Aloha -
Our big trip is quickly approaching and I wanted to shore up my plans on the BI. We are spending 2 nights at the Kilaeau Lodge at 2 at the Marriott in Waikola.
I wanted to get some guidance on how to spend our time in VNP - we want to hike with our boys and if possible (if it is flowing) see the lava flow at night. We are also not sure which driving route to take to get to Waikola - north or south.

Any advice on any must dos for the BI is also greatly appreciated.
TIA

When we were there 3 years ago in August 2005 we hiked the Kilauea Iki trail. That's about 4 miles or so. At the time, the lava was flowing to the ocean in a relatively inaccessible spot. We drove down to the ocean through the park and walked out about as far as the rangers had marked a trail to view it in late evening.

You didn't say which airport you're flying into, but if it's Hilo, you should go around the south way and see the Place of Refuge on your way to Waikoloa. You could also stop at one of the coffee farms on the way too. We went to Greenwell Farms in Kealakekua.

you didn't mention how old your boys are so not sure what difficulty level, but there are lots of good hikes in the park. the walk through the thruston lava tube is very easy and try to do it when no tour buses are there.

the lava is flowing outside the park. there have been a few threads on it and you might want to type lava in the search box. Dennis has posted good details on how to get there and even a link to his photos.

Thanks joey! With 2 nights in VNP you can do the Thurston Lava Tube and any other area that is open. The Crater Rim Drive from Jagger Museum is closed but you can see the large plume of VOG from Volcano Lodge. Other than that and a few small hikes, there's not much to see at this time so you can head down to Kalapana and see the flow.
It's a little over an hour drive, you can stop in Keaau for dinner (L&L Drive In, McD's or Legend's or there's a restaurant in Kalapana that's pretty good.) If you go early (before 4), stop at the Painted Church or drive along the Red Road (Coastal Route), snorkel in Kapoho and then head to see the lava. It's an easy walk but depending on the number of visitors, it could be a long walk. Plan on staying until dark when the lava entry is at it's best.

As for the drive to Waikoloa, depends on what you want to see. Waterfalls or rainforest take the northern route through Waimea. Lava fields, turtles, ocean views take the southern route. Both are great drives offering very different scenery.

If your boys are old enough to swim, make sure you go to Kahalu'u Beach just south of Kona next to the Outrigger...probably the best snorkeling on the island. "A" Bay, next to the Marriot is nice for swimming but not so great for seeing fish.

A snorkel cruise to Kealakekua Bay is nice as is the Captain Bean Dinner Cruise, the submarine ride or the Zodiak Cruise your kids might like.

Do take the NORTHERN route to Kona ... lush and beautiful scenery. You wouldn't want to miss it!

Thanks for all the suggestions!!! We can't wait!

I imagine there will be plenty to do just hanging around the Waikoloa resorts, but here are some other possibilities.

You can visit all the Kohala Resorts even if you don't stay there. They all have interesting beaches, many have petroglyph trails, the Mauna Lani has ancient royal fishponds, and most have free Hawaiian entertainment at various times. If you are there the Saturday nearest the full moon, the Mauna Lani has a free "Talk Story Night" which can be magical.

In the educational realm, I love the Puukohola Heiau at Kawaihae (where Waterworld was filmed, and there is a good restaurant, Café Pesto) and the fishing village at Lapakahi. Both capture the powerful spirit of Hawaii's history.
http://www.nps.gov/puhe/

I am especially fond of the Hawi/Kapa'au area, as it is lush, and charming and is the birthplace of King Kamehameha. There are very good restaurants and galleries, as well as a hike to a black sand beach at the end of the road at Pololu. This is about a 45 minute drive north of Waikoloa, but it is a very pretty drive.

There is a beautiful, new 6 hole golf course open to the public in Kapa'au at King Kamehameha Park. It costs $6, 3.75 for kids who are free on Mondays! So if you have budding golfers, this might be a kick. The link below explains more about this special local treasure.

http://bigislandadventureguide.com/north_kohala.html

Pick up the free literature at the airport, like 101 Things to do on each island. Almost everything is a blast. I know this is more than you can do in 2 days, but of course, you'll be going back!

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