Sultry weather. Turquoise ocean. Thundering volcanoes.
Hawaii offers tranquility and drama in equal measure.
And if the latter is your priority, then this is the perfect hotel. Because it is well appreciated by tourists for its 'excellent view' of glowing lava and smoking caldera.
Welcome to Volcano House, located 4,000 feet (1,219 meters) above sea level in the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site A World Heritage Site home to two of the world's most active volcanoes – Kilauea and Mauna Loa – as well as the Chain of Craters Road, lava fields, steam vents and lush rainforest.
Kilauea is in a state of near-constant eruption, having erupted more than sixty times since the 19th century – including three times in 2023 alone – and the hotel offers travelers the chance to wake up on the rim of the Halemaumau Crater .
The park resort, which was described as “cozy” by one reviewer, features historic hotel rooms with king or queen beds, as well as family rooms with sofa beds.
Standard rooms are decorated with “rustic cabin accents,” according to the property's website, while volcano view rooms have windows overlooking the caldera — the large crater that forms when a volcano erupts or collapses — which often spews lava.
Volcano House is located 4,000 feet above sea level in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site home to two of the world's most active volcanoes: Kilauea and Mauna Loa
The Rim at Volcano House serves breakfast, lunch and dinner – with views of the 'undulating Halema'uma'u crater'
At night, the lights in the seating areas (right) are dimmed to allow for the best possible view of the lava glow (left),” according to Volcano House reviewer “KICon”
The rooms feature coffee makers stocked with local coffee and hHolidaymakers will also benefit from island mimosas – and an 'evening cookie service' – upon arrival.
Volcano House also has sites at the Namakanipaio Campground in the national park, where you can sleep in a tent set up and taken down by the resort staff.
Those who want to feel immersed in the park, but don't want to sleep on the ground, can rent a Namakanipaio Camper Cabin. The 10 one-room 'rustic' wooden huts sleep one to four guests and come with bedding, outdoor dining tables and access to barbecues and campfires.
The hotel's bar, Uncle George's Lounge, serves cocktails with volcano views
LEFT: Standard rooms are decorated with “rustic cabin accents,” according to the property's website. RIGHT: Uncle George's lounge
There are several dining options on site: The Rim at Volcano House serves breakfast, lunch and dinner with views of the 'undulating Halema'uma'u crater' and Uncle George's Lounge serves light snacks, local beers and signature cocktails.
Rave reviews of the resort have been posted on Tripadvsior, with 'KICon' noting that it offers this resort 'excellent views of the main attraction from the lush green spaces outside the rooms, as well as the communal areas adjacent to the foyer and two on-site restaurants'.
They add: At night, the lights in the seating areas are dimmed, so that you have an optimal view of the lava glow. Some rooms have direct access to the lawns overlooking the smoking caldera.
'Numerous trails to steam vents, sulfur vents and lookouts start and end at Volcano House, but be sure to bring a jacket in wet weather as the rainforest environment can be prone to drizzle and fog. Not a cheap experience, but worth it to surrender and marvel at nature.'
'Sunny1', from the UK, added: 'I was pleasantly surprised by the standard of our room as this is the only hotel on the outskirts.
'It has an impressive history and is comfortably furnished and there were even chairs outside our window so we could sit and view the volcano. It was cold and foggy for part of our time here, but the room was cozy.'
'Vacation60872538314' said: 'It's pricey, but it's a unique experience. Totally worth it.
Those who want to feel immersed in the park, but don't want to sleep on the ground, can rent a Namakanipaio Camper Cabin, as seen above
One reviewer said of Volcano House: 'It's pricey, but it's a unique experience'
LEFT: Lava enters the ocean from Hawaii National Volcano Park. RIGHT: A lava field near the Volcano House hotel
'The hotel itself is nothing special, but I would stay there again. Want to see the glow of lava from your hotel room? Priceless!'
Volcano House is located on Crater Rim Drive on Hawaii's Big Island (Moku o Keawe). It is best to rent a car to reach the park. The resort is approximately a 30 to 40 minute drive from Hilo Airport.
Guests must pay for park entry to access the property: $15.00 – $30.00 (£12.36 to £24.72). Rooms start at $337 (£278), campers from $95 (£78) and camping tents from $40 (£33) per night (or $15 (£12.36) if you bring your own tent).
Visit: hawaiivolcanohouse.com.
