Volcano House - Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

Volcano House is the Big Island of Hawaii's oldest hotel site and the only hotel/lodge within Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.

Volcano House - Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

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Volcano House is perched on the rim of Kilauea and offers stunning views of the Halemaumau Crater.

While there are no guarantees that the volcano will erupt during your visit, you can still see steam vents and enjoy this historic location overlooking the Halemaumau Crater.

We have stayed at Volcano House a couple of times, and we really enjoyed waking up with views of the crater. One thing I will say is the lodge is not super quiet. If you are a light sleeper, make sure to bring earplugs with you.

We could hear people talking in the hall and getting ready in the morning. This is honestly the only thing to prepare for other than having a great time.  We didn't realize until after our stay that the front desk has sleep amenity packets available that include earplugs, eye masks, and tea. There is also a spa sound machine in the nightstand drawer to help drown out the hotel noise. 

The lodge view is epic. There is no other word to describe it.

It is hard to believe that you are waking up overlooking an active volcano!

• The History of Volcano House will be at the bottom of this article.

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Room Options

• Standard Rooms are 256 Square Feet, can accommodate 1-4 guests, and can choose between 1 King Bed or 2 Queen Beds.
• Volcano Crater View Rooms are 256 Square Feet, can accommodate 1-4 guests, you can choose between 1 King Bed or 2 Queen Beds, and enjoy an up-close view of the Halema'uma'u crater.
• Deluxe Volcano Crater View Rooms are 260-312 Square Feet, can accommodate 1-3 guests, and you can choose between 1 King Bed or 1 King Bed with 1 full or 1 twin sofa bed, and offer breathtaking views of the Kilauea caldera from your room. 

Deluxe Crater View Room Review

We stayed in room 11 on the second floor of Volcano House. This room had a king-size bed, a comfortable leather couch, and a side table/coffee table, and we found the room to be very comfortable and on the larger side for most National Park lodges. We also had an amazing view of the crater!

I would highly recommend being prepared for several different weather conditions. The annual rainfall at Volcano House is 120+ inches per year, and temperatures average from the low 50s to mid 70s year-round, so make sure to dress in layers and bring a rain jacket. 

The lodge also sits at 4000 feet in elevation, so needless to say, we found the electric heater in the fireplace very welcoming.

Room Amenities

There are no TV's in the rooms. Volcano House does offer free use of iPads and free Wi-Fi.

The Wi-Fi did not work for us during our stay, but the hotel does say it is available. You may need to check in the lobby or other common areas if it does not reach your room. 

You can also sign up to take a guided walking tour, free bike rentals, board and card games, and free entertainment on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays in Uncle George's Lounge.

The hotel offers an evening cookie service at 6:30 pm with its signature cookies. 

They even have a lending library with natural history, cultural studies, and children's bedtime books available to check out. 

If you are like me and need a cup of coffee to start the day, you can bring the mug down from your room and enjoy free, complimentary coffee and tea in the lobby. You can even ask for a to-go cup to take with you out into the park. 

None of the guest rooms is equipped with air conditioning. Don't worry, the average temperature is 67 to 73 degrees. The lodge is situated at 4,000 feet above sea level.

• Complimentary coffee packets replenished daily (upon request)
• Complimentary in-room safe
• All rooms non-smoking
• AM / FM alarm clock radio
• Coffeemaker
• Daily housekeeping service
• "Did you forget?" essential items service
• Electronic key card
• Hair dryer
• Iron/ironing board (upon request)
• iPad rental (Check out at the Front Desk)
• Private lanai/balcony (some)
• Shower
• Signature bath amenities (soap, lotion, body wash, shampoo, and conditioner)
• Telephone w/ voicemail

🏨Ready to Book your stay at Volcano House? -> Click Here

Volcano House Information

Address:
1 Crater Rim Dr.,
Hawaii National Park

Check-In Time - 3:00 PM

Check-Out Time - Noon (12:00 PM)

Pet Policy - Pets are not allowed

Smoking - Volcano House is 100% Smoke Free

Accessible Rooms - The Volcano House can accommodate ADA guests, but you should contact them directly to confirm specific room features, as the historic building might have limitations

Volcano House Reservations

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Volcano House Restaurant

Imagine dining overlooking the Halema'uma'u Crater as it settles from the latest eruption.

Dine on flavors unique to Hawaii and the Pacific region. We love that so many of the dishes are made with ingredients from local Big Island farms and gardens.

Listen to live music by local musicians every night of the week from 6:00 PM - 8:30 PM.

The Volcano House Dining Room does require reservations for dinner. It is the more formal dining room within the lodge. 

If you are coming from the East Coast, you will want to make sure you have snacks in your room if you normally eat breakfast early. 

The breakfast buffet does not start until 7 am, which is after 12 pm Eastern time. Even coming from the Pacific coast, we were awake at 4 am and happy to have a couple of snacks in the room. 

The gift shop does have a few light snacks, soda, and sweet treats for sale. 

Uncle George's Lounge

Uncle George's Lounge is the perfect place to enjoy a snack, late night cocktail, or relax after a day in the park.

If you are looking for a more casual atmosphere during your stay, Uncle George's Lounge is perfect. The lounge still has amazing views over the crater, but you do not need reservations.

If you are a vegetarian or vegan, make sure to ask what ingredients are in the food. During our stay, the tomato soup was made with chicken stock, and they were unable to make it vegetarian.

The vegetarian options were a salad or a cheese pizza with a few veggies. They do not have a ton of options for guests with dietary restrictions.

Menu items not to miss

The Paniolo Milkshake 

Michelle's Kuahwiwi Ranch Burger 

🏨Ready to Book your stay at Volcano House? -> Click Here

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Tours

Big Island in a Day: Volcanoes, Waterfalls, Sightseeing, and History
⭐️ Rating: 4.9 out of 5 Stars with 6400+ Reviews! | ⏳ Tour Length: 11 hours |  🚌Check Rates and Availability

This is a full-day small group nature tour where you will get to experience black sand beaches, waterfalls, and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. If you are lucky, you may even spot a Hawaiian Green Sea Turtle. Stops include:

• a coffee farm
• Punalu'u Black Sand Beach
• Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
• Nahuku - Thurston Lava Tube
• Rainbow Falls
• Akaka Falls State Park, and more!

Small Group Big Island Twilight Volcano and Stargazing Tour
⭐️ Rating: 4.9 out of 5 Stars with 1500+ Reviews! | ⏳ Tour Length: 12 hours |  🚌Check Rates and Availability

Pack in some of Hawaii's most mesmerizing sights during this Big Island full-day and twilight volcano tour. Of course, the highlight is exploring Volcanoes National Park and experiencing stargazing in a secluded location-perfect for taking in views of the night sky. Stops include:

• Bay View Farm to take a tour of a Kona Coffee Farm
• Punalu'u Bake Shop, which is known for its famous Hawaiian sweet bread. My personal favorite is the coconut turnovers, and Tammilee's personal favorite is the Lilicoi(Passion Fruit) malasadas.
• Punalu'u Black Sand Beach - A great Black Sand Beach that oftentimes has Green Sea Turtles!
• Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
• Nahuku - Thurston Lava Tube
• Saddle Road is a secluded road which is ideal for stargazing

Big Island Spectacular Helicopter Tours by Blue Hawaiian
⭐️ Rating: 4.8 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ Tour Length: 1 hour and 45 minutes | 🚁 Check Rates and Availability

Fly above Hawaii's spectacular peaks, coasts, and valleys on this helicopter tour of the Big Island. Watch lava bubble up out of volcanoes, fly over the lush rain forests of the Hamakua Coast, and complete your trip with views of the waterfalls lining the Kohala Mountains. Only a helicopter tour lets you see so many of Hawaii's charms on a single ride and from an unforgettable perspective.

Read more about - Big Island Spectacular Helicopter Tour

Make sure to check out all the great tours available on the Big Island of Hawaii and at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.

Where to stay when visiting Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

I have personally visited the Big Island of Hawaii several times, and I even proposed to Tammilee at Kekaha Kai (Kona Coast) State Park just north of the Kona Airport!

Volcano House is the only lodge in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and is perfect for exploring the Park. However, there are only 33 guest rooms, which can make it a challenge to find a room available. Here are a couple of options.

Make sure to book your stay at Colony I at Sea Mountain if you want to be close to the park and far from large cities like Kona and Hilo. Here you can relax in paradise and enjoy other top destinations like Punalu'u Black Sands Beach, South Point, Green Sands Beach, and the town of Naalehu, home of the Punalu'u Bake Shop! This is a condo/timeshare style hotel that provides numerous amenities, including barbecue grills, a furnished kitchen, a washer/dryer, a coffee/tea maker, and a TV with cable. The only drawback is that you are far from several of the top attractions that Hawaii offers like going to a luau, organized tours, etc.

Hilo has several hotel options and an international airport. Hilo is known as the wet side of the island, and where many locals live. I have never stayed on the Hilo side, but I know there is the Grand Naniloa Hotel Hilo, a Doubletree by Hilton - 4-star hotel in the heart of Keaukaha.

Most visitors to Hawaii prefer to stay on the Kona side of the island and fly into the Kona Airport (KOA). Kona is known as the dry, sunny side of the island with numerous tourist activities.

If you are looking for a fantastic hotel with breathtaking views, I would suggest the Westin Hapuna Beach Resort. This contemporary Hawaiian-style resort comes to life with lush, manicured gardens, endless blue skies, and ocean views to die for. Did I mention that it is just steps away from Hapuna Beach, one of the best beaches on the island!

My other favorite hotel is the Courtyard by Marriott King Kamehameha's Kona Beach Hotel. You will love this resort as it is on the north end of Alii Drive (the heartbeat of Kona) and makes the perfect place to explore both Kona and the Island. They also have great A/C, nice rooms, and the Island Breeze Luau is fantastic!

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Entrance Fee

Park entrance fees are separate from camping and lodging fees.

Park Entrance Pass - $30.00 Per private vehicle (valid for 1-7 days from the date of purchase)

Park Entrance Pass - Motorcycle - $25.00 Per motorcycle (valid for 1-7 days from the date of purchase)

Per-Person Entrance Pass - $15.00 Visitors 16 years or older who enter on foot, bicycle, or as part of an organized group not involved in a commercial tour.

Annual Park Entrance Pass - $55.00, Admits pass holder and all passengers in a non-commercial vehicle. Valid for one year from the month of purchase.

$40.00-$75.00 for Commercial Sedan with 1-6 seats and non-commercial groups (16+ persons)

$75.00 for Commercial Van with 7-15 seats

$100.00 for Commercial Mini-Bus with 16-25 seats

$200.00 for Commercial Motor Coach with 26+ seats

Learn more about National Park Passes for parks that have an entrance fee.

$80.00 - For the America the Beautiful/National Park Pass. The pass covers entrance fees to all US National Park Sites and over 2,000 Federal Recreation Fee Sites for an entire year and covers everyone in the car for per-vehicle sites and up to 4 adults for per-person sites.

Buy your pass at this link, and REI will donate 10% of pass proceeds to the National Forest Foundation, National Park Foundation, and the U.S. Endowment for Forestry & Communities.

National Park Free Entrance Days  -Mark your calendars with the free entrance days the National Park Service offers for US citizens and residents.

History of Volcano House

The majestic landscape of Hawaii has been shaped by volcanic activity over millions of years. The Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island is a testament to this geologic history, boasting two active volcanoes: Mauna Loa and Kilauea.

Visitors from all over flock to the park to witness the spectacle of the lava flows and explore the unique ecosystem that has developed around the volcanoes. For over 170 years, visitors have been able to stay at Volcano House, a historic hotel located in the heart of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.

The Volcano House has existed on the rim of Kīlauea in some form or another since the mid-1800s.

The First Volcano House

The first structure to be associated with the Volcano House was built in 1846 by Benjamin Pitman. Pitman, a Hilo businessman, was married to Princess Kinoʻole o Liliha Hoʻolulu.

Pitman constructed a small traditional Hawaiian-style one-room thatch-walled shelter on the rim of Kīlauea to serve as a place for visitors to the volcano to stay. It was chosen because the northeast rim has a good view of the volcano and is relatively safe. Additionally, the wind blows the poisonous gases away from the site.

The first Volcano House provided basic shelter to visitors at the cost of one dollar per night, excluding food. Descriptions of the shelter vary, but most agree that the floor of the thatched house was dirt, and it contained a fireplace.

In addition, a canoe was hung from the ceiling as a source of water for guests. The canoe reportedly contained a mixture of rainwater, ash, and plants so repulsive that the horses refused to drink it.

Pitman's Volcano House was not always staffed, and visitors were often left to their own devices. This was also the first place to use the Volcano House guest book, a tradition that continues today.

The Second Volcano House

In 1866, a second inn was built that would truly begin the legacy of the Volcano House. The inn was owned by George W.C. Jones, L. G. Kaina, Charles, Julius Richardson, and William Reed, who were local businessmen.

This second thatch structure was more comfortable. The new inn had four rooms, a brick fireplace, a wooden floor, and excellent food.

Mark Twain stayed at the Volcano House roughly three months after it was built. Twain was surprised to find such a good hotel in such a remote location, remarking that the hotel was "neat, roomy, and well kept."

Twain was not the only famous guest the inn hosted, with the last king of Hawaiʻi, Kalākaua, visiting around 1872.

The Volcano House of 1877

The second Volcano House was a hit with its guests, but the thatch structure was difficult to maintain. In 1877, a more permanent, wooden structure was built by a carpenter from Baltimore called William Lentz.

The new Volcano House was built in a western style and was constructed using native timber and imported redwood shingles. The hotel was built close to where the hula platform sits today.

The hotel was bought in 1885 by the Wilder Steam Ship Company, which made several costly improvements to the hotel. The company prepared the Keauhou pier that had been damaged in the earthquake of 1868.

The reconstructed pier meant that the company was able to offer an all-inclusive visit to Kīlauea. The Volcano House of 1877 continued to attract notable guests, with the last monarch of the Hawaiian kingdom, Princess Liliʻuokalani, visiting the site at the start of the 1880 rift zone eruption.

1891 - 1921

Volcano House continued to grow in popularity, and by 1891, an addition was built in response to the increasing demand. By this time, the hotel was owned by controversial businessman Lorrin A. Thurston of Honolulu.

Thurston added a two-story Victorian-style addition to the building, but even this was not enough to meet demand. The hotel was so popular that the billiard table was often used as a bed.

In 1921, the Volcano House Hotel changed hands once again and was bought by the Inter-Island Steamship Company. They invested a considerable sum in the hotel and increased the number of rooms from 25 to 104.

The company moved the 1877 building from the 1891 Victorian addition and built a large two-story addition. The old 1877 building now houses the Volcano Art Center.

The Volcano House was under the management of the Steamship Company until 1932, when the company was forced to auction off the hotel due to the Great Depression. The hotel was purchased by a former manager, George Lycurgus, for $300.

The hotel's famous guests during this period were President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, Vice President Charles W. Fairbanks, and the famous American aviator, Amelia Earhart.

New Volcano House

In 1940, a fire that broke out in the hotel kitchen quickly spread to the entire hotel and burned it down. After this disaster, the hotel was moved to the 1877 building. Lycurgus wasted no time in planning for a new hotel. He hired architect Charles W. Dickey to design the new building.

The new Volcano House opened on November 8, 1941. In the tradition of the Volcano House, the new hotel hosted many famous guests, including Harry S. Truman, Dwight D. Eisenhower, John F. Kennedy, and Richard Nixon.

Additional Articles on Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

• Complete Guide to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
• Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Hiking Guide
• Nahuku Thurston Lava Tube
• Things to do in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
• Nāmakanipaio Campground
• Kulanaokuaiki Campground

National Park sites to visit near Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

• PU'UHONUA O HÖNAUNAU National Historical Park - Also known as the City of Refuge or Place of Refuge, is a sacred site for Hawaiians. Visiting this park will give you tremendous insight and knowledge about the Hawaiian culture and way of life.

• Kaloko Honokohau National Historical Park - preserves and shows the ingenuity of the native Hawaiians (kanaka maoli) used to survive in the hot and arid environment around Kona by building fishponds.

• Pu`ukoholā Heiau National Historic Site is an 86-acre park that protects one of the oldest structures in the National Park System. The Puukohola Heiau was built in 1790-91 by the Hawaiian leader Kamehameha I.

Check out the best things to do in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and Hawaii Volcanoes Hiking Trails. 

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