Fodor's Expert Review Kilauea Lodge

A mile from the entrance of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, this lodge was initially built as a YMCA camp in the 1930s; now it is a pleasant inn, tastefully furnished with European antiques, photographs, and authentic Hawaiian quilts. Some rooms have a gas fireplace, including a charming one-bedroom cottage on the property, perfect for romance. Cottages off the main property include Pii Mauna House, on the fairway of the Volcano Golf Course. Rates include a full hot breakfast at the lodge's restaurant (open to the public), which has an excellent, gourmet dinner menu that includes braised rabbit and leg of antelope. The duck à l'orange is a customer favorite.

room

There are 12 rooms spread across the immediate property, as well as four vacation rental houses nearby, but off property. All rooms have central heat and some have fireplaces, as well as heated towel racks. Décor is simple, but the furniture and room are comfy and inviting.

Photo: Honeymoon Deluxe Room / Hawkins Biggins

Photo: The Kimura Room / Hawkins Biggins

Photo: Kenneth Wyner

bathroom

Bathrooms range from small to medium, with basic shower and sink facilities. Each bathroom also has a decorative water jug for drinking water because the property uses a rainwater system for water.

Photo: Common Room located in the Hale Aloha Building / Hawkins Biggins

lobby

Guests can check in at the gift shop inside of the restaurant as staff is setting up for dinner service. But be warned – this gift shop has a really great variety of Hawaiian gifts, so be careful not to spend your whole travel budget here!

Photo: Common Room located in the Hale Aloha Building / Hawkins Biggins

pool

There is a covered hot tub available for guests.

spa

none

gym

none

Photo: The Historic International Fireplace of Friendship / Hawkins Biggins

dining

Kilauea Lodge Restaurant is also on property, and guests enjoy a hot breakfast at the restaurant that is included with their stay. In addition to breakfast, there is daily lunch and dinner service, and a Sunday brunch. The dining room only seats around 80 people, so it’s no problem to wander around and look at the unique local art hanging about. Reservations are recommended for dinner, and always be sure to ask about the specials of the day. Oh, and you can order a box lunch the day before to take with you on adventures!

Photo: The Historic International Fireplace of Friendship / Hawkins Biggins

Photo: Hawkins Biggins

drinking

An extensive wine list at Kilauea Lodge offers options for any wine lover’s palate, but you’ll definitely want to give one of their unique, Hawaiian inspired cocktails a try.

Photo: Hawkins Biggins