See other posts here - but I would suggest if you can - start on the Hilo side - flying into there - and drive a bit north to Akaka Falls (half hour) and then turn around and get back to the Volcano - an hour from there - or half an hour from the Hilo airport.

After a night or two at the Volcano area (check Volcano Village for lodging) - drive the two plus hours over to Kona side - and maybe stay at one of the resorts north of Kona.

From there - it's an easy drive up to the very north end - Hawi is it? - straight road - and also to Waimea town - located in/near the famous Parker Ranch.

If you can - there is a stretch from Waimea - heading north - up along the hills - through some great tree lined areas.

You're booking your rental car and lodgings in advance, right?

It is easiest to fly into one side and out the other side. Perhaps two nights at Volcano, then a drive up the east side (Hamakua Coast; largely agricultural). IMO Waipio Valley is a must. Then it's the dramatic change from "wet side" to "dry side" at Waimea. I'd choose to stay in the Kohala area, where there are more beaches and less vog. Go north to Hawi and back along the ridge to Waimea, dropping south to Kohala. Drive south for a few hours in rather corny Kona Town, then further south to Place of Refuge.

You know not to drive after dark on this island, right? (OK on the straight stretch between Kona and Kohala.)

ChiSue, I notice that you always advise people not to drive at night on the highways of the Big Island. I was wondering why? We have driven at night on many of the highways without any problem.

Is Vog that much of a problem? Yes, we will book in advance, that's why I am looking for advice on where to overnight Our tickets are already booked, so we will be arriving in Kona. Waipio Valley is defintely on my list. Drove past it last time on the way to Hilo ( I think). Is it something I should do while in the Hilo area. Taking in all of the above... I should stay 2 night in Volcano area, 2 nights in Hilo, and 3 nights in Kohala. Does that sound right?

I don't know if I would be driving from Volcano to Kona after dark (a lot of isolated road) but from Kona north to Waimea - even Hawi - I don't think is a real problem/challenge.

Same from Hilo north to Waimea - unless there is something omnious I don't know about.

Hold the presses. Tomsd and I agree.

I also would like to know the don't drive after dark argument. I wouldn't do Saddle Road after a long day of touring, but I'm ascared of the night walkers.

I read a post about not traveling with all your possessions (suitcases), which we would if we are continuing from point to point around the island. said it would be unwise to leave car because it would be broken into. Is this just an overly cautious person?

Here's a good website re: the vog. http://weather.hawaii.edu/vmap/hysplit/

Don't ever leave valuables in your rental car - period - and put the suitcases in the trunk when going from say the airport to the hotel (or if you make the stop enroute at a Costco type place to stock up on snacks, etc)- as the locals who do break into rental cars know what they look like.

Big Island roads are not the same well-lighted highways most visitors are used to at home. The Hamakua Coast and the southern route are often beset by rain and fog -- not to mention the truckers who are familiar with the roads and want to keep to their schedules -- and impaired local drivers. Add in some jet-lagged tourists...just trouble. The Saddle Road can have near-zero visibility plus wandering pigs and cattle (and impaired drivers). You're there to enjoy yourself, not engage in an endurance contest.

In some areas of Hawaii theft from rental cars is a cottage industry. (Road to Hana comes to mind.) Don't leave valuables in your car. If you must do so, don't open the trunk (displaying your luggage) when you park. This is just common sense *anywhere* in the world.

Volcano and Hilo are an hour apart. There's no need to stay in both. I'd choose Volcano for two nights.

I'd do Waipio out of Kohala.

I guess it does depend on what you're used to as far as driving the highways of the Big Island. Maybe because we're used to Colorado driving, we haven't had a problem.

Volcano and the Hilo airport are only about half an hour from each other - as I recall anyway.

This page says it's 30 miles from Hilo to Volcano - and the airport is on the west side of Hilo - toward the Volcano - and the road is pretty good/fast from there.

http://www.nps.gov/havo/planyourvisit/directions.htm

martym -- Big Island has one of the highest traffic fatality ratings in the nation. It's as much about 'the other guy' as it is about your driving skills. That, and the weather!

Thanks everyone. We will be staying 2 nights in Volcano. When we get up after the second night we plan to head to Hilo and the coast above Hilo, and back to Kona . What time does it get dark in Feb.? Does this plan seem doable? We would of course be stopping at sights along the way.