Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Sleeping
Accommodation options within the national park are limited. Most visitors stay in the
nearby village of Volcano, about a mile from the entrance.
Volcano House
LODGE $$$
MAP
the rare property that earns a Top Choice listing even before it fully reopens. The reason
is its unforgettable location, location, location, although a venerable history (c1846), new
management and scale of renovation also weigh in. Reserve far in advance.
Perched on the rim of Kilauea Caldera, Volcano House has long enjoyed a unique
status as the only hotel in the park, and perhaps that is why attention to detail previously
suffered. Now the hotel is slated to reopen sometime in 2013 after a three-year hiatus.
Upgrades include the restaurant, lobby areas, and 34 guest rooms. At time of research it
was already offering snacks and some shopping from 7:45am to 6:30pm. But to the bar:
the new bar will have an enormous window with an absolutely staggering view of
Kilauea Caldera (as will certain guest rooms). Watching that enormous steaming hole si-
lently hissing in the distance, you'd swear that you just missed an asteroid strike. So if
you can't spring for the room, just sip a beer. Slowly.
Namakanipaio Cabins & Campground
CABINS, CAMPGROUND $
MAP
miles west of the visitor center, between mile markers 32 and 33 off Hwy 11, this camp-
ground offers 10 simple A-frame cabins that sleep four, with a full bed and bunk beds,
picnic table and BBQ pit. The one small window makes them a bit claustrophic, and
there is no heat or outlets. Towels and linens supplied.
There are also two pleasant grassy meadows that fill with as many tents as they will
hold on a first-come, first-served basis. Privacy is lacking, but nice facilities include rest
rooms, water, fireplaces, picnic tables and a covered pavilion, although there are no
showers. Cabins check in at Volcano House, campers pay the 'iron ranger' on site.
Kulanaokuaiki Campground
CAMPGROUND
(
www.nps.gov/havo
;
Hilina Pali Rd)
About 4 miles along Hilina Pali Rd, this secluded,
quiet eight-site campground has pit toilets and picnic tables, but no water. No registration
required.
