Balmy climate. Turquoise ocean. Thunderous volcanos.
Hawaii presents tranquillity and drama in equal measure.
And if it’s the latter that’s a precedence, then that is the excellent hotel. Because it has been well-rated for its ‘excellent views’ of glowing lava and smoking caldera by vacationers.
Welcome to Volcano House, which sits at 4,000 ft (1,219m) above sea stage in the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, a Unesco World Heritage Site that’s house to 2 of the world’s most active volcanoes – Kilauea and Mauna Loa – in addition to the Chain of Craters Road, lava fields, steam vents and luxurious rainforest.
Kilauea exists in a state of almost steady eruption, having blown greater than 60 occasions since the 1800s – together with thrice in 2023 alone – and the hotel presents travellers the probability to get up on the rim of its Halemaumau Crater.
The park resort, which one reviewer described as ‘cosy’, boasts historic hotel rooms with king or queen-sized beds, in addition to household rooms with couch beds.
Standard rooms are adorned with ‘rustic cabin accents’, based on the property’s web site, whereas volcano-view rooms have home windows that look out onto the caldera – the giant crater created when a volcano erupts or collapses – which regularly spits lava.
Volcano House sits at 4,000 ft (1,219m) above sea stage in the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, a Unesco World Heritage Site that’s house to 2 of the world’s most active volcanoes – Kilauea and Mauna Loa
The Rim at Volcano House serves breakfast, lunch and dinner – with a view of the ‘billowing Halema’uma’u Crater’
‘At evening the lights are dimmed in the sitting areas (proper) to permit for the absolute best view of the lava glow (left),’ mentioned reviewer ‘KICon’ of Volcano House
The rooms include coffeemakers full of native espresso and holidaymakers will even profit from island mimosas on arrival – and an ‘night cookie service’.
Volcano House additionally has areas in the nationwide park’s Namakanipaio Campground, the place you possibly can sleep in a tent that’s arrange and brought down by resort workers.
Those who wish to really feel immersed in the park, however do not wish to sleep on the floor, can lease a Namakanipaio Camper Cabin. The 10 ‘rustic’, one-room wood cabins sleep one to 4 visitors and include bedding and al fresco eating tables in addition to entry to BBQs and campfires.
The hotel’s bar, Uncle George’s Lounge, serves cocktails with a view of the volcano
LEFT: Standard rooms are adorned with ‘rustic cabin accents’, based on the property’s web site. RIGHT: Uncle George’s Lounge
There are a number of eating choices on-site – The Rim at Volcano House serves breakfast, lunch and dinner with a view of the ‘billowing Halema’uma’u Crater’ and Uncle George’s Lounge serves gentle snacks, native beers and signature cocktails.
Glowing evaluations for the resort have been posted on Tripadvsior, with ‘KICon’ remarking that it presents ‘excellent views of the fundamental attraction from the lush inexperienced areas exterior the rooms as effectively the widespread areas off the lobby and two on-site eating places’.
They add: ‘At evening, the lights are dimmed in the sitting areas to permit for the absolute best view of the lava glow. Some rooms have direct entry to the grassy areas overlooking the smoking caldera.
‘Numerous trails to steam vents, Sulphur vents and lookouts start and finish at Volcano House however remember to take a moist climate jacket as the rainforest surrounds might be vulnerable to drizzle and mist. Not an affordable expertise, however one effectively value indulging in to marvel at nature’s show.’
‘Sunny1’, from the UK, added: ‘I used to be pleasantly shocked at the customary of our room as it’s the solely hotel by the rim.
‘It has a formidable historical past and has been comfortably adorned and even had chairs exterior our window so we might sit and examine the volcano. It was chilly and misty half of our time right here, however the room was cosy.’
‘Vacation60872538314’ mentioned: ‘It’s expensive, however it’s a once-in-a-lifetime expertise. Absolutely value it.
Those who wish to really feel immersed in the park, however do not wish to sleep on the floor, can lease a Namakanipaio Camper Cabin, as seen above
One reviewer mentioned of Volcano House: ‘It’s expensive, however it’s a once-in-a-lifetime expertise’
LEFT: Lava coming into the ocean from the Hawaii National Volcano Park. RIGHT: A lava subject near the Volcano House hotel
‘The hotel itself is nothing particular, however I might keep there once more. Being capable of see the glow of lava out of your hotel room? Priceless!’
Volcano House might be discovered on Crater Rim Drive on Hawaii’s Big Island (Moku o Keawe). It’s finest to lease a automobile to get to the park, with the resort roughly a 30 to 40-minute drive from Hilo airport.
Guests might want to pay for park entry to entry the lodging – $15.00–$30.00 (£12.36 to £24.72). Rooms begin at $337 (£278), campers from $95 (£78) and campground tents from $40 (£33) per evening (or $15 (£12.36) when you convey your individual tent).
Visit: hawaiivolcanohouse.com.
