Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park worth going to from Kona? (Honolulu: house, restaurants)

[nwcountrygal]

Abousult Yes go.

I had friends that didn't understand what was going on in early March when they arrived. One been there done that (thought so) the other never saw the island before or valcanoe. Showed up when everything went queit with the never seen. He was amazed even being from WA and going to AK seeing valcanoes. Said it was his trip hilight even being quiet. I wouldnt' go out on lava boat even if it is friends of mine unless starts again.

Other friends from mainland showed up in last couple of weeks said they loved going to park again Hilight of trip. One even (I was back on mainland took a 12 bus tour- really!!!) but are so glad they did it.

I follow the same route but from Pahoa... everyone above quoted do..... Take a day out of relaxation to do it - it is completely and totally worth it. Good thing at moment Pele is quiet so you don't have to deal with VOG.

As a recent transplant - all the people I know tell me about the old days when Queens bath Kalapana etc is there. I was always never been there didn't see that. Just in a couple of seasons it is amazing to say Wow I walked on land that is covered in lava today it used to be this way. I would walk out to Kalapana lava viewing (not in park side not worth it ) because someday you may be able to say the same thing. And who knows what it will be doing tomarrow

[eureka1]

I don't know why anyone would bother going to the Big Island without seeing the volcano.

[HonuMan]

While you're up at the park, Volcano Village is worth driving around. It's a cute town, kind of artsy, and with a climate that reminded me of the Pacific Northwest. (Bring a jacket -- it can get chilly up at the volcano, due to the altitude.) If you like wine, also check out the Volcano Winery, which I believe is Hawaii's only winery.

[HankDfrmSD]

Originally Posted by HonuMan

Volcano Winery, which I believe is Hawaii's only winery.

Maybe Hawaii Island's only, but not Hawaii's only:

Home - Maui's Winery at Ulupalakua Ranch

[OpenD]

Originally Posted by HonuMan

If you like wine, also check out the Volcano Winery, which I believe is Hawaii's only winery.

Not the only winery in Hawai'i, but definitely the southernmost winery in the US. Probably the only one with Nene geese wandering about.

[WindRide]

If you go to Volcano Village, try having a meal at the Thai place (I can't remember the name). We took our nieces there and the owner was so sweet. She even came and sat down with us and told us about her family. She also talked us into ice cream for dessert. Great idea.

Oh, and the food is very good too. I can't wait to go back.

If you decide to stay in Volcano for a night or two (again, I recommend this), the Volcano Inn is awesome. Beautiful setting, clean comfortable accommodations and very nice staff. If you want a rental house, we rented the Paniolo Cottage from Bernie (found it on VRBO). It was so perfect we really hated to leave. Sitting in the hottub on the lanai listening to the rain was so relaxing.

Love the Volcano area. Can't wait to get back!

[newUHprof]

Originally Posted by WindRide

If you go to Volcano Village, try having a meal at the Thai place (I can't remember the name). We took our nieces there and the owner was so sweet. She even came and sat down with us and told us about her family. She also talked us into ice cream for dessert. Great idea.

Thai Thai!

The food is great, but it's really pricey for Thai food, I gotta say.

[OpenD]

Originally Posted by newUHprof

Thai Thai!

The food is great, but it's really pricey for Thai food, I gotta say.

It's prize winning food, yes, and I don't find it expensive at all by "big city" standards.

Personally I prefer Kiawe Kitchen for more frequent dining... it has a wood-fired brick oven for making gourmet pizza and roasted meats. The only problem is they tend to be quite busy.

For a more family style meal, you can hit the Lava Cafe at the Kilauea Military Camp inside the National Park. Although the camp is now a resort for military families, the restaurant, bar, and bowling alley are all open to the public.

[WindRide]

We tried to go to Kiawe Kitchen and not only were they very busy, they were incredibly RUDE! We were completely ignored and when we dared to ask a question were answered in a very snotty tone. When we tried to place a to-go pizza order (after watching several people pick up orders) we were told that they were "too busy" and weren't taking anymore to-go orders.

After standing for over 15 minutes without being acknowledged by so much as a smile or nod, we left. I will never go back there, even though the food we saw did look delicious.

Such a difference at the thai restaurant. And I agree that the food wasn't expensive compared to what we pay here in Seattle and with the service we received I'd have paid twice as much. In fact, we left a 40% tip.

[OpenD]

Originally Posted by WindRide

We tried to go to Kiawe Kitchen and not only were they very busy, they were incredibly RUDE! We were completely ignored and when we dared to ask a question were answered in a very snotty tone. When we tried to place a to-go pizza order (after watching several people pick up orders) we were told that they were "too busy" and weren't taking anymore to-go orders.

Just pretend you're in NYC.

BTW, the Ohia Cafe around the corner is very good, but it's all outside eating or "to-go" and they close at 7

Another good place to eat is the Kiluaea Lodge, maybe 1,000 ft north along Old Volcano Road from Kiawe Kitchen, but it is a little more pricy. The chef is European trained, the food is Euro-Hawaiian Fusion, quite nice and the ambiance... old lodge style... is laid back, while the service is top notch. They make an outstanding "island margarita," with passionfruit essence instead of lime, and the glass rimmed with "lee hing powder," a popular red condiment in Hawai'i.

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