We will be in Wakiki for ten days.A trip to the Big Island to see the volcano would be wonderful. I have an old friend that lives in Hilo .A surpise visit would be splendid... Where do we start.We only want to spend one night .Is Kona to far to travel?Suggestions would be helpful!!

Find possible lodging near your friend. Call your friend and make plans together.

Do you already have your airline tickets booked? If not, why not start on the Big Island and then fly to Oahu? Or the other way around?

It's about 2.5 to 3 hour drive between Kona and Hilo. Volcano National Park is closer to Hilo. You could fly into either Kona or Hilo and then fly out of the other to go to Oahu.

Not sure, but don't count on seeing much action from the volcano - been pretty quiet this year.

And if you really want to see your friend, don't surprise her. What if she wasn't home?

When is this trip and where are you flying from?

I agree with flying either into or out of the Big Island, instead of making a 'special trip'. I also agree with letting your friend know you are coming to visit in advance.

You'd fly into ITO, not KOA. You'll need a rental car.

Suggest you fly into Hilo to see your friend and stay the night up at Volcano Village where you are closer to the Volcano. Also try to get to Akaka falls - about 15? minutes north of Hilo.

The next day tour the Volcano - and enjoy the beautiful two hour plus ride over to the Kona side and fly back to Waikiki from Kona.

Thank you all for the advice..WE have already booked our flight to Oahu.We will be in Wakiki from October 16th to the 25th.I will call my friend whom I have not seen in 23years and arrange the dates with her.Again hubby says one night is enough on the BI.

Booking a trip from HNL to the Big Island is no problem. There are flights throughout the day, early to late. You can book on line very easily. Hawaiian Airlines is my favorite when flying in and around the various islands. I'm not sure there are other options out there??

Be sure to ask Hubby afterward if one night was enuff on Big Island. Methinks not.

With such a short time on Oahu, I'd be wondering about doing any side trips -- costly in money and time. (Your friend might enjoy being your guest in Honolulu!)

Re: amount of time you have. I go to HNL yearly for one week. I have often 'done' a second island for a day-trip, and also for stays of 1-3 nights, during that week's time. I agree that just one night on the BI is NOT enough. There is sooooo much diversity on the BI, it is magnificent.