V n p ?

[graystreet]

Aloha fellow cruisers,

any suggestions for VNP in Feb., as Brits, we can't get used to driving on the wrong side of the road so a rental car is out. What options do we have?

Ships tour, but limited time and sights or could we get a taxi in port and hike the park in our own time?

We are quite active and don't mind walking,(would we see enough of the park?)

If the latter is viable what would be the approx cost of a taxi and do you have any other suggestions.

Thanks in advance for any info.

[leoandhugh]

VNP is many miles from where the ship docks and it is all uphill not an option as far as I can see. you may find some independent tour operators on the pier who are looking to take groups to VNP:)

[Nancyquilts]

Dh likes to hike across the crater from the Volcano House, and I pick him up on the other side. It takes quite a while to walk across. If you don't want to drive, I'd look into an independent tour - maybe Roberts? We always drive, as we are on the "right" side of the road.:D

[kapoho2]

I don't believe that hiking the crater is an option right now. Halemaumau is pumping out a huge steam plume and is sending out ash, etc. Exciting stuff....but not good for hikers, etc. But, I am sure there are many other hikes that would be fun such as Kilauea Iki.

 

For the OP, there are many great tours that will show the best the VNP has to offer. The park is too far from Hilo to just hop in a cab for transport to the park, but perhaps you could hire a cab driver at the pier and negotiate a rate for the day and have the driver take you around the park to the sights that would interest you. The park is huge and cannot be seen by walking. You definitely need wheels at your disposal. Keep reading and researching and asking questions here and I am sure you will come up with a plan for the day that you will really enjoy. Have fun!!

[graystreet]

Thanks for your input, been a great help.(don't forget to buckle up, we may hire a car.):D

[fleckle]

Aloha fellow cruisers,

any suggestions for VNP in Feb., as Brits, we can't get used to driving on the wrong side of the road so a rental car is out. What options do we have?

Is there a roll call for your cruise?

Maybe you can arrange to share a rental car or van for the day with another couple from your cruise and split the cost. That would probably be the most economical way to go.

 

[WNcruiser]

Take a look at lavatours.com. I think they provide a great tour at a good price, and your not packed in a bus!

[Genghis Khan]

No Problem Graystreet! When on holiday last year in England, we too were concerned about reverting to our cultural tendencies to drive on the "wrong" side of the road. Problem solved...we would position the car in the right hand lane but simply drive in reverse where ever we went. The locals didn't seem to mind, in fact we were often saluted with a wave of the hand signifying our Number 1 status.

[Nancyquilts]

no problem graystreet! When on holiday last year in england, we too were concerned about reverting to our cultural tendencies to drive on the "wrong" side of the road. Problem solved...we would position the car in the right hand lane but simply drive in reverse where ever we went. The locals didn't seem to mind, in fact we were often saluted with a wave of the hand signifying our number 1 status.

It's always nice to be appreciated!

[graystreet]

No Problem Graystreet! When on holiday last year in England, we too were concerned about reverting to our cultural tendencies to drive on the "wrong" side of the road. Problem solved...we would position the car in the right hand lane but simply drive in reverse where ever we went. The locals didn't seem to mind, in fact we were often saluted with a wave of the hand signifying our Number 1 status.

Oh, so it was you I waved to.

[NextOne]

We used Ricky's Tours (www.rickystours.com) when we docked in Hilo and we were very pleased with the tour Ricky provided. We even got to see sea turtles! One word of caution - when we arrived at VNP, the crater rim road was closed because the sulphur dioxide emissions made the air quality really bad. That was a disappointment, but Ricky made sure we got to see as much as possible.