From Hawaii Volcanoes Nt'l Park to Kauai
 

Hi all - hoping you can help me here. I am planning a trip to Kauai in late September 2012. Both my hubby and I (mid-50's) love the national parks, and think it might be fun to add in a trip to Volcanoes Nat'l Park while we are there. Not sure if we should do it before we get to Kauai or afterwards. We are planning about a 2-week stay total.
Can anyone shed some insite on this itinerary? Estimated costs of internal flights? Where to stay in/near the national park? I have done extensive research on Kauai but not on the big island. Thank you all in advance.

Did a search for you on Hawaiian Airlines website and the cheapest fare oneway per person is $102.99 with a change of planes in HNL.

From what I've read over on TA, the volcano has not been too active in the last few months, but of course things could change.

A week on The Big Island is barely scratching the surface, but you could do a week on TBI and a week on Kauai.

Most people spend most of their time on the sunnier west side (South Kohala, Waikoloa) where the resorts and best beaches are, and a night or two in the town of Volcano, or in Hilo.

There is much more to Hawaiian Volcanoes National Park than the rather chronic, but intermittent eruption of Kilauea.

I believe all the flights between Kauai and Hawaii require at least a stop in Honolulu. That will add additional transportation time.

FYI, look for flights from Hilo, not Kona. Hilo is very close to the park. Kona is 3 hours drive away.

Look on VRBO for places near the park. Or stay at Kilauea Lodge, which is not far from the park entrance. The restaurant at the lodge is excellent.

Thanks for your help. I'll print this out. I'll be posting a trip report upon our return!