There are actually a number of decent lodging options available in Hana that are decidedly reasonably priced! Check it out!: http://www.hanamaui.com/lodging.html

There are actually a number of decent lodging options available in Hana that are decidedly reasonably priced! Check it out!: http://www.hanamaui.com/lodging.html

There is a Welcome Back the Whale Cruise on the 29th sponsored by the Pacific Whale Foundation. Should be a blast since the whales have already been spotted back in Maui.

I found the road to Hana to be long. While gorgeous, it is a long haul when you turn around and go back. We took the back road to return (in a minivan, no less) and didn't find it to be difficult or dangerous (a few tight turns, some unpaved sections, potholes). Actually, it is peaceful and quite sedate in sections, and the views are unreal (especially the views of Molokini crater). Add in the significant time savings and fairly linear drive back, and it was one of the highlights of our trip. really, if you aren't in a hurry, it is a nice, slow drive.

We heard rumours in Maui that the road had a bad reputation that was "created"--the landowners alongside it value their privacy, and would rather the hordes going to Hana went back to the resorts the way they came, as opposed to driving on the south shore.

With the road closed, this isn't an option, but if the road opens back up, i'd highly recommend considering it.

Edited to add: According to this website http://www.hawaii-guide.com/index.ph...opens_on_maui/ the road is now open again! Can anyone confirm this?

You did leave out fun.

Maybe you heard my wife yelling at me to:

- pay attention
- stop looking at the scenery
- pay attention
- drive with 2 hands
- pay attention


She was a wreck. Good thing I had a small rental; otherwise I might not have passed, or shall I say squeezed by the few oncoming cars.
One guy in a 4x4 had to back up for me.
As I rounded one turn along the cliff, I was able to look back at 2 'wide' cars that were attempting to pass each other in the opposite direction. One drive got out as he directed the other driver using his hands. I can only imagine the conversation. My tightest squeeze was when I had to move my drivers side mirror closer to the car. Good thing those are flexible.

We're talking s curves and 5 mph twist and turns. You never know if the oncoming traffic in this single lane road will be making a direct bullseye for you.

The ride was harrowing to say the least. The AAA warns of a single lane for a few miles. Out of all the free maps available on Maui, only one remarked that this road was dangerous.

I'd do the drive again.
I'd do the drive alone.

FYI, there's a great gift shop somewhere along the road. Trust me when I say you can't miss it.
I purchased a tee-shirt that said I survived the drive.

Has anyone stayed at the Hale Hana Bay?

http://hanamauitravel.com/halehanabay/index.html

Price and view appear to be a great combination.

Haleakala at sunset is mighty special also. Be sure to watch out for the cows on the road, especially on the way down after dark.