We're heading to the Big Island next year, never been there. We plan on visiting VNP for 2 days, and also want to check out Hilo and the surrounding waterfalls, etc. Would you recommend staying in Volcano or Hilo? If we stay in Hilo, how's the drive to VNP? And if lava's flowing, do we see it better from Hilo or from inside VNP somewhere (Chain of Craters Road, or other spot?) Lastly, what are the must-do hikes on the island? That's our primary purpose for going! Any help you can give is greatly appreciated!

The drive from Hilo to VNP is about an hour, and its pretty easy. The plus for staying in Hilo is there are more restaurants around, and its much shorter to the north coast (Hawaii Tropical Botanical Gardens, Akaka falls, Waipio Valley etc...).

The lava viewing currently is at Kalapana, about 45 minutes from VNP, about 45-60 minutes from Hilo.

We stayed in the area for 4 nights, and rented a small house through VRBO, right on the coast in Keea'au, about 20 minutes from Hilo, and maybe 40 minutes from VNP. This was an excellent location for us. Also, the weather is reputedly better close to the coast. It can be chilly and wet in VNP, because of the altitude.

You can see pics of the house, and some pics from the Big Island at my Hawaii trip blog if you like:

http://4weeks4islands.blogspot.com/2...a-tortuga.html

Must do hikes: IN VNP Byron's ledge hike into the crater maybe up to kilauea iki and then back to the Volcano Lodge. I also like Bird Park which is west of the highway in VNP.

The Hawaiian Tropical Botanical Garden is a great hike, it's worth the $14. In hilo, I like walking to Coconut Island and then around the japanese garden nearby.

For big hikes: From the Waipio overlook down into waipo, down to the beach, across the beach and up the z-rail. You could walk many miles on the z trail. It's really fantasic.
This is a tough day hike.

Easy hike: Kiholo Bay.

Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park, by the small boat harbor, kona coast. Walk the beach at this NP. Very few people go there and it's wonderful. Miles of undeveloped coast.

Pu'uhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park, the 1841(?) tax trail.

You could also hike into Pololu Valley east of Hawi.

You could hike to the Green Sands Beach near South Point.

Bill

We stayed in Hilo and loved it despite the rain. It has the non-touristy feel of a real Hawaiian town. Highly recommended if you like diversity and unique cultures.

HTTY

Stay at the lodge inside the National Park if you can. It's right on the edge of the crater, and means that you can hang out at the volcano as long as you want. There's a decent restaurant at the lodge (not cheap), but OK food. The lodge isn't glamorous, but it's lovely and has great atmosphere.

We stayed at a B&B in Volcano and really enjoyed it. There's a GREAT little family owned Thai restaurant in town that is one of the best I've ever been to. Simple, not fancy, but great Thai food using spices brought from "home" by the owners. They also own the hardware store next door. Can't wait to go back.

We spent the day in and around Hilo but I'm glad we stayed in Volcano.

Depending when the OP will be in the Park, the Volcano Lodge may not be open. I read it will close for remodeling sometime next year.

One word of advice. Watch the speed limits between Hilo and Volcano. One morning I was in heavy traffic on the four lane, in my rented red convertible with the top down amidst lots of commercial vehicles and locals going to work. I was in the right lane in steady traffic and the left lane was going a little faster. But I got pulled over and was given a ticket. Yes, we were all speeding. Seems like "tourist in red convertible" was targeted, though. I contributed $152 to the local economy!

I would stay at Kilauea Lodge in VNP. Hilo is a little too gray and rainy for my tastes ...

The Volcano House Hotel (the lodge inside the park) is closing in January for renovations. It is an interesting historic place to visit even if you're not staying there, and it is right by the Visitor's Center and Art Gallery. http://www.volcanohousehotel.com/

Here is a recent thread about the similarly named, but quite different Volcano Village Lodge. I've never stayed there, but it looks really special.
http://www.fodors.com/community/unit...ano-places.cfm

http://www.volcanovillagelodge.com/

The Dolphin Bay Hotel in Hilo is basic but well respected. Their website has a lot of good local and volcano information. http://www.dolphinbayhotel.com/

There are some lovely, ocean view B & B's around Hilo, and lots of cabins in Volcano. Hilo has a few high rise, but not upscale hotels. Another interesting place is the historic Shipman House, http://hilo-hawaii.com/history.html

The Kilauea Lodge has a very nice restaurant for a lovely dinner, so if you decide to eat there after viewing the volcano, you would be better off staying in Volcano. The Kilauea Lodge was full when we went, but they referred us to a nearby cabin which was nice. http://www.kilauealodge.com/

I think either place would work fine for you. Volcano is at a higher elevation, and is cool at night.

Thanks Kalani, the acatual name of the lodge in the Park is Volcano House. Sorry for the mind freeze.