where to stay 3 days Hilo/Volcano area
 

Going with our 2 college boys to Hawaii in mid July. We all went about 10 years ago, and they chose to go now, as they were too young to go to Mauna Kea summit last trip and we loved seeing the lava flow. As we did then, we're flying in and out of Kona, and driving toward Hilo. Haven't mapped out the trip yet, (can't find my trip notes) but we'll figure out the stops to make along the way. In the past we stayed 1 or 2 nights in Hilo, and 1 night at Volcano House. Thought maybe first night in Hilo and find a recommended rental near Volcano Village 2 nights? Then drive to Waikola Marriot - after much review, we're content to spend 5 nights there again. Does this make sense? And looking for recommendations. They're opposed to any tours. Thanks

3 nights east side and 5 nights west is certainly doable. If you want to have a chance to see lava flow on the surface, you have to go outside the park to Kalapana. (and check ahead--it isn't always on the surface.) This website is helpful. http://www.nps.gov/havo/planyourvisit/lava2.htm

Unless you have things you want to do in Hilo, I would go directly to whatever lodging you choose in Volcano. I can't recommend any lodging there since when we go the the Big Island we always stay in Kapoho (it's sunnier, has warm tide pools with great snorkeling, and is only about 45 minutes from Volcano-plus is closer to Kalapana). some examples of rentals there. http://tinyurl.com/pke343b

There is no lava flow currently visible: http://hvo.wr.usgs.gov/activity/kilaueastatus.php
Of course, the park is amazing regardless (some hikes from the Chain of Craters road are very short, but lead to wonderful sights).
If you want something different (like watching the glow from the crater after dark), the cabins within the park (Namakanipaio) are inexpensive and clean (linens provided).http://www.hawaiivolcanohouse.com/cabins-campsites/
You can also have inexpensive meals at the dining hall of the military base (Kilauea Military Camp; breakfast is a bargain)within the park.

If you want to see lava flow, you can hike to it. There are a couple tours that will safely and legally lead you to the lava flow (a lot of the hike is across private lands). It is a fairly strenuous hike, at night, but with college aged kids you could do it. I have heard great things about Volcano Discovery Tours and Kalapana Cultural Tours. Might want to check them out. I know your boys don't want to do tours but these are not big group bus tours but very small groups and it is very hands on. Also, they are the only ways to legally hike to see lava.

We stayed in a little guest house in Volcano. There are quite a few of them and they all seem well positioned for easy access to the park.

When you are on the West side, venture out beyond Waikoloa to the wonderful beaches at the Mauna Kea and Mauna Lani.

Have a great trip!

I have been to the Big Islands many times. Normally I do not take a "tour". However, this past February I took the Poke A Stick Lava tour to see the lava flow up close and personal. It was awesome. You hike on private land all the way to the coast. At dusk you see the lava flowing into the ocean. We poked sticks into new lava vents while standing on hot lava rocks. Guides are always concerned about safety.

http://lavarefuge.com/poke-a-stick-guided-lava-tours/

Thank you. I read about Kapoho and it sounds appealing to me, but not for our group for 3 nights. I'm having a tough time finding lodging in Volcano for our 3 nights. Most vacancies sleep 2-3 comfortably. Only 2 of us would like the Volcano House cabins.We will be doing as much self-walking as possible.
I agree we'll go straight from the airport to eat,pick up a little food in Hilo, and get to wherever we end up staying in Volcano. Saddle Road has been recommended as the fastest route, and then taking coast the coast, with stops to Waikaloa Marriott. We will go to Mauna Kea summit from that side. Absolutely will visit recommended beaches.
If we miss the southern route, seems we can at least visit Punalu'u black sand beach while staying in Volcano. Anything else recommended not too far from there if we're heading back to Volcano? Can't believe I can't find my notes from last Hawaii trip.

Hi BarbAnn, our replies crossed. I'll ask everyone what they think.

We really enjoyed the Kilauea Lodge; we stayed in a little cottage there. We stayed at the Inn at Kulaniapia in Hilo and didn't really love it, but it had a beautiful waterfall on the property.

Janey, Saddle Road is the fastest route from Kona to Hilo. We took it this past Feb from Kona to Hilo late at night and had no problems. However, the southern route from Volcano to Waikaloa allows for some great sightseeing stops.

I can recommend Lava Rock Cafe in Volcano. Funky local place. I have eaten there several times. The Thai restaurant is supposed to be good, but I have not eaten there.

Have you thought of B&B's in Volcano? I stayed in one many years ago and had a great time. Also remember that Volcano House just finished a major renovation. When I was there in February the only thing open was the gift shop. It has since reopened all accommodations.

I'm checking B&Bs and rentals right now. Still having a challenge finding something. Would prefer a bit of breakfast included, but no. 1 is not being squished!

Country Goose B&B was good for us when we went some years ago. Located in Volcano.

Thank you everyone. Missed Country Goose (I think!)Volcano House was available but the boys would be packed in sleeping. I literally started 7 AM yesterday, and even called places that earlier I saw weren't available online. Finally booked in Volcano - 5th Street Ohana, 2 bedrooms and breakfast food. In my endless searching yesterday I came cross this place, checked reviews, but when I started booking the verification said 1 room. Since it's a strict refund policy I wasn't going to do it until clarified. I called and left a message, emailed, and when I gave up for the evening, I got an email there was a website problem and I booked by phone. I know its less than a month away, but this is always how we plan trips, and this part was a challenge!

Heading for Waikoloa Marriott from Volcano I'm torn whether to take Hamakua coast or take southern route. Have to figure what parts we're more likely to see another day.Figured we'd visit Punalu'u black sand beach while at Volcano. What else can we see as part of that day?
We have a 9 PM fight home, so even arriving late 1st night at Marriott hotel, we have 5 full days. Much of one day is taken up with Mauna Kea sunset/stargazing. My guys are fair-skinned and every vacation is a battle so that they're not on a beach midday. Beautiful beaches, some snorkeling,and soaking in the beauty are priorities. Not much on shopping except ABC store (although I did buy a wedding ring at Waikoloa Kings shop last time!).

If it we're me, I would take the Hamakua coast road to the Waikoloa Marriott--closer and the coast is really gorgeous and if you started early enough, you could visit Akaka Falls and at least go to the Waipio Valley overlook. If the timing is right, stop in Waimea for a great burger at Village Burger. http://www.villageburgerwaimea.com/

Really nothing of interest between Volcano and Punalu'u beach. We often drive back to the Wood Valley Temple (which is maybe 10 minutes outside of Pahala--which is near Punalu'u Beach). It's in a lovely, shady, cool setting, the little temple is lovely, the monks are friendly and there are peacocks wandering the grounds. It also has a small gift shop with some interesting items. http://www.nechung.org/

If you drive about 20 minutes south from Pahala down highway 11, you will be in Na’alehu and could stop for lunch at the Hana Hou restaurant- a real local place with plate lunches and great pies. (Going to the restrooms is something of an adventure!)

I assume that you know that some of the best snorkeling on the west side of the island is in south Kona--Honaunau Bay, Kealakekua Bay and, if you are comfortable snorkeling in the open ocean--at the south end of Kealakekua Bay--off shore of the village and beach at Ke'ei. DH says some of the best coral he's ever seen.

Thanks. Sounds like Hamakua coast is the way to go. The Wood Valley Temple looks lovely. Maybe we can go to Naalehu too. We have 3 nights and 2 full days for Volcano so we need to plan.

I don't know if the guys will snorkel in the open ocean, but I'll pass this along. As for me, I barely swim and only go in limited places.

congrats on finding lodging! we really enjoyed staying in VV with early mornings and late nights before and after the day trippers!

I appreciate everyone's help and direction.