I love the lush jungle in Hana & all the waterfalls , but I'm afraid we will have to rush around all day & not have time to sneek off into the woods for some Adult R&R or just relax & enjoy parental freedom~!!!
I'v heard so many different times about how long it takes to drive to Hana From Lahaina,
Adding in alot of stops do you think it would take all day + ? & If I got a compact car for 5 days & a Jeep for the trip to Hana Would that like screw up my vacation price?
one more question? If you never planed a vacation before (like me)would you go to a travel agent or just do it on the enternet for less? What Should I do? play it safe ? or ????? & who would you trust to get you what you wont & payed for, when your not sure what your doing? LOL I want this to be the best thing that anyone has ever done for my hubby (Ed) But Im nervous about spending $3000.00 of his money (I'm a stay at home mom)But God know's he deserves it!!!!!!!Working for the post office in Hell,sleat,rain or snow ect... hardly anyone say's thanks or really aprciates what the mail man does for folks on his rought. BTW if u didn't know the mail carrier takes tips just like the pizza dilevery person does
There I Go agin Bla Bla Bla
Its 3:15 am & I'm to excited about a trip to Hawaii to sleep right now TTYL GinnyG

Hey GinnyG,

Read the "Road to Hana: In a day or stay" post I started when I was planning my honeymoon. I topped it for you.

It should provide you some useful information.

GinnyG....several thoughts

The road to Hana is windy, but does not warrant a JEEP....slow, easy and enjoy.

Yes...If you can find lodging that fits into your plan a couple days to Hana is great.....here is the main reason...traffic......most people take off in the AM and return in the PM...and yes the road is busy. However if you leave in the PM, stay the night or two and leave (return) in the AM, you are missing the horde of cars. (Did this last year)

If you feel comfortable, plan your own. Some of the deals from travel agents are pretty good, but usually structured...do they fit you?

I use Robets Hawaii to book my rooms, cars, inter-island flights. (about $100 day for room and compact car.
www.RobertsOvernighter.comm

Hawaii is great!!!

Tips for the mailman ? Yeah sure why not? They deserve a tip just as much as your lawyer, accountant, bus driver, or department store salesperson.

Ginny, to answer your question about using a travel agent versus doing it yourself: If as you say you have never planned a vacation before, I would recommend you shop around for a travel agent with experience in Hawai'i. Do your own internet and guidebook research to determine where exactly you want to go, then have the agent arrange it for you. Then if you run into problems the agent can help you straighten it out.

Don't assume that using a travel agent would cost more, the internet is not always the cheapest for packages. Hawaii is a huge package tourist destination, and great deals can be had getting packages through agents, discounts on air, hotel, and car. And most agents don't charge fees for packages.

Thank you all sooooo much I booked a trip to maui & 1 night in Hana with AAA Travel They got me a great deal & no more worry's ps. I'm going for the jeep I just think it will be more fun LOL, Thanks again wish me luck
GinnyG