Volcano Village Lodge
The best place to stay near Hawaii Volcanoes National Park depends on what you’re looking for. We always look for something a little different, something unique, something with a lot of personality and charm…something like Volcano Village Lodge.
Here are several reasons we love Volcano Village Lodge, and why you will, too!
Published August 21, 2024…Updated January 8, 2025
Their Communication is Exceptional!
From the moment we booked our room at Volcano Village Lodge, their communication with us was exceptional. The booking process itself was simple and easy, but that was just the start.
We received not only confirmation emails and details emails but also “newsletter-style” emails about places to go, things to see and do, the best places to eat, etc.
The staff was also quick to respond to our questions personally. They went above and beyond to make sure we knew everything we needed to know both before and after we arrived. I have never been communicated with as well by any hotel or business as I was with Volcano Village Lodge!
Location, Location, Location
It’s true in real estate, and it’s true in travel. Location, Location, Location! It matters…a lot!
Most people visiting the Big Island (Hawaii) fly into either Hilo International Airport (ITO) in Hilo, or Kona International Airport (KOA) in Kona. Hilo is a 30-mile, 46-minute drive to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, while Kona is a 103-mile, 2-hour drive to the park.
The much more convenient lodging choice is in Volcano, HI, just a 2-mile drive to the park entrance gate. This is where you will find Volcano Village Lodge. This will save you hours of commuting time and gallons of gas.
(Click anywhere on either map to enlarge it.)
Volcano Village Lodge is situated at the back of a small neighborhood in Volcano, but you would never know it. It feels like you are in the rainforest. There is no noise, except the frogs croaking at night. So peaceful.
The Size
We usually prefer smaller lodging options. They tend to have more personality, more character. High-rise resort hotels are fine, but we find the charm of a smaller hotel much more enjoyable.
Volcano Village Lodge consists of six separate cabins connected by boardwalks and surrounded by giant green ferns and tropical flowers. The rooms are spaced far enough apart to provide maximum privacy, even those with glass walls.
A smaller space means fewer people, making it easy to rest and relax. However, it also afforded us the opportunity to meet and visit with other guests, which we greatly enjoyed.
The Rooms
We stayed in “Hale Kilauea”, one of the smaller rooms at the lodge. It has glass walls on three sides looking out into the rainforest. The room featured a queen bed, gas fireplace, chest of drawers, breakfast table, and bedside tables with lamps.
Since Volcano, HI is 4000′ above sea level, it is surprisingly cool in the mornings. We used the gas fireplace every morning!
There is a small closet/kitchenette area with a microwave and mini-fridge, which opens into the bathroom and shower.
It was perfect – everything we needed!
The Staff
I cannot say enough about the staff at Volcano Village Lodge. They are amazing! We felt like we were spending time with friends. The manager took time to visit with us every day, asking about our day, what we did, and if we needed anything.
Even the housekeeper took the time to give us suggestions about the best places to eat and the best sites in the park. She gave us some great advice!
They were always quick to respond to our needs and seemed genuinely happy to help.
The Amenities
Even though the lodge was small, it was not without several amenities. There was a small library in the lobby for guests looking for a good read, and table games were also available. Also…
- TV and WiFi
- Complimentary Breakfast
- Free Parking
- Exotic landscape
- A hot tub sat in a small gazebo, surrounded by tropical vegetation.
- You can take private hula lessons.
- Or you can opt for an in-room massage.
Packages & Specials
Volcano Village Lodge offers several packages and specials.
- The “Aloha Bag” – A custom-canvas bag filled with island snacks and drinks. We purchased this and noshed on it every evening.
- Champagne and/or Wine Packages
- The “Big Island Explorer Pack” for Kids
- Honeymooners and Romantics Package
George the Pig
It has been my experience that few hotels or lodges have their own Hawaiian pig…
Meet George. George lives in the rainforest surrounding Volcano Village and visits the lodge daily. He’s a little shy but otherwise very calm and friendly.
George somehow makes this perfect place a little more perfect!
Breakfast in Our Room
Volcano Village Lodge is really a bed & breakfast…with a twist. There is no communal dining here. Instead, breakfast is delivered to your room every morning at a time you set.
There was always delicious Hawaiian coffee and fresh fruit. Plus a main breakfast dish – pancakes, french toast, breakfast burritos,
Breakfast was light, but always enough to fuel a morning of hiking.
Coquis!
The rainforest is LOUD!
Every night we were serenaded by the “Coquis”, small frogs of Puerto Rican origin. They were unintentionally introduced to the islands around 1988, and have made a home for themselves. They can reach a density of up to 91,000 frogs/2.5 acres,(that’s NOT a typo!), and are considered invasive.
But they are cute, and we very much enjoyed their singing!
Stash Independent Hotels
I paid for most of our last trip to Hawaii with credit card points, but since Volcanoes Village Lodge is independent, it did not accept them. It does, however, accept Stash Points.
Stash is a global collection of independently owned hotels that issue points for stays at any member hotel. I was able to retroactively request and receive points from Stash for our stay on the Big Island.
You can learn more and sign up for Stash Hotel Rewards here, as well as view a directory of member hotels and lodges.
Questions?
- How is Volcano Village Lodge rated? Google rates Volcano Village Lodge 4.6 stars; Tripadvisor rates the lodge 5.0 stars.
- Is the lodge kid-friendly? It is! Kids love exploring the grounds, discovering exotic plants, looking for coquis, and searching out George the Pig. Plus, the cabins have a “treehouse vibe” to them, and what kid doesn’t love a treehouse!
- Are there places to eat nearby? Yep! Try Lava Rock Cafe, The ‘Ohelo Cafe, the General Store in Volcano, and Kilauea Lodge & Restaurant. Of course, breakfast will be brought to your room every day!
The Bottom Line – The Best Place to Stay Near Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Peaceful. Quiet. Beautiful grounds with tropical plants and flowers. Just minutes from Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. And George the Pig!
It’s perfect!
Aloha!
Related Posts
- Unexpected Things to Do in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
- Unexpected Things to Do Near Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
- How to Plan Your Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Itinerary
- The Best Restaurants in Volcano, Hawaii
- Experience the Best Hikes in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
The Author
Jeff Powell is the Creator/CEO of National Park Ventures and Smoky Mountains Ventures. He and his wife, Mary Ellen, are on a venture to visit every national park in the United States and share what they experience with their readers. Their goal is to help their readers maximize their own national park ventures.
Jeff and Mary Ellen have two sons, two grandkids, and two dogs. They live in the mountains outside Blue Ridge, GA.