melissaklob

My husband and I have (finally) begun the reservation process for our first trip to Hawaii in February. We are using Northwest WorldPerks points and are restricted to only fly into Kona. Our flight does not arrive till 9:14pm. It was our original plan to head south to the Volcano area for the first two nights of the trip then on around to Kohala for the last six nights. I think our flight arrives much too late to make that drive, especially in the dark after a 15 hour flight.BUT, my husband doesn't think it will be a problem. Does anyone else out there think this is actually do-able? If not, suggestion for a place to sleep the first night and should we adjust to spend two nights near VNP and five in Kohala? Thanks in advance, Melissa

FurryTiles

Hi Melissa,

I've recently posted a trip report on driving the Big Island,
http://www.fodors.com/forums/pgMessa...es=6&start=100

and included tips on night driving - don't!

Especially jetlagged after a 15 hour flight, driving from Kona to VNP at night is - tell your husband – an accident waiting to happen.

If your flight arrives at 9:15 pm, add on at least an hour for disembarking and waiting for luggage, then catching the shuttle bus to the rental car depot.

So now it’s 10:15pm if all goes without mishaps or delays, and the driving time to VNP, at night, will be between two/three hours minimum. Arriving at your accommodation at 1am in the morning is NOT a relaxing way to start your holiday, and bear in mind, your accommodation reception may not even be open to receive you.

As you’re arriving in Kona and plan to spend six nights on the Kohala coast, why not focus on staying there after your arrival, and then travelling to VNP for the last two nights?

Good luck with your planning, you are going to LOVE Big Island!

Aloha,
Jackie

ChristieP

Jackie is absolutely correct. Stay in Kona your first night. We did this, and it was a good thing. We stayed at the Kona Seaside Hotel and it was clean and comfortable. For one night, that was all we needed!

melissaklob

Thanks Jackie, I actually read your TR prior to my post and found it helpful. The idea of driving that far after such a long flight seems crazy to me but he travels much more frequently than I do and really doesn't want to switch hotels more than necessary. Great tip about reception not being available in the middle of the night--seems like a majority of lodging near Volcano is smaller, not the big resort type.

melissaklob

Thanks Christie, I will look into Kona Seaside-sounds like it would fit the bill. My other point to DH is that if you're going to spend 2-3 hours driving through Hawaii, wouldn't you want to see what's around you! Has anyone stayed at Hale Ohia? It looks lovely.

ChristieP

You're welcome, Melissa. Tell DH that you have to stop at the following laces on your drive to VNP:
1. Place of Refuge
2. South Point
3. At least one Kona coffee plantation!
None of these are any good at night...;-)

Beatle

Melissa, Read the end of my trip report about VNP and BI. 2 nights at VNP is plenty imo. We stayed at Volcano Village, about a mile from the park. Great idea re spending 6 nights on Kohala Coast. One morning head up north to Havi, and go to the end of the road to Pololu Valley- relatively easy hike down to the black sand beach. Enjoy!

albertraley

Have you thought about the other islands in addition? I don't know how ofter you go there but usually it's a once in a lifetime trip. See all you can while you can. See albertraley.blogspot.com