Absolutley not kate on my fist trip out to the volcano I arrived at 8-9pm and park rangers are still about. I think it is best to see it when it is completely dark out. Just want to stick to marked paths or wherever the rangers are telling you to go.

Bettyk -How much time should I allow for Akaka Falls and the Botanical Gardens? Do you think that I can drive from the Kona side, stop at the falls, the botanical gardens, visit VNP, and see the lava flow at night? Is this too ambitious? I am still trying to decide if I should leave the Kona side a day early and spend 2 nights in Hilo instead of one.<BR><BR>I am going to look into the Circle of Fire Tour. Did you take this from Hilo or Kona?<BR><BR>Thanks bettyk. Hope to hear from you soon.

topping for bettyk

Thanks sss. I called the lodge about going to the lava site at night and they advised me against it. But you say that it should be ok. How should I go about doing that?

what lodge did you call, I only ever go at night. At dusk sometimes you can see native Hawaiian practising ancient chants. And you won't be alone there will be many cars you'll see . I don't understand the point of going during the day at all just a bunch of steam and you are under a blazing sun. My feeling is that they don't want to promote night visits but they certainly happen.

I have never not seen a crowd of people at night. I am usually there between 7-10pm.

I just got back last wee from VNP. I stayed two nights in Hilo since I felt we needed more than one night in the area. I am glad I did that because the volcano is active and it is totally awesome. We didn't think we would want to see it again, but we did. The lava is constantly changing. The forst night provided a totally different viewing experience than the second. Just try to stay at the volcano. We thought Hilo was desolate and depressing once the sun went down. It's not really set up for tourists like the west side of the island is. We didn't have time for the botanical garden, but Akaka Falls & Rainbow Falls are very nice and provide good photo ops.

I stayed at the Four Seasons on the Big Island in August of 2000. Would like to recommend the restaurant which is located on the second floor of the golf clubhouse. The two official restaurants at the hotel are very good, but the one at the golf course is incredible and a bit less expensive. Also, would recommend going to Roy's which is located up the highway near the Waikaloa shops. Lastly, would highly recommend buying a guide book called, "Hawaii, The Big Island Revealed" 3rd edition from Wizard Publications. Have fun.

hobojo -where did you go to view the lava flow? The park is huge! Did you have to hike from the end of Chain of Craters Road? If you did, how long was the hike and how dangerous was it? Also, how was the weather?

Excited, I have the same questions about the lava flow. Hopefully someone will answer.