Day Trip to the Island of Hawaii (Hilo, Volcano: rent, hotels)

[indigoclover]

Hello. We are visiting Oahu & Maui in Spetember and we were thinking about doing a day tour to the big island.

I was wondering where you can find info out about where the lava flows are (and if we are likely to see it on our tour). Also, if anyone has done a tour do they have any feedback/tips? Was it worth it?

Many thanks!

[tonrob]

Originally Posted by indigoclover

Hello. We are visiting Oahu & Maui in Spetember and we were thinking about doing a day tour to the big island.

I was wondering where you can find info out about where the lava flows are (and if we are likely to see it on our tour). Also, if anyone has done a tour do they have any feedback/tips? Was it worth it?

Many thanks!

Google Volcanoes National Park - that's where the lava flow is. Probably do-able in a day but might not see much of the rest of the Big Island (called the Big Island because it's Big. Well, and an Island. But you get my drift.)

We stayed a few nights and explored round by car - lots to see and do and traveling independently enabled us to keep our own agenda and avoid the crowds. We rented a lovely secluded little cottage in the rainforest just outside Volcano village!

[whynot?]

We had guests in January who'd done a Big Island day tour that included Volcanoes park. It's really spectacular, but to do it as a day trip/tour, plan on a 12- or 16-hour day with flights (and airport waits). I think you can book tours from Oahu (flight to BI + bus tour that includes Volcanoes and other sites), but the flight from Maui would be much quicker. Ask the concierge at your hotel -- the details change all the time. (Probably about $300/person.)

I doubt that a tour would get you down to the flowing lava because of time constraints and safety concerns. For that, you'd probably need to book a flight to Hilo and rent a car to get to the park. Access to the flowing lava is monitored carefully by the National Park Service. The most recent vent has been spewing sulphur dioxide, and the whole park has been closed for a few days recently because of the fumes. (There were a few days on Maui in May when we couldn't see the Lana`i or Moloka`i from our house because of the vog, or clouds of sulphur dioxide.)

The link for the park is Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park - Kilauea Volcano Status (U.S. National Park Service)
The US Geological Survey keeps a page of Kilauea's current status at HVO Kilauea Status Page
and there is more general information about the Hawaii Volcanoes Observatory from the USGS (including photos) at HVO Kilauea Status Page

There used to be great helicopter flyover tours from Maui, but I don't think they do them anymore. Then for a time there were small-jet flyover tours from Kapalua airport. Your concierge should be able to help; you will not lack for people trying to sell you "activities," for sure.

[leilaniguy]

Right now the main eruption and lava flow are mostly in roadless areas and on private property outside the National Park. The best way to see it "up close and personal" would be a helicopter or fixed wing tour available at either Kona or Hilo airport. You might want to wait to book until you are ready to travel as the eruption can change from day to day. Go to Reviews of vacations, hotels, resorts, vacation and travel packages - TripAdvisor and look up "Island of Hawaii" forum, much there about the volcano and tours.