Are you looking for the best Hawaii Volcanoes National Park hotel? Keep scrolling for my honest Hawaii Volcano House review so you can decide if it’s right for your family.
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Are you looking for a hotel at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island of Hawaii?
You’re in luck! While there are lots of camping options, there’s actually only one hotel located inside the park. We recently stayed at Volcano House, which is a historic hotel right on the crater.
Keep scrolling to read my honest Volcano House review so you can decide if it’s the best Hawaii Volcanoes National Park hotel for your trip.
The views from Volcano House are absolutely stunning, but what really makes this hotel special is its history.
You’ll get amazing views of Kilauea from your room or balcony, which makes staying here worth every penny.
The location can’t be beat either – there are trails right outside your door, and you won’t have to drive anywhere if you want to go hiking or visit other parts of the park.
Keep scrolling to learn more about this Hawaii Volcanoes National Park hotel! It’s definitely one of the most unique hotels on the Big Island of Hawaii.
You will also find some of the best places to stay near Volcano National Park in case the Volcano National Park hotels are not available.
Don’t have time to read a bunch of Hawaii blog posts and reviews? Here are some of our top picks for visiting the Big Island.
Popular Big Island Tours/Activities
- Manta Ray Snorkeling Tour (you can ONLY do this on the Big Island)
- Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Tour (this is the BEST way to see lava if you aren’t renting a car)
- Mauna Kea Stargazing Tour (this is a cool adventure for teens and adults)
- Swim with Dolphins (this is a unique experience for kids of all ages and adults)
- Kona ATV Tour (we love this one because they also do cultural activities)
- Book a Photo Shoot (this is a Hawaii souvenir you’ll treasure forever)
Favorite Big Island Resorts/Hotels
- Hilton Waikoloa Village (this is a mega resort where you can swim with dolphins or just enjoy their massive pool area)
- Courtyard by Marriott’s King Kamehameha Beach Hotel (this is a moderately-priced Kona hotel right on a little lagoon)
- Fairmont Orchid (this is a swanky resort with an awesome pool area and beach)
Want to Rent a Car in Hawaii?
One of the best places to rent a car in Hawaii is Discount Hawaii Car Rental because they get the best rates from top national companies like Alamo, Dollar, Thrifty, Avis, Enterprise, Budget, and Payless.
Want to skip all the planning and just access my detailed Big Island Itinerary complete with daily schedules, kid-friendly activities, and travel hacks? Click the button below.
Where is the Volcano House?
The Volcano House is literally across the street from the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Visitor’s Center. There’s even a short pathway through the trees to get there.
It’s the only hotel located inside this Hawaii national park, and there is plenty of signage, so you won’t get lost finding this volcano hotel.
Hawaii Volcano House History
The historic Volcano House Big Island sits on the rim of Kilauea Caldera in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island and has a fascinating history.
Hawaii’s Volcano House was originally built in 1846 by Benjamin Pitman, Sr. It was a small structure made of grass and wood.
In 1866, they tore down the original shelter and replaced it with a wooden hotel with 4 bedrooms. They actually moved this, and it’s now the home of the Volcano Art Center near the visitor’s center.
Two of the most famous guests who stayed here include Mark Twain and Robert Louis Stevenson.
In 1895, George Lycurgus bought the Volcano House and updated it to be a 2 story Victorian-style hotel. This is where President Franklin D. Roosevelt and Amelia Earheart stayed.
Unfortunately, a big fire burned the place down in 1940. However, George Lycurgus rebuilt the entire hotel and re-opened it in 1941.
Today, Volcano House is owned by the National Park Service. It was completely upgraded in 2013. Check the latest rates and more information.
Honest Volcano House Review
Here is our Volcano National Park lodging review.
What was our room like?
Our room felt…historic. We had a king-size bed and a roll-a-way bed. There was a separate, cozy bathroom with a shower stall. And a closet with drawers. Plus, there was a vanity/desk area.
Since it’s a historic hotel, there were only a couple of electrical outlets. And you’ll need to use the windows instead of the air conditioning.
There is complimentary Wi-Fi (perfect for uploading those amazing volcano photos), and it’s one of the few hotels in Hawaii to have a heater.
Other travelers might not like this, but we were just fine and thought it was a great place.
What did we think of the dining options?
There are three dining options at Volcano House, and they all use the same kitchen.
The Rim at Volcano House
This is the fine dining option at Volcano House. We ate here for breakfast as well as dinner.
Reservations are highly recommended, and you don’t need to stay at the hotel in order to eat here.
Uncle George’s Lounge
We ate here on our first night, and the food was great! It’s their casual dining, and it’s first-come-first-served. We arrived at 5:30 p.m. and had to wait an hour. The wait was 90 minutes for people who arrived at 6:30 p.m.
But, there are only a few tables. We got a premium spot right next to the window, and we could see the glow.
They have a kid’s menu with a few items. Plus, they have a high chair and a booster seat, which is always helpful with little ones.
We liked it so much that we went back for lunch the next day. This is also where you can go to pick up sandwiches to take with you on a hike.
And in the morning, they have a FULL coffee bar! It recently opened in September 2021, and they also have grab-and-go items like pastries and bagels.
In-Room Dining
They also offer in-room dining, which is perfect for after a day of exploring the park or when you want to eat breakfast in your room before starting the day.
Other features/amenities
I highly recommend getting a crater view room. That’s the main perk of staying at Volcano House versus staying at other Volcano Village lodging.
Another feature is simply the location. You can walk to the Visitor’s Center, the steam vents, and even the Kilauea lookouts on paved paths from the hotel.
And they have two amazing gift shops. If you’re looking for Hawaii Volcanoes National Park souvenirs, you’ll definitely want to stop at Hawaii Volcano Lodge. They had WAY more items than at the visitor’s center.
There’s also a cool smashed penny machine at the hotel entrance. This makes a great (and cheap) Hawaii souvenir.
Are there any things we didn’t like?
Since this is a historic hotel, there are no elevators. That means you’ll need to haul your luggage up a few stairs if you are on the ground level or a full flight of stairs if you are on the second floor.
It also means that there is zero counter space in the bathroom. However, you can use the desk/vanity area in the main area of the room for all that stuff.
There also isn’t a lanai. But there’s a nice lobby downstairs where you can sit and enjoy the view.
While the amenities are not luxury style, it is a charming place and a fantastic distance from the park.
Would we recommend the Volcano House?
This is definitely one of the most unique places to stay in Hawaii. I mean, I got to see lava glowing from my hotel room window! It’s perfect for visiting Hawaii Volcanoes National Park with kids!
Usually, I prefer more modern hotels to historic hotels, but this is a one-of-a-kind Hawaiian hotel. There is so much rich history here, and it’s pretty incredible. The rooms are okay on the property, but the nice view definitely makes it one of the best hotels and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park accommodations you’ll find.
I’d highly suggest staying two nights here. The weather up at the volcano can be unpredictable. The first day we arrived, it was completely overcast, and we couldn’t see anything at the scenic lookouts. The next day, BAM, it was super clear!
Since there are only 33 rooms, you’ll definitely want to make reservations since they book up early (especially during an eruption). If you can’t snag a room, they also have cabins available. It’s one of the coolest places to stay on the Big Island.
One of these days, we will try out the Volcano National Park cabins too!
Other Lodging near Volcano National Park
If you don’t want to stay here, I’ve found some other great lodging near Volcanoes National Park.
Hotels near Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
For a hotel close by, check out Volcano Inn. They have a hot tub and a variety of rooms to enjoy. Free breakfast is also included, making it one of the best hotels close to the park! Check out the latest rates and more information.
Chalet Kilauea is another hotel near Volcano Village. If you can’t get Hawaii Volcano National Park lodging, try this awesome hotel out. Chalet Kilauea is only five minutes away from Hawaii Volcanoes Nation Park too! Check latest rates and more information.
For military lodging Volcano National Park, check out Kilauea Military Camp.
Vacation Rentals Near Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
In case the volcano hotel Hawaii is booked up, there are a few vacation rental homes available in Volcano, Hawaii, just outside of the park.
There’s a really cool 3-bedroom cabin that can sleep 4 people comfortably. It’s one of the places to stay in Volcano Hawaii. Plus, there’s a kitchen, so it’s easy to make your own meals. Check the latest rates and more information.
If you need something larger, there’s a 3 bedroom home that can sleep up to 8 people in 6 different beds. Check the latest rates and more information.
Where to Stay at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park FAQs
The closest city/town is Volcano. It’s about 10 miles from the park, and it will take you about 20 minutes to get there. Hilo is about a 45-minute drive, and Kona is more than a 2-hour drive from the park.
The Hawaii Volcano House is the ONLY hotel near Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. In fact, it’s located inside the park. Most of the other accommodations are camping or vacation rental homes. If you’d like a chain hotel, you’d need to look at Hilo Big Island hotels. Beside the Hawaii Volcano Hotel, you’ll find some Volcanoes National Park cabins as well, but that’s about it.
Absolutely! The views from the hotel are amazing (as long as there is clear weather). Plus, it’s right across the street from the visitor’s center, and there are food options on the main level. It’s the best place to stay at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
Yes there are a few options for lodging in Volcano Hawaii. You can stay in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park hotels, cabins, or other camping options.
You will want to spend a couple of days at the Volcano Park to enjoy all it has to offer. Plus, if you are staying at the Big Island Hawaii Volcano Hotel, you can probably explore the park in just two days!
Yes visiting the active volcano is absolutely worth it, especially if you stay at Volcano Village hotels, so you are situated right on the property to see the volcano erupt!
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Lodging Wrap-Up
We loved our stay at the Volcano House. Guests will love the location and how close it is to this UNESCO heritage site.
While it is not a luxury property, the Volcano National Park lodge is great for a night or two, so you can explore and see the edge of the volcano up close!
Travelers will love exploring the park and other places nearby too!
You will love the Hawaii National Park lodge and cabins too!
