Road to Hana/Volcano same day?
 

Is it possible to see the sunrise on the volcano and travel down to Hana and do the reverse drive back to Kaanapali in one day without killing yourself?

It's possible--a couple of friends did it--but why? Take your time and enjoy both trips. A good suggestion I heard but didn't do, was to do the sunrise at Haleakala the first morning after you arrive. We are early risers anyway and are usually awake our first morning about 3 a.m. (still on West Coast time).

They sell shirts in Hana which say "I survived the road to Hana". <BR>While the drive is absolutely beautiful and I love driving tours on vacation, it is very slow going due to the switchbacks and such. I found it very draining. Of course it is physically possible to do the bike ride and Hana in one day, but I wouldn't be able to enjoy the Hana trip. On the map it doesn't look like much. Don't be fooled.

We just got back from our honeymoon and we struggled whether or not to take the road to Hana. We heard such mixed opinions from everyone. In the end, we decided to go cuz we wanted to explore everything. I think its better to do the 2 trips separately. Also space it apart so you don't do 2 long drives back to back. We did Haleakala like on a Wed and did the Hana on a Sat. Do the road to Hana on the weekend when there is no road construction otherwise the road is closed from 6-8:30am and then 11am-3pm during the week. The drive there, you will stop at waterfalls and scenic views along the road, then you need to go past Hana to the sacred pools and then its time to head back. I think its the drive back that is long and tiring! The whole day is really about driving. One advice, before you go, get your gas filled near town (otherwise its more expensive in Paia), but then stop at Picnics on Baldwin Ave at Paia and ask for a picnic basket. They pack it all up for you and its convenient and delicious!! <BR> <BR>We didn't see the sunrise at Haleakala...We went around noon, but I guess it was cloudy most of the day. There were periods when it would clear up for a few seconds but then it would fog up again. We did do the sliding sands trail and that was neat. But be careful, going down is easy but it sure is a long way going back up. <BR> <BR>Have a great trip!

We stayed at Kihei about 13 years ago. We did do both in one day. I think we left about 8:00 a.m. to start out. I would advise not doing it in one day. If that is all the time you have, go ahead, but we didn't have any time to really enjoy Hana much after arriving there. We also came back at a pretty fast pace, so we could get off the Hana road before dark.

I agree with the early message... you can do both, but why? <BR> <BR>Our drives (3) on the Road to Hana were taken with the goal that we would stop at each bridge, walk to the upstream pool and swim to the waterfall. This makes the trip a delight, but of course extends the jourey. But remember as said by the sage, it is the journey that counts, not the destination. <BR> <BR>As for Haleakala, I highly recommend the Bike trek down the volcano... this is easily the high point of our several Maui visits. 38 miles... all downhill. What a thrill!

The purpose of both rides is to slowly enjoy the scenery along the way. So spread them out on different days and take your time. <BR> <BR>LOTS more info about Maui restaurants, hotels, activities, sights, etc, at this web site: <BR>http://www.mauihawaii.org <BR>(note it ends in org, not com) <BR>Jon <BR>

Aloha Rich, <BR> We've done exactly the trip you described. We must have been crazy. We were exausted afterwards. Driving the back side of the Hana Hwy. after dark is no picnic. Please take each of these trips on seperate days so you can throughly enjoy the beauty of them in there own right. I assume after all this is a vacation for you and not an endurance test! Have a great trip!