Volcano Nat. Park.......ship tour of rent a car?

[COASTERBOB]

Suebee, Emi, et al: We are doing POA(9/5)and wanted yer opinions on how we should see Volcano Nat. Park while docked at Hilo. Is it easy to get around renting a car or would the ship tour work better? We are leaning toward the car just to have more flexibility. We only have the 1 day in Hili area. Thanks again for all yer help. We will be 1st timers, can;t wait! Bob

[CINDYSUE]

WE TOOK THE SHIP TOUR. I THINK YOU LEARN ALOT MORE AND GET TO SEE ALOT MORE. UNLESS YOU DO YOUR HOMEWORK BEFORE HAND AND LEARN ALL ABOUT THE PARK AND WHERE AND WHAT TO SEE, I THINK YOU WOULD GET MORE OUT OF ANY KIND OF TOUR. THIS WAS A HIGHLIGHT OF OUR HAWAII TRIP. THERE IS NOTHING LIKE IT AND IT WAS ALL SO FOREIGN TO US. WAS VERY INTERESTING AND WE LEARNED ALOT, AS WELL AS HAD A GREAT TIME.

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GALAXY TO SOUTH. CARB. 11/99
RHAPOSDY TO WEST. CARB. 11/01
INFINITY TO HAWAII 10/08/03
CELEBRATION TO COZ. 09/16/04
GALAXY TRANSCANAL 11/05

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[Suebee]

Hi Bob
Here's what happened to us.
We had made arrangements to rent a car and do it on our own. We had small children with us and we thought it would give us a break money wise and with flexibility.

Our time in Hilo was short anyway (7-1?). Unfortunately in the night, a poor man had a severe heart attack and the ship had to turn around to get into range for an airlift. We didnt get into Hilo until 9am. By the time we got our car it was 10 and time was too short to do the volcano tour.

Those that arranged the ships tour were treated to a fly-by of the volcano but still got to go on the trip. The ship waited for them to return. Even though their trip was abbreviated, they got to go and didnt have to worry about time. Many, many of the ships tours were cancelled for the day.

Our other tours (on the other islands) went off without a hitch. We had beautiful weather and with our rental car, easily mimicked the ships tours for much less money. Kauai and Maui were flawless days.

So the moral for the day is, the rental cars are the best option if you like flexibility, freedom and price. But be prepared if bad weather or a ships emergency makes it impossible to do what you plan. If a particular tour is critical for you or time on the islands is limited, you might want to choose convenience over price.

Hows that for a non-answer? Sorry but it really does depend on the individual.
Sue

NCL Star 1/04
What's Next? Alaska 2005 - Ask me about an official CC group!

[margu1241]

We decided to rent a van because the tour for our family of six was too rich for our blood. I did find this website and have ordered and recieved the CD-it is an audio tour of the Volcano Park that you play when you are driving. [url="http://www.roadtripshawaii.com/"]http://www.roadtripshawaii.com/[/url]
I am sure a tour would be more informative, but from the other thread on this ([url="http://messages.cruisecritic.com/2/OpenTopic?a=tpc&s=927093444&f=309097554&m=902100961"]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/2/OpenTopic?a=tpc&s=927093444&f=309097554&m=902100961[/url]), I have learned that it is fairly easy to do in one day. It can also be more enjoyable because you are not herded around and can spend your time as you see fit.
Whatever you decide, I am sure it will be a great outing.
Patty

Pride of Aloha
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[MidtheNight]

Just came off the NCL Wind and did the ship's tour on this one and only this one port. With the amount of information we were given the views, the history, the explanation of what was really happening out there was worth the money on this one. On the same tour we went through a lava tube a well....even if you rent on your own you have to go walking through there...it's a once in a life time experience!

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Sailin' on the Wind 5/29/04

[paulfredo]

We would recommend renting a car and doing it on your own. It is easy and you have more flexibility.

But, to each their own. You got a good range of opinions on this one.

paul

[tg_lindo]

I think the lava tube mentioned above is the Thurston Tube, clearly marked on the park guide.

If you are on your own, use good sense and heed the danger warnings.

The hike around, into, across, and back out of the Kilaeua Iki crater is something I'll never forget. It took a couple hours and moderate physical stamina....I doubt any group tour would include it.