tmt

I am holding a flight from Honolulu to Kona on Hawaiian airlines using American Airline miles. I wasn't offered a flight into Hilo, but after looking at the map of the Big Island, I'm thinking it will be so much easier to fly into Hilo. We only have 2 full days (possibly 3) on the island. Swimming and water fun is not as important as the volcano since we will be flying to Kauai for a week.

Thanks.

Intrepid1

Not sure what the question is although assume you are asking for validation of the idea that flying into Hilo would be better????

For the Volcanos National Park I would agree that Hilo is a better starting point.

cwojo99

I am going to the Big Island in April. Similar to you, only have limited time to see the volcano. Unfortunately, I am flying into Kona and staying on that side (I booked my reward stay and flight before doing all the research). Although I am still making the drive to Hilo to see the sites...it is a 1 1/2 hour to 2 hour drive, one way.

If you are flexible, fly into Hilo!

8-)

tmt

Thanks for your quick replies.

Yes, I was looking for someone to tell me that Hilo is the best airport to fly into if the volcano is most important.

After doing some more reading today, I could also try to fly into Hilo (won't arrive until at least 6:00pm since I'll be coming from the US East Coast thru HNL). However, I won't be flying out of the Big Island until 5:00pm 3 days later which could give me time to at least drive around to the other side of the island, if that merits any doing.

Sorry, I'm still reading the Revealed book.

Thanks again.

T.

trippinkpj

I agree that if Volcanos are your main goal, fly into Hilo. also that area has great waterfalls, and Hilo is an interesting/ less tourity city.

fraukie

I also agree, if you can fly into Hilo. We went from Hilo to Vulcano, which is much closer- I would suggest you also go and see the lava flow at sunset, which is just a fantastic experience ( I didnt think I would be interested , but changed my mind very quickly). also0 we had a wonderful sunset & stargazing trip up Mauna Kea with a small tour and a great Hawaiian
Guide from Arnotts Lodge ( which was also much cheaper than any tours going from Kona). If you can, visit the Farmer's Market in Hilo , and get some 100% Kona Coffee ( if you drink coffee!)

bertaron

If you have to fly into Kona you are looking at a 110 mile trip to the volcano if you head North. If you head south it will be more and the road South is more windy and it drove me nuts when I drove it. Hilo is the smartest choice unless you like to drive.

cwojo99

Bertaron (or anyone), I too am heading to the Big Island, but can't change my hotel or airport. I am flying into Kona, but driving to the Volcano.

My questions is...would love to see the lava flow at sunset, how difficult is the drive back to the Kona side of the island at night?

Thanks! 8-)

FFEMT

I have been to The Big Island twice. We stay in Kona because I have family there. We always drive to the volcano--I love it!! We have never thought this is a long hard trip. We don't think the night drive is bad back to Kona. That said maybe I should say I live in Iowa so I am used to driving a distance to get anywhere.

cwojo99

FFEMT...thanks for the tip. Have you seen the lava flow at sunset? Sounds like great photo ops! What way do you usually take to make the trek?

marymg

I am not FFEMT, but I have seen the lava at night. We are going back in June. I have heard that right now it is about a 4 mile walk roundtrip to get to the flow. Someone correct me if I heard wrong. When we went it was 2 mile round trip and took so long, because walking on lava is like walking on glass. This time we will just drive to chain of crators road and see what we see.

FFEMT

We have always gone to the end of the road and then walked out as close as they will let people go. I have not walked on the lava in the dark because it hard to walk on in the day when you can see. Make sure you take a GOOD flashlight if you do walk there late in the day. The first time we went it was miles to get close and we didn't go all the way; the second time about 3 years ago it was really close and so what I would call a short walk. You aren't allowed to get too close. My husband was disappointed in how far we were from the flow. I thought it was pretty close. I think that you aren't going to get glowing pictures from the ground. We have some great plume pictures, though. I'm not sure what you are asking about the way we take to trek...we just drive as close as we can and then join the crowd walking across the lava. Hope that helps. Ellen

bertaron

Cwojo,
Driving at night is fine but from Kona I would go north thru Waikoloa then you take a northern highway (I want to say it is 19) it takes you near Parker Ranch. This road is decently lit and a hell of allot better then going around the Southern Tip of the Island. Also as somebody mentioned a flashlight is a big thing at the volcano. If the moon is not out it is really dark because the old lava is dark and there isn't a whole lot of light there.

Sprig

We drove from Kona to see the volcano and went north right around the Island, the opposite way on the return. We drove out to the park and did the helicopter over the volcano. It was the high point of our trip. We are not great beach people but the Hilo side was definitely the most interesting and least touristy part. It was great. We were there a couple of years ago and did not trek all the way out to see the lava after dark though we were there quite late. We only stayed in Hilo one night so after our long drive around we had to get to bed for our early morning volcano flight. It was a great adventure and we really enjoyed it.

circa2

Of course, being a bit bias (I love Hilo)...Would suggest that you fly in and out of Hilo if that is an option.

There is plenty to do from and around Hilo (especially the volcano) for a 2 or 3 day visit.

You may want to visit the volcano 2 different days (it's addicting, believe me). There is nothing like seeing the hot lava flowing.

((don't foget to stop for lunch at "What's Shakin" on the scenic drive.))....Have a smoothie and think of us that are still back home!

I usually stay at the Dolphin Bay Hotel, John Alexander, owner, is wonderfully knowlegable about the volcano, and all other sites to visit on the island, especially on the Hilo side.

The Tsunami Museum of the Pacific ....one of my favorite stops.

enjoy...."Hawaii...it's all good"