If you are traveling to Hawaii, you are obviously in for a long trip. It’s a good thing they haven’t built the bridge yet as it seems it might be a long drive. Also, it’s not closer to Japan than California – in case that needed to be cleared up.
If you are going to commit to making the long commute, the best thing you can do is give yourself plenty of time to visit every island. Each island has its own feel, and each one is totally unique from all the others. Really, you can spend an entire vacation on each island if you wanted but then you are really committing to some serious frequent flier miles. If you only plan on making the trip one time in your life (something we used to hear all the time), you should really try to see all the islands while you are there.
Hands down the number one reason most people visit the Big Island of Hawaii, when they are in Hawaii, is so that they can see an active Volcano. Kilauea and the Volcano National Park are located on the South East Side of the Big Island, approximately 2 hours away from Kailua-Kona, HI or only 45 minutes away from Hilo, HI.
When you visit The Big Island, there are definitely a few must do’s that you will want to experience while you are there, but really the big draw is the Volcano….and of course, the 100% Kona Coffee.
So, if you are going to the Volcano, make sure you have a plan for when you get there. Here are a few insider tips that can help save you some time and money while you are there.
- Go To The Crater
We almost don’t even want to mention this one, because that’s the whole reason you are there. You want to see lava….we get it. Here’s the thing about it though, the visitor’s center and viewing deck is so far away from the crater that you can’t really see any lava. You can see smoke, and you can learn about Mama Pele, but you’re not really going to see any lava. One thing to consider though, is if you stick around until the sun goes down, you will be able to see the glow from the lava, which is pretty cool. So, if you have your heart set on seeing lava at the National Park, stick around later and at least you can see something besides smoke.
2. Walk A Lave Tube
Check to make sure this is open before you go, as it was shut down for awhile for COVID.
One of the boys favorite things to do was take a walk in The Thurston Lava Tube. You start off by walking through the rainforest there, then enter into a 500-year old lava tube, which is really dark in some places. It won’t take you very long overall, but maybe budget a good 30 minutes so you can take your time hiking down and back up, and really immersing yourself in the experience.
If you are really looking for a different experience, go at night, and walk through in the REAL DARK. You will have to bring your own flashlight/lantern, but it’s worth it!
3. Take A Hike
There are over 100 miles of hiking trails at Volcano National Park. We’re not sure you will be able to get all of those in during your visit, but you can certainly try. Depending on your comfort with activity level, and how mobile your party is, you can certainly tailor your hiking experience to suit your needs.
If you want to see a little bit more of the craters, or maybe a little bit more of the trees and wildlife, you will have your pick of things to do. It’s definitely worth spending some time, getting out in nature and talking a little walk.
4. Stay Overnight & See The Stars
There are actually a number of areas to stay overnight when you are at The Volcano National Park. There is the Volcano House, which is actually right there at the National Park. It has rooms, cabins, and campsites available for whatever your budget is. The onsite restaurant and lodge offers an amazing view of the main crater that makes for a nice backdrop for dinner or drinks.
If you want to rough it a little more, there are two main campgrounds at the Volcano National Park. However, if you are looking for the real deal, take the back roads to Kulanaokuaiki Campground. There are nine designated campsites there, and they all have picnic tables and tent pads, and are available on a first-come basis. They are spaced out enough where you will still feel like you are alone. When you are laying down for the evening, just try not to think to yourself that you are sleeping on top of a live volcano that could erupt at any time….sweet dreams.
Whichever way you decide to go, make sure you get outside and check out the stars during the evening. Set against the glow of lava it’s truly, truly amazing!!
5. See If You Can Stand The Heat
Stop by the Volcano National Park Steam Vents while you’re there. See if you can handle the heat!!
