Meesthare, good friends who live on Oahu have told us that same thing about helicopters over the volcano, that the problems are not publicized. I saw the same magazine show that your friend did........... *think* it was "20/20." I would never be comfortable in one of those eggbeaters around hot lava............

Just wanted to add my experience...we did the Volcano Park as a day trip from the Hapuna Beach hotel. We drove "across the top" of the island on our way there with stops at the Botanical Gardens and a waterfall (sorry, can't remember which one, but it was listed as a must in our guide book), stopped in Hilo for lunch, visited the park including the active lava flow (this was Sept 2002), and then drove back along the southern route. We stopped at the Kona Brewing Co for dinner and they had a great band playing. It was a very long day, but well worth it.

As for Kauai, the hike through the canyon was the highlight of our trip. We actually made two visits during the week we were there (stayed on the south shore). We saw the Na Pali Coast from a boat tour, but were disappointed. Unless the weather is absolutely terrible, the boats sail as planned. For our trip, the water was very choppy and the coast was almost completely fogged in. Then it rained. We plan on doing a helicopter tour when we return this year.

Just got back from our hawaii trip today and spent the last 5 days on the BI. It is currently a 1 1/2 mile hike to the lava flow. The park was great, we had a wonderful day. The next night we drove to the visitor center on Mauna Kea with the rented suv. The rental car company said that far was fine. We had no problems and the star gazing and planet viewing was amazing. Be sure to bring a jacket and a blanket from where you are staying as it is very cold. We drove the saddle road from Hilo to Kona our first day and there were many many cars traveling it. The road is good and we had no problems. We spent two nights in Kona and 3 in hilo area. Have a great trip.

Susan

Seems like the more info provided the more questions that arise, but that is a good thing!! Got the Ultimate Guide for both BI and Kauai...great resources.

We are trying to fit in a night time activity, after golf. 2 options are a sunset cruise or a luau. Seems like the sunset cruise would be a great option but it is costly to take the recommended north shore version (Captain Sundown..$110 and nothing but some light snacks). Another option is to take one departing from the south shore (HoloHolo). Any thoughts??

Currently, we have reservations at the Coconut Beach Luau, but after searching the postings and reading the guide, I am considering bagging the luau concept all together. Any comparison with the Lahaina Luau? We did that several years ago and loved it, but we don't want to waste the money in Kauai if there are better options. Suggestions??