Originally Posted by
aww3583
Waikoloa Village to the Visitors Center on Mauna Kea is under an 45 minutes. It's slightly longer (20+ minutes) from Hilo to the Visitors Center. Hilo is much closer to Volcano National Park than HWV. I was underwhelmed by VNP as no lava was visible and the lines were significant. If you're flying in/out of Hilo, stay in Hilo. The Big Island is named that for a reason. It takes 60-90 minutes to get almost anywhere. Factor that into your decision.
I really don't think HWV is worth it for a one-night stay.
If I had one night on the Big Island, I'd fly in early in the morning, visit Waipio Valley before lunch, have lunch in Waimea, and head back to Hilo to check into my hotel. I'd pack a picnic dinner and drive up Mauna Kea and eat on the hood of my car at the visitors center facing west. After sunset, drive up to the peak, if possible. Back to Hilo for the night. The next morning, I'd do VNP and the southernmost point on the island, and fly out of Hilo in the afternoon.
Thanks for the detailed reply! Very informative! So you would suggest that I skip HWV and stay two award nights at the HHV on Oahu instead? In addition, do I need a four wheel drive to visit the Waipio Valley? How about the visitor center of Mauna Kea? I can drive any rental car there if I do not want to go further than the visitor center, right? Thanks again!