GETTING THERE
Direct, round-trip flights from LAX to Kailua-Kona start at around $500. From there, the park is a two-hour drive on Highway 11. There is a $10 per-car per-day entry fee (nps.gov/havo).
WHEN TO GO
Volcanoes National Park gets 100-plus inches of rain a year. September tends to be driest, and it's less crowded than the summer months.
WHAT TO PACK
Rain gear-lightweight layers that wick away moisture.
BOTTOM LINE
The Volcano Rainforest Retreat has four Japanese-inspired cottages a short drive from the park (volcanoretreat.com, from $125).
