Volcano National Park ?
Mar 26th, 2002, 09:14 AM
#1
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Volcano National Park ?
I will be traveling to the big island in July with my wife and infant. We're excited about visiting VNP and would like to know how much time we should allow to thoroughly enjoy the park. Should we plan to stay overnight or is this a good day trip from Kona? If an overnight is a must, please provide some lodging suggestions...Thanks!
Mar 26th, 2002, 09:24 AM
#2
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Aloha Brent,
We have visited the Volcanoes National Park twice in the last six months and I think an overnight stay is necessary. The Big Island is called the big island for a reason. It makes for a long day to drive from Kona and back again.
On our first visit we stayed at a B&B and we wouldn't recommend that again. On our second visit we stayed at the Hawaii Naniloa Resort which is O.K., not spectacular.
The best place to see the lava flowing is accessed from outside the park, near Kanapali. A visit to the caldera, park headquarters, rim drive, Thurston Lava Tube, hiking trails is also worthwhile.
We have visited the Volcanoes National Park twice in the last six months and I think an overnight stay is necessary. The Big Island is called the big island for a reason. It makes for a long day to drive from Kona and back again.
On our first visit we stayed at a B&B and we wouldn't recommend that again. On our second visit we stayed at the Hawaii Naniloa Resort which is O.K., not spectacular.
The best place to see the lava flowing is accessed from outside the park, near Kanapali. A visit to the caldera, park headquarters, rim drive, Thurston Lava Tube, hiking trails is also worthwhile.
Mar 26th, 2002, 09:40 AM
#3
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Brent go online and see if the lava is actually flowing. Last I check the glow of the lava flow was not visible from the pali. This changes all the time. If this happens to you on your trip take a road trip to Waipio Valley, gorgeous with wild horses. Actually I would work this into any BI trip Itinerary. You will always want to see that lava at night if possible so I would rule out any day trip ideas.
Mar 26th, 2002, 10:31 AM
#5
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Unless you are doing historical site visits on Oahu like Iolani Palace, Heaui North Shore, Makapu Light house, Byodo Temple or want some incredible dining I would skip completely. It is not that Oahu does not have merit it is just that Hawaii is not a place to squeeze touring into IMHO. I also like Hilo side much better than kona side for outdoor beauty. Would not skip Waipio Valley go online check out photos I doubt you will disagree wth me.
Apr 2nd, 2002, 05:21 AM
#7
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hello,
I would agree with staying a night. We were there last week. We left Kona at 7am, there is so much to see on the way, we didn't get ther until 2, there is the hike to the bottom that takes 4 hours, we opted for the hike across the crater, it took about 3 hours, there was no visible lava flowing. But you could spend an entire day. Have a blast. Wish we didn't have the drive back, stay a night if you can.
I would agree with staying a night. We were there last week. We left Kona at 7am, there is so much to see on the way, we didn't get ther until 2, there is the hike to the bottom that takes 4 hours, we opted for the hike across the crater, it took about 3 hours, there was no visible lava flowing. But you could spend an entire day. Have a blast. Wish we didn't have the drive back, stay a night if you can.
Apr 2nd, 2002, 05:28 AM
#8
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Going against the grain let me suggest that VNP can be seen in half a day - granted this means not staying at night (check to see if lava is flowing) or doing any long hikes - this might be a better option for you if you have an infant.
We left Kona at 7 a.m., arrived at the park around 9 a.m., drove around the rim, did a couple of short walks, went through Thurston, had a picnic lunch, and were on our way by 1 p.m.
Were we rushed? No. Did we see everything? No. Did we have a good time? Yes!
We continued on to Kilo and went through the botonaical gardens just north of town. Left the gardens around 4:30 p.m. and arrived back in Kona 2 hours later.
So you do have several options. And I'm sure whatever you choose your going to have a great time!
We left Kona at 7 a.m., arrived at the park around 9 a.m., drove around the rim, did a couple of short walks, went through Thurston, had a picnic lunch, and were on our way by 1 p.m.
Were we rushed? No. Did we see everything? No. Did we have a good time? Yes!
We continued on to Kilo and went through the botonaical gardens just north of town. Left the gardens around 4:30 p.m. and arrived back in Kona 2 hours later.
So you do have several options. And I'm sure whatever you choose your going to have a great time!
Apr 2nd, 2002, 06:21 AM
#9
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Brent,
An overnight is a must if the lava is flowing. Check this website: http://www.volcanogallery.com/volcano_eruption.htm . The park can be done in one day, but to go all that way and not see the lava outside the park is a big mistake.
For overnighting I stayed at the Kilauea Lodge and recomend it highly. Their website is www.kilauealodge.com
Also do a search with the word volcano on this site. There has been a lot of useful information posted already.
Enjoy!
An overnight is a must if the lava is flowing. Check this website: http://www.volcanogallery.com/volcano_eruption.htm . The park can be done in one day, but to go all that way and not see the lava outside the park is a big mistake.
For overnighting I stayed at the Kilauea Lodge and recomend it highly. Their website is www.kilauealodge.com
Also do a search with the word volcano on this site. There has been a lot of useful information posted already.
Enjoy!
Apr 2nd, 2002, 10:38 AM
#10
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Brent,
I spent 3 days there a year and a half ago and still didn't get through my list of parts of the park to explore; trails to see. I would also recommend staying overnight. I stayed at Hydrangea Cottage and would highly recommend it; whenever I manage to go back to Volcano, that's where I'll stay again!
I spent 3 days there a year and a half ago and still didn't get through my list of parts of the park to explore; trails to see. I would also recommend staying overnight. I stayed at Hydrangea Cottage and would highly recommend it; whenever I manage to go back to Volcano, that's where I'll stay again!
Apr 2nd, 2002, 06:45 PM
#11
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Brett, re: Sarah's Waipio recommendation. Wouldn't do Waipio with an infant. It is a wonderful place, unlike any other in Hawaii, but they grow huge mosquitos down there. We stayed in the Valley a year ago for two nights in the Waipio Treehouse. Our three-year-old's bites required medical attention when we got to Kona. Wouldn't expose tender baby skin to those buggers.
Re: Volcano: we have done a number of great hikes in the park with a child in a backpack; Kilauea Iki, Hale Ma'u Ma'u, Devastation Trail, etc. Just cover you child up to minimize sun exposure and brings lots of water and snacks.
Re: Volcano: we have done a number of great hikes in the park with a child in a backpack; Kilauea Iki, Hale Ma'u Ma'u, Devastation Trail, etc. Just cover you child up to minimize sun exposure and brings lots of water and snacks.
Apr 6th, 2002, 06:59 PM
#12
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Thanks everyone for the great suggestions and tips...Looks like a day trip is the best option with an infant...can't get too rigorous on this trip...will just have to wait till baby grows up to dig deeper into big island...Anyway, it's a great excuse to return.
