Volcano-One night or two?
 

Should I spend one night or two at the National Park? I figure arrive in the afternoon, see the lava and stars that night, then drive around the crater the next morning.
Is that too short??
Please advise.
Thanks

Should be fine. If there is an eruption during that time or an active flow, you'd might want to stay for longer, but after you've gone through the volcano tunnel and walked a few trails, catched the glow of the lava at night, consider seeing all the other stuff the Big Island has to offer (i.e. South Point, Mauna Kea, Akaka Falls, etc.).

ALOHA

The night lava flow is a big deal. However, it is not a guaranteed show. Schedule a second night for the flow, if the first is a no show. The park, as mentioned above is a one day deal.

I actually find two nights to work well. Obviously, one of the nights you need to visit the active flow. However, if possible stay in the Park (Volcano House or if military at Kilaeua Military Camp housing) and visit/hike some of the trails in the late PM on the other evening. The park empties of most visitors after about 5:00PM and it then feels as if you have the place to yourself at dusk.

Well I booked for 2 nights at a b&b which is actually a little house with 2 bedrooms (a built in buffer from travelling together all the time) just for us in Volcano Village. If I run out of sights to see I figure I need the 2 days to do laundry as it has a washer and dryer. YEA!!!