Plenty of time. I would head to Waipio and do a tour, be it wagon or horseback into the valley. I would try to find lodging in Volcano Village, that way you can visit at night and see the glow, and then visit in the morning before the day trippers arrive. There's an exceptional Thai restaurant in the village, or you could stop in Hilo on your way. After a morning in Volcano take the slow drive back, perhaps stopping at the waterfalls and a few ocean drives.

Agree with Lookin_Glass--both could easily be done before you catch your flight back to the mainland.

It's a pretty easy drive from the Kona side to Waipio Valley (through Waimea town)- say 90 minutes (maybe less) - and then from there - down to Hilo (an hour - maybe a bit longer) and up to the Volcano area from Hilo - less than an hour. Here is a map that might help.

http://www.ridetherim.com/directions.html

From the Volcano back to Kona - is a beautiful drive - and it can take two and a half hours - or longer - depending on how much you want to stop and see the sights.

Lookin Glass, Martym, and Tomsd: thanks so much. I tend to overplan and exhaust us all in the process. Good to know it is feasible. Lookin Glass, think we will stay in the village that night for the night viewing...sounds lovely.

tomsd seems to have gotten his links mixed up. If I wanted to experience this land I wouldn't ride the rim to look at it. The valley is very historical and sacred land rich in history.

I'm really not sure what he was trying to link for you. As far as Volcano National Park, you can find your lodging, have dinner and then take an evening look. If you arrive earlier you can visit Jaggar Museum, chat with the rangers and then have dinner and return later in the evening. The park entrance is open 24/7 although I am not sure what time the centers close.

I have only been once. We spent 4 nights in volcano Village and really enjoyed our early morning and late evenings just a mile or two from our lodging. Most places will have umbrella's and flashlights. Thurston Tube is nice early morning before the daytrippers arrive.

No mixup at all. The link was for an example of a map - not the tour.

Been to the Volcano at least 4 times and never get tired of it.

Cool

Are you planning the Waipio wagon ride? we did it a while back and it was only so-so. Rainyish day so not a good view of the waterfalls and you don't get to go anywhere near the beach at all. We were a bit disappointed in how run down many of the areas were that we passed. Our girls were younger then so did enjoy the horses. Not a total loss just not as good as hoped for.