Welcome to Volcano
Serenity reigns in this veritable hidden gem
Located within a lush rainforest on the slopes of Mt. Kilauea, Volcano redefines an artist’s paradise. Ceramicists, writers, painters, glassblowers, musicians, actors — really, artists in every genre — have been lured to this verdant, captivating region for the privacy, seclusion, and beauty it offers. Operating as the gateway to the famed Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, the enclave flourishes with charming cafes, picturesque inns and award-winning lodges, rare boutiques, a bespoke winery, and exceptional art galleries.
What to Love
- Verdant natural beauty
- Exquisite flora and fauna
- Picturesque bungalows and stunning craftsman homes
- An independent, artistic soul
- Ample tranquility and a palpable sense of romance
- Annual parades and festivals
Local Lifestyle
One of the beauties of Volcano is that it’s an excellent fit for a wide variety of personalities, lifestyles, and professions. Creative spirits of international acclaim, scientists, entrepreneurs, and performers are all delighted to call this village home, while Volcano also attracts history buffs, nature lovers, retirees, and families.
Dining, Shopping & Entertainment
Volcano prizes a quieter tempo but nonetheless features first-rate dining and shopping. The Rim at the storied Volcano House provides staggering vistas of Kilauea Crater — one of the most massive active volcanoes on the planet — in a one-of-a-kind setting. Here, you’ll have the chance to savor a craft cocktail and dine on locally-sourced cuisines, such as pan-seared Kona kampachi with poached lobster and pineapple-wrapped island fish with coconut kabocha squash, all while soaking up views that are unlike anywhere else in the world.
Kilauea Lodge’s warm, inviting restaurant is equally delightful. Linger over a meal designed by acclaimed chef Lianne Malterre, who tailors her dynamic French-German-Hawaiian menu based on the freshest local ingredients. Seafood risotto with Kauai shrimp and farm-fresh blistered tomatoes, chicken roulade with rhubarb-poha chutney, and fresh-caught fish with sauteed cauliflower are just three options on their outstanding menu. The upscale decor, from wood-lined walls to the restaurant’s International Fireplace of Friendship — a fiery hearth constructed with 100 rocks collected from 34 countries — amplifies the venue’s distinct, lovely ambiance.
For fine fare al fresco, residents and visitors line up for a table at the ever-bustling
‘Ohelo Café, where you’ll find superb dishes, like pork chops with ‘ohelo berry gastrique, alae salt-rubbed aged ribeye and kiawe wood-fired Neapolitan pizzas. Relish your meal with a locally-crafted beer in hand; ‘Ohelo Café features Kua Bay IPA, Longboard Lager, and Firerock Pale Ale, among other select flavors from the famed Kona Brewing Co.
Things to Do
To reside in Volcano is to live within nature. The artsy enclave is mere minutes away from the entrance of
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, a World Heritage Site, and International Biosphere Reserve that encompasses Kilauea and Mauna Loa and ascends over 13,000 feet into the sky. Whether you opt for a cruise on Crater Rim Drive or examine ancient petroglyphs, visiting the park underscores the power of Pele and presents phenomenal vistas that will linger in your mind long after you’ve returned to Volcano.
Residents of the village also count the
Volcano Art Center as one of its most treasured spots. Established in 1877 and as vibrant today as it was nearly 150 years ago, it offers special exhibitions, classes, hula performances, and cultural demonstrations. On a weekly basis, residents of this unique hamlet convene at the
Volcano Farmers’ Market to “talk story” and stock up on tropical blooms, fresh poi, succulent produce, irresistible baked goods (like bear claws and croissants), and pieces of art crafted by local geniuses. And with a profusion of hiking trails, Volcano allows residents to cultivate a deep connection with the sacred, beautiful land.