Volcano Village as a base to explore Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

Volcano Village is just a mile down from Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and the little village is the lifeline to the park area with amenities to include groceries, gasoline, places to stay and some other unique things to explore in the village. The artist community has a plethora of galleries and artist studios open for visitors to tour and enjoy the artsy vibe, outdoor hikes or just relaxing in the village area.

The rustic village sits in the middle of a lush rainforest area with native forest of local Ohia trees, giant tree Hapu’u ferns and ginger plants that seem to take over acres of property fronts. You can go wine tasting; art studio hopping and visit the local farmers market to get a real slice of Volcano Village life while also visiting all the main attractions at the national park close by.

Where is Volcano Village located

Just located about a mile from the entrance to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, it’s just a stones throw to the main gates. From Hilo town, the drive is about 29 miles on Hwy 11 going towards Volcano. From Kona town, the drive is about 97 miles southeast on Hwy 11 south to Volcano

Closest airport is Hilo International Airport to Volcano

Weather in the Volcano area

The Volcano area is cooler than the rest of the island by 10 degrees on average and nights are downright cold to warrant a sweater or sweatshirt for visiting the national park or places around the village. The area is higher in elevation and in a lush rain forest so expect more rain, fog and changing conditions in the area and bring a raincoat or wear layers to adjust to those conditions.

Things to do at Volcano Village

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park about a mile to the main entrance from the village and both a national park and Unesco Heritage site to explore all the facets of the park with hiking, road trip through the Chain of Craters Road, observation areas and unique features of the park to explore and enjoy.

You can stay around Volcano Village and explore all the other attractions in the area which surprisingly has more than just accommodations and food requirements. Check out these other interesting places to explore around the Village area.

Art is a big deal here with the main art studios and event space at Volcano Art Center with its revolving art exhibits, sculpture garden and art classes offered on site. Other art venues in town including the Volcano Arts Center and Restaurant, Check out the gorgeous garden and art gallery at Volcano Garden Arts or a visit to a local studio directly in the Village. You can even visit the glass art studio at 2400 Fahrenheit to check out the works in production and the gallery displays.

You can do a round of golf at the Volcano Golf Club with its 18-hole golf course, one of the islands most unusual golf course overlooking the two largest mountains on the island at Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea.

For something more unusual check out the Orchid grower in the cool rainforest area at Atsuka Orchid Gardens and do a fun self-guided tour of their facilities or take an orchid tour through the various greenhouses to see the over 200,000 orchid plants growing in various stages to flowering. The tour also allows you to participate in a transplanting process and to take home your own souvenir orchid plant.

After all that touring, maybe you might want to drop by the local winery in Volcano at the Volcano winery to try some of the grape varietals they grow along with some other exotic tropical fruits turned into more fruity and sweet wines produced locally. If you are looking for something different close to the winery is a tea farm and you can sign up for a tour and tea tasting programs here for more details

Volcano Village Farmers market – the big social event at Volcano Village happens every Sunday morning at the local farmers market at the Coopers Center, check out the details here for times and any other updates.

Places to eat in Volcano

There are a few good places to eat in the Village including some food trucks that might appeal to the more budget conscious visiting the area. Check out the details and complete reviews on the links below.

Kilauea Lodge Restaurant – serving good serving sized dishes of European styled food with local flavors and ingredients, breakfast is also big here at the lodge.

Cafe Ono – located in a lush forest and garden and serving wholesome, organic and fresh flavors with salads, sandwiches and vegan dishes.

Ohelo Cafe – using the freshes ingredients and serving delicious fish, salads and local styled entrees done well with great presentation dishes.

Aunty Pons Thai food truck – located at the Cooper Center, delicious Thai food dishes at cheap prices you can eat at the picnic tables close by

Eagles Lighthouse Cafe – Easy and cheap take out food, sandwiches, soup and breakfast burritos make this the cheapest and delicious take out food spot in town.

Where to Stay in Volcano Village

Most of the stays at the village are at small mom and pop inns and Air Bnbs or private home rentals. Check out the best reviewed sites here.

Aloha Junction Bed and Breakfast – well located in the village in an old plantation home with nice comfortable rooms, great service and breakfast

Hale Ohia Cottages – a classic home and bed and breakfast with gorgeous grounds, cottages and service in the village

Aloha Crater Lodge – located close to the park within a lush rainforest, cozy, peaceful, comfortable and priced well for the area.

Check out these top reviewed hotels on Trip Advisor here for more details, availability and prices.

Further reading around the Puna district

Explore the rest of the Puna district below with attractions and places of interest to explore

Why visit Volcanoes National Park

Lava eruptions at Volcanoes National Park

A green sand beach at Papakolea

Top things to do in Hilo, HI

Visit to Pahoa area of the Puna District

Farmers markets in the Puna District

Have you been to Volcano Village?

Please share your thoughts and other recommendations in the comments below with your recommendations.

Thanks for visiting today and checking out this post on Volcano Village. I hope you are inspired to plan a visit and enjoy these wonderful attractions. If you enjoyed the images and post, could you please share it with any of the social media buttons located around the post.

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