Valcano
 

Hi, In 6 weeks my family of 4 will be going to the Big Island. I want to know if it's advisable to get a guide for the valcano area, or is it all doable on our own?

Also, will we need to make reservations for a Luau in advance, and if so, how far in advance?

Opps, sorry my spelling is very terrible. Is there an edit option on these posts?

When we were there last March, we did not need a guide to see large craters, steam vents and the huge Thurston lava tube all of which are easily accessed by car and paved road. Guides and tours are available however and can be found by researching this site as well as the internet.

The highlight of the Volcanoes National Park for us was the hike to see the actively flowing lava. Here is a link with alot of info about Volcanoes National Park and lava viewing:http://www.nps.gov/havo/visitor/lava.htm

Last March active lava viewing involved entering the VNP and driving to the end of chain of craters road-which is closed at the end because lava has flowed over the road. You then hike a variable amount over a closed highway then mounds of dried lava. For us it was about 30minutes to 1hour walk to actively flowing lava. From what I have read on this site, others have reported alot longer hiking times and distances than we experienced and viewing conditions vary daily. You need to bring water, rangers were there as were children and adults, see above photos. I did not find it dangerous but it was hot and you should go in late afternoon early evening to reach the lava flows before dark. Flashlight helpfull to walk back out after dark. Perhaps you can email the Volcano National Park Ranger Station to get updated info: [email protected]
:S-

"Valcano"...hmmmmm...sort of original...I like it!

Volcano doable on your own.

Don't know your tavel plans/options,but will throw out a couple of suggestions:

If the lava is flowing..it is awesome to see at night [I have done this several times]

Would suggest at least one night stay in the area [Volcano area, Hilo] So you can visit the Volcano National Park, and hike to the lava at night.

Driving time to Hilo about an hour...to Kona 2 hours.

Depending on where the lava flow is at the time....I would plan for 4 hours to hike in and out and see the lava flow.

If a night view of the lava is not in the plan....then you can do the Volcano National Park and lava hike in one day.
Would probably be a long day....depending where you are staying.

Note: I stay at the Dolphin Bay Hotel in Hilo [small budget hotel]. John Alexander [owner] will help you with all sights in the Hilo area including the best way to hike to see the lava.

No lava flows at the present time, but that could change daily!
There's a short and interesting film at the visitors' center when you enter the park. Bring a picnic as the food at the hotel there is REALLY AWFUL! No need to stay in Hilo unless you really want to see Hilo.(???) It is a full day trip from Kona or the Kohala coast, even if you go north to Waimea then Hilo, Volcano, back to coast. Start at 8 AM and you will get back by 7 PM even if you see all the spots suggested in previous entries. Enjoy.