We will be going to Maui and then the Big Island in February. We fly into Hilo and will spend 2 1/2 days/3 nights in that area -- then drive to Kona and stay there for a few nights (and fly out from Kona to Maui and then back home). That part is all set. But trying to decide whether to stay in Hilo or near the Volcano National Park. Thinking we may want to be at VNP one night to see the lava flows (if there will be any) but we'd rather not drive back to Hilo after a long day there. So we are thinking of staying near HVNP for the three nights. We want to stay in the same place for the three nights.
A couple of questions:
1. Our interisland flight gets into Hilo at 6:30 pm (around sunset) and we pick up a rental car at the airport. Is it safe for us to drive from there to the HVNP area at that time? I think we have an SUV.
2. Does this make sense if we only plan to be in the HVNP one day and one night - and spend the other two days in the greater Hilo area ( leave mid-day on day three to drive to Kona)?
Thanks for your thoughts.

We will be going to Maui and then the Big Island in February. We fly into Hilo and will spend 2 1/2 days/3 nights in that area -- then drive to Kona and stay there for a few nights (and fly out from Kona to Maui and then back home). That part is all set. But trying to decide whether to stay in Hilo or near the Volcano National Park. Thinking we may want to be at VNP one night to see the lava flows (if there will be any) but we'd rather not drive back to Hilo after a long day there. So we are thinking of staying near HVNP for the three nights. We want to stay in the same place for the three nights.
A couple of questions:
1. Our interisland flight gets into Hilo at 6:30 pm (around sunset) and we pick up a rental car at the airport. Is it safe for us to drive from there to the HVNP area at that time? I think we have an SUV.
2. Does this make sense if we only plan to be in the HVNP one day and one night - and spend the other two days in the greater Hilo area ( leave mid-day on day three to drive to Kona)?
Thanks for your thoughts.

The road to HVNP is a major highway. It is only a bit over 30 miles and 45 minutes without traffic. I'd probably spend two nights in Hilo. First, not a great idea to tour around Hilo with luggage in your car. Second, the weather in Hilo is warmer although both places can be wet. Third, there are more options for dining and groceries in Hilo. The Farmer's market downtown runs daily and is a good spot for lunch ( I went to Poke n Sides). If the volcano is erupting on night 2 and the weather is good, I would drive up from Hilo (late, I went at midnight). It really isn't that far and the road is good. Pack flashlights and wet weather gear, plus fleece jackets. My favorite lodging in Hilo is just north of town, the Dolphin Bay Hotel. Very old school with full kitchen, daily free paypaya and banana bread. /http://www.dolphinbayhotel.com/ They do have a strict cancellation policy (10 days). You may find more rooms by going direct to their website than on the third party websites. There is no view and no pool, and onsite parking is free. No A/C, but ceiling fans were enough for me. If you are going over the President's Day holiday,, you may have trouble finding weekend rooms on the Big Island so grab what you can.

Day/night 3 Head up to the park for a day's touring and overnight. You have time for Chain of Craters Road. If you can get the Lodge in the Park that would be best but if not there is the town of Volcano.

Be sure to read the National Park information page before heading up to know what is open and the best viewing spots. Also check the USGS website for eruptive activity. E.g, there was an eruption from Wednesday afternoon that ended at 4AM the next morning. So if you didn't go Wednesday night you'd have missed it!

https://www.usgs.gov/volcanoes/kilauea/volcano-updates

You have double-posted, probably due to clunky website.

Here is the link to your other post.

Stay in Hilo or HVNP?

Yes, if you can find lodging to your liking VV is the place to be imho

I am currently at the Dolphin Bay and do recommend it.

I would stay in Hilo as there is very little at the park in the way of services. Hilo has an interesting tropical vibe, reminds me of Fiji.

Missed today’s eruption by 1hour but regular 12 hour eruptions predicted in the short term. Honestly the Maui volcano is a lot prettier but not active.

There’s almost nothing on the Kona coast, unattractive and disappointing. The one pay national park site south of Kailua is worth visiting.

Glad you are enjoying Dolphin Bay, tom_mn. It's a very friendly place. The Lodge in the park does have a restaurant and gift shop. I never made it into the town of Volcano so not sure what is there.

That is too bad about missing the eruption, hope you get the next one!

I heard the overnight eruption lit up the Hilo sky. USGS is predicting another eruption in 2 days.

Since OP is going to Kona, this is a great restaurant. Umekes Fish Market Bar & Grill.

All 3 national park sites on Kona coast are good, but the best is Pu'uhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park.

Your two threads have been merged

Hey mlgb:

Got to see Kilauea erupt tonight on our last night, at sunset, awesome!

YAY!! Were you already at the park?

I understand that people are subscribing to USGS Alerts.

Yes, leaving lava tube and ready to leave the park I did one last web cam check and saw the splattering. So we were at the main lookout at sunset when the eruption started. Only waited an hour. Perfect end to 3 week/island odyssey. Not looking forward to sitting up all night in coach, but Alaska has fabulous coach legroom compared to the big four.

You must live right!