A History of Kilauea Military Camp
Open to the Public, With a Cafe and a General Store
Nestled within the 300,000+ acres of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is the Kilauea Military Camp.
The camp began as an idea by Hilo Board of Trade members for a training ground for the National Guard, and the Army “health recruiting station” and has become one of Hawaii’s most unique spots for military members.
The camp itself sits on 50 acres and was established the same year as the National Park- 1916
History of the Big Island Camp
The Kilauea Military Camp was built in 1916, and despite it being a unique draw for military members, its first visitors had a very different experience. In November of 1916 a group of enlisted men from the United States Army arrived to find the Camp’s three main buildings unfinished and unfit to be occupied. As a result, the men were forced to sleep under whatever shelter they could find during that rainy weeklong stay.
In 1921, the National Park Service acquired the camp’s lease when the Territory of Hawaii turned over the land to the United States as part of Hawaii National Park, and that same year the Army gained control of the camp.
By the end of 1922, about five thousand enlisted men had visited KMC, and the Camp eventually expanded to include a post exchange, bakery, barber shop, light plant, and water plant. KMC has played host to several dignitaries, including Army Chief of Staff General Dwight D. Eisenhower, who would go on to be President of the United States.
Crater Rim Café
Crater Rim Café is located as you enter the tourist attraction and has an array of traditional American fare and is open to the public on most days, you do not need to be military to eat in the café. In the evenings they offer dinner from 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm and breakfast from 7:00 am – 9:30 am. We love to get up early, eat breakfast in our room with a cup of coffee, then head to the park before any crowds arrive. Park at the entrance to the park and take the trail to the steam vents and back in a loop. Arrive back at the Military Camp in time for ‘second breakfast’.
Check the weekend specials which include Fish and Chips or Prime Rib. Crater Rim Café is not a fancy or high-end restaurant but we think they serve good food at a reasonable price.
The KMC General Store
The store, located on the camp is also open to the public and has a nice collection of souvenirs, food, drinks, toiletries, and more. The store is open every day, Monday – Saturday from 8:00 am – 7:00 pm and on Sundays from 8:00 am – 4:00 pm.
Our Big Island bed and breakfast offer a 10% discount for military and service members, so book your stay today!
Kilauea Military Camp Today
Since its inception and subsequent growth, the military camp has become a draw for active and retired military personnel.
KMC is perfectly situated at the entrance to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, which means you have easy access to hiking trails, and driving tours of all lengths and difficulty. It is also about a 10-minute drive from our Volcano bed and breakfast. Experience Hawaii today!