Is it unreasonable to take an early-morning (8am or so) flight from Oahu to Big Island (Hilo), rent a car at the airport, drive to the volcano crater area and spend a few hours there, then be back to the airport in time for a late evening (8pm or so) flight back to Oahu? I'm going with my family of 5 (including 1 toddler) and am trying to get a volcano/lava view in my trip without breaking the bank. We already have 2 hotel rooms reserved in Honolulu for every night of our trip, so I don't want to pay for another 2 hotel rooms on Big Island. Is this crazy, or doable? Thanks!
2007-12-10 12:39:37 · 7 answers · asked by jettoblack 5 in Travel ➔ United States ➔ Honolulu
We'll be in Honolulu 12/24-12/28. I noticed that a lot of the flights listed on iflygo.com and other inter-island carriers are already sold out for that week. :( I'm worried that if I wait until I get there, it will be too late or too expensive to go. If I just go to the hotel concierge and arrange the flights and tours from there, won't it cost a fortune? What are my options?
2007-12-10 14:52:22 · update #1
It's certainly possible.
You can either rent a car and grab a map from the rental agency or arrange to get on a tour bus and do it that way.
I would suggest you rent the car though since you have a family of 5 and the tour price is by person. It's an easy drive up there and you can stop and look at the scenery any time you want.
Be advised though, with the exception of the active flow (which may or not be accessible on the day you go depending on the weather conditions) there is really not much to see in the park itself beyond old lava flows and lava tubes (bring along your flashlight and your jacket as it's dark and cold in the tubes).
Also, since Volcanoes National Park is part of the National Park system it will most likely be closed on Christmas Day so you might want to make sure before you head up there.
Good luck and happy travels!
2007-12-11 06:04:16 · answer #1 · answered by soccerref 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I googled "volcano tours hawaii" and clicked on the link below. Note they start your day at 5:00am and it will end back in Honolulu probably around 9:00 to 10:00 that night. You said you have a toddler. Might be too long a day.
Do some research of the other tour companies. Letting them drive may be the way to go.
2007-12-11 06:05:12 · answer #2 · answered by zudmelrose 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Not unreasonable. You can take a flite from HNL to Hilo in the a.m. either rent a car ( I suggest you arrange for a tour with a private guide w/car) or arrange for a bus tour. It is better to do a tour because you are not familiar with the area, and you miss a lot of background info and history. You certainly can return in the evening. There many flights during the day to and from these destinations.
2007-12-10 13:07:43 · answer #3 · answered by Tamara 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Great idea, except for the driving part. My wife and I went there a few years ago and that particular trip was our favourite. Contact one of the local tour companies (i.e. 'Roberts' used to work out of Oahu) who fly you to Hawaii where you are met by a bus and tour guide. You will leave your hotel about 6:00 am and arrive back later that evening. You may pay a bit more, but you are there and back in one day, won't miss the major sights, and don't have to stay over. Aloha!!
2007-12-10 13:17:31 · answer #4 · answered by bob_scott45 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I did the volcano, waterfalls, etc in one day on the big island and we had to drive from one side to the other and we certaintly didn't get an early start. So if you take an early flight, get a car, and go you should be fine. You just will be very tired, but it is def. doable.
2007-12-11 16:09:48 · answer #5 · answered by Music chic 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The logistics of doing it on your own could be difficult. I agree that doing a tour, while it will cost more, is absolutely worth it.
2007-12-10 14:24:53 · answer #6 · answered by boomer gal 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That's a great idea. The Big Island is not a good place to be at night.
2007-12-10 12:49:42 · answer #7 · answered by Irish 7 · 0⤊ 2⤋