of the drive becauase though it is beautiful, it is quite long. My favorite part was near the beginning. Dh and I got out to hike, got off the beaten path, and found ourselves at a gorgeous waterfall all alone. We went for a swim and it was really wonderful. You can experience the Road without driving all the way to Hana.

I like snowrooster's idea!

be careful about swimming in the pools with the waterfalls. you could get leptospirosis from the wild pig's urinating in the water upstream. if you have open cuts, stay out of the water.

"Our biggest disapointment . . . . there was nothing there!!"

Interesting. Not sure what was expected??

I'm from Maui, and I always find endless beauty everytime I visit Hana. The drive FILLED with gorgeous waterfalls, pools, plant-life, honor-system flowers and fruits . . .just a feast for your senses. Get up extra early. Buy some fresh Banana bread from the roadside stand along the way (can't miss it). Drive it for as long as you feel comfortable and turn around if you want - there a few spots to do that. If you're a laid-back person who appreciates the "nothingness" of tropical island nature - go.

If you come back early enough, hopefully it will be a windy day and you can stop at Hookipa to watch the windsurfers, and then take a stroll through Paia town. If you're there at dinner, grab some fish tacos from Picnics! There's also Mama's Fish House, but I'd say save it for another evening when you can go better dressed;-)

Whatever you do - have a great great time. Hawaii no ka oi.

Aloha!

I totally agree! Hana is amazing. If you're disappointed, you must be blind, have no sense of smell, and not be able to feel the warm breezes. The road to Hana is one of the best parts of Maui if done right. I found some great tips that I follow everytime I go to Hana. Check out www.mauiinformationguide.com/road-to-hana.php for tips, do's and do not's. Do Hana, but do it right, and don't rush.

My niece and nephew did the Road to Hanna (Heaven) and decided to buy a house there. They are selling some property back home and moving with their children. The people that are selling the house are moving back to the states to be with their children.

I must point out that while my nephew was in Jamaica he had a dream about Hawaii and dreamed of some things (with the mile marker on the road). When they went there they found the mile marker, and other things that were in his dreams and fell totally in love with the place.

They can't wait to get back.