Stay in Volcano and Kona

I would like a bit of advice. AS part of our trip to Hawaii, we are spending 4 days, three nights on the Big Island. We are flying from Oahu into Hilo at about noon on a Thursday. We are then flying to Maui on Sunday, and will be in Maui for the next week.

My orginal plan was to spend three days in the Hilo area. I%26#39;ve changed my plan to spend two days at a nice looking rental house in Volcano, then drive Saturday to Kona, spend Saturday and Sunday in the Kona area, and fly out of Kona to Maui on Sunday p.m.

I would like to see the lava flow at night, and also tour Volcano National Park. What is your opinion - would I have enough time if I only spend 2 days, one night in the Volcano area and then spend 2 nights in the Kona area? I guess I feel like we are already spending a lot of time on the beach in Oaho and in Maui.

Thanks,

Kevin in Illinois

Stay in Volcano and Kona

Hi Kevin, I guess tow days is enough, although you realize if those two days the weather isn%26#39;t your friend you could end up kicking yourself. Some days the lava viewing is closed, as it was yesterday, if the wind switches. The closure is generally only one or two days, but it happens.

You cannot at this time see a lava flow other than by air. You can see the steam cloud with littoral explosions after dark, and MAYBE some red coming down the hills in the distance. So just to be clear on what you%26#39;ll see.

What was it you want to see in Kona? There%26#39;s a lot to do there, but you%26#39;ll have to drive to beaches. Maybe read up on where the attractions you want are located on the west side before picking your spot. There is lots to do aside from beaches, of course.

Stay in Volcano and Kona

The morning before you arrive in Hilo check lava flow conditions like:

hvo.wr.usgs.gov/kilauea/update/images.html

If Kalapana lava viewing is good arrive late evening before the sun goes down. If the Kalapana area is closed or inactive it might be a waste of time. If so spend first afternoon touring scenery in Hilo area (late afternoon check in at rental is typical). One full day in VNP will cover most of the bases. Closest view of Helema crater is from Jaggar museum (not sure if you can see glow from there or not).

Drive from Volcano will be long 2.5 to 3 hour drive so start out early in morning. Maybe do side trip to Place of Refuge near Captain Cook.

Third day out find the best beach near Kona and chill out or alternately spend day in Kona shopping and dining. Airport is a short drive north of Kona.