You would need a custom tour/private tour in order to hike, and the prices for those smaller tours seem to start at about $170 per person. Would $100 be the total for both of you?

This is one custom tour company with lower pricing that has received positive comments, Mary Lou's Big Island Guided Tours. You have to contact them for pricing.

marylousbigislandguidedtours.com/About-Us.ht…

You really should rent a car.

I don't follow all the tours, but the excursions out of Hilo that cater to cruise ship patrons tend to either go north and do waterfalls and gardens, or they do VNP. Some go to lower Puna and Kalapana.

By the way, it is illegal for tours to take people to the Kaimu Black Sand beach at Kalapana, but some do it anyway.

Info on issue:

westhawaiitoday.com/sections/news/local-news…

You can drive there easily. It's a beach more for looking down on. Punalu'u is the best known and most beautiful black sand beach still existing, 40 minutes or so onward from VNP.

If you cannot drive, then you have to do what you can, but it will be a hardship not having a car, expensive, and you will not be able to see as much unless you plan on spending a LOT of money.

i am curious as the lenght of stay and why choose hilo? close to VNP?

Rent a car and tour Hilo attractions on your own. You will see more and you can make choices based on the weather. Car rental is around $30 at discounthawaiicarrental.com. Hilo area is easy to navigate with light traffic. I have heard about the crazy prices tour operators charge. Buy the guide book Big Island Revealed and make the most of your time away from the crowds. Drive from Hilo to Volcano is 40 minutes. But if you want to see the lava flow it is not in the park. You drive out towards Pahoa about 40 minutes from hilo or volcano. A must see if the lava is flowing. Stay at a bed and breakfast on this side verses a hotel. Most B andB hosts will help you plan your touring. While in the Pahoa area you may want to check out the volcanically heated pool.

You should rent a car youll have more flexibility and volacno Nat'l Park VNP is relly spread out.....

I didi the day tour a few years back and loved it but if youre going to be there for a couple I don't think you'll regret renting a car... definitely go to Kalapana to view the lava flow. I missed that on our tour and now im going back in March for the festival.... xing my fingers for festival tickets.

regardless what you do Im sure you will have fun.. oh an be sure to bring rain gear!!! Hilo rains more than Seattle

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