Volcano: Guided or on Our Own?

Is it better to use one of the tour companies (e.g. Hawaii Forest and Trail, Vavoom, etc.) and take and 11 hr trip (from Waikoloa), or should we do it on our own? If through a tour company, who is the best?

Volcano: Guided or on Our Own?

That depends on you, what you want to see and what kind of experience you hope to gain. A little more insight might help.

Volcano: Guided or on Our Own?

If you don%26#39;t want to drive there than take a tour. (Vavoom leaves from Hilo so you would need to drive to Hilo.) If you don%26#39;t mind the driving than it would be a waste of money. You don%26#39;t need a guide in the VNP, driving around is easy and the Rangers are very helpful. They have guided hikes too. It%26#39;s really just a question of the drive there and back.

I always suggest the guided hike in the park. They post what is being offered at the visitors center.

The guided hike into Kilauea Iki with a park guide is highly favored.

I think you need a guided tour of some sort to make it more interesting. I just returned from the park and I wish I would have had a guide of some sort. For me looking at the crater, lava fields, etc. was only mildly interesting, but if I had someone explaining to me what I was looking at and the signifigance of it, I think I would have enjoyed my visit more. There are plaques that explain what you are looking at, but it is not the same as a knowledgeable guide that can bring the park to life. Pay for a guide either from the start of your trip to the volcano or at least once you get there. It will be money well spent.

Thank you guys for the help. It sound slike it may be worth a guide at the Park but not before.

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