We will be spending 6 nights in Oahu. I would really like to see the volcano on the big island. Is it possible/realistic to take a flight to the big island for the day? Would you recommend or discourage this? FYI...We will also be spending 8 nights in Kauai.

The Big Island is as it the name implies -- B I G. To take a day trip just to see the volcano would be a waste of a day. Better to see the Big Island on another trip when you can spend a little more time there. Unfortunately, sights are quite far apart (separated on the West side of the island by miles of uninteresting lava.

The volcano is about 30-40 minute drive from Hilo airport. While VNP is not to be missed when visiting the Big Island I wouldn't do it as a day trip either.

If you really want to see the volcano then fly into Hilo and stay overnight. Getting to see the lava glow at night is part of the experience.
Alternatively visit BI another time.

cabrack, day trips to the Big Island are very common, because a lot of people like to see VNP, even if they don't have time to see the rest of the island. Some of my family did this with Roberts Tours, from Oahu, and loved their day. Left early in the morning, flew into Hilo, did the Park, and I believe they also stopped by a macadamia farm for a brief visit. Arrived back after dinner that night, felt it was well worth the money.

I think you'll get further replies here from others who have done this as it's a very popular one-day tour with Roberts and other tour companies. Go for it!

cabrack, back with some info for you. This is the tour that my family members did a few years ago. They loved it:

http://www.robertshawaii.com/oahu/hawaii-volcano.php

If you're able to spend one night there, the Kilauea Lodge is a great place to stay and to have dinner.

That is a lot on a day trip itinerary and wouldn't leave enough time to do VNP justice. If the lava is flowing and accessible you wouldn't see it at night. You would spend a lot of your time waiting for a busload of people to get on and off at every stop. My apologies to those who like this sort of thing, but I just don't think this type of tour is the best way to experience VNP.

I'm with those who think seeing the park in one day is ok, if that's your only option. If you get a car in Hilo, you can drive around the giant crater(s), walk through Thurston lava tube, and drive down to the ocean through the lava beds, and all that can be done in a day; so what if you don't stop at every crater and pull out, or take hikes? The sights are spectacular, and if you are able to take only a day, go ahead. (It will make you want to see the park again, in more detail, but like so many National Parks, some is better than nothing.) (You probably can't see lava except from a helicopter ride right now?)

I do agree with Sylvia that if you want to do it, rent a car and drive yourself.

I've taken a day trip to Big Island, Hilo side.

Took an early flight & the last one back to Honolulu. Rented a car.

Had time for:

Hilo - Liliuokalani Gardes, Rainbow Falls, Boiling Pots.

North of Hilo - 4 mile scenic drive, Akaka Falls. Did the short loop trail that includes Kahuna Falls.

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park - About 50 minutes form Hilo. Visitors Center, several steam/sulfur vents, Jaggar Museum, short walks to crater lookouts, Thurston Lava Tube, Chain of Craters Road to the end where lava closed the road. We spent about 4 hours in the park.

We had a great time.

The big advantage in a day trip is that you don't waste any time checking out out one hotel & into another.

It is very feasible to take a day trip to the BI to see the volcano. It is especially easy to get there from Oahu, as you'll find more direct flights to Hilo from HNL airport (on Oahu) than any of the other islands. Inter-island flights are fairly inexpensive now compared to a couple of years ago. In addition to Aloha and Hawaiian, also check prices on go! and Island Air.

If you want to see the active lava flowing, the only unrestricted way to see it is by helicopter or plane. I've taken a helicopter tour to see the lava and it is an awesome sight. Pilots and visitors are raving over the current helicopter tours and the tours are very much in demand. I'd suggest you book your tour ahead of time and do your homework to find the best tour for you. Here are some of my suggestions and helpful reading:
http://www.govisithawaii.com/2007/07...licopter-tour/
http://www.govisithawaii.com/2008/02...the-lava-flow/
http://www.govisithawaii.com/2008/02...he-fiery-flow/

The Hawaii Volcanoes National Park website has a lot of good information for planning your visit. They even have good suggestions based on the amount of time you have to visit the park. http://www.nps.gov/havo/planyourvisit/things2do.htm

I'm not sure how far off your trip is but bear in mind that the volcano can be unpredictable, so it could go from spectacular display today to something no as impressive tomorrow.

Do you have plans to return to Hawaii in the near future? If not, a day trip is definitely worthwhile. Fly in/out of Hilo airport and rent a car. It's easy to get around and you might enjoy seeing the sights at your own pace. Enjoy!

cabrack, you can really do it either way, tour bus or car, with Roberts. My family chose to rent a car, but friends did the bus tour, and it was a very small group, and if you'd prefer that, it will be fine, too. You're not really going to that many different attractions. Do what you're more comfy with.

Wow! You all are so great for sharing your opinions. I really appreciate it! It sounds like the big island is a lot to do in one day but it will probably be a while before we get back. I am glad to hear that it is possible to visit for just the day. Do you think we should book ahead of time or just see how we feel when we get there?

cabrack, if your heart is set on doing the day trip to Big Island, I would book it in advance. If you're not sure, then I'd wait ...

cabrack - in light of the recent and sudden flow of lava towards the ocean, I'd suggest you book sooner rather than later, as day trips to the Big Island may become very popular.

A lava view point is supposed to be established by noon tomorrow.

I'm going to be keeping my eye on the lava flow and reporting updates at GoVisitHawaii.com