Volcano House

Description:

• Volcano House has a great location--and that's about all. This mountain lodge, which evolved out of a grass lean-to in 1865, is Hawaii's oldest visitor accommodation. It stands on the edge of Halemaumau's bubbling crater, and while its edgy view of the crater is still all awesome sight, the hotel has seen better days. The rooms have native koa-wood furniture, but service is inconsistent, and the lobby and public rooms look forlorn. This historic hotel deserves better. A novel treat: Rooms are heated with volcanic steam. A major drawback: The lodge is a major tour bus lunch stop. The food is edible but forgettable; you might want to stop for ohelo berry pie and coffee (or something stronger) at Uncle George's Lounge and bring it back to enjoy in front of the eerie crater.

• © Frommer's 2013