It seems we should have flashlights for the lava hiking and lava tube at VNP. I've been sort of looking for something lightweight and waterproof. But now there are a lot more choices (like multiple L.E.D.s, etc.) that we didn't used to have. And some are expensive! Does anyone recommend getting a certain brand/type of flashlight, or do you just use what you have or can easily find?

i used a 99 cent special which was compact and did the job fine...it's also good to go out during a full moon, if your schedule permits.

We used a couple of LED headlamps. They worked great and didn't take up much room in the suitcases.

We're doing the hike in June and I just picked up a pair of LED lights at Sam's Club. There are two in a pack and they are quite compact and come with a lanyard. $24.95 for the pair of them.

Great! I have been worried that if I got headlamps, I might accidentally blind someone when I look up. But I can see how convenient they would be...

We purchased headlights from Dicks Sporting Goods. I think about $12.00 each. I thought having the light on my head would free up my hands. Hope they work!

You can also buy headlamps on Coleman's (the ice chest people) website for about $14.00 each. Those have three different light settings on LED and an incandescent light as well.

I use them for running in the winter darkness, and they are amazingly bright even on dark rainy mornings. The batteries last seemingly forever if you don't use the incandescent light. I've dropped mine numerous times and it seems almost indestructable.

The NPS sets out a trail using reflectorized strips marking the best route to the Lava, but it is still fairly rough hiking. Losts of sharp rocks and small crevases.

I bought headlamps on ebay for 7.99, they work great.

We bought the 99 cent cheap ones. They work fine.

Ninety-nine cents?! Now you're talking! Where did you get those?

If you need a lot of light check out something from Streamlight.

There was an interesting story on the National Geo Channel about a guy from Dallas that visited the Lava Flow late one night (midnight) then got disoriented and wandered into the interior of the island, and wound up being lost for several days (10 I think). The search parties gave up hope, but a tour helicopter found him, much my accident. He had no food, water or shelter. He found an oasis of sorts and lived off of plants, bugs and water collected in a makeshift container. Bet he wishes he had a good flashlight.

.....or a sleeping pill!

...or a waihini!