Curious

I'm also hoping that Cindy replies. Excited has asked a good question.

Lois

Which is a good helicopter company on the BI? Also, would it be better to go on a shorter helicopter flight from Hilo or a longer one from Kona? The longer flights from Kona are much more expensive. Is it worth it?

sss

Did not read your thread thoroughly but I have seen pictures of the Waipio Valley and it is stunning. I also understand through ultimate guide that you can see wild horses here. I say this is a must see.

sss

http://gohawaii.about.com/library/weekly/aa050501a.htm

sss

PS friend who was born and raised on big island says you can get very close to the flow right now. I have visited over the years and have gotten very close. Do not think a helicopter ride is imperative at all. Icing but certainly not the cake

Excited

Thanks sss. I was beginning to think that I would not get to see the lava flow up close. That would have been soooooo disappointing. The reason I decided to go to the BI was to visit VNP and see the lava flow. It had been flowing in very observable areas for so long, I was hoping that it would hold out until I get there the end of August. At least it looks good right now. My other question was: How should I divide my time on the BI -6 nights at Four Seasons and 1 night at Kilauea Lodge in Volcano or 5 nights at FS and 2 nights at the Lodge? What do you think?

sss

Yeah actually that friend on the big island won't get on a helicopter. They are well aware of the accident rates. I want to do it but having lived there (Oahu) I can't get those reports out of my head either. The state was always talking about making them illegal I have never done a helicopter trip and I have always had incredible experiences at the volcano. I think once the view was in the distance but for the most part it was great. Friend told me on phone call the other day you do have to be carefull because some ground is cool but thin and can cave. She said she is waiting to hear about tourists falling in. THAT SAID DON'T PANIC. I have done it about 10 times. Thing is it can get pretty exciting at night and all kinds of people are hiking over the lava just want to stay on marked paths. I only tell you this so you are careful at night. There are park rangers there so you won't be scrambling in the dark alone. What a tough job everyone is so excited at night and you see the park wrangers scrambling to advise proper paths.
As for you stay ideas
I really like the Hilo side better. I think you might want to see the volcano for two nights. I know I always do. I am going for a two week stay on Kauai first night at hotel in Poipu than two weeks NS but we heard about the recent eruptions on our local news in NYC. I quickly cancelled the Hyatt Regency (Ok I still have to call) and reorganized lodging, flights and car.

I wish I had your lodge reservation but I don't think they allow kids. So far we are at the Volcano House inside the park with a king no guarantee of a rollaway for 9 year old, non-designated smoker/smoking rooms. I am telling you all of this because THAT IS HOW SPECTACULAR the volcano at night is.

I have to disagree with the people that are telling you to drive too and fro from Kona. It is something like a 4hour drive roundtrip. That is the quicky non coastal route. Who needs that on a vacation. I would drive Kona-Waipio or better Hilo-Waipio. Call that lodge today and reschedule to stay another night. When I called the Volcano house 7:30am Hawaii time the reservationist was laughing because the phone was ringing off the hook. I felt lucky to get what I got. Kilauea lodge judging by this travel board is in greater demand. I also found these very idealic story book like cottages on the Volcano House website also in the village.

Definately 2 nights volcano

sss

You know it is advisable to pack a light rain slicker and hiking boots if you have them for Big Island. You might need a sweater at night. I can't remember how cold it gets in August but other times of the year I wore a wool sweater up there. It is about 10-20 degrees cooler than Hilo. Might be able to get temp from weather channel website. Just make sure it is not Hilo weather. Hiking boots will serve you all over the island. I like the kind that that don't come too high on ankle and breathe but are water proof.

sss

last and I am sorry but I just switched my trip around and I too am not excited. You want to checkout calendar events for Big Island at go-hawaii.com . Do you have big-Island revealed excited? They talk a lot about Waipio Valley and other significant sights throughout the island.

August is the month for the Obon-Festival season on most of the islands. You don't want to miss this if it going on around one of your locations. This is the remembrance dance you can see it at the end of "the picture bride" the movie. I am coming from the east coast we just don't see this kind of thing here I go to them each August I am in Hawaii.

Excited

sss -just one more question, if you don't mind. I am not sure I understand why you are cancelling your 1 night stay at the Hyatt on Kauai. Could you please explain? You mentioned something about the local news in NY. I must be very out of touch because I don't have any idea which news story you mean?

sss

Sorry I just typed and did not proof read. The volcano flow was mentioned on local news in NYC on Saturday. This is rare and probably the first time I ever heard a volcano piece on local news here. This prompted call to friend who said it was an amaizing flow. I cancelled the Hyatt and two nights on Kauai so I could get to the volcano. The Hyatt is a great hotel that is why I thought it worth mentioning, the sacrifice you see . Paying for lodging on both islands second night on BI.

Burta

Suggest you do two nights at Kilauea Lodge. It will take you a while to drive from the Kona side to the Hilo side of the island, so you will lose part of a day to the drive and settling in. You will want to visit the volcano area in a leisurely fashion -- tour the visitor center, walk the devastation trail, even visit the winery nearby perhaps.
What I'm suggesting is that you'll need one full day besides your travel day between Kona and Hilo for the volcano area, so if you can manage that with one overnight at Kilauea Lodge, that would be okay. If you are leaving (flying out) during the day on your second day there, then I'd suggest two nights at the lodge. Otherwise, I think logistically you'll be pressed for time.

Excited

sss -Now I think I understand. Originally, you were not going to the BI at all, but decided to cancel the first 2 nights of your Kauai trip to get to the BI instead to see the volcano.

I was thinking about looking into a helicopter trip but maybe that is unwise. I know that there are accidents from time to time but, given the number of helicopter flights each day, is the number really that high? I also booked a helicopter trip on Kauai that I am looking forward to. When will you be going to Hawaii?

Burta, thanks for your input. It seems like most people believe that I should spend 2 nights at Kilauea Lodge. It seems like the most sensible plan if I really want to enjoy the sights instead of feeling rushed. I know that the weather might be a little chilly, but should I expect a lot of rain during the end of August?

sss

Not usually but this is the orchid isle and this is the wetter side. We are also in an el Nino year all that is doing so far on Kauai is making a lot of wind and clouds but you never know, look at the photos at the Volcano house for July4. Can't do anything about unlikely rain so I just pack for it.

John R

Two nights minimum somewhere in Volcano. It is a great contrast to the rest of the island and being so close to VNP is the best way to go. My wife and I stayed two nights at the Inn At Volcano (wonderful, elegant place) and did not think it was enough time to really see VNP. A third night would have been better for us.

One thing I would echo from a previous reply is the hike at the Kilauea Iki crater. No active lava there but the place is stunning nonetheless.

Excited

John, thanks for your input. Another vote for at least 2 nights in Volcano. Could you please share more information on the Kilauea Iki hike. Just wondering how long and strenuous it is. Thanks again!

Excited

John, just wanted to let you know I found the info in a guide book. It seems like a preety long hike. I'm not sure if I wll have enough time fot it even if I do stay in Volcano for 2 nights. I read about a look-out though. From what I understoon, you don't really have to hike to get to the look-out is that right?.

Kate

I'll be getting into the Volcano Village area around 7:30pm. Is it too late to start exploring the volcano and the lava flow area? I would greatly appreciate any reply. Thanks.

bettyk

We took the Circle of Fire tour with Blue Hawaiian on our last visit to the BI. It was unbelievable. Blue Hawaiian has an excellent safety record. It is, however, not a cheap tour, but a very memorable experience. They tape the entire tour and you are given your own copy as part of your tour price. Check out their website: http://www.bluehawaiian.com/big_island_frameset.htm.

On our first trip to the BI, we stayed on the Hilo side. On our subsequent trips we have stayed in Kona. Hilo is pretty and green, but that's because it rains a lot more than on the Kona side. But Akaka Falls and the Botanical Gardens were well worth the time spent to visit.

sss

Betty K were you able to do that at sunset or when there was some dimness in the air to accent the lava?