Not sure I understand this first item, since Haleakala is on Maui.
- Since we plan to do the sunset at Haleakala the morning we fly to Big Island, we made no other plans for that day.
Then don’t go to Hilo on that day. Don’t waste half of your time just on driving.We're leaving from Kona. Our hotels are all booked, can't be changed
Fair point, need a plan for the last day then And I guess the sunset helicopter flight is out, because that will cut the Vulcano park day short
Our research showed there is no lava flow into the water right now, that's why we decided against the boat tour (because it was on our wish list!), this sunset helicopter tour says you'll see the lava in the dark. Do you know a tour (preferably from Kona) that is allowed to fly in the dark? Most helicopters aren't equipped for that, because we'd definitely be interested!
We're going to reevaluate the entire itinerary. If it's really such a difficult drive, I want to have a full day at the volcano park, so it's ok if we don't make it back. This might mean the Mauna Kea hike is out (we'll try to keep the sunset and star gazing)
Well, sunset starts at around 6-ish, but if you're trying to catch an 8:15 flight on the other side of the island, you'll need to leave earlier than that. I’d say leave the park by 5 to allow yourself 2 hours to get to Kona, plus time to return your rental car, check baggage, and get through security. When I say “leave the park”, I mean actually exiting the park gate. If you’re at the end of Chain of Craters road, you’re a good 20 miles from the exit of the park, and then there is the additional 80 miles to get back to Kona. Getting there by 10 and leaving by 5 is a nice full day, though. Driving 200 miles in a single day is exhausting for me, but if you can do it, go for it!A full day would mean leave after breakfast and return when it's dark. We don't mind driving, we've spent multiple holidays where we're in the car all day driving around, so that isn't a problem, I just want to be able to see as much of the park as possible