when we went in June you had to make a reservation to even enter the park. So unless they have changed it ,you can't even access the park at all without a reservation which were sold out 60 days in advance. The people that work there are VERY rude so don't expect any favors.

Sorry , was only there during the day for a visit. Beautiful area.

Ummm no. It’s literally right off the road to Hana.

I think you could be there by 12 noon comfortably. The time slot before might not give you as much time.

We had a camper van reservation in December and got there about a half hour after the sun went down and they were just closing the gate, we didn't realize this happened either. The staff was there for a while after we got there tho. Either way I recommend getting there before the sun goes down because the Road to Hana is terrifying in the dark with the locals heading home and stuff.

No, have family in near Wailuka, they have not heard of any such issue.

No apparently they're too dangerous

We did the whole Road to Hana, starting in Kaanapali and took even the back part to return back to Kaanapali. we left at 6:30am and did not get back until after dinner. We took our time and stopped pretty well at every waterfall, the Black Beach, even into a small village to see a very, very old church. It is a full day of sightseeing. The road itself on the way to Hana is not bad at all, yes lots of one lane ,bridges, lots of switch backs, but all easy to maneuver. beside you can't even drive over 25 miles an hour. But slow is good. Going early keeps traffic behind you. We were in a rental vehicle and they allowed us to use it on the Road to Hana. Taking the back road instead of doubling back....was not good for about 10-15 miles...the rest was good highway driving and beautiful ocean views. It was actually the only time I go nervous the whole day was on the one stretch of road of the back side!

Access to the blowhole is a bit further away than that to the beach; probably about a 15 minute walk to the former, and a 5 minute walk to the latter. Easy walks, however.

It all depends on what you want to see or do. Im assuming the cruise ship hits the west side of Maui, which would stretch the Hana road trip into a definite all day event. A long day. Depending on how much shore time you have, going up and down the west coast of Maui to shop, eat, sight see would be just as fun. I would find out how much time you have ashore and try to get as much fun in as possible. Which may involve doing more on the western coast which is easier to get around. If you have LOTS of time, even hopping on one of the tour buses to Hana would at least allow you to enjoy the view instead of driving. Have fun either way.