It’s no surprise Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park is the most popular attraction on the Island of Hawaiʻi. However, one hidden gem many visitors are not familiar with is the lovely little town of Volcano Village, located just a stone’s throw away from one of the most active volcanoes in the world — Kīlauea Volcano. For travelers seeking a quaint, near-by locale to settle in for some lava viewing and perusing the park, Volcano Village is the perfect spot.
Volcano Village
Nestled among the lush rainforest, the charming village of Volcano is well-known for its serene beauty and artsy vibe. A sanctuary for artisans and craftsmen, Volcano Village is set amidst a tranquil fern forest and is the perfect place to get away from it all. Located only minutes from the entrance to Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, there is plenty of access to popular hiking trails and stunning, impressionable views. Small in size but big on quality, Volcano Village offers an array of homey bed and breakfasts, a rustic beautiful lodge and even a couple of famously built treehouse rentals. It even gets cool enough at night to curl up in front of a fireplace or wood stove!
Eats and Treats
For foodies, Volcano offers a variety of cafe and restaurants ranging from upscale cuisine at Ohelo’s Cafe to several casual dining options, two Thai restaurants and a Sunday morning farmer’s market. For wine lovers, the Volcano Winery offers tours, tastings and sells locally produced wine. After lunch, stroll through an orchid farm located within the native Olaʻa Rainforest Reserve or check out the Volcano Art Center for their scheduled ‘After Dark in the Park’ nature walks.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Of course, one can’t visit Volcano Village without exploring Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. Established in 1916 the park expands over 500 square miles and offers one-of-a-kind hiking, camping and viewing opportunities. The Kīlaueaʻiki crater is one of the most magnificent and moderately easy hikes on Hawaiʻi Island. There are plenty of things to see and do, including lava flows, steam vents, ancient lava tubes and over 150 miles of hiking trails. Located at an elevation of 4,000 feet and within a rainforest, it’s prudent to pack a raincoat and sweater as temperatures can be considerably cooler than the rest of the island.
