Which volcano excursion in Hilo is best?

My girlfriend and I are still trying to decide which volcano excursion to book in Hilo. We originally booked Volcano National Park and Rainbow Falls. However, she thinks we might not see enough of the volcano with that one. Which excursion do you recommend? Thanks.

Aloha. I can't give you a specific suggestion, but I will say this: The longer, the better when it comes to VNP. Try to get one that goes down Chain of Craters Rd. to the literal end of the road. This is where those who choose to do so hike out to the current lava flow (when it's safe). We haven't and won't do it because of health issues and sometimes that hike can be hours each way, but that's not the real reason to go down Chain of Craters. The scenery on the road itself it fascinating, and this is where you will likely see the steam plumes as the new lava hits the ocean.

Please listen to your girlfriend because she is right--and I don't say that just because I'm a girl too. LOL. My DH would give you the same advice. There are other waterfalls; there is only one VNP, and it deserves your time and attention.

beachchick

Aloha. I can't give you a specific suggestion, but I will say this: The longer, the better when it comes to VNP. Try to get one that goes down Chain of Craters Rd. to the literal end of the road. This is where those who choose to do so hike out to the current lava flow (when it's safe). We haven't and won't do it because of health issues and sometimes that hike can be hours each way, but that's not the real reason to go down Chain of Craters. The scenery on the road itself it fascinating, and this is where you will likely see the steam plumes as the new lava hits the ocean.

 

Please listen to your girlfriend because she is right--and I don't say that just because I'm a girl too. LOL. My DH would give you the same advice. There are other waterfalls; there is only one VNP, and it deserves your time and attention.

 

beachchick

Can anyone tell me which excursions meet those requirements? Specifically, one that goes to Chain of Craters Road? It seems that there aren't any that would have the hiking as an option: all the excursions would either require it or not allow it at all. My girlfriend seems to want to do either Explore the Land of Frozen Fire, or one of the lava hiking excursions. But I'd be nervous about the lava hiking excursions, especially since NCL lists them as Level 3. As for Explore the Land of Frozen Fire: does anyone know anything about it? Does it go to the end of Chain of Craters Road?

Can anyone tell me which excursions meet those requirements? Specifically, one that goes to Chain of Craters Road? It seems that there aren't any that would have the hiking as an option: all the excursions would either require it or not allow it at all. My girlfriend seems to want to do either Explore the Land of Frozen Fire, or one of the lava hiking excursions. But I'd be nervous about the lava hiking excursions, especially since NCL lists them as Level 3. As for Explore the Land of Frozen Fire: does anyone know anything about it? Does it go to the end of Chain of Craters Road?

another thought......It is easy to rent a car in Hilo, the airport is near the ship and many car rental companies will have vans from the port........and it is easy to drive and find VNP. If you drive yourself......you can plan your own schedule.

another thought......It is easy to rent a car in Hilo, the airport is near the ship and many car rental companies will have vans from the port........and it is easy to drive and find VNP. If you drive yourself......you can plan your own schedule.

As I posted in other threads, I would prefer to avoid renting a car, and would prefer to use NCL excursions. My main fear would be missing the ship if I get lost or stuck in traffic. With an NCL excursion, I wouldn't have to worry about missing the ship. I think it is usually best to avoid driving in unfamiliar areas if possible. Also (although this might not apply to VNP), I'd be worried about losing my money if the ship fails to dock, is late, or changes its itinerary (all of which are common on cruises), whereas for an excursion, NCL will refund the cost. Also, for VNP, I think it would be best to go on a tour that will have a guide knowledgeable about the volcano, which we'd not have if I did it on my own.

Although it is easy to rent a car in Hilo and drive to VNP, I agree that taking an escorted tour is a great way to go also. The guides will have lots of interesting history and information to share that you would not get while driving on your own.

The Land of Frozen Fire tour does NOT go to Volcano National Park. It explores areas of the Puna district that have been affected by volcanic eruptions in the past. I would say that this tour would be a great one to do if you have already visited VNP previously.

As far as driving down Chain of Craters road to hike out to the lava...this is a hard one to answer. The hike is hot, somewhat strenuous and can be dangerous and usually averages a couple of hours in each direction. And, of course, there is no guarantee you will see flowing lava. Cruise ship tours all take place during the day which makes it especially hard to see red glowing lava. We usually do this hike when we can stay out there after dark.

You will see plenty of the volcano park while driving around the Crater Rim drive. The Thurston Lava tube is a fun little hike and the Jagger museum is fun and interesting.

You will probably see plenty of red flowing lava if your cruise ship sails by the volcano at night. You will see the steam plumes where the lava enters the ocean and will be able to see all of the lava streaming down the hillsides. This is really quite a magnificent sight that can only be appreciated from a cruise ship.

Have fun doing whatever you decide on. And, feel free to ask any other questions you may have.

Although it is easy to rent a car in Hilo and drive to VNP, I agree that taking an escorted tour is a great way to go also. The guides will have lots of interesting history and information to share that you would not get while driving on your own.

 

The Land of Frozen Fire tour does NOT go to Volcano National Park. It explores areas of the Puna district that have been affected by volcanic eruptions in the past. I would say that this tour would be a great one to do if you have already visited VNP previously.

 

As far as driving down Chain of Craters road to hike out to the lava...this is a hard one to answer. The hike is hot, somewhat strenuous and can be dangerous and usually averages a couple of hours in each direction. And, of course, there is no guarantee you will see flowing lava. Cruise ship tours all take place during the day which makes it especially hard to see red glowing lava. We usually do this hike when we can stay out there after dark.

 

You will see plenty of the volcano park while driving around the Crater Rim drive. The Thurston Lava tube is a fun little hike and the Jagger museum is fun and interesting.

 

You will probably see plenty of red flowing lava if your cruise ship sails by the volcano at night. You will see the steam plumes where the lava enters the ocean and will be able to see all of the lava streaming down the hillsides. This is really quite a magnificent sight that can only be appreciated from a cruise ship.

 

Have fun doing whatever you decide on. And, feel free to ask any other questions you may have.

Thanks. Of the volcano excursions offered by NCL, which one would you recommend? It sounds like you don't recommend Frozen Fire, since I've never been to the volcano.

I suggest the Volcano Nature Deluxe Tour. It is a full day (6 hour) tour in a 10 passenger vehicle, so very "personalised". We did the Crater Rim road, and then went down to the coast on Chain of Craters Road where we had lunch right on the lava sea cliffs watching the plumes from the lava flows. We also did the thurston lava tubes as well as stopping at various sights along the way that you don't get to see on the bigger coaches.

Best thing was that with only 10 people on board, we were able to talk with the guide as we drove along, rather than him doing a commentary. Also, the flexibility that a small group trip provides ... a few times during the day, we changed plans because of something that came up in discussion.

Cheers

Bob

I suggest the Volcano Nature Deluxe Tour. It is a full day (6 hour) tour in a 10 passenger vehicle, so very "personalised". We did the Crater Rim road, and then went down to the coast on Chain of Craters Road where we had lunch right on the lava sea cliffs watching the plumes from the lava flows. We also did the thurston lava tubes as well as stopping at various sights along the way that you don't get to see on the bigger coaches.

 

Best thing was that with only 10 people on board, we were able to talk with the guide as we drove along, rather than him doing a commentary. Also, the flexibility that a small group trip provides ... a few times during the day, we changed plans because of something that came up in discussion.

 

Cheers

Bob

Thanks for the suggestion. I agree that sounds like it is probably the best tour. I just have to convince my girlfriend that it is worth the extra cost. lol. I assume this tour isn't too stenuous? It is listed as Level 2, which I think is a good level for us; we aren't very athletic, but are young and in decent shape.

One thing I wonder about: you and others say that the van is limited to 10 people. Does that mean only 10 people per cruise can sign up? If so, then unfortunately it might be booked by now (our cruise is 4/30/06). Or, do they have several groups of 10 people each going on the tour? I hope the latter.

See my answer on your other thread. All gets a bit confusing when you start 2 threads on the same subject ... presumably an accidental double posting ... but even moreso when people are replying on both!!

I repeat, the money is well spent! It is something you will only do once, so don't skimp for the sake of $50 bucks or so!!

Cheers

Bob

Aloha. I can't give you a specific suggestion, but I will say this: The longer, the better when it comes to VNP. Try to get one that goes down Chain of Craters Rd. to the literal end of the road. This is where those who choose to do so hike out to the current lava flow (when it's safe). We haven't and won't do it because of health issues and sometimes that hike can be hours each way, but that's not the real reason to go down Chain of Craters. The scenery on the road itself it fascinating, and this is where you will likely see the steam plumes as the new lava hits the ocean.

 

Please listen to your girlfriend because she is right--and I don't say that just because I'm a girl too. LOL. My DH would give you the same advice. There are other waterfalls; there is only one VNP, and it deserves your time and attention.

 

beachchick

Does anyone know if the VNP and Rainbow Falls tour includes Chain of Craters Road? The Volcano Deluxe tour is sold out for the 4/30/07 cruise. If not, can anyone tell me which excursions do include that road?

Does anyone know if the VNP and Rainbow Falls tour includes Chain of Craters Road? The Volcano Deluxe tour is sold out for the 4/30/07 cruise. If not, can anyone tell me which excursions do include that road?

Sorry yo hear that the delux tour is sold out. As far as I could figure, it is the ONLY one that goes down Chain of Craters Road to the coast. The VNP/Rainbow Falls tour just does the crater rim loop (including stops at the visitors centre and museum) along with the thurston lava tube before heading back to town for the Falls (or vice versa).

You may have to now consider renting a car if you want to see top and bottom. Lots of people on these boards reckon that's the best way to see VNP anyway, although I remain to be convinced. Having said that, with the deluxe tour sold out, it would now be the way I would have to think about going.

If you do, very strongly recommend you buy the Big Island Revealed book to use as your guide. Lots of people on this board recommended the Revealed series (which are written by people who live on the islands and know them the less obvious highlights) and having bought the Oahu book to use when doing the island drive, I can endorse their recommendations. They are absolutely the way to go for DIY tours and make navigation so

easy.

Bob

Sorry yo hear that the delux tour is sold out. As far as I could figure, it is the ONLY one that goes down Chain of Craters Road to the coast. The VNP/Rainbow Falls tour just does the crater rim loop (including stops at the visitors centre and museum) along with the thurston lava tube before heading back to town for the Falls (or vice versa).

 

You may have to now consider renting a car if you want to see top and bottom. Lots of people on these boards reckon that's the best way to see VNP anyway, although I remain to be convinced. Having said that, with the deluxe tour sold out, it would now be the way I would have to think about going.

 

If you do, very strongly recommend you buy the Big Island Revealed book to use as your guide. Lots of people on this board recommended the Revealed series (which are written by people who live on the islands and know them the less obvious highlights) and having bought the Oahu book to use when doing the island drive, I can endorse their recommendations. They are absolutely the way to go for DIY tours and make navigation so

easy.

 

Bob

Since I want to avoid renting a car (especially in a non-overnight port), do you think the VNP and Rainbow Falls tour is still a worthwhile tour? Or is there another tour that would be better?

For me, the drive down chain of craters road and the coast was the highlight of our tour, so do I think the VNP/Rainbow Falls tour is a worthwhile one? Compared to what we did and knowing what I now know, I would have to say an emphatic NO.

Having said that, the VNP/Rainbow Fall tour looks like a really good day out and one which you would no doubt enjoy. My concern would be whether I was going to be left wondering about what I missed ... and that wouldn't really be much of a concern if I knew I was likely to get back to the Big Island again in the future.

In your position , I would think about a hire car ... but of course, I am not you so what would I know.

Whatever you do, enjoy!

Good news. My girlfriend called NCL. And, as I had thought, the reason we couldn't book the Volcano Deluxe tour had nothing to do with it being booked; it was because the time conflicted with our previously booked VNP and Rainbow Falls tour. So, she was able to ask them to cancel VNP and Rainbow Falls and add Volcano Deluxe. Now, I just hope we made the right decision.

You have, so just look forward to it. I am so pleased for you ... it really is a wonderful tour. You will have a great day out!

Cheers

Bob

We are doing the CIRCLE OF FIRE/WATERFALLS helicopter tour next April with Blue Hawaiian out of Hilo. We are really excited about this tour.

Mike

One thing I wonder about: on the NCL board, someone posted a while ago that some of these volcano excursions are frequently cancelled, since it very frequently rains in Hilo. If the tour that I have booked is cancelled, does NCL give me a chance to book another, non-cancelled tour, or am I out of luck?

We are doing the CIRCLE OF FIRE/WATERFALLS helicopter tour next April with Blue Hawaiian out of Hilo. We are really excited about this tour.

 

Mike

Mike,

Can you tell me more about this trip. Friends have recommended it but I did not know where to find out about it.

We will be in Hilo in June 2007.

Thanks.

Jennie

Hilo does not get that much rain. Most of the time it is quick passing showers. Now and then we will get a completly rainy day....like today!! I believe most of the tours will operate to the Volcano Park rain or shine. Just be prepared for cooler and sometimes misty weather up there at the 4,000 foot elevation. Down at the end of Chain of Craters road (at sea level) the weather will be warmer. Wear layers!

Jennie

http://bluehawaiian.com Try this website

Mike

Mike,

Thanks for that.

Jennie

One thing I wonder about: on the NCL board, someone posted a while ago that some of these volcano excursions are frequently cancelled, since it very frequently rains in Hilo. If the tour that I have booked is cancelled, does NCL give me a chance to book another, non-cancelled tour, or am I out of luck?

Mitsguy, it was raining lightly for us too when we were at the crater, and a bit breezy too. The good thing on this tour is thaty the guide has rain jackets on board for his passengers ... he said "that's why they call this a deluxe tour!" The weather at the end of chain of Craters Road was clear and much warmer so layering of clothes is a good idea.

Bob