Complete Hawaii Volcano & Lava Viewing Guide
Experience the Big Island’s volcanic activity, a miracle of nature that isn’t found elsewhere on planet Earth. Hawaii provides incredible access to see the red glow of molten lava.
Positioned on the doorstep of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Volcano Village is a natural resting spot for travelers to the park, offering a few hotels and inns, amenities, and some varied dining options for wary adventurers. A rustic village seemingly being swallowed by a dense tropical rainforest, Volcano Village is a quiet retreat sure to make an immediate and lasting impression on visitors to this remote area of the Big Island. Whether you’re staying in the village or the park, you’ll want to check out the following dining options during your stay in the area to enjoy the local cuisine and flair that comes only from a small Hawaiian community.
Thai Thai Bistro and Bar
19-4084 Old Volcano Rd
Volcano, HI 96785
(808) 967-7969
Website
Open: Daily 11:30 AM – 9 PM
Ranging from burgers to home cooked Thai entrees, Thai Thai Bistro and Bar is one of the most diverse and delicious menus available in Volcano Village. Generous portions of Thai classics mean you’ll have plenty of leftovers for your return trip, but the variety and quality present throughout the establishment’s dining selections mean you’ll find something for everyone in your party to love.
Eagles Lighthouse Cafe
19-4005 Haunani Rd
Volcano, HI 96785
(808) 985-8587
Website
Open: Mon – Sat 7 AM – 5 PM
Known for their gigantic sandwiches set upon fresh-baked bread, Eagles Lighthouse Cafe won’t win any awards for decor, but the quality and consistency of the food provided can’t be beaten. You’ll be treated to weekly specials that range from American classics to Hawaiian mainstays, a menu that’s as keiki-friendly as can be, and filled with fresh-baked goods to satisfy any hunger craving.
Kilauea Lodge and Restaurant
19-3948 Old Volcano Rd
Volcano, HI 96785
(808) 967-7366
Website
Open: 7:30 AM – 2 PM, 5 PM – Close
Among the higher-end dining options at Volcano Village, the Kilauea Lodge and Restaurant provides preparation and presentation you’d expect from an establishment that prides itself on locally-sourced ingredients. Home-cooked by a master chef, you’ll leave filled, refreshed, and satisfied.
The Rim
1 Crater Rim Drive
Pāhoa, HI 96778
(808) 930-6910
Website
Open: 7 AM – 2 PM, 5 PM – 8:30 PM
With a menu spanning from fresh-caught seafood to carefully prepared entrees, the dishes offered at the Rim are bested only by the establishment’s incredible view of the Kilauea Caldera and neighboring Halemaumau Crater, which casts bright-red lava against a darkened sky during dinner. With fresh, island-sourced ingredients and live music 5 nights a week, the Rim is one of the best places to eat throughout the entirety of the Big Island.
Lava Rock Cafe
19-3972 Old Volcano Hwy
Volcano, HI 96785
(808) 967-8526
Website
Open: Mon 7:30 AM – 5 PM, Tues – Sat 7:30 AM – 9 PM, Sun 7:30 AM – 4 PM
Perfect for locals and travelling adventurers to the park, this mom and pop cafe provides an efficient twist on Hawaiian style meals and Pacific cuisine. Known for their expansive menu that spans Hawaiian specialties to mainland favorites, there’s nothing here that you’ll find lacking.
Experience the Big Island’s volcanic activity, a miracle of nature that isn’t found elsewhere on planet Earth. Hawaii provides incredible access to see the red glow of molten lava.
The Thomas A. Jaggar Museum is permanently closed due to damage from the 2018 Kilauea Eruption. It will be deconstructed starting in 2024.
No visit to the Big Island is complete without heading out to see molten lava. There are many ways to see the flows but a Lava Boat tour is a real treat.