Toshi said:bv, good info from your girlfriend. a clarification on point 5: the road TO hana from the north is paved, twisty, but ok with rental car companies. it's the continuation of this road past hana on the east and southeast that is not covered by them.
That's why you rent a Jeep from a Maui Dive Shop. They WILL cover the road past Hana and that is where the best roads are. MAKE SURE YOU DO THAT SECTION OF ROAD!! (Can't stress that enough)