Can I do Big Island in a 3 night stay or am I looking at a lot of driving? I wanted to stay at the Hilton one night and then go to VNP for 2 nights. I am taking a family of 6 along for the ride. I have been several times but never as the driver. I am going to Hawaii for 13 days I originally planned 7 days kauai and 6 days Oahu. I thought less is more. But I love volcano and I can't imagine anyone going and missing. So now 12 days before my trip I am changing plans. What do you think?

I'm presuming that you are flying into Kona, which is why you plan on staying at the Hilton. It is about a 3 hour drive to Volcano National Park, but well worthwhile. It's a beautiful drive. Take a picnic lunch and stop at one of the many beautiful sites along the way. Stay in either the park or in one of the B&B's in Volcano Village, this way you can easily drive into the park to the lava flows at night (if currently flowing, which it almost always is). Take good walking shoes and a flashlight. We've hiked several of the trails in the park. Kilauea Iki is a short (2 hours or so) easy walk and takes you to some beautiful terrain. If you fly out of Hilo, it is only a 30 minute drive, if you leave out of Kona, your return trip will take up 1/2 of your 3 days.

I agree with Betty. This is certainly doable, but it is a 3 hour drive from Kona to VNP - going the north route without stopping often (just did this in April). Is there some reason why you can't extend your trip to 4 nights on Big Island? Otherwise, I think you can definitely do this.

Can't extend my time I was actually cutting 3 days off of Oahu. I am nervous about running this family I am touring with all over the place. I just love volcano and may now come for only two days to Hilo area. Do you think I can see enough near Volcano to make a two day jaunt worth it. Hilton Waikaloa is booked up for the time I needed it.

Two nights in the Hilo/Volcano area is definitely worth it. If you fly into and out of Hilo, you'll get nearly a full 3 days out of that trip. It is absolutely not worth the driving time to spend any time on the Kona/Kohala side. You'll have plenty of beach time on Kauai. Spend your BI time at Volcanoes Nat'l Park. 2-3 days is ideal.

Aloha!

Thanks everyone I don't know why I fretted so much. I use to do weekend excursions to big island when I lived on Oahu. I am just nervous because I have never had to navigate before. Now that I cancelled all of my reservations I will try to get them all back, ugh!!!