13 Fun Facts About Volcano Hawaii
The Big Island of Hawaii is the youngest of the Hawaiian Islands and the most southern island. At 4,000 square miles, it boasts being the largest of the islands of Hawaii, and with each volcanic eruption, it continues to grow as lava flows from the active volcanoes into the ocean, creating more land mass.
While the Big Island is a popular tourist destination, it is also a sacred place for locals and offers a more authentic, slower experience of Hawaii.
Fun Facts About Volcano Village
1. Location: Our Hawaii bed and breakfast, located in Volcano Village, is just 45 minutes from Hilo, the capital of the Big Island, and 2.5 hours from Kailua-Kona. Volcano Village is home to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, where guests can safely experience one of the most active volcanoes in the world, Kilauea.
2. Local Artists: Volcano Village is home to notable glass blowers, painters, and ceramic artists, make time to browse the galleries and find some unique gifts.
3. Colorful beaches: Isaac Hale Beach Park, also known as the black sand beach, and Papakolea, the infamous green sand beach. Both are within driving distance from our Volcano bed and breakfast and are excellent choices for a day trip with the family or solo. Guests of Volcano Village Lodge can request a packed lunch during their stay, making your beach visit a memorable picnic experience.
4. Hawaiian Wine: The big island is known for its fertile soil and prime growing conditions. Volcano Winery is just a couple of miles from Volcano Lodge and is a must-visit destination for visitors. The tasting room is open until 5 pm and offers a great way to enjoy the varieties of wine.
5. Military History: Nestled within the trees of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is Kilauea Military Camp, a 50-acre military retreat established in 1916. The camp began as a training ground for the National Guard and the Army’s “health recruiting station.” Visitors can enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner at the Crater Rim Café after exploring the tourist area of the camp.
6. Connection to Japanese History & WW2: Visitors walking through Volcano Village might come across a small red building with a wooden sign that reads “Old Japanese School” on Kalani Honua Road. The building is one of two single-room schoolhouses surviving in Hawaii and has roots back to Japanese families that settled in the area.
7. Drive on a Volcano: Volcanoes National Park offers plenty of hiking trails and has two scenic drives available to visitors. Most visitors explore the attractions and scenic lookout points along Crater Rim Drive, which leads around Kilauea Caldera. The second road, the Chain of Craters Road, leads from Crater Rim Drive down to the ocean, a distance of 19 miles. Expect the drive to take about an hour, as the road has many curves and a slow speed limit.
8. State Parks: Just 30 miles from the Lodge is Wailuku River State Park, which encompasses both Rainbow Falls and the upstream “boiling pots.” The state park is free and open to the public from 9 am-6 pm daily.
9. Star Gazing at the top of a volcano: The Mauna Kea Observatory, located on the summit of Mauna Kea, is home to some of the world’s most advanced telescopes. Some hiking is available around the visitor center.
10. Tropical climate: For the most part, the Big Island is warm and tropical year-round. In winter and summer, average temperatures near the coast range from 75-85°F (23°C-29°C).
11. Merrie Monarch Festival: Each spring, a festival celebrating the native traditions, language, and arts occurs in Hilo, a 45-minute drive from Volcano Village Lodge. Visitors can witness traditional dances, artists, and Hawaiian traditions.
12. Seasonal Farmer’s Markets: On Sunday mornings, follow the locals to the farmers’ market at Cooper’s Center on Wright Road for fresh-cut flowers, locally grown vegetables, and an irresistible variety of baked goods. It would be best to arrive early, so make it your first stop that day before heading out to explore.
13. Niaulani Rain Forest: Experience the Niaulani Rain Forest when you visit the Volcano Arts Center. This rare, easily-accessible natural and cultural resource contains impressive displays of ancient artwork and is a successful example of rainforest restoration. Tours are every Monday morning from 9:30 am to 10:30 am.
Book your stay with us now and experience everything the Big Island offers when you stay at our Big Island bed and breakfast.