Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Travel Forum

can I stay at Volcano House hotel without renting a car? Can I see the national parks without renting a car?

This is a follow-up to my previous question. So, for viewing the lava flow, if you had to choose between staying overnight in/near the park (with intent of getting as close as your athleticism allows to the flow and/or viewing it from lookouts once it's dark) or taking a helicopter tour, which would you choose? Which offers the better experience?

Everything I can find seems to talk about viewing the lava flows at night. We're staying in Honolulu, and we can't really go to the big island for more than a day. So, nighttime viewing is out. We're trying to decide if it's worth the flight expense to island hop over to Hawaii to see the lava flow area.

I should note that our major reason to go would be the volcanic activity. We're not big nature lovers generally...it just seems like this Hawaii trip is our only shot to get near volcanic activity. But then...we don't want to do it if the only way worth doing it is an overnight and we're not staying overnight...we'll just be mad at ourselves for not "doing it for real."

There's also the time factor. If we arrive at 9:30am and have to be back at the airport at 4:30pm, do we even have enough time to do anything worthwhile?

I am looking for directions on where I need to drive, park, hike to get to see the lava flow? How far of a hike is it? I appreciate any information you can share. Thanks.

Hi
I just found this area -- also posted this question in the general Big Island forum. I am confused regarding viewing the lava flow at night. Is a guide necessary? Has anyone taken the Arnott's Lodge tour? It is long and rather expensive. Is it worth it? How long would it take to walk to a suitable viewing spot? Thanks for any info. We are going in one month.

Have you seen the latest reports on Mauna Loa? It seems her magma chamber is still inflating and there has been a major increase in seismic activity over the last couple months.

http://hvo.wr.usgs.gov/volcanowatch/current_issue.html

Would you want to be there if she blows?

Hello all,
Will be on the Big Island Feb. 20th and going to the Volcano on the 22nd. Any suggestions on what clothing to wear that time of year? And is any lava really visible right now? And lastly, any opinions on Volcano House? We will be spending one night there.
Thank you! K