If I stay in Waikiki, is it possible to go to the Big Island for a day, see some of Volcanos NP and go back to Waikiki the same day?

I am willing to take a dawn or earlier flight/ferry over and get back at or after midnight, if that is what it takes.

What I need to know, is if its possible to do and see a reasonable day's worth of things this way.

I will have a rental vehicle and am thinking of taking the vehicle on the ferry, if it works logistically.

Price is NOT my top priority. I'm trying to avoid the change hotels, restricted baggage allowances and general hassles of flying back and forth between islands on this trip. I will be doing a stop over in Hawaii on the way home from another trip and won't have time to really see the Big Island. I most want to see the VNP there. The rest of my time in Hawaii, I have things I want to do on Oahu.

If I have to, I am willing to stay over a night. I really don't want to spend half my day in the airport. And I don't love to fly.

Reasonable sleep the night before, having time for relaxing meals on the day and getting to bed at a decent time the night of don't matter at all for this activity only.

Anyway, anyone ever took the ferry? Does it not go in bad/off weather? Is it sea sick pills territory?

I love to be on boats, even boring slow ones, way more than planes. So a slow trip over isn't a deal breaker.

I might do the ferry over, stay a night, ferry back taking only an overnight bag and leaving everything else at my Waikiki hotel if that works best.

Anyone done this? Any advice on what works?

If you want to go to the big Island, you will need to fly. The Superferry only runs between Oahu and Maui, and has not been running regularly!

I have done a volcano day trip before. it is very easy Take an early flight to Hilo, rent a car and go to VNP and --if it is performing in a good spot-- see the lava. You'll still have some time to eat & do a little shopping in Hilo.

The last flight home is at about 10 pm on hawaiian Air. The flight takes about 45 minutes and is pretty easy if you have no luggage.

I agree with the above post.

Figure ~$300 for flights x2 and a day rental.

Flights leave as early as 5a and return as late as 10p.

That's total for 2 - $300

The flights are $117 R/T and the car about $40-60 per day.

Wow, thanks for the fast replies.

The day trip seems do-able.

Do I need to book flights well ahead of time?

The earlier you book the better choice of flights at the cheapest fares.

My reccommendation would be www.hawaiianair.com.

For car rental you can save few bucks by trying www.priceline.com


If you don't want to deal with all this, then Expedia.com or Orbitz.com or similar travel sites can book a package for you.

Have a great trip!

btw, the hawaiiair site does have car rentals and it may be cheaper than the travel sites.

Choc, a couple of years ago my friend and her DH did a day tour to The Big Island. I'm not sure which tour company she used, but will find out for you if you have any interest.

Thanks again.

AA, will look into the Hawaiianair flts and vehicles.

Icee, I am not really an organised/coach trip type. Thanks for thinking of it anyway.