Paniolo Greens to Volcano?L

[ValHam]

I am going to Paniolo Greens on the Big Island in 2 weeks - never been - I am planning a drive to the Volcano National Park - Is it a overnight trip? Would anyone know of a decent overnight hotel or B&B? What else should I see that is close to Paniolo ? Thanks

 

[DeniseM]

If you have a military connection, consider staying in the military R&R Camp, right in the park - Kilauea Military Camp.

We also enjoyed staying in the only hotel in the park - Volcano House for it's fantastic location on the edge of the caldera, but it's overpriced for the age of the rooms.

 

[Luanne]

The first time we visited Volcano National Park (from Paniolo Greens) we did it in one day. Never again, just not enough time. Our favorite place to stay is in Volcano Village at the Kilauea Lodge. http://www.kilauealodge.com/

From Paniolo Greens it's easy to get to Waimea, Hawi and the Waikoloa resort area. We head for Hapuna Beach when staying up in that part of the island. Beautiful!

 

[DaveNV]

I liked staying at Hale Ohia B&B in Volcano. www.haleohia.com Beautiful place to stay, and very close to the park.

Dave

 

[BevL]

We've done it in a day too, but it was a long day and driving back at night is not fun. Last two times we've stayed in Hilo, a bed and breakfast once, can't remember the name and decided the B and B experience wasn't for us, and cheap hotel the next time, which was fine for a place to sleep.

But if you are on a budget, you can do it in a day.

 

[charford]

We took Hawaii Forest and Trail to the volcano from Paniolo Greens. They pick you up right at the resort. Although it was a long day, I wasn't the one doing the driving! Paniolo Greens is only about 2-2.5 hours from the volcano.

 

[Jim Bryan]

http://www.coconutcottagehawaii.com/

My Wife and I stayed here for three days.

 

[BevL]

We took Hawaii Forest and Trail to the volcano from Paniolo Greens. They pick you up right at the resort. Although it was a long day, I wasn't the one doing the driving! Paniolo Greens is only about 2-2.5 hours from the volcano.

The problem we found with doing it in a day is that there is so much to see on the way. So for us it wasn't just a straight drive there and a straight drive back.

 

[ValHam]

Did anyone stay at Volcano Inn? Thanks again

 

[Luanne]

Did anyone stay at Volcano Inn? Thanks again

We haven't. We were going to, then our neighbor recommended the Kilauea Lodge. The price ended up being about the same when you figure you're not paying for breakfast.

I'd check tripadvisor to see if there are any updated reviews there. From what I'd heard before the rooms are NOT fancy, kind of like a Motel 6. You can spend more for the view rooms, and depending on weather, may not get much of a view.

Volcano Village is only about a mile (if that much) from the entrance of the park. And once you've paid your park admission it's good for 7 days.

Ooops, just went back and re-read. Did you mean Volanco House, the lodging that is inside the park? That's what I was commenting on.

 

[ValHam]

What would be worth seeing on the way to the volcano? Thanks

 

[DeniseM]

It depends on which way your are going to go. If you drive down the west coast, the Place of Refuge (Pu'uhonua o Honaunau National Historic Park) is one of our favorite places.

If you drive down the east coast there's lots to see too. Our favorite spot on the east coast was the Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden. But if you are going to sightsee on the way, you should plan a whole day and see the park the next day or two. The Big Island is BIG.

Here is a map with links to major sightseeing locations.

I'd buy a good guidebook and figure out what appeals to you the most.

 

[BevL]

You have to get the Big Island Revealed book. It is a must have and will give you all the highlights.

 

[gwenco]

Give Me Your Address And I Will Send You A Book

We have both the BI revealed and another book that I can't recall right off hand (I'm at work and it's at home) but I would gladly send them both to you.
We stayed at Paniola Greens in April and did a 2 day trip the the volcano. I would second Kahiloa House. It's very quaint, quiet and has the best food around. Your chef/owner is Magnum P.I's old makeup artist and is from Germany. I would highly recommend staying overnight as it's at least a two hour drive. We drove the north route and came back the south route. I now wish we would have done it in 3 days, not 2.

 

[Luanne]

I would second Kahiloa House. It's very quaint, quiet and has the best food around. Your chef/owner is Magnum P.I's old makeup artist and is from Germany.

Do you mean Kilauea Lodge?

 

[T_R_Oglodyte]

We have stayed at Bed and Breakfast Mountain View in the town of Mountain View, halfway between Hilo and Volcano. We recommend it highly. The southeast side of the island has much to offer, and is greatly overlooked by tourists.

A big disadvantage of driving down the west side of the island is that route will most likely take you through the VOG. The VOG is at best annoying and when bad is dangerous for people with breathing difficulties. Even most people without breathing difficulties will experience watering eyes, running sinuses, and some coughing and hoarseness. Here is a picture we took of the VOG front advancing up the east flank of Mauna Loa. The road to Volcano from Punalu'u passes right through the thick of that VOG.

 

[gwenco]

Do you mean Kilauea Lodge?

Yes. Sorry. It was a LONG night when I typed that message.