The last time I was in Maui the road beyond Hana and around the island could only be travelled with a 4x4. I've heard that's no longer true. Can someone confirm this for me?

you are still not technically allowed to srive it in a rental, however, many do and have no problem. i've heard they smooth the road about once a month and it depends on what time of month you hit it. when we drove it I found it extremely bumpy and a couple areas i didn't feel real comfortable with yet the views were better on this side in my opinion.
not sure i would do the drive again though unless they paved it.

Drove to Hana and around the island in a Cavalier one month ago. Had no problem making it around. Yes it was somewhat bumpy but not impassable. Just take your time and enjoy the spectacular views.

I think the road to Hana should have its own web site. And another one for the road beyond Hana.

We drove beyond Hana to Wailea in October and did not need to engage the 4WD in our jeep. There is a section that is a dirt road and if it was raining I suspect it could get muddy and you would probably be OK with front wheel drive, but if you choose to visit some of the remote beaches (described in Maui Revealed) located off the Road to Hana (beyond Hana) I would definitely recommend 4WD jeep for increased ground clearance to avoid rocks.

I agree with what the others said. We drove the whole way in a sebring convertible in september. no problems other than an occasional bumpy patch. definitely no need for a 4x4...

how wide is the road past Hana? Just wondering going in March, 3rd time in as many years. I would like to see that side of the island, but I'm still nervous.

I went beyond Hana a couple of years ago in a convertible rental car, and had no road problems. However, the herd (if that's the right term) of horses that came onto the road and started licking people's windshields made for some interesting moments, particularly when they got to mine and I had the top down! The friend who was with me has a great photo of me doubled over laughing while a horse hovered over my head!

Cleo13: Parts of that road are not paved, though we saw tour minivans on it. A few sections have one lane wide hairpin turns perched on cliffs. You'll be fine-as long as no one is driving from the other direction. The scenery is beautiful, but the road is not.

Drove it last February in a full size Buick. The first fifteen to twenty miles are definately the worst with narrow hairpin turns. Then you settle in for a sometimes bumpy ride with great vistas and frequent ocean views. We did note some road areas that probably wash out in hard rains, however. I would not recommend making the drive with threatening skies or a forcast of rain.

Took the FULL LOOP in 2000 was merely a gravel road, with harpin turns and narrow road way. fantastic views!!!