c1aro

Hello

My family of four (two kids 12 and 14) will be traveling from Ireland to Hawaii (via Seattle to visit brother and family and San Francisco to visit sister and husband) in June this year. All three families have been planning a dream trip for the past two years to Hawaii from 26 June to 5 July (saving like mad).

The two other families have been to Oahu and Maui before and feel that Oahu would be a good starting point for all of us. We plan on spending four nights there. My family want to visit the Volcano National park on the Big Island and the other two families want to visit Kauai (as do we). My question is: if we leave Honolulu early on the morning of 30 June say 9am and get into Hilo at approx 10am – Hire car – drive to Volcano National Park (how long does this take) - spend that day there and book into lodging in the park - fly to Kauai the following day am or pm– is this enough time at the park. (looking at the Aloha flights from Hilo to Kauai they start at 7.45am and continue throughout the day until 6.35pm so there is a great choice). Or would we need to spend two nights at the Park.

Any advice will be appreciated. Even advice on where to stay in the Park (rooms that can accommodate the four of us together if possible). Thanking you in anticipation.

lasmothers

We were there Jan.06 1 day would be enough if all you do is the park. If you go to Kona for a beach day or to see that side of the Island it would not be.

c1aro

Thanks. Yes we only intend to do the Park. Originally we were going to spend extra time there and do the Kona side, but as we only get to meet the relatives every other year, it is more important to be together than apart.

You might be able to answer a few other questions that I have:
How long it will take to drive from Hilo to the Park (this could have a bearing on the flights that I get)
Is there much driving to be done inside the park.
What time does it get dark.
My husband is a keen photographer (in an amateur camera club in Ireland) and will be looking for shots of lava. Is there any particular spot in the Park which would be better than any other. Is the lava visible from regular tourist stops or does it require a bit of walk/hike. What tips could you give. Also I have read in other post of people walking in the dark to see lava - is this safe with two kids (I know all kids are different but is this something you would regularly see). Thanks again.

BarbAnn

I have been to VNP several times. One night near the park should be just fine. Hilo is about 26 miles (about 45-60 minutes) from VNP. The crater rim drive is an 11 mile (17.7km) road that encircles the summit. It can take about 4 hours with stops. Visitor center is open 7:45A-5P. The Jaggar Museum is open 8:30A-5P The chain of craters road is 38 miles round trip. It was at the end of this road tha we saw flowing lava in the distance after dark. We stayed at a B&B in the town of Volcano (just outside the park). Lava Rock restaurant is a fun place to eat in town of Volcano.

You might also want to visit the Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Orchard and Factory that is just off Hwy 11 between Hilo and Keaau on the way to VNP (open 8:30a-5P).

We love the area so much we rented a house south of Hilo for a week last summer. We really explored the area. Even with only 2D/1N, you can see quite a bit. Hope this helps, have fun.

BarbAnn

Forgot to mention, www.nps.gov.havo has a lot of info.

Regarding the lava flow, during the day, you can see the steam as the lava hits the ocean. But to really see the red lava, you have to walk on cold lava at night or take a helicopter flight over the area. We found the walk over the lava difficult (and it was windy). Carry flashlights (torches) and walk slow. It is very dark. Be sure to check to see where the lava is flowing...it changes.

c1aro

Thank you so much - it is always difficult to judge places from pictures and maps - so much better to have advice from someone who has been.

I was afraid that once we had made the decision to go to the Volcano that we wouldn't have given ourselves enough time there.

Thanks again