Maui Vacation Ideas

• The first and biggest point to make about the Hana drive; it's the journey, not the destination. If you rush to get there, you'll miss what it's all about.
• And since you don't want to rush, make sure you have a whole day for the adventure. Don't plan a dinner cruise that night, or even an early rise the next day. And get an early start. From the your Maui Kaanapali Condo, or Lahaina beach front rental, we'd recommend being on your way no later than 7:00 AM. You want to get a jump on the other drivers and tours.
• While it may seem to those of us who live here that it would be pretty hard to get lost on the Hana Highway, it has happened, so pick up a map. The free one from your rental car company should be fine.
• The windward side is lush and green for a reason, so be prepared for some rain. Even if it's nice and sunny at your Maui hotel or Kaanapali condo, take a long a cover or little umbrella.
• The Hana Highway is a narrow winding road, with over 50 one lane bridges. So, if you are a nervous driver, it may be better to take a tour and leave the adventurous part to someone else. (If you are spending a long time on Maui, then one idea is to take a Hana tour early in your vacation. You can get a feel for the road, and find out about the area, and see where you'd like to spend more time. Then, later, take your rental car out and re-visit your favorite spots.)
  
• If you do the drive yourself, don't stop on the road. And when you can, pull over and let faster drivers pass by. This is the only road, so is used by locals, and for transport of goods; from basic supplies, to the gas truck taking fuel into Hana.