I am trying to decide if one night in the Volcano area is sufficient for us or whether we need two. I would like to do the trip into the Waipio Valley on the way over from the Kohalo coast. Other possibilities include seeing the Akaka Falls, Rainbow Falls, touring around the vent areas, hiking out to the active lava flow area (if it IS active at the time), exploring Thurston Lava Tube, and visiting the black sand beach. I am not sure about visiting the Botanical Gardens (would my 7 and 10 year old enjoy this or think it's boring; or maybe we could visit one in Kauai instead unless this one is far superior?).
Can someone help me sort out these activities (first, second, and so on) so I can determine if it's possible to do them all if we leave early in the morning to go over to the Hilo/volcano area (Wed,) spend the night, and have the following day too. We plan on flying out of Hilo to Lihue in the evening (I hope that's possible).
Thanks for any suggestions and help!

Re: one night in the Volcano area
That's plenty of time, as long as you're allowing part of the preceding and the following day for some of your activities.

Re: botanical gardens
At those ages, the kids would probably be bored at _any_ botanical garden.

Re: flying Hilo to Lihue
Yes, you can do this -- but the rental car agency will nail you an extra fee for dropping your car at Hilo, instead of returning it to Kona (fee varies from company to company).

Just got back from weekend jaunt to Hilo -- it's one of my favorite places in the islands!

Check with National. When I was there in March, we rented in Hilo and dropped in Kona. There was no extra drop-off fee.

Ashley, you could do this in two days, with a night spent in Volcanoes Nat'l. Park. I would do the Waipio Valley, Akaka Falls, Rainbow Falls, etc. on my way to the park the first day, arrive at VNP in the late afternoon. Then spend that evening and most of the next day at the Park before leaving for Kauai, taking the last possible flight of the day. The Botanical Gardens are wonderful, but I do think your kids might be bored, at their ages, unless they have an really unusual interest in flowers and nature.

Years ago, National was the only car rental that didn't charge that fee for drop-off in a different area when we used them.

Ashley:

Have you considered taking your kids to the Panaewa Rainforest Zoo? It's south of Hilo and in the area that you will be traveling. My husband and I are opting for the Botanical Gardens, but for kids, this place might be perfect. I beleive it's listed in the blue book.

Thanks for your suggestions! I will look into the zoo idea instead of the garden. How worthwhile is the black sand beach? Is it swimmable? How far is it from where we will be traveling?
Thanks so much!

I'm not sure if you mean Punalu'u black sand beach on the south end of the island with has lots of turtles or Kehena black sand beach in the Puna District south of Hilo. Kehena is a clothing optional beach, I don't believe is suitable for children. Also the surf is rough for swimming there. I have never swam at Punalu'u either, but the kids would probably like seeing all the turtles there.

GloriaE,
Nope, don't need to go to the nude beach! We once went to a beach with partial nudity and my girls didn't even notice but now they are a bit older, and they might be wiser too! Are there places near the 4S or Marriot where we could see just as many turtles? By the way, how far is the Place of Refuge from these hotels?

We usually see turtles at Kahalu'u Beach Park, which is just south of Kona. This is also a good place for snorklers - lots and lots of fish and it has a small beach, food and equipment rentals. I am estimating that the Place of Refuge is about one hour south of those hotels, depending on traffic. We usually see turtles there also. the Place of Refuge is a wonderful place. We like to snorkle just next to there at a place called Two Step. Have a great time! We just returned last night and wish we were still there!