Does anyone have any experience for the driving trip on the Road to Hana? We have heard differing experiences of the drive to be either, pleasant, terrifying, scenic, frightening. Does anyone have any driving tips for this drive? Should we do this drive ourselves, or is it safer to do a tour?

My husband and I along with four others drove the Road to Hana two years ago and loved it (we rented jeeps). It was very beautiful. You have to go with the understanding that it is a "slow" trip, i.e., the roads and so forth. We're very glad we made the trip, but you'll need to plan a whole day because it is a long drive, but, in my opinion, worth it. Can't give you any info on the tours. Whatever you decide, enjoy!

I don't think a tour is necessary, but you may want to consider purchasing an audio tape that you can play while you drive. It tells you exactly where to stop to see the sights. There is a gas station on the way that sells the tapes and they also loan you a cooler with bottled water for the trip. The tape points out a lot of sites that you may have missed otherwise. Very worthwhile.

My husband and I honeymooned in Maui last year and we both agree that the Road to Hana was the best day we spent there. You can definitely do the driving yourself, we had a jeep which I recommend, but there were all kinds of cars on the road. As someone mentioned, you should buy a tape to help guide you. There is a Shell Station just as you get ready to start the trip. You can buy a tape and map there for $20. When we were there, you could also get a cooler and bottled water when you bought the tape. The station convenience store has a deli that makes delicious sandwiches. We bought lunch there and ended up eating it when we arrived in Hana, picnic style. It is such a beautiful trip. I'm sure you'll enjoy it. I wish that we could do it again. Enjoy.

Check with your hotel to see if they have a tape library - our hotel had a tape that they loaned us. We stopped at a place called Picnics in a small town on the way - they have box lunches that are very nice. The drive is very scenic and beautiful, but can be a bit frightening at times if you're afraid of heights (especially on the return trip). And remember that there's not a whole lot in Hana, so it's the trip itself that's the adventure. Enjoy!

Just returned from Maui. We took the Temptation Van tour in combination with Blue Hawaiian helicopter tour. I think the having someone else dive us was well worth the money. That way my husband and I could both enjoy the trip. There's not many places to stop along the way and look and our guide was excellent (Jeff) He was born there and know much more than a tape could tell you. We were pampered and there were only 2 other couples. You can take the tour and skip the heli. if you want but the helicopter was worth it too. The big plus was that it didn't take 10 hours and we rode up and flew back giving us the rest of the day to play. The road to Haleakala Crater we drove ourselves, and that was enough curvy roads for us! Good luck. Let me know if you need any other info. as we are fresh back last night. GOOD LUCK>

If you are comforable in driving on a two lane mountain road then you need not worry. You don't need a jeep. Any standard car will do and it will be more comfortable. There many one lane bridges so you often have to wait for others to cross first. You will enjoy Hana more if you spend a night or two there. It is a long trip to go over and return the same day. I would not consider not as safe to take a tour. It is more dangerous to drive on a freeway than on the road to Hana. It is a beautiful trip where you will make several stops. Take a picnic lunch with you. They sell them in the little town at the start of the road. If you plan to drive it in one day start before 7am so you will have lots of time and you can get back before dark. If it is raining it is not a good time to go.