One night in Volcano?

Question

Hi all! We have 4 nights on the Big Island after spending 5 nights in Maui here in about 3 weeks. We are staying in a condo in Kona but are considering spending one night in Volcano on the 3rd night. We know we want to make multiple stops on our way to VNP and would even love to stop at a few spots near Hilo. We aren't really keen on driving back in the dark super late at night for 2+ hours so is it worth it to stay one night in Volcano? Likely would just pack a small bag and leave most stuff at the condo. I know it's a waste of a night at the condo but we paid with points so not a huge deal. This way we could explore more the next day as well on that side of the island without having to make that long drive again. Just wondering if there's something I'm not considering!

Answer

Spending a night in Volcano is definitely a good idea if you're looking to fully experience the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park (VNP) and explore the eastern side of the Big Island without the stress of driving back late at night. The park is large, and there's so much to do that you could easily spend an entire day and evening exploring. Staying in Volcano allows you to explore the park at a more leisurely pace, and you can even catch the glow from Kīlauea's crater at night, which is an unforgettable sight.

If you're concerned about driving back in the dark, spending the night in Volcano eliminates that hassle. You'll be able to visit some of the attractions around Hilo and Volcano during the day, and then explore the park in the evening. This also gives you time to enjoy the area around Volcano without the pressure of time constraints. You might also want to check out some local restaurants and cafes in the Volcano Village area to enjoy a relaxed evening before heading back the next day.

Pros of staying in Volcano:

More time to explore Hawaii Volcanoes National Park at your own pace.
Avoid the long drive back to Kona late at night after a day of sightseeing.
Opportunity to see the park's glow or lava flow (if active) in the evening.
Explore nearby Hilo and other spots on the eastern side of the island without rushing.

Considerations:

Accommodations in Volcano can be more limited compared to Kona, but there are charming options like the Volcano House or vacation rentals.
If you prefer to be near the coast or the beaches, Kona offers more of those experiences.
You will be away from the more tourist-heavy side of the island for a night, which could either be a pro or con depending on your preferences.

If you're considering a one-night stay, I would recommend packing light and leaving the bulk of your things in Kona. The drive from Kona to Volcano is around 2 hours, and it can be quite scenic with multiple spots to visit along the way, including the southernmost point of the U.S., South Point, or Punaluu Black Sand Beach. You can also make stops in Hilo for some sightseeing before heading to the Volcano area.

In summary, staying the night in Volcano allows you to explore more of the island and take in the unique landscapes of the park and the surrounding areas without the long drive back the same day. It’s definitely worth considering if you’re looking to slow down the pace of your trip and see the island from a different perspective.

One night in Volcano?

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