During our 11-day stay in Maui in May, we will have 1 day where we have an opportunity to island-hop for a day and night. Does anyone know of any out-of-the-way gems, hidden paradises or magical get-aways that we should explore?

TIA!

Visit Molokai or Lanai for a look at a quieter Hawaii..

Oh, that's a toughie. One could suggest a trip to the Big Island to see volcanic activity, but that is just kewl, not really a hidden gem. One of the gems I remember was actually on Oahu, which was a trail starting in some fields of bananas I think that eventually took you to a place called Sacred Falls that you ccould easily have all to your selves but rocks and stuff fell a few years back and I think even killed or seriously hurst some folks dang it.

Let me think some more and see if I can come up with something...

From Maui, you can take ferry out to Lanai and stay one night at the Lodge. I think its a must!

I'd spend 24 sleepless hours hanging out with alohaj and his buds.

JimmyV,
LOL, God only knows what you'd get a chance to drink!

The north shore of Kauai is magical - my favorite spot in Hawaii. Spectacular beaches, extraordinary hiking, a couple of good restaurants.

Richard

My reco for a hidden gem - While on Maui rent a car, and drive to Hana. Here's a website's review of the drive - I couldn't have said it better myself. I've had friends take the drive and say it was their favorite part of their stay in Hawaii - it epitomized what they thought of when they thought of Hawaii. Be sure to take a camera and tons of film, though.

The Road to Hana

This drive is considered one of the top 10 most beautiful drives in North America. The road generally follows the old King's Trail. Even if you are not staying in Hana this drive is highly recommended to all Maui tourists as the area is considered to be the essence of Maui. It is like leaving the island. [Lilac's editorial comment: Interesting contradiction.]

The Hana road is 52 miles, and can take from two hours to two-and-a-half hours depending on how often you stop. The famed highway begins when you leave the town of Pa'ia on Hwy 36. During your drive you cross over 66 one-lane bridges. The road has recently been resurfaced and is in excellent condition.

Spectacular lush scenery is all along the road. There are many scenic places to stop and view waterfalls, mini cascades, eucalyptus groves, and bamboo jungles. There are a few roadside fruit stands to stop and stretch your legs.

This side of Haleakala is the moist side. When you arrive in Hana you will feel like you are in heaven, which is why it is called "Heavenly Hana" so frequently. If you don't have overnight reservations, be sure to stop and have lunch in the Hotel Hana-Maui's Main Dining Room overlooking the Hana Bay. It is well worth the stop.

Here's one more reco - Makaha on the western edge of Oahu. Very non-touristy and peaceful. Some big waves off the coast (might see some amazing surfing) and very cool, ancient temples just to the east.

And the drive to Hana - you really should leave a whole day to take it. It's too pretty not to stop a lot. And the bajillion of switchbacks can make it a little stressful if you don't take it slow and easy.

And one more tip on that drive to Hana. Leave early in the morning, definitely before 8AM. You'll miss a ton of traffic on the way out and probably be heading back at a time to miss it coming back in.

We took the drive, and left Lahaina at 5:30 a.m.. (Coming from the East Coast, we had the time change in our favor. It felt like noon.) We stopped for a quick breakfast and were on the Road by 6:30 at the latest. We stayed 2 nights at the Hotel Hana. It would be tough to recommend doing the drive up and back both ways on the same day. Knowing that we didn't have to turn around and do the drive back on the same day gave us the incentive to stop at lots of lookouts and waterfalls. Stopping to smell the roses (or hibiscus, as it were), is the best part of the trip.

Another vote for a day trip to Lanai or Molokai. Molokai is definitely old Hawaii and you are almost certain to be guided by spinner dolphins on the way over!
When/ If you go to Hana, (not really a hidden gem as it is on almost every tourist type advertisment you will see), eat a good breakfast before you go!
If you are prone to getting car-sick, this is quite the road!

Another vote to do the Road to Hana early in the day. We actually ended up in Hana for lunch, and then took the unpaved road around the south side of the island back for a different look at Maui. Very dry, very rocky, used to be very dangerous as it was unpaved (since paved), used to have very minimal guardrails (since improved) and so on. You can even stop by the Kaupo Store -- a real oddball general store in the middle of nowhere -- except on Sundays when it is closed. You see lots of lava formations and chasms and lots of cows. Amazing views of the ocean, though. It was fun to do once (the south side).

The trip around the northwestern tip of Maui is almost as fun with lots of narrow one lane roads and backing up cars and the like with amazing ocean views and surf. Pretty wild.

While the road to Hana is terrific, and has some awesome swimming holes, I would be a bit weary of it if anyone is prone to motion sickness.

I love the Napali cliffs on Kauai, but it would take you a while to get there and back. You might take a snorkling trip to Lanai -- or to Molokini, though Molokini has gotten really crowded and the last time I was there the snorkling wasn't quite as good.

Also, I'm sure you've been told a million times, eat at Roy's Kahana at least once

a

Great ideas -- thanks for everyone's feedback. I like the road to Hana idea. We will likely shack up a night at the Hotel Hana unless anyone has any other recommendations in the area.

Regards.

The Hotel Hana is the only game in town.