See volcano without hiking
 

My husband can't walk too much - he has bad knees. Would we be able to enjoy the volcano park and possibly see lava without excessive walking? Can we see most of the sights with a car?

Yes, you will be able to see most from the car. My husband and I just got back from Hawaii. We did the Volcano Park while we were there. You will be able to drive around the craters road and see the different landscapes without having to hike. Where the lave hits the ocean you will need to hike but you only see a plume of smoke from a distance. You might be able to see part of the plume from the road. We only saw red lava when our cruise ship passed it at night. The park is very large so allow enough time. We were amazed how long it took to drive around. Have a great trip!

Try a helicopter ride for a close-up view of flowing lava.

I have just returned from the Big Island and although we did a great deal of hiking, it really wan't necessary to see most of the sights.

If you are unable to do the lava hike, I suggest getting a good pair of binoculars. Then and go to area just past the end of the Chain of Craters Road. Do this after dark and walk only as far as possible. From there you will probably not see lava (unless your binocs are REALLY powerful) but you will see the big orange plume, which is very impressive.

Do not bother going in the daylight, as you will only see steam.

The helicopter is a good alternative, but I don't think they go at night, when the lava is most visible.

Help, Mat (who lives on the Big Island): if I am not mistaken, are there fisherman boats that go out near where the lava flows into the ocean? Good idea or not? Thanks!