Where to stay near the lava/volcano
 

I did not realize how far Kona( where we are staying for a week) was from all the action.
Since we will be near the lava past dusk/dark, does anyone know a good place to stay for the night that's not too far and not too expensive?

If you mean the National Park, Hilo is an ok option, only an hour away. Volcano Lodge is right on the caldera rim inside the park; many smaller places in the town of Volcano, but be careful (don't rough it). However, no lava to see (but lots of vent action). Pahoa might be closer for watching lava enter the ocean, but no idea about lodging.

Thanks! Have you ever heard of the Volcano Inn right outside the park?
How is it?

Husband and I just returned from visit to Big Island. Stayed at the Volcano Cottages in the very "local" town of Volcano (where my sister lives).

Garret and Sandy Gooding, transplants from MI, have done an OUTSTANDING job of building (2) cottages complete with full kitchen, shower with hot water-on-demand, separate queen bedroom, large kitchen/eating area, living room and wrap-around porch set in an ohia-lehua forest. Sandy delivers breakfast to your house at the end of each day. The units are immaculate without any mildew, which Volcano can be susceptible to. Our unit rented for $132.00/nite. They also have larger (and smaller) units to accommodate honeymooners, families and larger groups. Check their website at www.volcanocottages.com. This rate is unbeatable for the quality of the units, the attention to detail - including the grounds - and a very "local" experience.

The town of Volcano is about 5 min. from the entrance to the National Park. Although I grew up in Hawaii, it was quite thrilling to walk across the floor of Kilauea Crater. Unreal! Do visit the Hilo Farmer's Market held on Wed. and Sat. If you are visiting in the summer, you will be there for mango and lichee season. Of course, the papayas are divine. My favorite is the Solo variety, but a new variety, Rainbow, is quite popular. The vendors will give you a taste. Lucky you!

You might also check out Kilauea Lodge, which is very popular.We were going to stay there this July, but had to cancel. It has rooms in the main lodge and a few cottages ( one dating from the 1920's, others much newer) scattered around the main property. The restaurant there is supposedly outstanding, esp. for breakfast, and I think the location is about a mile or two from the entrance to the park.

The "Volcano House" is the name of the lodge inside the park. It has rates that can be very reasonable (e.g., travelocity has $130, some sites have even better rates).

BTW, sunset and sunrise there (as opposed to the town of Volcano) are awesome; tho the town is, of course, only a few minutes away (in the trees).

We stayed at the Country Goose and liked it a lot. They also rent lots of cottages in the area.

Has anyone stayed at the VOLCANO INN outside the park (BI)? Thanks!