I was going to ask about the rental car companies. It seems Harpers is the only one that allows the trek up to the summit.
Would you risk a Wrangler from Alamo to go to the summit? Should I even do the summit, or the sunset is fine from the visitor center?
Any suggestions for a place in Hilo. Most look so sketchy.
Thanks guys.
We were once driving a Jeep uphill in the Kahuku unit of HVNP (open only on weekends), when we got a HOT OIL warning. We stopped so as to avoid a repeat of our last serious Jeep incident. To answer your question, NO, I personally would not risk it in a Jeep.
I'm not sure if you can actually see sunset from the Visitor Center. You'd have to find out about that.
Regarding where to stay in Hilo, we've never spent the night there, but you can check the Hawaii Revealed website. They should have reviews.