
Volcano House Volcano House is the name of a series of historic hotels built at the edge of Kīlauea, within the grounds of Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park on the Island of Hawai'i. The original 1877 building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and now houses the Volcano Art Center. The hot… Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, established on August 1, 1916, is an American national park located in the U.S. state of Hawaii on the island of Hawaii. The park encompasses two active volcanoes: Kīlauea, one of the world's most active volcanoes, and Mauna Loa, the world's most ma…Volcano House
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park
What is volcanoes house?
Volcano House is the name of a series of historic hotels built at the edge of Kīlauea, within the grounds of Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park on the Island of Hawai'i. The original 1877 building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and now houses the Volcano Art Center. The hotel in use today was built in 1941 and expanded in 1961.
How many rooms are in the Volcano House in Hawaii?
VOLCANO HOUSE - Volcano House Welcome to the Volcano House Hotel in Hawai’i, a historical retreat with 33 guest rooms, 10 cabins and 16 campsites located in the Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park. A destination for the explorer in you, offering both familiar and exotic experiences.
What happened to Volcano House Hotel?
From 1977 to 1986, Volcano House was managed by Sheraton Hotels. From 1986 to 2008 it was owned and operated by Ken Direction Corporation of Hilo. On May 10, 2018 the hotel and the surrounding Kīlauea summit area of the national park was closed to the public as a result of then-ongoing volcanic explosions and earthquakes.
How old is the volcano Hotel in Hawaii?
The original 1877 building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and now houses the Volcano Art Center. The hotel in use today was built in 1941 and expanded in 1961. Between May 2018 and October 2018, the hotel and the Kīlauea summit area of the national park were closed to the public due to volcanic explosions and earthquakes.

Why is Volcano House closed?
Here's the background on the Volcano House closing. The hotel belongs to the National Park Service, and by law, must go out for competitive bid for a new lease. Since 1989, the hotel has been operated by Ken Fujiyama, who also operates Nani Mau Gardens and the Naniloa Hotel in Hilo.
Who owns the Volcano House?
The 33-room hotel is owned by the National Park Service, and is managed under contract by Hawai'i Volcanoes Lodge Company, LLC, who also manage Nāmakanipaio Campground and 10 A-frame cabins.
Can you see the eruption from the Volcano House?
Volcano House during the 2008-2018 summit eruption of Kīlauea (NPS Photo/J. Wei) Many eruptions have taken place since the building's construction, allowing people to see occasional eruptive activity and lava glows up close from the comfort of the hotel.
How many homes are lost in Hawaii Volcano?
“So if you combine the three of them (Kapoho, Vacationland and Leilani), we're talking about 600 homes,” he told reporters. “I'm talking about 600 families.
What elevation is Volcano House?
3,750 feetVolcano House sits at 3,750 feet (1,143 meters) elevation; consequently, its equipped with cozy fireplaces for the unusually chilly nights by Hawaii standards. Volcano House is the only hotel located within Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
What is the Volcano House California?
The Volcano House is a saucer-shaped house perched on top of an actual volcanic cinder cone, with a wraparound observation deck to gaze out on its 60 acres of scorched Mojave Desert … and beyond!
How hot is lava?
The temperature of the lava in the tubes is about 1,250 degrees Celsius (2,200 degrees Fahrenheit).
Is there food inside volcano National Park?
Plenty of Dining Options Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, you can relax and cool down at the Rim at any stage of your volcanoes adventure. And if you're a guest of the hotel, room service from the restaurant is available throughout the day.
Is lava still flowing in Hawaii?
Lava continues to erupt from a single vent in the western wall of Halemaʻumaʻu crater. All lava activity is confined within Halemaʻumaʻu crater in Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park. Seismicity and volcanic gas emission rates remain elevated.
How many deaths has Mount Kilauea caused?
Volcanic eruptionsHuman death tollVolcanoVEI477Mount Bandai4426Anak Krakatoa3416Ruang2400+Kilauea485 more rows
What were the warning signs that the volcano may erupt?
How can we tell when a volcano will erupt?An increase in the frequency and intensity of felt earthquakes.Noticeable steaming or fumarolic activity and new or enlarged areas of hot ground.Subtle swelling of the ground surface.Small changes in heat flow.Changes in the composition or relative abundances of fumarolic gases.
How many houses did Kilauea 2020 destroy?
The County of Hawaii reported that 716 dwellings were destroyed by lava. Concurrent with the activity downrift in lower Puna, the lava lake within Halemaʻumaʻu drained and a series of explosive collapse events occurred at the volcano's summit, with at least one explosion emitting ash 30,000 feet (9,100 m) into the air.
Who owns the Volcano House in Newberry Springs?
Huell Howser's domed volcano house he gifted to Chapman University. The two-bedroom, two-bath home sits atop a 150-foot volcanic cone on a 60-acre plot located in Newberry Springs, CA which is about 32-miles east of Barstow. The 1800-square-foot home was designed and built by architect Harold J. Bissner Jr.
What is the building in the volcano in Hawaii?
The original 1877 building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and now houses the Volcano Art Center....Volcano House.Old Volcano House No. 42Nearest cityVolcano, HawaiiCoordinates19°25′49″N 155°15′30″WArea104 feet (32 m) by 110 feet (34 m)Built18778 more rows
Can you drive to Volcano National Park?
Visiting the park by car is easy to do. The two main roads visitors will travel are Crater Rim Drive and Chain of Craters Road. All roads in the park are two-wheel drive roadways and do not require four-wheel drive vehicles.
Who owned the volcano house?
In 1891, a group led by Honolulu businessman and politician Lorrin A. Thurston (grandson of 1820s missionaries Asa and Lucy Goodale Thurston) acquired the Volcano House and Peter Lee's hotels. The business was so successful that a two-story addition became the main part of the hotel, adding 10 - 12 additional guest rooms, an observation tower, and a larger dining hall, using the 1877 structure as a wing. Thurston commissioned a cyclorama of Kīlauea which he displayed in his travels to the mainland, including the Chicago World's Columbian Exposition of 1893 and the California Midwinter International Exposition of 1894 in San Francisco. In 1894 a four-horse stagecoach reduced the travel time from Hilo from two days to six hours.
When was the first volcano house built?
About 1846 a primitive one-room grass shelter was constructed at the rim of the Kīlauea crater by Benjamin Pitman, the first hotel to call itself "Volcano House". Sometimes visitors would show up after the long journey and nobody would be home.
Where was Mark Twain's volcano house?
July 24, 1974. The 1866 structure where Mark Twain stayed. Volcano House is the name of a series of historic hotels built at the edge of Kīlauea, within the grounds of Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park on the Island of Hawai'i. The original 1877 building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and now houses ...
When was the Volcano House added to the National Register of Historic Places?
The 1877 building is state historic site 10-52-5508, and added to the National Register of Historic Places on July 24, 1974 as site 74000293. It was refurbished in the late 1970s and now houses the Volcano Art Center Gallery. Halemaʻumaʻu seen from Volcano House.
When was the Hotel in the National Park built?
The hotel in use today was built in 1941 and expanded in 1961. Between May 2018 and October 2018, the hotel and the Kīlauea summit area of the national park were closed to the public due to volcanic explosions and earthquakes.
When was the naio building built?
A wood-sided building about 104 by 110 feet (32 m × 34 m) was built in 1877. It included six guest rooms, two for the manager's family, and a dining room. Lumber for rafters and posts were harvested from local forests of naio ( Myoporum sandwicense) and ʻōhiʻa lehua ( Metrosideros polymorpha ).
Who built the Hawaiian hut?
About 1846 a primitive one-room grass shelter was constructed at the rim of the Kīlauea crater by Benjamin Pitman, the first hotel to call itself "Volcano House". Sometimes visitors would show up after the long journey and nobody would be home.
When was the volcano house built?
The historic Volcano House hotel has hosted a cadre of world dignitaries since the original building was opened in 1846. Lured by the volcanic forces of Pelehonuamea, visitors from around the world have gathered in various iterations of the hotel.
How many rooms does the Volcano House have?
The current Volcano House offers 33 historic guest rooms, a dining room, snack bar, lounge, and gift shop, along with cultural events and demonstrations. For more information or room reservations, visit their website or call,
When was the Volcano House Hotel opened?
OPEN TO PUBLIC: The historic Volcano House hotel has hosted a cadre of world dignitaries since the original building was opened in 1846. Lured by the volcanic forces of Pelehonuamea, visitors from around the world have gathered in various iterations of the hotel.
Where is the volcano house?from nps.gov
The historic Volcano House hotel has existed in various forms and locations at the summit of Kīlauea since 1846. Lured by the forces of Pelehonuamea, visitors from around the world have gathered at the iconic inn on the edge of one of the world’s most active volcanoes.
How many rooms are there in the Volcano House?from nps.gov
Drawing upon a storied history dating back to 1846, Volcano House is now ready for a new era. The restored Volcano House offers 33 historic guest rooms, a dining room, snack bar, lounge, and gift shop, along with cultural events and demonstrations.
What are the best hotels in Hawaii Volcano National Park near Kilauea?from booking.com
Some of the best hotels in Hawaii Volcano National Park near Kilauea include At the Craters Edge, Aloha Junction Bed & Breakfast, and Hale 'Ohu Bed & Breakfast.
How far is Volcano House from Kailua Kona?from nps.gov
From Hilo: 30 miles southwest on Highway 11 (45 minute drive); from Kailua-Kona: 96 miles southeast on Highway 11, or 125 miles through Waimea and Hilo via highways 19 and 11 (2 1/2 to 3 hour drive).
What hotels are in Hawaii Volcano National Park?from booking.com
Castle Hilo Hawaiian Hotel, SCP Hilo Hotel, and Grand Naniloa Hotel, a Doubletree by Hilton are some of the popular hotels in Hawaii Volcano National Park.
How many feet are the volcanoes in Hawaii?from volcanoinnhawaii.com
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is a short 4 minute drive from us here at the Volcano Inn! Extending from sea level to 13,677 feet, the park encompasses the summits of two of the world’s most active volcanoes – Kīlauea and Mauna Loa.
Where is Grand Naniloa Hotel?from booking.com
Grand Naniloa Hotel, a Doubletree by Hilton. Located on the coastline of Hilo Bay, the Grand Naniloa Hilo, a DoubleTree by Hilton is 30 mi from Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. All rooms have free WiFi. The facility itself and the very friendly and helpful staff, the location near the Volcano Nationalpark.
Where is the volcano house?from nps.gov
The historic Volcano House hotel has existed in various forms and locations at the summit of Kīlauea since 1846. Lured by the forces of Pelehonuamea, visitors from around the world have gathered at the iconic inn on the edge of one of the world’s most active volcanoes.
How long has the volcano house hotel been around?from nps.gov
Today, the legacy of this historic hotel continues. As they have done for over 170 years, people flock to Kīlauea to experience the wonder of nature at work. As it has always done, Volcano House Hotel provides a good meal and warm hearth to those that make the journey.
How many cabins are there in the volcano house?from hawaiivolcanohouse.com
Welcome to the Volcano House Hotel in Hawai’i, a historical retreat with 33 guest rooms, 10 cabins and 16 campsites located in the Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park. A destination for the explorer in you, offering both familiar and exotic experiences. It is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, waking on the edge of an active volcano ...
When was the Pitman House built?from nps.gov
1846: The Pitman House. The earliest structure associated with Volcano House can be traced back all the way to 1846 when Benjamin Pitman constructed a four walled thatched shelter “in the native style.”. Pitman was the husband of Princess Kinoʻole o Liliha Hoʻolulu and a prominent Hilo businessman.
What was the only source of water at the shelter?from nps.gov
The only source of water at this shelter was an old canoe hung from the eves of the building that was often filled with a sludge of rain, sulfur and rotting vegetation from the thatched roof. The mixture was supposedly so foul that even the horses refused to drink it.
When were the Volcano House registers signed?from nps.gov
The historic guest registers of the Volcano House hotel have been digtized and are available online in PDF format. Spanning from 1865-1922, hotel guests signed these registers and included detailed illustrations, anecdotes from their visits, calling cards, poems, and comics.
When did the new hotel open in the caldera?from nps.gov
On November 8, 1941, the new hotel opened for business. This hotel, located across Crater Rim Drive at the caldera’s edge, hosted a fair share of significant guests. The list of names included Dwight D. Eisenhower, Harry S. Truman, Dr. Charles W. Mayo, John F. Kennedy and Richard M. Nixon as well as many others.
What is the volcano house?
At its core, the Volcano House is a reflection of the desert on which it is sited, simultaneously serving as a window to the skies. Its 360-degree view perfectly encapsulates the way in which the mountains, sun and moon must work together to create the muted oranges that daily stretch beyond the horizon – grounded in cinder, with an eye toward the heavens.
Who designed the dome-shaped visitor center?
The architect was commissioned by renowned draftsman Vard Wallace to create a home inspired by a dome-shaped visitor’s center at a nuclear power plant in San Onofre, Calif., while also incorporating elements that fused two of the engineer’s passions: astrology and fishing.
Where is the volcano house?from experiencevolcano.com
Located within Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Volcano House's "The Rim" restaurant is placed right on the edge of Kilauea Crater with what is arguably the best sonic view on the Big Island of Hawaii. Enjoy a modern twist on local cuisine with a continental flare.
Do you need reservations for the lava crater?from tripadvisor.com
Depending on when you want to dine you may need reservations. It's quiet there now because there is no lava in the crater so the demand is lighter then usual but they also do big groups. If you want a window table then call ahead.

Overview
Volcano House is the name of a series of historic hotels built at the edge of Kīlauea, within the grounds of Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park on the Island of Hawai'i. The original 1877 building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and now houses the Volcano Art Center. The hotel in use today was built in 1941 and expanded in 1961.
Between May 2018 and October 2018, the hotel and the Kīlauea summit area of the national par…
Early visitors
In ancient Hawaii the volcano was the place to make offerings to the fire goddess Pele. Archeological evidence shows activity for hundreds of years, including gathering of volcanic glass to use as cutting tools. Only a few rare eruptions such as the one in 1790 are explosive, and the northeast rim provides a relatively safe vantage point. The prevailing northeast trade winds and higher elevation cause poisonous gasses and lava to flow in the other direction. Rev. William Ellis describes …
The 1877 structure
In 1876 George W. C. Jones bought out the other partners in the business and hired William H. Lentz to construct a longer-lasting structure, and manage the hotel. A wood-sided building about 104 by 110 feet (32 m × 34 m) was built in 1877. It included six guest rooms, two for the manager's family, and a dining room. Lumber for rafters and posts were harvested from local forests of naio (Myoporum sandwicense) and ʻōhiʻa lehua (Metrosideros polymorpha). Peter Lee built a hotel at …
The modern hotel
The 115-room building burned to the ground on February 11, 1940 (from a kitchen fire, not a volcanic eruption). The 1877 structure was used again for guests while the new hotel was planned. Lycurgus visited Washington, D.C. to convince powerful friends (many, including President Franklin D. Roosevelt had stayed as guests) to allow him to build an even more elegant hotel on the site of the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory. A separate visitor's center farther back fr…
Current status
On May 10, 2018, the hotel and the surrounding Kīlauea summit area of the national park was closed to the public as a result of then-ongoing volcanic explosions and earthquakes. The hotel reopened in late October 2018.
In April 2008 the hotel had to be evacuated several times due to sulfur dioxide fumes from an eruption in Halemaʻumaʻu. The Ken Corporation's concession expired at the end of 2008, and th…
Further reading
• Nordhoff, Charles; Rémy, Jules; Brigham, William Tufts (1874). Northern California, Oregon, and the Sandwich Islands. London: Sampson Low, Marston, Low & Searle. OCLC 919779516.
External links
Media related to Volcano House at Wikimedia Commons
• Official Website