Volcano Inn or Volcano House-- WHich would YOU choose

[cmjaffe]

OK... Many thanks to everyone who's been so helpful (and patient) with me thus far with all my questions... I really appreciate. I have my "trusty" Revealed books along side with me in the car (while waiting for kids etc) and when I'm on computer. I've been making calls "all over" (luckily we just switched to unlimited long distance for the next couple of months and I'm finally "taking advantage" of it). Been staying up way too "late" calling the Islands directly. Been hitting "brick walls" with accomodations in Volcano suitable for our family (we're not "picky" it's just the 2 day minimum). Also trying to work on all the "logistics".

Here's where we are right now...

Flying into KOA late on Sunday night 12/17... will be staying 4 nights (points... thanks to all the travel DH is doing... we "pay the price" with having him away so we've "earned it" < he's been traveling too much for work-- very stressful>). We'll explore the west side of island on Monday through Wednesday and bright and early on Thursday we'll head "West" to the Volcano. I've tried almost ALL of the B&Bs around and either they don't have any availability at all or a 2 night minimum.. which wouldn't work this trip (unf.). So we can either have a parking lot/brick wall view at Volcano House for $200 with the 4 of us "all together" (not sure how cramped it will be etc.) or a 2 room "suite" (it's called the Birds of Paradise room) at Volcano Inn with private bath and a "breakfast" of sorts at Volcano Inn for $175. The Revealed book doesn't seem "too keen" on Volcano Inn but also discourages the "less than desirable" rooms at Volcano House. I even tried Holo Holo Inn but not sure how DH and DD would feel about it.. (and we're not "that strapped" for $$). We'll probably head out of ITO on Friday night either 4ish or on the 6PM flight so we'll have a "good part" of day to totally explore.

Any suggestions? I'm also planning our summer trip and will definitely allow for more time (approx. 5 days) at the Volcano then. Sceptic, I spoke with Todd at Oma's but unf. the day (or even days if we adjusted things) wouldn't work but it looks like we'll definitely make arrangements to stay there in August... looks wonderful and Todd was really great to talk to.

Carolyn

[Spikesgirl]

Hi, Carolyn,

 

Have you tried Hale Ohia B&B? (800.455.3803). The owner is Michael Tutle and he's a good friend of ours. The other option would be the Kilauea Lodge, although that's usually booked pretty solid. You might want to consider getting a room in Hilo, since it's only a half an hour drive from the park and you would certainly be able to find a room there for one night. The Hilo Hawaiian is pretty nice, uncle Billy's is pretty rustic, but both would be cheaper than Volcano House. Don't get me wrong, I've stayed there many, many times, even when it was a Sheraton property, but the best rooms are expensive and usually booked for months in advance. I haven't heard about Volcano Inn, but if "Revealed" is cautious, then I would be as well. They have been so right on about so many things that I would trust them on this.

 

Hope this helps a little.

 

Charlie

[cmjaffe]

Charlie...

Guess I exagerated a bit regarding Volcano Inn. Revealed just said it wasn't "their top pick" ie. not too friendly and a bit more expensive. But when comparing it was one that DID take a one night (and that's why we're leaning towards staying in Volcano). Not sure if I tried your recommendation yet but I will call this AM (when it's a "reasonable hour" there). I spoke w/ person at Volcano Inn and she was "friendly".. spoke with someone at Volcano House earlier and didn't get any "warm and fuzzies" there.. and also concerned about VH if we got there during afternoon bus activity. Since we'll only be in area a bit over 24 hours (depending on flight out of ITO late afternoon/evening) and since everyone has suggested that we MUST hang around after dark we're leaning against staying in Hilo (though I've got a ressie at Hilo Hawaiian for $69 a night for 12/21 just in case... I'd spend the extra $100 or so to stay in Volcano and cut down on r/t drive on Friday).

Have you done any interisland flights? I'm wondering what's the difference (other than a bit of $$) between Island Air and Hawaiian. Our "options" are Island air either doing a hop/skip/skip/jump at 4:20PM that stops in Maui, Lanai and the HNL before finally getting to LIH. If we want a night flight we'd have the 5:50PM that would get into LIH the same time (bit of a layover in HNL and connects with the HNL flight) or pay a bit extra and leave at 6:30 on Hawaiian and get in about the same time as other flight (think it connects in HNL). Think Hawaiian will be about $78 more total so we're not talking big $$. Now if it was a full moon then I'd try for Island and maybe "see" something.

So many "silly" decisions.

Thanks.

Carolyn

[cmjaffe]

Charlie...

Guess I exagerated a bit regarding Volcano Inn. Revealed just said it wasn't "their top pick" ie. not too friendly and a bit more expensive. But when comparing it was one that DID take a one night (and that's why we're leaning towards staying in Volcano). Not sure if I tried your recommendation yet but I will call this AM (when it's a "reasonable hour" there). I spoke w/ person at Volcano Inn and she was "friendly".. spoke with someone at Volcano House earlier and didn't get any "warm and fuzzies" there.. and also concerned about VH if we got there during afternoon bus activity. Since we'll only be in area a bit over 24 hours (depending on flight out of ITO late afternoon/evening) and since everyone has suggested that we MUST hang around after dark we're leaning against staying in Hilo (though I've got a ressie at Hilo Hawaiian for $69 a night for 12/21 just in case... I'd spend the extra $100 or so to stay in Volcano and cut down on r/t drive on Friday).

Have you done any interisland flights? I'm wondering what's the difference (other than a bit of $$) between Island Air and Hawaiian. Our "options" are Island air either doing a hop/skip/skip/jump at 4:20PM that stops in Maui, Lanai and the HNL before finally getting to LIH. If we want a night flight we'd have the 5:50PM that would get into LIH the same time (bit of a layover in HNL and connects with the HNL flight) or pay a bit extra and leave at 6:30 on Hawaiian and get in about the same time as other flight (think it connects in HNL). Think Hawaiian will be about $78 more total so we're not talking big $$. Now if it was a full moon then I'd try for Island and maybe "see" something.

So many "silly" decisions.

Thanks.

Carolyn

[cmjaffe]

oops sorry about the double post...

computer went "white" and then when I checked there wasn't anything posted...

Now to make some "phone calls"

Carolyn

[Spikesgirl]

I'm not exactly sure why it's so important to hang out at night at VH, but each to his/her own. They might have said that in conjuction with driving down Chain of Craters to look at the lava. you will not, of course, be able to see anything from the hotel or surrounding area. You will need to drive down to the coast. It isn't a bad drive and really pretty at sunset. Makes usre you do this during the night of you won't 'see' anything.

 

Not so impressed with VH since it was bought by a private investor. They laid off one of our favorite staff members there and changed the rooms so that it lost its lodge feel and became more standard hotel room. The crater rim rooms used to be very 'rustic'...VERY rustic.

 

VH does get busy for lunch and the food can be very on/off. We've had some of our best and worst meals in the dining room. Kilauea Lodge, even if you can't get lodging there, has incredible food and the prices are very reasonable. Volcano Village also has one of the bst Thai restaurants we've ever been in. The locals love it - if you want to make reservations for it, go into the Ace Hardware store and they can help you.

 

Made lots of interisland flights, usually with Aloha - yea, dating ourselves here. Not much difference between Hawaiian and Island except what you've mentioned about flight times and costs. If there is a Frequent Flight plan you belong to, you might check to see if either is a member. That would be the deciding factor for me. Also would depend upon how comfortable you are with take offs and landings. Some people try to avoid making more of those than necessary.

 

Let me know what Michael has to say. By the way, they have an incredible B&B cat named Dixon, who is quite the sweetie.

 

TTFN,

 

Charlie

[Suebee]

You might also want to look at Go! airlines. Prices are cheaper than Hawaiian (there is an ugly price war happening which is great for locals) yet the planes are small like Island Air.

I have flown Aloha, Hawaiian and Go! and I like the smaller planes (faster embarkation and disembarkation and baggage) and of course the prices better on Go!

 

I have stayed at KMC (military camp for Military and DoD civilians and their guests only) and we stayed 4 nights. Even in July, it was chilly up there....we had the fireplace going. It was great to be able to see the volcano at night and drive down to the end of CoC road. The stars in the sky were fabulous too. For me it was a really great change from the city life of Honolulu, and other cities I have lived.

[npeters]

I've flown Island Air to Hilo from Honolulu and it's a great airline. It flies out of the commuter terminal at the airport, no hassle, and they serve coffee at the gate for the early morning flights.

 

I would look into hotels in Hilo (B&B's usually have a minimum night stay). It's only a 30 minute drive to Volcano and you can do stuff in Hilo after touring the Volcano. Volcano House has an okay brunch so drive up around 9:00a, eat there, look around the hotel (beautiful views) and shops and visitor center, then tour around the volcano for a few hours. Drive back to Hilo and stop off at the Big Island Cookie Company and Hilo Hatties, and then go see Rainbow Falls, Hilo Bay, and downtown Hilo or do a drive tour either north or south of Hilo.

 

I usually go with my hula group and we rent a house, but I've stayed at Uncle Billy's in Hilo Bay. Very local. A little shabby and no frills, but clean and the people there are so nice. Uncle Billy's restaurant has a free hula show during dinner. Their little convenience store has the yummy coconut ice cream. They have rooms with kitchenettes, great for families. There are also other hotels in that area.

[cmjaffe]

ok.

Charlie.. spoke w/Michael... right now it's ??? since it's a one night stay. Won't take it "right now" but might 45 days or so.

As far as Volcano House... wasn't really considering it.. esp. for the price. We want to explore around volcano during the daytime on Thursday and probably in the AM on Friday (we're not morning owls) so I was thinking staying at Volcano Inn would save the time for driving down in the morning. Which road would you "experts" suggest taking from Waikoloa (scenic etc.). Know to go the North route but not sure if we should do saddle or other "highway" (don't remember the # of road right now). We'll get an early start from Hilton since we've got access to lounge for a quick "bite" (saves a bit of $ but more importantly time). Think we'll take a "chance" on the Volcano Inn for room...

Charlie, what's the name of the Thai restaurant.. think the kids will be up for that (at least Mike and Alex will.. I'll do anything.. not sure w/Libby but we'll manage).

So probably will "lock" everything in by weekend.

Thanks again everyone.

Carolyn

[cmjaffe]

Charlie,

Mike suggested that I check out Trip Adviser for review of Volcano Inn since he wasn't familiar with it... seems to be "pretty good" so I'll be calling up later to make sure they've still "got room at the inn" and then handle the air.

Carolyn

[spleen93]

Don't do Saddle - I don't recommend anybody drive Saddle except people that are REALLY strapped for time (and they shouldn't be driving Saddle really either since that means that they're trying to drive fast) or people that know the road really well. I'd take the north route that goes through Waimea/Kamuela and past the Parker Ranch and past Waipio Valley and Honokaa (think it's 19)

 

Spleen

[cmjaffe]

Thanks,

that's what I thought but I wanted to be sure...

Carolyn

[Spikesgirl]

Glad that Mike was able to at least give you some info. he really is such a sweet guy. He was trying to talk us into purchasing the place, but running a B&B is a little too intense for me.

 

have to confess that I don't remember the name of the Thai place, but Volcano is only about 100 feet long. just look for the Ace Hardware store and I think the visitors kiosk is in front of it. Everything is right there so it's not hard to find at all. There's also the Lava Rock cafe, which has pretty good breakfasts and lunches - it runs sort of hot and cold, but we're always had good meals there.

 

Spleen is right about the Saddle Road. Even though there are great strides being made in paving and straightening it out, it's not a road to drive if you are in a hurry. Plus, gotta say, a lot of it is just one lava field after another. We like the drive along Hwy 11 along the southern tip of the island. Lots of nice scenery and places to stop, but you can drive straight through without much traffic in the middle of the day. Either way, it's better than the Saddle.

 

Charlie

[cmjaffe]

Thanks Charlie...

well I "did it"... we've got the flights all booked from Hilo to Lihue. So now I just need the kids to sit down (or sit in car while waiting for the other when we're going to "classes" etc.) with the Revealed books etc. to decide exactly what's "important" to them and to work a schedule of "some sorts" but also remembering to "kick back" and enjoy family time. The kids are growing up and Mike and I are realizing that this Xmas trip and next summer will probably be the last "real family" vacation we'll have the with both of them (and they're not "that old" lol).

Now the biggest "task" of all... Making sure that Mike (DH) doesn't "overpack".

Carolyn

[Spikesgirl]

Great to hear it, Carolyn! I'm trying to do the same thing with our god daughter. We're doing a cruise to the British Isle with her next summer and I'm trying to get her to tell us what is or isn't important to her. Mostly, she responds with, "Whatever you guys want to do is fine with me." She is starting to open up a little as she's asked to go to Stonehenge and the Lourve (sp?), as well as either "Spamalot" or "Wicked" while we're in London. We may do both!

 

I will be very interested to hear what your kids decide to do. If you'd like to, you can contact me at ckirby@deltacollege.edu and we can 'talk' there.

 

Aloha!

 

Charlie

[Suebee]

As for Wicked, Idina Menzel (the original Elfaba) is in the London production now. I would do anything to see her in the role for sure.

[Spikesgirl]

We were lucky enough to see her in "Wicked" on Broadway and it was pretty cool. My DH liked it a lot and she is a very down to earth and a genuinely nice lady. Gotta say though that I had more fun at "Bombay Dreams" the next night -Shaka laka, baby) . The best part was being able to stay behind and talk with the set and lighting designers. I was there for a technical theater convention and it was part of the package.

 

Charlie

[Suebee]

Awesome. I got to meet her (and the rest of the cast) after Rent on Bway. Of course, that was before the tony's and before all of the crazy hype around the show. They were ALL awesome. I thought I was in love with Adam Pascal.

I did NOT dig the camping out all night to get student tickets though. Ahhh the things we do for the Thee-a-tah.

 

So I can tell youre well knowlegable of the theatre. We're moving to Europe very soon and plan on spending a lot of time in the West End. That is, after a Christmas layover in NYC ;)

[DonahCBrown]

I'll just throw in my two cents worth, too. I'd do Kilauea Lodge if at all possible. If not, try Chalet Kilauea Collection, and if none of them pan out, do the Volcano House. (Assume you've tried Carson's, too?)

 

Keep trying the B & Bs as they do get cancellations.

 

I think the Thai restaurant may have closed, although haven't been up that way recently, so there may be a new one opened that i don't know about. Have some guests coming in a couple of weeks so will have updated information soon.

 

Have dinner at the Kilauea Lodge, in any event, as they have the best food up that way, and some of the best on island.

[cmjaffe]

SueB...

just to "chime in" about show tickets... for some "nowadays" you don't have to "camp out" the day before for lottery tickets... just 2-2 1/2 hr before and have "luck" with the draw. That's how the kids got to see Wicked this summer for $25 each (front row center) and I got to see 25thAnnual Putnum County Spelling Bee next door for same price (lottery too since I couldn't go w/Wicked and couldn't see spending the extra $110 for a ticket... wasn't in budget). Seems like alot of theatres now do lottery instead of student rush. In London they'll be doing lottery for Wicked but don't know how 'advertised" that will be.

Re: Lodge, they don't do 2 nights... and unf. this trip I just can't swing the time.

Carolyn

[cmjaffe]

Sue Bee,

When you're in NY check at the theatres to see what their "policy" with same day tickets are... I found out that the "standing rooms" are an assigned standing area (not a cattle rush a door opening) which depending on your foot comfort might be an option. Also, several theatres are opting for lottery instead of student rush... we were prepared for student though (which was hard to at first since DS school doesn't issue student IDs for anyone -- middle or high school , got a letter w/school seal to be "prepared") and did general lottery. If you're not going peak "holiday" week you should have luck. Can't beat the price when you "click" w/lottery.

Carolyn

[spleen93]

I love TKTS in Times Square for last minute theater tickets in NYC. :)

 

Spleen

[cmjaffe]

if you don't want to "kill the day" for TKTS there's a location a SouthStreet Seaport that opens around 11AM where the line's not "that long" and you can get matinee tickets the day before.

[Suebee]

I never had a problem with TKTS....I usually get there right when it opened.

But now at my age, I dont have the patience or energy to wait outside the theatres in the cold! HA HA. Its really been about 10 years since I was in NY and now I have the little ones. But I didnt know that S.St.Seaport has day before matinees...that might be a good option for us.

[Spikesgirl]

DonahC - just talked with Mike at Hale Ohia and he said that the Thai restuarant is still open, but that the owner ocassionally closes to go home to Thailand, but that the restaurant is still up and running. Whew - I was worried for a minute.

 

Charlie