Maui’s Hana coast is one of the most spectacular places on the planet and the road to Hana is known as one of America’s greatest drives.

The Hana Highway is 44 miles of twisted road bent around 600 curves carved out of volcanic rock and rainforest. Its two tight undulating lanes narrow as you pass over the 54 one-lane bridges. Designed to pump up tourism and breathe some life in the economy, after the collapse of the sugarcane industry, the road became the lifeline for the still somewhat isolated community.

The road fills up with tourists who turn out daily to make the picturesque trek from the popular strip of hotels along Maui’s sunnier side. We were up early to avoid the crush and get a feel for Volvo's C70 hardtop convertible.

We’d flown in the day before and were bunking at the only hotel in town, the luxurious Hotel Hana-Maui. Started in 1946 on the remnants of a sugar plantation, the Hotel has become a much-loved hideaway for people who want to connect to a simpler Hawaii without sacrificing any creature comforts.

Unfortunately, we weren’t here to lounge by the pool and sign up for massages. We had to learn about the car – the C 70, Volvo’s retractable, metal hardtop/convertible.