4 Clear Reasons Why You MUST Stay at Volcano Inn on the Big Island

I debated back and forth about where I wanted to stay near Volcano National Park, and Volcano Inn was on my list since it was a four-minute drive from the park. After texting and talking with the manager of this place, I decided to pull the trigger and book my stay. I am SO happy I did! This place is truly magical!

Rainforest Garden

Have you ever stayed in a place within a rainforest? Did you ever feel like you were sleeping in the trees because you could look out and see a legit rainforest? I didn’t . . . until I stayed here. 

When you first drive here from the park, you are on a semi-major road, and then you turn and find yourself in a lush rainforest; I was shocked by how hidden this place was. I saw pictures online and fell in love, but I didn't realize it was near a road. You feel like you have been transplanted to a different world when you arrive. This is a common theme of mine.

My favorite view, besides the one from my room, was from the hot tub—a quick 30-second walk from the room. I spent a lot of time in this hot tub, and who could blame me after hiking in the park and seeing the views from here?

My favorite afternoon was when it started to rain, and my outdoor adventures for the day were cut short. I decided to sit in the hot tub in the garden, sheltered from the rain, staring at the lush greens and reds of the rainforest. I listened to the rain fall on the shelter above as I floated away, reading a book for my yoga teacher training. Most people think rain is bad luck, but the Hawaiian culture believes rain is a blessing. And it was a blessing; it felt like heaven on Earth.

Another cool thing about the hot tub is that it stays open 24/7. Night had its own unique vibe, with lights strung around the whole area.

You can also hike through the Rainforest Garden to explore the whole area!

Hawaiian Breakfast

Included in your stay is a fresh Hawaiian breakfast made daily by hand. This breakfast contains papaya bowls and banana bread. The bowls are cut in half and filled with local bananas, plain yogurt, and fresh homemade banana bread. They also serve coffee, tea, and water all day. You can enjoy breakfast beside a fire or on their Lanai, again surrounded by the rainforest.

Accommodations

In most places you book, you only get a discount if you stay more than 5–7 days, but the Volcano Inn will discount your stay after the second day. Obviously, the longer you stay, the more significant the discount, but it's nice to get a discount even if you only stay two nights.

Another thing I love is that they have different rooms for different needs. For example, if you traveled with family, you could get a room accommodating 4–6 people. Or if you are solo and only there for two days, you can stay in their backpacker room. Sadly, but not really, because I loved my room, I missed the chance to stay in the backpacker room. Instead, I had a bed and breakfast room with a fantastic rainforest view, a bathroom with a bathtub, and plenty of space to unpack and pack. Which I needed!

**Note**

If you are going solo, they do not have a washer and dryer for public use.

Guides to Local Attractions and Food

If you visit their website, you can download over ten different guides. They can legit plan your trips from Volcano National to the green and black sand beaches. Did you know they are only 2 hours away from one of the world's four green beaches? Oh, yeah, they are, and I went there! Besides beaches and volcanos, they are close to a winery, Hilo, and waterfalls.

Another thing I love about them is when you check in, they give you a little check-in packet with a map and places to eat nearby, such as Lava Rock and Ohelo Café. Or, if you don't want to dive the 5 minutes down the road to get to them, you could walk the 2 minutes to Tuk-Tuk Thai Food, which was perfect on the cold, rainy day when I had to cut my hiking adventure short.

Recap

Like I told the manager, I usually don't review places I have stayed at. My first review was of an inn within England’s Lake District. Just like that inn, this place has a piece of my heart. I would come back here every single time. That's because of the aloha vibes and how sweetly the manager answered all of my questions and concerns. She even met with me on the day I checked out to chat with me more.

This is the perfect place for solo wandering on the Big Island. Let me know if you decide to stay here!