Which way to vnp from kailua kona

Question

Pls help me decide which is better for thr day i go to volcano national park. I want to spend a full day there - to include chain of craters, thurston lava tube, possibly kilauea lki trail, devastation trail, puu loa petroglyphs. And whatever else is there. (2 adults and 3 children (5, 10 and 14)

My resort in Kailua kona (near holualoa) is tellin me to go either north or via saddle road, and see the falls and hilo and then go to vnp. But i was planning on doing that stuff another day so i can spend more time there plus add the farmers market and astronomy center.

I was thinking drive south and stop at punaluu beach for a few min and then to vnp for the full day.

Any thoughts pls?

Answer

For a full day at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park (VNP) with kids, your plan to drive south from Kailua-Kona and stop briefly at Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach is generally the most efficient for maximizing your time in the park itself. Here’s a breakdown of your options and considerations:

Driving north via Saddle Road to Hilo and then down to the park is a longer route (~3–3.5 hours each way from Kona), and if your goal is to explore the park fully with children, it will significantly cut into your park time. That route makes more sense if you want to combine a Hilo day with sightseeing waterfalls (Akaka Falls, Rainbow Falls) and the Imiloa Astronomy Center, as those attractions are closer to Hilo.

Driving south directly to the park via Highway 11 allows you to focus on the park’s highlights and spend more quality time without rushing:

Stop at Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach (great for a quick 15–20 minute stretch and maybe see sea turtles)
Arrive at Volcano National Park mid-morning and start with the Kīlauea Visitor Center to get maps, current conditions, and ranger advice
Walk the Thurston Lava Tube trail (easy and fun for kids)
Explore the Chain of Craters Road (drive and make stops at craters, lookouts, and lava formations)
Optional short hikes: Puu Loa Petroglyphs (easy, short, interesting for kids), Devastation Trail (paved, good for a family walk), Kīlauea Iki Trail if kids are comfortable with a moderate 4-mile hike)
Check for any active lava viewing points or safe steam vents; keep in mind conditions can change daily

Additional tips:

Start early from Kona (~7:00–7:30 AM) to maximize daylight and avoid fatigue for the younger children.
Bring snacks, water, and layers — temperatures can be cool and change quickly in the park.
Consider a stop at the Volcano Farmers Market if you’re returning via the same route or have time the day before/after for local food and crafts.
The Imiloa Astronomy Center is in Hilo, so you could plan a separate Hilo day if you want to include it without compromising your VNP time.

Summary Recommendation: Drive south from Kona, make a brief stop at Punaluʻu Beach, and spend a full day exploring Volcano National Park. Save the Hilo-area attractions (waterfalls, astronomy center, farmers market) for another day. This plan maximizes your time in the park, keeps travel reasonable for kids, and allows flexibility to enjoy both scenic spots and educational trails.

Which way to vnp from kailua kona

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