Volcano House and this isn't just a place you stay--it's an experience the second you step out of…read morethe car. Sitting right on the edge of Kīlauea, the views alone will stop you in your tracks. You're literally looking out over the caldera while sipping your coffee like it's no big deal. The building has that old-school, historic feel, but it works... it adds to the whole "you're somewhere special" vibe. The restaurant carries that same laid-back but memorable energy, and the gift shop is worth stepping into too--solid mix of local items and keepsakes without feeling overdone. Whether you're eating, browsing, or just posted up with the view, this place makes you slow down and really take it all in.

If you are looking for an accommodation within the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, look no further!…read moreThe Volcano house has been around for a long time and while it has undergone some renovations, you can still find a few touches of what the place used to be in photos and art hung on the walls and most importantly, educational pieces about the Volcanoes. We stayed here for 2 nights, dined at both restaurants and woke up and had breakfast to the view of Kilauea. Upon check in, we received complimentary mimosas (one per person). The room itself was fine but the view was excellent (you can see Kilauea from our window). It was clean, sheets were clean and the queen bed was comfortable enough. No air conditioning so we left the windows open during the day time and during the evenings, we used the little fan. On the last night, we made a makeshift window unit by cracking it open a bit and putting the fan there to blow in the cool evening air. It worked better than we expected. On our last day, the bathroom sink started to smell like sewers but since we were checking out and didn't spend much time using the bathroom, it didn't bother us as much. The bathroom amenities are full sized. The lotion smelled divine but the hand soap smelled like olives. It was fine though and did the job. I cannot think of a more perfect way to enjoy nature! We did some hikes, a few trails will lead you back to the hotel. They have a couple of shops for souvenirs, odds and ends, and snacks. The staff were super friendly and helpful.

Do you want an experience of a lifetime? Do you want to be a part of living history? Ever want…read moreto walk in the footsteps of those that dared to be a part of something so amazing words fall short? Book a stay at the Volcano House! The rooms take you back to a magical time, a time with character! The staff feels like family. The location....the location is beyond imagination, especially on nights like tonight when the fire and flame meet an unbroken gauze of the bewildered! Stay in the only place on the Big Island Mark Twain would recommend, talk to the family that hosts you, and experience the smells, sights and sounds of the past, present, and future! Make sure to have dinner....Get a reservation for the five star food and the attached Volcano House Restaurant ! Trust me!!!!!! There is Nothing like this in the world

After hiking this is the closest (and I think only?) place to eat in the park. The view is great,…read moreyou can see the volcano! Unfortunately the food wasn't great. My friend liked her steak salad but my pulled pork was very dry. I was able to save it with barbecue sauce. The staff is friendly but the wait can be a little long since this is one of the only spots to eat nearby

The night of the 42nd volcano eruption, we enjoyed a front window seat to the massive lava…read morefountains! Created a great backdrop to a great meal. The restaurant is inside the very old classic Volcano Lodge; complete with wood fireplace. Staying in the lodge made it simple to have meals; we ate at the Rim two nights, one night at the more casual Lodge restaurant Uncle Georges Lounge. All meals were prepared very well. For the first meal, we ordered a couple of Mai Tais that were nicely flavorful. For appetizers, I can recommend the Furikake Seared Ahi; gently seared with very flavorful colorful condiments. Plus, the portion was relatively generous as well. The chef's entree special was an amazing local fish prepared attractively and tasting marvelous. For our second night, the volcano was no longer erupting and the crowds of watchers had left so the meal was far less hectic. Did a less extravagant meal of Big Island Stuffed Chicken (great stuffing of Feta cheese and greens!) and it was a great choice. (I had the Seared Ahi again!) Straying from fish my partner went with the perfectly grilled 12 oz Hawaiian beef ribeye. Finished up with a fun crème brûlée with lots of burnt sugar!. Not a restaurant to drive 1-2 hours to, but if you find yourself on the mountain, well-worth stopping for a great meal here. but try to get there when the volcano isn't erupting or you'll be trampled, pushed, and find nowhere to park.

So I haven't wrote a review in a while and I should get better at sharing my experiences. I had to…read morewrite this, know before you go your paying for the view of the volcano. Also know you can get the similar view from the other restaurant they have literally in the room right next to this one. Well there is a sitting room in between but the same view. No pretty table clothes but the same view and the food comes from the same kitchen. Our waiter was nice and pretty timely, the food was horrible. We were a party of three and all of us had the ribeye. First off they were out of asparagus so we had wilted spinach and fennel. So overly salted and the mash potatoes, they had to come from a box!!! The bread was good but the butter was excellent, the only reason this is getting two starts was our waiter and the butter!!! Our meal for three people nothing to drink but water the three ribeyes and one dessert for our 13 year old was 229.00. I don't mind paying for dinner when it's edible but we left almost all our steak on the plates and the waiter didn't even ask why. My recommendation is have dinner at the other restaurant get the view and pay way less. If you look at my review for tonight's dinner you will see I don't leave reviews just when it's bad. We had dinner in Kona tonight at fish hopper and it was excellent service and food with an amazing view as well.

Our respite stay after a full day of chasing Volcano Craters and remote petroglyphs…read more Ten minutes from the park exit, just had dinner in the park. Works out great , self check in. Old fashioned but just right for the Area.

This was a great fond for us. We have never been on this island. Literally 3 minutes from Volcano…read moreNatl Park. We stayed in Rm 9. Convenient path to car and hot tub. We used the hot tub 2x and it was perfect temp. I thought it was crazy for a gas fireplace in room. We used it 3x because it was rainy here. Staff was helpful by providing us ice and utensils and glasses that we could leave in room. They don't want you drinking the water so they provide a 5 gal jug of water. Good to bathe in but not drink. They provided a small fridge, coffee maker, toiletries. The room was big enough that they could have added a coffee table by fireplace to set your drinks on. No TV but we had our own electronics. WiFi was on point. Ample parking. They don't do daily room service unless you ask. The sound of the birds at night is amazing. They communicate right away via text for anything you need. I would definitely stay here again.

We had a late lunch/early dinner here while in the area visiting Volcanoes National Park. Both of…read moreus had the mahimahi on sourdough sandwich and liked it a lot. The coleslaw was good also. And the beer. And the service. We watched the volcano vent on the tv while we ate. We came back that evening for dessert. I had a tasty lemon tart. I would definitely eat there again.

I'd say this a solid place to go. This place has a lot of charm. Friendly staff. A cool view of a…read morerad dog and cat on the patio. The waitress was attentive without hovering... Food was solid, good portions, I don't eat a ton so I had half a burger to share and half my fries (I saved room for a tart!!). I would say upscale diner food. Get here early for dessert tho, cause they were out of most of it once we were here on the later side!! NOTE: 18% Gratuity for parties of 6 or more... but unlike a previous review, the staff here actually works for that so I am less resistant to that charge...

Just realized I didn't take any pictures. Sad! Well let me paint one for you…read more If you're missing your fancy big city food then this is the place to come. While they appear to be a casual, local, hippy establishment (and they are). The food and wait is worth every penny, (and pennies are more valuable now). You will hear live music when you approach building. It's bright and colorful, open air and you can feel your inner artist being inspired. The place is packed but you find a seat and listen to the laughter, singing, and sizzles from the kitchen. It's small and bundles of fruit seam to just be around everywhere. Your server gives you a menu and you think. "Oh wow! That's a bit pricy." But you're all in. Considering this place is proud of its farm to table reputation. Yes, nothing goes to waist here and it as fresh as you can possibly get. So you order and wait. And you wait, and you wait. Finally the plate arrives and it's beautiful. A paradise of fruit, veggie filled omelet and some things you're not sure if you can eat them or if it's just decoration. (You can eat them) Have you ever heard of a cranberry hibiscus? I'm not a fan of salsa with my eggs but they make their own from scratch and they also sell it. So I have to at least try it. "What is in this! Magic?" Before you know it a whole days life experience has just happened. There were ups, there were downs, and surprises. Not just from the food but the whole surroundings. Let's just say nothing was left on the plate and I have stories to tell. Our server was the sweetest older lady who you can tell just loved her job and people. In fact all the workers were just rays of sunshine and smiles. Did I just have breakfast or walk into a magical world where time stood still and surrounded me in song and colors. I swear I don't do substances, it's just that good.

I'm not even exaggerating when I say this was one of the best things I've ever eaten. They filled…read moremy foodie heart with joy. The ambience was so cute as well. This woman with the coolest dreads I've ever seen was singing. There was art all over the walls. And my server (David) was so so sweet and joyous. This is my fav restaurant in Hawaii and I def recommend checking them out!! They also have a farm tour so I will definitely be back to check that out next time. :)

We came here with friends who are Hilo locals, so I knew this place had to be good. The restaurant…read moreis located up a flight of stairs. The restaurant has a very open and relaxing vibe. We sat outside overlooking Hilo bay, and I felt I could have sat here all afternoon. The lunch menu includes various sushis, salads, and warm entrees. What we ordered: + Lihiwai Louie salad - this is a salad of butter lettuce, avocados, 5 large shrimps, and lots of cheese shavings. This was light and very tasty. + Fish and chips - the fish was very fresh and was quite yummy This is a great place to sit and relax and enjoy some drinks and good food.

Big restaurant but doesn't feel that way. They accommodated our large party easily. It's up a big…read morestaircase but there is an elevator for those who need. Lovely view of the water. Drinks were okay, and they have mock tail options, too. I had the sage pineapple margarita and it was fine, not spectacular. The regular margarita seemed a bit nicer. Fish and chips was a generous portion, and the fish was meaty (I assume mahi mahi?) and came with a salad/slaw. I split a keiki sundae with someone which was the perfect bit of sweet to finish off the meal.

Way cool stop after our guided tour of the caldera rim and a short hike from the rim. Drinks are…read moreavailable and JUST what I needed. I'm not used to the altitude or using this much energy at this altitude. The gift shop has a good variety for what you will likely need. There are park rangers to answer your questions. I fond just standing back and listening in, there is a lot to learn!

The visitor center had historically been the first venue you come across when arriving to the park…read more Now that it is under construction, you are diverted to the former military facility that has barracks for rent. There are still guides there to greet you and manage the Junior Rangers program and to instruct you of the hazards associated with the active volcano.

We loved our time at the Volcano Tree House! Gary, the property owner, was amazing. He was…read moreincredibly friendly and personable. Our room, the Tree Top Suite was great. We really did feel like we were living in a tree house! The surrounding rainforest was amazingly beautifully, particularly in the morning during sunrise. The sounds of the birds in the morning were very pleasant. Maurice, Gary's cat, was our little buddy in the Tree Top Suite. He greeted us when we arrived and slept in our room every night. He loved being petted and just hanging out with us. We really enjoyed our time at the Volcano Tree House and would highly recommend it. It was a really fun getaway, removed from the hustle and bustle we dealt with in Honolulu.

We came here for a week in August after not taking vacation for a couple years....we really needed…read morea place to relax and enjoy and get away from our daily stresses. This was definitely it. We stayed in the Tree Top Suite, 3 stories up in the canopy of a tropical rain forest. Windows on all walls, shades we never bothered to pull because it was very private and we did not want to block our unobstructed view of the jungle. Wrap around porch, complete with heater, comfy chairs, a quiet secluded place to read or watch birds or simply sit in the sun streaming through the upper branches. Big comfy bed with dual control heated mattress pad (it gets chilly at nights as it is above 5000 feet elevation). I spent a lot of time here reading and resting. Convenient kitchenette, walk in shower, books about birds and local history, good lighting on the stairs and walkways, I would not change a thing. Breakfast is at the sister property, Bamboo Orchid Cottage, a short walking distance away. Wonderful coffee, papaya fruit boats, homemade pastries, bagels, a good selection of granola, hardboiled eggs, yogurt, make-your-own waffles with strawberries and whipped cream. Susie and her niece took good care of us. We had the Volcano Adventure package complete with a helicopter tour, a self-guided audio driving tour of Volcano National Park, and a private tour from a local guide of the Puna coast. A good choice. We ate just about everywhere in the town of Volcano and liked it all, went to the Volcano Winery, went to the Park which is open 24-7, saw the petroglyphs (a long hot walk but worth it), ventured out to see the new lava flowing out of tubes into the ocean one night - spectacular, natural fireworks! We would definitely come back and try the new birder package. If you do go to this part of Hawaii, bring a fleece jacket and be prepared for daily rains. It's a rain forest...sun and heat are a short drive in any direction.

We had a unique and wonderful experience at Volcano Village Lodge. The rooms are located in the…read moremiddle of a rainforest with floor-to-ceiling windows so you feel you're right in the middle of nature. The friendly and helpful staff made sure we had a great experience. Breakfast each morning was filling and delicious. They were even able to accommodate my dairy-free diet, which I really appreciated. If you're lucky, the moist and rich homemade brownies will also be available in the lobby. Just be sure to stock up before the office closes each day. We ordered picnic lunches from the lodge for our day hiking at Volcanoes National Park. While the sandwiches were average, the lunches included wine and an impressive number of snacks. The snacks lasted all day and we even had enough to bring some home on the plane. The property is only a 10-15 min drive to Volcanoes National Park making it easy to get there. One thing to note: the wifi was very unreliable during our stay. This could be a pro or con depending on your needs.

First question first: would we stay here again? Yes. It's a charming, quiet, unique place to…read morespend a few nights in a rain forest. The Volcano Village Lodge rates high on the cool factor. You get your own suite separated from the others and you're positioned up into the jungle in a glass room. The surroundings are quiet, and at night, even sort of magical as the frogs begin singing. Everything is wood and natural looking. You're at an elevation because of the volcano uplift so while there's no air conditioning, the place cools off nightly at night. There's no TV signal (though the room has a TV with DVDs) and there is a wifi signal, but it's spotty. You decide whether this is a plus or a minus. Personally, I find being insulated from modern digital interruption to be a plus, though I suppose that could be achieved anywhere by just turning things off - which I never do. The staff here are friendly, funny, and wonderful. A definite plus. The Volcano Village Lodge buildings themselves are a bit shopworn. They're clean, but just a little tired, I'd say. The place looks like it hasn't had a major reinvestment in a while, and the jungle dampness must be relentless on the wood. The "town" of Volcano has some rough spots. I refer to them as meth-houses, but I don't really know. There's a nearby sign installed by a property owner asking people not to dump pig guts on their property. I give it four stars out of five.