Place to stay on Volcano Trip

So after reading over some posts, it seems the Volcano will be much more enjoyable going over two days instead of one. We are staying in Kona for 7 nights, so I guess one night away won%26#39;t hurt. Just looking for a decent place to stay for the one night, obviously just to pretty much sleep. Any ideas on a relatively inexpensive clean place?

How much do you think it would run?

Thanks :)

Place to stay on Volcano Trip

We stayed at the Hilo Hawaiian and it was really nice. Hilo is about a 45 minute drive to VNP. Plus, there is a great restaurant near the hotel called Ken%26#39;s House of Pancakes. We stayed here for about $125 per night plus taxes.

Place to stay on Volcano Trip

Lokahi Lodge in Volcano wasn%26#39;t any more than $125/night, if that, and included breakfast. Much nicer than staying in Hilo for the same price and having to drive 45 minutes each way.

Go for the best...Kiluea lodge... fire places and outstanding food all in one palace ... no need to drive to search out a place, burning time an gas...... its a vacation.... make it smooth and easy.; Searching for a discount room and a discount meal will erode any savings......trust me.

What time do people usually start the night hikes?

Yes, go for Kilauea Lodge if you can get the lower-priced room(s) or can spring for the higher-priced ones. We%26#39;ve really enjoyed both Kilauea and Lokahi. KL will loan you flashlights for a night hike if you need them.

The old hike is closed.. to the lava. The new keeps you over a mile distant and is short.. unnder a mile from the parking lot

Another vote for the Kilauea Lodge. We stayed 3 nights last year. It was very quiet and relaxing and it gave us plenty of time to explore the Park w/o having to rush or kill yourself w/too many hikes in one day.

Jpetretti,

I vote Hilo only b/c if you don鈥檛 spend some time in Hilo, you haven鈥檛 really seen the BI, IMHO. One can get excellent rates on line for the Hilo Hawaiian, and it is only about 45 minutes from HVNP. However, there are also places to stay at the volcano that are very nice. Ken鈥檚 HOP is excellent. There are other good places to eat too, but mostly local food. Inexpensive would be Hilo Seaside, but I caution you: this hotel is NOT for everyone. It is older, much more laid back and would not have the amenities you might be expecting. It is however a cheap place to sleep. Personally all my stays there have been great, but I have read on TA of other experiences less than stellar. It would be dependant upon your level of comfort with fewer amenities in an older hotel vs. paying more for KL or the B and B鈥檚 down in Volcano. Being that Hilo is an actual town supplies and such will be cheaper, but as HD says gas is expensive in Hawaii (per AAA Hilo is about $3.20/gallon, so figure Kona at about 10 cents more) so plan carefully. This is also why I recommend staying at least one day in Volcano or Hilo instead of Kona if HVNP is on your list of must do things. Good luck and happy travels!

Not being the expert some of these people are I hesitate to weigh in on this. However I have stayed at the Hilo Hawaiian and found it to be pleasant. It is not a resort but the rooms are okay. Be sure to pay the little extra they charge for a Bay side room. The other rooms overlook the parking lot. It%26#39;s very nice to start your day by watching the sun rise over the mountains across from the Bay.

The Hilo Hawaiian has a decent restaurant which faces the water. But I would suggest that you go to Cafe Pesto for lunch if you have time. A super place with a fantastic and reasonably priced menu.

The drive from Hilo to the volcano will take you past Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Plantation. You might want to stop in there. You will also pass Akatsuka Orchid Nursery. They have beautiful and unusual orchids which are very hardy and inexpensive. I have bought several. They will ship them for you (very well packed) or pack them so that you can carry them home yourself (too much of a hassle for me).

Staying in Hilo will enlarge your visit to the Big Island. Hilo is so different from the Kona side.