A common question we receive is: “Do I really need to plan a night in the Volcano area? Can’t I see the park and the lava flows on a day trip from the Kona side?” so we thought we would put together some information for those who might be wondering the same things! The short answer is that a day trip IS possible – but not ideal by any means. The Kona Coast is a 2.5 hour drive each way from the Volcano area, so doing the park in a “day trip” means spending 5 hours in the car just getting to and from the park. That drive time significantly decreases your time in the park and pretty much eliminates your chance of hiking out to the lava flow. (Not to mention all the wonderful stops you could make along the way, if you weren’t in a hurry to get to the park!) “So, where should we stay?” The Innkeepers at Volcano Village Lodge recommend splitting your time on the Big Island between the Kona Coast and the Volcano Village area. At a minimum, we suggest spending 2-3 nights in the Volcano area in order to see the highlights of the park and have time to either do a guided hike to the lava flows or take part in a boat or helicopter tour. Why Volcano Village? Volcano Village sits just outside the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park boundary.  The National Park is filled will wonderful hikes, scenic drives, and lava viewing at both the Jagger Museum Overlook and the end of Chain of Craters Road – so Volcano Village is the perfect place to stay. It’s also centrally located for those wanting to visit Hilo (30 minutes North) and Punalu’u Black Sand Beach (30 minutes South). The lava flows are spectacular right now and not to be missed. Call us at 808-985-9500 for information about rates and availability!