We are going by cruise to Hawaii and we have a short window from 8 to 5 pm window in Hilo. We would like your opinion as to how much we can do in HVNP.

we have a car reserved with Budget. I am estimating that we will reach Visitor center between 10 30 and 11 am. And I am guessing we should leave the area to return to ship by 2 pm. Is that reasonable guess? Should we take chance to go on drive of chain of craters road? Or we are better off doing things at top near visitor center? Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

We just returned from a cruise and went to Hawaii Volcanoes NP. Rented a car closer to the port from https://hilorentalcars.com/

Saving the time and expense of getting to the airport was worthwhile. Also consider that the park gets very busy after about 10 am and there is road construction. Read the website can't remember if he only rents to US drivers, use your own insurance and send him copies of license etc.

I would try to disembark as soon as you can to beat the crush.