Jerry G Loc: Waterford, Michigan and Florida

Have driven there several times, the rental car restrictions are for the south side of the island, the north side is not restricted. There are so many things to see, on our last trip we spent the night in Hana, that gave us two days to enjoy the trip. There are quite a few tour guide books and hiking guide books available, I would suggest you get several as they have different places in them.

Jerry G Loc: Waterford, Michigan and Florida

Have driven there several times, the rental car restrictions are for the south side of the island, the north side is not restricted. There are so many things to see, on our last trip we spent the night in Hana, that gave us two days to enjoy the trip. There are quite a few tour guide books and hiking guide books available, I would suggest you get several as they have different places in them.

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

Be ready for sharp turns with very little turn off points. If there are, they come up very fast cause your constantly turning the wheel. There are some beautiful waterfalls beside the road but usually only a very small space to get off the road and like I said these places come up very quickly and you really have to be prepared to stop. Also, be very, very careful, several places are one lane and you must very very, very vigilant or you will be off the road and over a cliff before you can say, "Smile". Caution my friend, caution.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

I made that trip years ago, but I have only distant memories. The link by CGH CANON is good.

fourlocks Loc: Londonderry, NH

Bus tour versus self-guided is a tough call. This is a very narrow often harrowing drive by yourself and believe me, if you're driving it yourself, you won't see any scenery because you'll have your eyes glued to the road, every second. For the most part, it's a single lane with no places to pull off other than going over a cliff on the downhill side (no guardrails). If your wife is a copilot, she can spot good photography locations but then again, there are rarely places to stop and get out of the car with your camera. My wife and I took the tour bus so we could enjoy the view and so I wouldn't have to concentrate on driving. The bus does stop at some beautiful places and generally lingers long enough for you to walk around a bit and compose some good shots but you won't be able to spend a lot of time hiking in to less obvious locations. We were there primarily as tourists and secondarily as photographers so that was okay with us. So it depends on what you're after. If you really, really want to concentrate on taking photos, drive yourself. Otherwise, take the bus.

RolandDieter

Don't do what is called the Death Road. Sheer unguarded drops, extremely winding, one-car narrow. Good news is that most of it was closed the last time I was there. First time it was off-season, so I got through with little traffic. When an opposing car does come along one of you has to back up, often around bends. Clockwise is a good recommendation EXCEPT that with most of it closed the cars turning back create a lot of two-way traffic. It took hours to go two miles. People were getting out of their cars to guide the ones who had to back up.

FL Streetrodder

We have driven the road to hana many times and I think your decision to rent a Jeep may prove to be a mistake as the road is in fine shape and has been upgraded in many sections as far as Hana. Jeeps, in most cases, don't provide the ability to securely lock the vehicle and there is definitely no need for 4-wheel drive or high ground clearance even if you decide to continue on past Hana and make a trip around the rest of the island. I would definitely recommend stopping at the Keanae Arboretum and then taking the turn-off to Keanae Peninsula, only a short drive off the Highway on a paved road. Just make sure to fill the gas tank!!!

seagull5

Wainanapa caves....Black sand beach....7 sacred pools...….stay over at the Hotel Travaasa Hana, Maui in a bungalow. The Hamoa Beach is the beach that James Michiner wrote is the most beautiful beach in the world....and it is simply perfect it happens to be the hotel beach. Spent 6 nights there on my honeymoon and it was absolutely perfect. We flew into Hana via Molokai and rented a car....I lived on Maui for 4 years.....The road is not that crazy and you will find around every curve another waterfall. The hotel I spoke of is a working cattle ranch. When I was there you could exchange a night for a night in the rain forest. Classes in history dance...Actually my favorite spot on this planet. One word of caution...lock your valuables in your car trunk....as any where caution is best. You will find the hospitality and Aloha awesome there...You need to explore

Dan Mc Loc: NM

Helicopter tour!!! They will hover at the falls, narrate the flight, etc.

markjay

There is a black sand beach near the end of the drive. Dont miss it. Fabulous picture taking opportunities and dramatic black rock outcroppings on both side of the beach. Its small, and a few minute detour off the main driving road - so you have to look for it. But for me - it was the best stop for pictures - even better than the waterfalls.

Wasper

I want to thank everyone so much for their input about the Road to Hana! The information has been very helpful. We will be going the clockwise route on this road. I didn't know anything about the "death road of maui" and I can assure you now that I do we have no intention of traveling it. Especially since we will be on Maui a couple of days before our actual 10th Anniversary and would very much like to still be around to celebrate it! We live in the mountains of southwest Virginia and while I know it is different, we have been driving small winding mountain roads all our lives. We will share in the driving so that the other one can take photographs when there is no place to stop. I appreciate those who have driven this road cautioning us about the hazards, it has been very helpful. We are super excited about this particular aspect of our trip!

Mahalo everyone.

Gary

seagull5

Do not worry about the road. it is narrow and curvy with a few bridges . Just when you come to a bridge stop and let the car on the other end drive through. I have driven that road at least 50 times with never an incident. You live in the mountains you won`t have a problem...Hana is a blessed place with its beauty...and Aloha

artBob Loc: Near Chicago

The places to stop will be quite noticeable--many will have stopped! Enjoy your trip. One big suggestion, get off the highway for a side trip to the black sand and beauty of Keanae Peninsula. Many lookouts and simple attractions. But a meal from a roadside stand.

Wasper

Aloha

Wasper

I have looked at pictures of Keanae Peninsula. It is gorgeous! Will definitely stop there! Really looking forward to seeing a black sand beach.