How to get from Cruise Ship to Volcanoes National Park

Hi!

We are traveling with children (16-24) on the Pride of Aloha. On July 24 we will be docking Hilo. Would love to get the most out of the day as we will be heading to Kona the next day. We have a party of 8. Should we obtain a car or book an excursion with a local operator? The cruise ship shore excursions are very expensive. Any help is appreciated! Thanks!Sharon

How to get from Cruise Ship to Volcanoes National Park

Hi Sharon-

we did this same cruise in Feb 07 and are scheduled to go again on 7-7-7. We rented a car through Thrifty rent a car in hilo and they had a shuttle parked right at the end of the pier that took us to the rental agency. I beleive by renting the vehicle we were able to get alot in on our visit to Hilo. The beleive the drive to the volcano park took about 45 minutes. After we went to the volcano park we also went to Akaka Falls and the Thurston Lava tube. There is a lovely hike through lush tropical rain forest that takes you out to the lava fields. Once you get there, you can continue hiking out in the fields to reach the ocean. We didnt make it that far is the rain started coming down HARD!!! Its best to bring a rain poncho with you just in case.

At any rate, i think the price of the rental car was a way better deal than booking through the cruise line as it allowed us to do things at our leisure for a way better price.

Hope this helps!!!

Karen

PS if you book a rental car through thrifty, sign up for their bluechip program prior to renting and this way they keep track of your rentals and give you perks. We got upgraded to larger cars on Maui and Kauai at no extra charge. Highly recommend them!

How to get from Cruise Ship to Volcanoes National Park

rent a van from Harper..... its is 2 blocks from the dock..... not 3 miles at the airport.!!!!.... drive direct to visitor center look and ask for whats available that day to do. allow an hour dock to Visitor center

bring your golden eagle pass..... for the entrance fee.

What kind of vans does Harper rent? I would not want a 15-passenger van for 4 people...

What is a golden eagle pass?

Thanks!

http://www.harpershawaii.com/

Golden Eagle is the annual pass for national parks. It is $80.

Or you can just pay the $10 entry fee at Hawaii volcanoes National Park.

It only takes a few minutes by shuttle to get to the rental agencies at the airport. So check their prices also.

I went on a day trip from Honolulu to Hilo. Got there about 8:00am %26amp; left about 8 pm.

We had time for:

Hilo:

Liliuokalani Gardens, Banyon Drive, Rainbow Falls %26amp; Boiling Pots

North of Hilo:

Akaka Falls State Park (short loop trail that also includes Kahuna Falls), 4 mile scenic drive

Hawaii volcanoes National Park:

Visitors Center, Several steam/sulfur vents, short walks, several crater overlooks, Jaggar Museum, Chain of Craters Road to the end where lava closed the road, Thurston Lava Tube

You are much better off renting a van in every port.

Aloha!

Thanks for your feedback and valuable infomation! It was very, very helpful and we had a wonderful time!

if you are over 62.... then listen up..... you can get a life-time pass for all National parks and monuments for $10.00 !!!.... you and the car load you drive in are covered and all passengers !!!

Talk about value

hd,

Where does one get those lifetime passes?

Thanks.

Mike

Found it!

The lifetime $10. Senior Pass is available at National Parks and Monuments, but not on line.

M

problem.... you have to be a US citizen residing in the USA

I see your address in in Mexico.........without US docs of residency you cant get it sorry.