From Waikoloa to Volcanoes National Park

[andceo]

I would like to visit the Volcanoes National Park in the Big Island during my stay at the Waikoloa Village, and from what i heard the best thing is renting a car at the Hilton and planning to reach the Park by driving.
This is something than can be done in 1 day, even if the place is at the opposite side of the island (and 2 hour and half drive).

I ask you if someone did it two years ago and if you have some suggestions about how to organize the day.

Thank you very much!

 

[NoPoke]

take the 180 then the 11 to the park http://www.nps.gov/havo/planyourvisit/upload/entire_park_final.pdf http://www.nps.gov/havo/planyourvisit/upload/summit_20111018_final.pdf

There was a restriction on using the saddle road in the car hire agreement last time, so we took the long scenic route. You can't get close to the crater so you won't see lava.


==for an even more scenic day==

take Alii drive, stop at Kahaluu beach park, swim/snorkle with the tropical fish. Sometimes they have turtles there too.

You can always eat in Kona on the way back from the Volcano.

 

[pokeMATHter]

We signed up for the circle island tour, and found it was great. We spent a couple of hours at the park, including lunch. Plus we got a quick tour of the whole island.

David

 

[Rainbowgym]

If you are allowed to use Saddle Road make a real round trip. First go East (saddle road) direction Hilo and than south to the vulcano park. Back to the hotel take the road west of the Island (11).
Try to travel in daylight, we didn't like it to drive the southern part of the Island when it became evening/dark.

Don't forget sunprotection like a hat.