Vulcano in Hawaii

[frac]

For those that have taken a Hawaii cruise on Princess does the ship pass by the Volcano on the Big Island at night. A few years back we did it on Royal Caribbean at night and it was spectacular.

[skynight]

For those that have taken a Hawaii cruise on Princess does the ship pass by the Volcano on the Big Island at night. A few years back we did it on Royal Caribbean at night and it was spectacular.

 

For our trip this winter on the Star the port order is Kauai, Honolulu, Lahaina, Hilo. In that port order I would say the ship goes directly from Lahaina over the top of the island of Hawaii and down the east coast to Hilo. From Hilo expect it would go directly east to CA. To circle around the southern end of Hawaii would be out of the way. Back in 2005 our first stop was Hilo and then Kona so we did see the volcano at night. Princess currently does not stop in Kona.

 

Now, some sailings stop at Hilo first, so the ship may circle around the southern tip of Hawaii. This may be noted on the itinerary.

[frac]

Good point. We do stop in Hilo first and then to Honolulu on the RT San Francisco cruise. Thanks.

[Cruisin' Chick]

On our 2005 cruise on the Island, we saw the lava flow a few hours after leaving Hilo on the way to Kona. Even if your ship is heading south from Hilo (which would be closer to Kilauea's flow than would Kona), if the volcano isn't that active, you might not see anything.

 

I guess when the ship isn't going from Hilo to Kona, it would cost too much fuel (and time) sailing by the flow and then changing the direction to head to the next port.

[IECalCruiser]

On our 2005 cruise on the Island' date=' we saw the lava flow a few hours after leaving Hilo on the way to Kona. Even if your ship is heading south from Hilo (which would be closer to Kilauea's flow than would Kona), if the volcano isn't that active, you might not see anything.

 

I guess when the ship isn't going from Hilo to Kona, it would cost too much fuel (and time) sailing by the flow and then changing the direction to head to the next port.[/quote']Since Kona was dropped as a port, the itinerary doesn't go near the lava flow.

 

You could take one of the 31 to 37 day cruises round trip from Sydney or Brisbane to Hawaii on the Sun, Sea or Dawn. They all stop at Kona and it looks like they may pass the lava flow. Insides start at $5,000+ so it would probably be a lot cheaper to fly to Hawaii and take an excursion there.

 

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Edited November 27, 2014 by IECalCruiser

[Host Jazzbeau]

Or you could take NCL's Pride of America, which does a 7-day round trip from Honolulu and features an evening pass by the volcano.

[Kartgv]

As someone else stated, since Princess dropped Kona, they no longer take the southern route which would allow volcano viewing. However, there has not been anything to see from the ocean for quite awhile - the current flows are not near the shore. Here's a link to the website that will tell you the current lava flow status:

 

http://hvo.wr.usgs.gov/activity/kilaueastatus.php

[Cruisin' Chick]

Or you could take NCL's Pride of America, which does a 7-day round trip from Honolulu and features an evening pass by the volcano.

 

But then, you're on the POA. No thanks.

[cruiselvr1]

For those that have taken a Hawaii cruise on Princess does the ship pass by the Volcano on the Big Island at night. A few years back we did it on Royal Caribbean at night and it was spectacular.

On our cruise from SF two years ago on the Star, we went around the opposite direction of the volcano. We left at night, and DW who wanted dearly to see lava was disappointed because all we saw were lights from the Isand. If you can a get a cruise to Kona, you have a better chance.

[frac]

Thanks for all the reply's. Although we are pretty dedicated Princess cruisers that year we booked a RCCL cruise from Hawaii to San Diego. We passed by the volcano about 10:50 in the evening. The lava was flowing into the water and causing quite a sight. The captain took the ship pretty close and 'backed' by it about 30 minutes each way. It was after the last stop in Hawaii on the way back to San Diego.

Edited November 28, 2014 by frac

[Hawaiidan]

I say this as a former park ranger in Hawaii..... When you stop in Hilo, book a helicopter over the lava field.....don't expect to see the main craters as the helos are not permitted to fly within 1 mile of them. You will fly over the lava on state land for the mostpart.

Paradise Helos has a super tour in a Hughes 500-G with the doors off where everyone has a window and great view. its a 45 min tour. This is and will be far better than any sail by which will be over a mile off the coast....That's if its flowing into the sea

 

If your in Kona my suggestion is to take Big Island Air and take their 2 hour circle island tour in a fix wing sky caravan... great views, many times better than a helo....

 

Then get a rental car and drive to the park, hit the Jagger museum and then the parks visitor center...great 45 min movie at 11:30 each day. The park conducts several guided free tours daily You don't need a tour. The rangers on duty will be able to advise on whats doing.

 

Have fun

[DavyJoneses]

Or you could take NCL's Pride of America, which does a 7-day round trip from Honolulu and features an evening pass by the volcano.

 

That sounds like fun.:D