Define "cold" at Volcanoes Nat. Park
Aug 10, 2004 | 9:10 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Falls Church VA, Good Ol' U.S. of A!
Programs: AA, UA, DL, SPG, HHonors Silver
Posts: 184
Define "cold" at Volcanoes Nat. Park
Hi, all! Quick question: could someone please define "cold" or "cool" as it relates to Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island? I keep hearing references to it being "cool" at night but am not finding actual evening temperatures or more specific details. Mind you, I'm not worried about "getting cold" as I now live in the DC area and have had my share of cold weather, snow, and blizzards here (and my boyfriend is from New England so he's even more used to it). My concern is that I don't want to pack cold-weather clothes that I might not even need.
Our plan is to arrive in Hilo in the AM and do some of the stuff around there (Akaka Falls and such) and arrive at Volcanoes Nat. Park just before dusk to watch the lava flow in the early evening and then immediately go to our hotel. I'm thinking some lightweight pants, good sneakers with socks, and maybe a long-sleeve shirt will do the trick. Or do I need something else? We won't be outdoors for all that long, and to me it's not "cold" until it starts to dip below 60F or so. But to hear some people describe it, you'd think we need a parka and mittens up there! So which is it?
Thanks in advance. 
Our plan is to arrive in Hilo in the AM and do some of the stuff around there (Akaka Falls and such) and arrive at Volcanoes Nat. Park just before dusk to watch the lava flow in the early evening and then immediately go to our hotel. I'm thinking some lightweight pants, good sneakers with socks, and maybe a long-sleeve shirt will do the trick. Or do I need something else? We won't be outdoors for all that long, and to me it's not "cold" until it starts to dip below 60F or so. But to hear some people describe it, you'd think we need a parka and mittens up there! So which is it?
Thanks in advance.
Aug 10, 2004 | 10:02 am
#2
FlyerTalk Evangelist, Ambassador: World of Hyatt
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: New Jersey
Programs: Hyatt Globalist, Fairmont Lifetime Plat, UA Silver, dirt elsewhere
Posts: 47,408
It can be cool to cold. You're going to need long pants and a sweater at night. Daytime is ok for shorts & tees unless it's cloudy & overcast, and then you might feel more comfortable in a sweater.
I'm from NJ, and agree, we are used to cold weather, but we're not used to changing CLIMATES in a matter of minutes.
As an extreme, we were at sea level in our bathing suits. We went to the top of Mauna Kea and had on parkas & gloves. Yes, that's an extreme, but consider that you can easily go from sea level to 3000 feet in 10 minutes. It's definitely cooler up there.
Bring pants & a sweater. You'll be glad you did.
Mary
I'm from NJ, and agree, we are used to cold weather, but we're not used to changing CLIMATES in a matter of minutes.
As an extreme, we were at sea level in our bathing suits. We went to the top of Mauna Kea and had on parkas & gloves. Yes, that's an extreme, but consider that you can easily go from sea level to 3000 feet in 10 minutes. It's definitely cooler up there.
Bring pants & a sweater. You'll be glad you did.
Mary
Aug 12, 2004 | 9:11 am
#4
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: south of WAS DC
Posts: 10,131
The volcano lava watch is back at sea level, where it is pretty warm. If you get cold, just get closer to the lava, but do not step in it. I don't think you need a jacket there. Bring a flashlite, as that place is dark, and the surface is black.
The town of Volcano is up a few thousand feet. Get a B&B with a fireplace. the fire is a real delight. Not only is the weather cool, it is damp. If you wander around at night, you will probably need a jacket.
The town of Volcano is up a few thousand feet. Get a B&B with a fireplace. the fire is a real delight. Not only is the weather cool, it is damp. If you wander around at night, you will probably need a jacket.