Road to hana HELP!!
 

Can anyone tell me how long of a hike it is to the 7 sacred pools and the red sand beach? <BR>Are they must do's? <BR>Thanks for your help.

The l-o-n-g and w-i-n-d-i-n-g rode. Love it the first time, have a hard time holding onto my lunch each additional time. I would certainly do it once but not without a tape guide that tells you where to get out for brief walks in the woods (available at any dive shop in Lahaina). You can see large tropical flowers, bamboo and other stuff that you won't see at home. I would also take (the car even though the rental companies tell you not to) down the back of Haleackela (sp). Some of this stuff you have to push yourself to do once you do it you are happy you did. This is one of those things. If you are there for under a week not sure I would do it, less is more in that scenario.

that is road

You can park very near the base of the pools. Don't let a crowded parking area throw you off. It is lots of fun to swim there and there is room for everybody. <BR>It is about a 5 minute hike to the red sand beach, once you find the trail. We did not have to go over any fences but did have to go around a fence. The signs tell you to go away but don't worry about them. If you have the directions from the frommers guide you can find the trail. It is a little slippery because of the loose dirt and cinders. We loved it there. I would definitely recommend it to others. There was only a handful of others there. I wished I had taken my snorkel mask because I could see some nice colorful fish in the water. Be prepared for folks in the buff.

The hike up to the top takes about 1 1/2 hours. It's pretty going through the bamboo forest and once your get there the waterfall is unbelievable. You see a bunch of waterfalls on the way up so if you enjoy that type of thing it is a must do.

The drive to Hana itself is worth the time. We were there in October and the guava were falling off the trees onto the road, I still remember the wonderful smell. Stop along the way at the missionary area, etc. The hike wasn't bad, I'm not an hiker by any standard. Plan to be gone an entire day.