Trip to the Volcano from Waikoloa Beach Resort
Friday, October 7th, 2011If there is one thing Hawaii is known for, it is the volcanos throughout the state and more specifically the Big Island of Hawaii. Some lie dormant but others like Kilauea, do not.
Some days, onlookers can physically view lava while other days, only the steam vents can be seen. Typically, it is more impressive to watch volcanic activity during the early evening hours, as the red lava color can be seen in the darkness.
The eruption of Kilauea Volcano began in 1983 and continues today. Kilauea is one of the world’s most active volcanoes. According to Hawaiian mythology, the goddess Pele calls Kilauea her home. It is said, that she controls the volcanic activity. It is also a popular belief that bad luck befalls anyone who removes lava rock from where it was found on the island.
Travelers can expect the drive from Waikoloa Beach to the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park to take about least two and a half hours via Highway 190 without stopping along the way. Traveling distance is just over one hundred miles. In preparation for this adventure, it is important to call the Visitors Information Line for updates. With the most recent eruption in April, 2008 and the continuous emission of sulfur dioxide, hazards can include respiratory problems and road or park closures. There are different color-coded levels for sulfur dioxide conditions.
There are organized tours available if preferable to the group. Guests of Waikoloa Vacation Rentals may contact (808) 333-1910 or email concierge@waikoloavacationrentals.com for assistance.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park (808) 985-6000
Volcano Eruption Update http://volcano.wr.usgs.gov/kilaueastatus.php
Sulfur Dioxide Conditions
http://www.nature.nps.gov/air/webcams/parks/havoso2alert/havoalert.cfm
ROUTE #1
Waikoloa Vacation Rentals recommends leaving at about 8am. There are some great sites and good food along the way. With no stops, it will take about two and a half hours to reach Volcano National Park.
From the resort, take a left on the main highway. Take a right on Waikoloa Rd (at the helicopter pad). Take that all the way up to HIGHWAY 190 toward Waimea, just past Waimea, the road turns into HIGHWAY 19, Breakfast and lunch are available at Tex Drive-in. This is a great local breakfast location with hot Malasadas there as well (It’s a kind of doughnut) Another restaurant Waikoloa Vacation Rentals recommends is Hokulani Steakhouse. They offer all day dining and a family friendly environment.
Along the way, Waipio Valley lookout, has a beautiful coastline view of the surrounding area. You can then stop at Akaka Falls, a 420 foot waterfall, with plenty of hiking nearby. To get a good viewing and enjoy, it should take about thirty to fourty-five minutes. Take that all the way around the island until you get to HIGHWAY 11 to the Volcano National Park.
To return to Waikoloa Beach Resort, going back the same way is an option. Another option is to take HIGHWAY 11 towards Kona and arrive from the south via HIGHWAY 19.
ROUTE #2– Saddle Road
This route is considered a bit faster but also a little bit more dangerous in terms of the terrain. Out of the resort, take a left on the main highway. Take a Right on Waikoloa Rd just as the directions state above. Take that toward Waimea. Take a left on 190 again, toward Waimea. Here is when the directions differ from above, take a right on HIGHWAY 200 (Saddle Road), this will later connect to HIGHWAY 19. Take a right on HIGHWAY 11 to Volcano National Park.
Waikoloa Beach Resort is reachable from the south. HIGHWAY 11 goes all the way around to Kona. Take Highway 19 North to the resort. The backside of the island is all black lava. Sunset is at about 7pm and it may be getting dark, depending on how much time was taken for the excursion.
If the lava is flowing and visible, we recommend getting to the hiking trail two hours prior to sunset to view it properly.
Once in the park, there will be a small fee. It is $10 per car unless there are more than fifteen people. It will be $5 per person.
There are some organized land and boat tours available for a cost, that show a different perspective. The crater can be seen by helicopter as well.
What trip to Hawaii would be complete without the spectacular cultural experience of a Luau? Featuring traditional foods and entertainment, these gatherings highlight legends, music, dance, storytelling, and the spirit of the native islanders.
Every Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday evening beginning at 5:30pm, the King Kamehameha Hotel and Island Breeze Productions, present their Hawaiian Luau on newly renovated luau grounds. They offer authentic luau favorites featuring imu roasted succulent kalua pig, lau lau, poi, and more. Prepare to be dazzled by music, fire dancing, bravery, and skill throughout the event. 
On the Waikoloa Beach Resort, the Hilton Waikoloa Village does a great job offering the sights, sounds, and tastes of Polynesia every Tuesday, Friday, and Sunday evening.
Every Tuesday evening from 6pm to 8:30pm, the Mauna Kea presents their luau with an ocean front location. They offer an extensive authentic menu featuring luau favorites such as kalua pig, island fish, lomi salmon, and more. Prepare to be dazzled by cultural dance, music, fire dancing, and much more.
The Fairmont Orchid on the Mauna Lani Resort offers a luau experience with Island Breeze Productions certain to entertain family and loved ones. 
About ten minutes north of the Waikoloa Beach Resort is the Mauna Lani Resort, which offers two beautiful golf selections, the Mauna Lani North and South Courses. Between the two venues thirty-six holes of championship golf are provided for both avid and novice players.
A twenty-minute drive north from the Waikoloa Beach Resort along the Kohala Coast will take travelers to both the Mauna Kea and Hapuna Golf Courses. These thirty-six holes of breathtaking fairways were designed by golf legends Robert Trent Jones Sr. (Mauna Kea Golf Course) and Arnold Palmer and Ed Seay (Hapuna Golf Course). Offering some of the greatest golfing on the island, each course offers different views, challenges and overall experiences for any golfer.
Located between Kona and the Waikoloa Beach Resort on Highway 190, or the Hawaii Belt Road, the Big Island Country Club offers eighteen holes of golf designed by acclaimed golfer, Perry Dye. This par seventy-two course was created with all golfers in mind, regardless of skill level. 
For anyone looking for a more historical mode of transportation while viewing the island from a different vantage point, horseback riding is a great activity for the entire family.