Military Lodging in Hilo?

Author Message   Phil Doubleman Senior Member Username: Phil Post Number: 1630 Registered: 08-2005 Posted From: 75.228.18.120 Posted on Sunday, June 20, 2010 - 01:31 pm:    Great "trip report" Paul. Even though it is in the wrong place. If you can expand on it, do another in the "Trip Report" forum. You said that "we went to the Manua Loa macademeian nut factory". I always thought that macadamia nuts grew on trees... not manufactured in factories. :~) Sorry Paul, I couldn't resist.   paul dervin Member Username: Paul Post Number: 33 Registered: 06-2003 Posted From: 71.199.114.110 Posted on Sunday, June 20, 2010 - 01:35 am:    Thanks for all the replies. I took a hop on Monday from Pittsburgh to Hilo (direct flight). I didn't want to reserve a room because I wouuld have to forfeit 1 night if I canceled and there are no guarentees for a space a flight. I did reserve the shuttle which required a 48 hour reservation for $10.00 which I was not able to use because our plane was delayed about 2 hrs. I called my brother from the pax terminal to reserve my room online since they were offering a 30% discount for online reservations. We got on the plane and then had to deplane because of the maintenance problem. We boarded another plane and had a very comfortable 10 hr flight to Hilo. Another pax Don and Som, were also going to KMC gave me a ride. We stopped at Walmart on the way to KMC to pick up water and snacks. They were much cheaper than the store at KMC. I liked my cabin and the cool weather. We spent one day in and around the volcano. I was a little disappointed that their was not alot of activity at the volcano. Much better view at night from the Jagger museum, but no where close to the amount on the postcard. The next day we went to the Manua Loa macademeian nut factory, farmers market, Akoka Falls, Black sand beach, and one final trip to see the volcano. We passed the Hilo airport on the way to the falls and saw a c17 next to our kc135 (I wonder how one could find out about flights out of Hilo if stuck at Hickam. We left KMC at 4:20 the next morning as we had a 7:00 am departure and the boom operator told us to be at the terminal at 0600. We made a stop at Harrisburg on the return trip and made it in 8 hours (we must of had good tail winds), and then a short 40 minute trip to Pittsburgh. Sorry this turned into a trip report. Happy Travels, Paul   Charles L Newte Junior Member Username: Kalee912 Post Number: 6 Registered: 04-2007 Posted From: 69.69.87.145 Posted on Friday, June 18, 2010 - 05:39 am:    Ref: Read this and Weep. Hey Cherry C. I didn't think that any people could remember the Military guys at KMC that took people around Volcano and the local area on tours. I was one of the Military guys, in the Air Force stationed there from 1969 to 1972. And you're right the buses were old Military style school buses, but the one they have there now are very much updated (smile). I plan on returning there next month and spend the weekend there with my grandkids. I have to say that the tour of duty at KMC was one of the best in my 22 years in the Air Force, besides of course being an Air Force Exhibitor that travel the 48 mainland states displaying Air Force Aircraft and other Air Force technologies with AFOG (Air Force Orientation Group) Yeah I know, what a job, but somebody had to do it..right. Anyway just thought I'd comment on your remarks...Happy Trails.   Tony Lee Member Username: Fototaker Post Number: 27 Registered: 09-2009 Posted From: 79.108.47.177 Posted on Wednesday, June 16, 2010 - 11:43 pm:    NOW that's a REAL vacation, room or not for veggies!!!! those are memories to laugh about when they are visiting with your grandkids!!!! thanks for sharing   Cherry C. Senior Member Username: Cherry Post Number: 6461 Registered: 06-2003 Posted From: 71.163.18.160 Posted on Wednesday, June 16, 2010 - 11:39 pm:    Read this and weep: Waaaay back in 1969 my husband and I, with a 5 year old and an infant, treated ourselves to one week at KMC. (We flew over from Oahu where my husband was stationed at CINCPACFLT, and this was our only "vacation" during his entire tour there). The all-inclusive price we paid at KMC (cannot recall the figure, but it was highly reasonable) included 1) transportation to and from the airport, 2) the cabin, 3) 3 meals a day in the mess hall (cafeteria style, and just fine) and 4) our choice every day of assorted 1/2 day or full day tours (in school buses, led by military guys stationed there for that express purpose, some of whom were truly excellent guides) to various places both within Volcanos National Park and around the island of Hawaii. There was even a Child Care Center where for a reasonable hourly fee we could leave the infant while we took a tour. It was a great week and a super deal! (What impressed the 5 year old most, however, was that for the entire week I did not require that she finish her main meal before being allowed to go back on line to choose a dessert. At home, if she had "no room" for vegetables, then she was not offered anything else either, so when I suspended the rule at KMC that made her stay there the best adventure ever.)   Philip D Watson Member Username: Olesarge69 Post Number: 40 Registered: 04-2008 Posted From: 70.224.40.185 Posted on Wednesday, June 16, 2010 - 08:33 am:    Thanks for the correction. The shuttle used to be free. Of course we tipped the drivers good and maybe that was the difference? I did forget the entry cost to the National Park. I have a lifetime Golden Age Passport (for those of us older than 62). Hint: the selling agent did not ask for proof of age when I bought it. She was very happy just to make the sale. It is good for entrance to any Federal recreation area including the Volcano National Park.   L Temple New member Username: Ltemple Post Number: 1 Registered: 02-2010 Posted From: 66.91.24.18 Posted on Wednesday, June 16, 2010 - 07:18 am:    According to the KMC brochure, shuttle service is $10 pp one-way from Hilo Airport. Entrance fee to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is $5 pp on shuttle or $10 per vehicle. The fee is covers 7 days. National Park passes are honored.   Philip D Watson Member Username: Olesarge69 Post Number: 38 Registered: 04-2008 Posted From: 70.224.40.185 Posted on Tuesday, June 15, 2010 - 01:07 pm:    I have stayed there twice. There is no need to rent an auto. They pick you up at the Hilo airport and take you back free. They have tours everyday (additional cost of course). Remembering the remoteness of the location, the BX, Bowling Ally, Club and Galley are a fantastic value. Haveing said these things, staying there for more than 2 weeks is a bit much.   William C. Allanach Advanced Member Username: Poppop Post Number: 210 Registered: 01-2006 Posted From: 207.200.116.12 Posted on Tuesday, June 15, 2010 - 04:50 am:    Understand they are having some price saving specials. We keep getting e-mails. Try to get one of the volcano rock cabins. Others were adequate. From Nov '07. Store had essentials but cafeteria was a place you could skip and over priced.   Kenneth Wilson Member Username: Nokaoi27 Post Number: 45 Registered: 01-2008 Posted From: 98.232.87.0 Posted on Monday, June 14, 2010 - 04:56 am:    Paul-We stayed there last year, and while it is a bit pricy, we thoroughly enjoyed our two bedroom cabin. So much to do. It was a great experience.   Elizabeth K Intermediate Member Username: Elizabeth Post Number: 76 Registered: 06-2003 Posted From: 76.250.141.230 Posted on Monday, June 14, 2010 - 03:05 am:    We stayed at KMC for a week and enjoyed the entire time. Our cabin was one bedroom, small bathroom and one all purpose room. Only ate at cafeteria once and decided to find other dining. Ate at the golf course, and at several restaurants in the village of Volcano. One dinner at the Volcano Lodge was so-so. There was a small general store on the grounds. Very convenient to the Orchid Nursery down the road - worth a couple of hours.   Jack T. Paxton Senior Member Username: Jpaxton Post Number: 861 Registered: 07-2003 Posted From: 24.27.231.67 Posted on Sunday, June 13, 2010 - 07:44 pm:    I'll have to second what Larry says. We stayed there three years ago and, while small, the cabin was fine. I was not thrilled with the food in the cafeteria but, it was adequate and plentiful. Would reco that you also consider the Golf Club one mile to the left coming out on the highway for meals. Did what Larry did as to helo ride through the MWR office on post. Also, the gas prices on post were better than out in town. Go for it!   Margie Weathers Senior Member Username: Margie Post Number: 405 Registered: 06-2003 Posted From: 64.85.188.225 Posted on Wednesday, June 09, 2010 - 11:35 pm:    It's been a while, but we enjoyed staying there. The little cabins are rustic, but it's a peaceful setting.   Phil Doubleman Senior Member Username: Phil Post Number: 1624 Registered: 08-2005 Posted From: 68.35.26.65 Posted on Wednesday, June 09, 2010 - 07:48 pm:    Paul, We didn't stay there... just visited while on a cruise. The food was good at the cafeteria. The lodging looked adequate and there looked like a lot to do. We're thinking about going back for a stay.   Larry W. Carnes Senior Member Username: Larry Post Number: 1163 Registered: 06-2003 Posted From: 12.72.126.161 Posted on Wednesday, June 09, 2010 - 06:03 pm:    I enjoyed it. More expensive than most billeting but not bad for such a great location. I had a sort of cabin with a living room, kitchenette, two bedrooms and full bath. I splurged for the 40-minute helicopter ride around the rim of the active volcano, something I'd always wanted to do. Hiking through the lava fields was interesting, too.   paul dervin Member Username: Paul Post Number: 32 Registered: 06-2003 Posted From: 71.199.114.110 Posted on Wednesday, June 09, 2010 - 02:06 pm:    Thanks. Does anyone have positive/negative comments on KMC?   Kenneth Wilson Member Username: Nokaoi27 Post Number: 44 Registered: 01-2008 Posted From: 98.232.87.0 Posted on Wednesday, June 09, 2010 - 02:52 am:    kmc: less than 30 miles from Hilo.   Wanda Seals Senior Member Username: Whstravel Post Number: 735 Registered: 07-2007 Posted From: 69.152.236.75 Posted on Wednesday, June 09, 2010 - 02:36 am:    Not sure about Hilo, but check out http://www.kmc-volcano.com/ Ciao/Wanda   paul dervin Member Username: Paul Post Number: 31 Registered: 06-2003 Posted From: 71.199.114.110 Posted on Wednesday, June 09, 2010 - 12:16 am:    Does anyone have info on lodging in Hilo? Happy Travels, Paul