sjmallory

Hi all, We are (family of five, three older teenagers)traveling to the Big Island this August staying in the Keauhou-Kona area. My question is: if we stay to hike and view the lava at night, will we have enough time to visit the Mauna Kea Vistor Information Station. It looks like they are open until 10:00 pm. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

rjscott

Since in August it won't get dark until after 9PM, you wouldn't make the Mauna Kea Visitor center. After you view the lava, you'll have a long hike back to your vehicle, and then a long drive to Mauna Kea.

JohnD

Agree with rjscott, though viewing the lava flows can be exhilarating, the hike to and from it is tiring & would not recommend driving Saddle Road to the high altitude visitor center at Mauna Kea at after that hike

Ashley24

It was my understanding that the sun sets much earlier in Hawaii (7ish). I still wouldn't recommend both.

tartangal

I live on the Big Island and the sun sets around 7 now. Mauna Kea is a long drive from the volcano, so as others advised, do the 2 separately.