Is there a day of the week that is more or less busy than other days to drive the Road to Hana? I thought I read that weekends were pretty busy? Or is it busy every day? If we leave early is it possible to eat breakfast at Charlie's in Paia, picnic on the way and dinner at Mama's Fish House?

My husband and I did the Road during the week- I can't remember the exact day, but I think it was a Thursday. we didn't go all the way to hana (we cheated!), but we stopped at mama's for a late lunch on the way back (fabulous!). I think you could do everything you listed, but you will be tired. Also, it's nice to have some traffic b/c it really is a windy, somewhat scary road, but I think I would choose a weekday- it was fine for us and we were there early May.

Honestly, I don't think it matters one bit, weekday or weekend. I think they are all equally busy; think more about getting out EARLY, rather than at 9 or 10 a.m. We got up and out by 7 a.m., and the road was not very crowded at all.

And, sure, you could eat on that schedule although some find at the end of that long tiring day that they'd rather come back, shower, collapse and eat room-service!!! (Rather than eating on the way back........... everybody's tired after this one!)

If you are tight on time - skip it. This journey is also known as the Road to Hell.