We (family of four) will be in Big Island for 4 days in late June this year. We would like to visit volcano national park (VNP) on this trip. Originally I plan to spend 2 days on the west side for beach and snorkeling and drive to east side for 2 nights for the VNP and other sightseeing on east side.

However I was told today by a B&B owner on the west side that it rains so much on the east side. It would not be wise to make a prearranged stay on the east side. If it rains you would not be able to see anything in the VNP. It would be wise to just stay on the west side the whole time. That way I can pick a good weather day during my stay to go to the east side just for a day trip and have the maximum flexibility.

So now I am confused and don’t know what the best way to visit the VNP is. I would really appreciate some advices from the more experienced people on this board.

How much rain is there near the VNP in late June?
Can I see or do anything in the VNP if it rains.
Is day trip from west side enough time to visit the VNP and other sights along the way (Akaka falls, etc)?

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

I'm no expert - we won't be in Hawaii until fall - but the visitor guide I got from gohawaii.com says it's over three hours from Kona to VNP.

We plan to stay either in Hilo or near VNP when we go. Just be prepared for possible rain and you'll be fine, I'm sure.

Lee Ann

There is no doubt there is more rain on the east side. I've visited VNP three times and never encountered rain.

On my last trip, I was based just outside of Hilo and had no rain. We visited VNP one day and used the other day to drive around the island. We had plenty of time to stop and was still back to the condo by night.

Bottomline: I don't think you'll go wrong on either side.

Mike Honeycutt

You could just drive to VNP and stay overnight at Volcano House, then go back to Kona. I prefer that side of the Island.

Due to the long driving distance, I would rather stay in the area of VNP for the days you want to visit the park. It is more rainy but if you have raincoats you will be fine; you know, rain is part of the charm of Hawai'i, and you will see some heavenly rainbows! If you try to stay in Kona and wait for a no-rain day to go to VNP, you may not go at all;-)

I have visited Volcano several times. Three times I went for the day (a 3 hr. drive each way for me from Hawi), and twice I spent the night, once at a B & B in Volcano, once in Hilo, at the Dolphin Bay Hotel:

http://www.dolphinbayhotel.com

This is a simple, friendly place which is good for families. We got a 2 bedroom apartment with kitchenette, and it's a good base to explore Hilo. The Volcano is about 45 minutes away, and there is a zoo with a white tiger, and the Mauna Loa Mac Nut Factory on the way.

The Volcano has the Visitor's Center and a Gallery, and the historic Volcano House where Mark Twain stayed. You can drive around the park and stop at interested landmarks, including the impressive Thurston Lava tube.

It is fun taking a 45 minute helicopter ride out of Hilo airport, over the volcano, and at under $100 per person it is more affordable than the island wide tours.

The Tsunami Museum in Hilo is sort of fun for kids, and there are a lot of beautiful falls and gardens in Hilo. Very relaxed and family friendly.

In Volcano, the Kilauea Lodge has delicious meals, and also has rooms for rent.

You'll have a great time either way.

wangy26:
I was there this past June (5th to the 10th) What we did we split our time we stayed 3 days in Kona and 2 days at VNP. You could do a day trip to VNP but it will be a VERY LOOOONG day. As far as rain not sure how much different it will be towards the end of June vs. early June the day we arrived it was almost 11:00 a.m. and the sun was in full force, that night (after 9:00 something) it rained a little, following morning was our Volcano day and it was foggy and it was raining a little by the time we picked up our sandwiches and went through the convenience store they have inside the park the sun again was beaming and it was a beautiful day till we left late that evening. Not sure if you will be needing lodging help but we stayed at Volcano Inn (about a 5 minute drive from the park’s entrance) and we really loved it. It was very clean, owners were wonderful and the place was perfect for our party of 4 all adult women. Hope this helps. Gina

Thank you all so much for the info. I am now thinking that we may take a chance and stay 1 night at the east side. However, most B&B near volcano village requires 2 nights minimum. I would appreciate if you have any suggestion for accommodation near park for 1 night that can also accommodate 4 persons (2 children)in a room.

Kailani, you mentioned that there is helicopter ride from Hilo airport that cost under $100 per person. Can you provide some additional info on this?

Thanks again!

It looks like the prices are up to $150 per person for the helicopter ride from Hilo. I checked Tropical and Safari.

They might give you a discount for 4 people, and there might be coupons in the brochures you get at the airport. Sorry for the out-of-date prices!

I don't think the Volcano House has a two night minimum. It's quite historical, and you're in the thick of the action.

Another resource for you....

http://www.nps.gov/havo/planyourvisit/index.htm

We did a split between the two sides. We really enjoyed the Kilauea Lodge; it's very close to VNP. We didn't have any rain while we were there.

Kaiani...Right On... Good summary of things around Hilo..... I too have stayed at the Dolphin Bay many times. John Alexander...owner..can help with you sites around Hilo.

It is only about 45mins to VNP from Hilo. So staying in Hilo isn't a bad idea.

Hilo is my preferred destination......there are of few of us!!!!!

Hawaii...it's all good!

Hilo IS great. The last time we were on the Big Island we split it evenly between Kona and Hilo. We didn't regret it.

Joining all the Hilo fans, we enjoyed it so much last Feb I wrote a TR titled "Singing in the Rain".