Okay, we have 5 nights booked on the Big Island and are considering "double booking" hotels. We're flying into Kona airport and We already have 5 nights reserved at the Outrigger in Waikoloa, and we're thinking about booking one night in the
Volcano area so we can spend the night on the other side of the island without packing all of our luggage and taking it with us (we're also travelling w/ our golf clubs). We have a 4 WD rented w/ Hertz and they won't allow us to return the car to Hilo airport (I don't know why). So, my question is: "Where would you recommend we stay in Volcano?" We obviously don't want to spend too much (under $150) for one night. Also, is there a hotel where you can see the lava come down the volcano from your window? I thought I once read that there was such a hotel (?). Thanks for the info

We recently did a similar thing. We flew into Kona and rented a car (convertible) and then drove to Volcanoes National Park - it was great. We did the route this way so as not to have to double book. It is a very long drive from Kona/Waikoloa to Volcanoes National Park. If you drive from Waikoloa it will take 2.5-3 hours to get there. We stayed at the Volcano House in the park. I have mixed feelings about staying there. It was a very convenient place, but it was like staying in an old roadside motel and desperately overpriced. I would skip the crater view room if you decide to stay there and go for a cheaper room. There are B&Bs in the nearby village, you may want to investigate some of them. We went down to the Lava flows at night. Definitely recommend doing that. Go to the national parks website and read all the info; it is invaluable. When we were there we were lucky because you could see the ocean entry from very close to the end of the road - we didn't walk out much at all. There was also alot of glow on the side of the volcano. We got up early the next morning and did crater rim drive before all the buses got there. If you like hiking there are lots of trails and interesting things to see. We then drove to Waikoloa around the other side of the island, through Hilo and the followed the coast around.

There are several options - you can stay in the park at Volcano's Inn (I think this is the name). It overlooks an old (inactive) crater. It has mixed reviews on this board. Anyhow, this is the only place to stay in the park and probably what you heard about.

Another option would be a B&B or hotel in Volcano Village - only a few minutes drive outside of the park, offers more dining options, and is quite nice. A search on this forum will turn up lots of specifics in earlier posts.

The flowing lava is at the end of chain of crater's road. There are no hotels (or other buildings) in this area, as the lava changes direction regularly, burns up everything in it's path (including the road..) and is hot, dry, full of fumes - in other words, not a good construction site. To see the lava you drive to the end of the road and follow the markers to the lava. Best to go before sunset to reach the end of the path at dusk, stay for sunset and admire the lava at night. The park rangers can give you more information.

Finally, you could stay in Hana, which is about a 40 minute drive from the park.

Scigirl, do you mean Hilo (not Hana)?We're considering Carson's Volcano Cottages. Has anyone stayed there?
Methinks, thanks for the rec'md website - it was helpful.

Hana is on Maui - different island.
There are no hotels where you can see the lava from your window (if that happens, RUN). Actually, it has happened in the past in rooms from the Volcano House, a national park hotel.

However, a great choice with breakfast is the Kilauea Lodge. http://www.kilauealodge.com/
It's an older but nicely resored place, includes breakfast, and has a great dinner menu. It's in the town of Volcano, less than 5 minutes from the park.

I did mean Hilo... Sorry for the type-o.

We stayed at Carson's last month, and were quite satisfied. The grounds were very nice. It's not shiny new or anything, but I think it sure beats Volcano Lodge in the park. If you use the search function here, you will find more comments.

It's 30-40 minute drive down to the area of the active lava flows no matter where you stay (and then a hike over road and old lava, wear solid shoes and carry water). The guidebooks talk about going down at dusk; there will be a mob of people (and hassles parking) then. I would agree that it is worth being there both in daylight and at night, but I would just make two trips and avoid the early evening crowd. Definitely take flashlights if you go at night; there are sharp edges and awkward footing walking across the lava.

curmudgeon, thanks, I just booked one of the "storybook" cottages w/ Carson's. We're planning to drive from the Kona area and stop over in Hilo to explore the "city". We'll arrive in the afternoon at Carson's - do the volcano at night and again in the early morning (before the buses arrive) and then fly off from Hilo to our next venture in Oahu. Bty, does Carson's supply their tenants with flashlights?

I've stayed at both Volcano House and Kilauea Lodge and I would certainly recommend Kilauea Lodge over Volcano House.

Here is another very pleasant option, moderately priced and located very conveniently to Volcano National Park:
http://www.haleohia.com

The May 2003 issue of Arthur Frommer's BUDGET TRAVEL MAGAZINE has a large article about B&B's on all the Hawaiian Islands. There were at least 5 mentioned in or near the volcano park. I listed these on another post this evening so check it out, or better yet get the magazine. Good resource for B&B's on all Hawaiian Islands.

In my opinion, the Kilauea Lodge is the nicest B&B in the area. If you decide to have dinner there, make reservations when you book the room as it is also the best restaurant in the town.

Dolciani - I've been up at Yosemite this weekend, so I didn't see your question. Anyway, Carsons has flashlights, just ask at the desk when you check in. There are several nice sidetrips and stops along the road to Hilo (depending on weather). The park at the bay in Hilo is nice.