We are leaving for Maui in 9 days (can't wait) and I have been reading Maui Revealed and would like to do the road to Hana. We are going to be there with our 5 year old daughter and was wondering if this excursion would be better left to another time (when she is older or not along for the trip) I would like to see the sights on this drive, but is it too boring for a kid?? Are the hikes, and trails to the water falls too difficult?? I know she would enjoy the spectacular view of the falls, we have several here in our mountains that we are fond of, but do you think they would be easy to see with her?? Thanks for the input!! Oh, we are renting a convertable, maybe that would make the drive easier on a kid (would be able to see out better with the top down). Happy New Year everyone!

Having traveled the road to Hana twice(two different trips) I would say it's too long for a five year old if you want to really enjoy the experience. The waterfall hikes are varied and there are even some you can see by the roadside.

But mile after mile of twisty road for a five year old soon gets old. How many variations of tropical vegatation can a five year old deal with before they get bored and grumpy. I know my kids would have gotten grumpy or else gone to sleep at that age, either way, not a pleasant experience.

Does your hotel offer a kids program she could stay at? Maybe this could be a mom and dad day.

Tons of neat activities for kids on Maui. Relax kick back and enjoy. It sounds "touristy" but do a whale watch, how many times will you have the opportunity to see whales in their natural enviroment and you will probably see dolphins along the way.

Have a great time.

It's not a great choice for kids. Two of mine went right to sleep in the car, which meant we couldn't do the hiking in to the falls. We wound up wasting a lot of time looking for a bathroom, and turning back early. Also, if your daughter is at all prone to carsickness, the constant twisty turns in the road will bring on an upset stomach.

My children are road-trip experts so they enjoyed the road to Hana. The tour CD/Cassette is a little silly and has some fun music included. My kids like waterfalls and they were delighted by the mongooses at the one stop. We just took it slow and stress free and didn't try to do it in one day. You know your child and can best judge.

Only you know your daughter and of she would like this trip. Does she get carsick? That would be a deal breaker

When my daughter was five she would have been thirlled by everything until she fell asleep, which she still does on any drive more than 45 mintues long. Maybe you can drive a portion of the Hana Highway--to Keanae perhaps. There will be many things to see along the way, with many waterfalls along the roadway. You can make a stop at Ho`okipa, see pineapple fields around Pauwela, stop at the Twin Falls fruit stand and buy some fruit and a coconut purse for her, take in some of the rain forest, maybe stop at the Garden of Eden botanical garden or the Keanae Arboretum, see the taro fields and amazing views at Keanae. She can look for flowers, mongoose and birds on the drive. You could continue on as long as she seems to be holding out, then you can break up the return by stopping for a picnic and to play. By this time she my be ready for a nap while you drive back.

But many people do this drive with younger children. I see with small children who are having a lot of fun and interested in everything, and I see them with whining cranky miserable kids. You know your daughter, and if you follow her lead you can both a wonderful time.

I live in Wales where roads like the Hana Highway are fairly common.Even I was surprised then when I travelled back from Hana in the rear of our car and found myself getting queasy.
Its easy to answer this question if you've not sat in the rear and take it as read that that those in the back will either react as they normally do(on better roads) or as those in the front have done.