This is our second time staying at Volcano Teapot Cottage and I can't say enough great things about…read morethe cottage and Bill & Antoinette! The cottage has two bedrooms, though they only rent to one couple at a time, a livingroom, large bath, kitchen and a dining area. It is surrounded by a lush tropical rain forest completely private from neighbors. It is decorated with such style that the name "Teapot" is perfect. Bill & Antoinette have thought of everything, from toiletries, entertainment, comfort, information about the area, breakfast items, and all the supplies you could possibly need. If you can't find something here, you really don't need it. I really can't say enough about Bill and Antoinette and their beautiful cottage. Can't wait to visit again!

We were very fortunate to book a 3-night stay at this very comfortable, modernized plantation…read morecottage with more amenities that we'd anticipated. I don't usually write reviews but see that existing ones could use an update. Nothing has changed since the previous reviews as far as the beautifully manicured grounds on 2-1/2 acres, the lush greenery and quiet stillness of the neighborhood setting, gracious hospitality of hosts, Bill and Antoinette, the generously well-stocked kitchen, amazing choices for breakfasts, the details such as umbrellas, flashlights and binoculars for hiking and volcano viewing. The hot tub is not available - but we weren't expecting one, anyway. All the 5-star reviews here are the real deal and every one of them describes the kind of experience I had here (except for the hot tub). If you are traveling with a party of 2 or less, this is the place to stay at in Volcano!

There are good things. Very clean and good quality beds etc. Plus right next to national park…read more However, all the pictures showed a wonderful breakfast and setting. But NOT a good breakfast...even for basic needs. A McDonald's style sausage patty, some papia. They said we'd get some French toast but never got any. Then got half of a bagel with it. Small amount of papaya, coffee...that's it. So can't give more than 3 stars. Give a 3 because of how cute and clean it was. But I was interested in one of the many nice breakfasts shown/ indicated on their web page. Else it was very nice.

Good location with Volcano NP just down the road. We've stayed a couple of times here over the…read moreyears with variable experiences. Communication with management can be a bit spotty. Rooms are nice and the verandas are wonderful - be aware the walls are thin - beds are comfortable, though on the softer side. Heat is via a space heater and this has come in handy for the drizzly damp days on this side of the island. The floors can get cold though since we observe the Hawaiian custom of taking shoes off in the house - so bring several pairs of socks! We did experience a day where hot water was limited. Just be aware this is a family business and not a big corporate hotel with all the bells and whistles. Aloha goes both ways.

BE WARNED ABOUT THIS PROPERTY!!! We booked through Expedia and searched for units with a hot tub…read moreand this one came up. We booked, only to find that the hot tub wasn't working. We had no warning whatsoever and the owners never reached out to tell us. We NEVER would have booked this if we knew the hot tub wasn't working. The owners did NOTHING to offer restitution for the problem. If you book be sure to check to make sure everything is working properly or you will be sadly disappointed on how they handle the problem!

What a lovely place with gracious hosts. I reserved the two rooms for my father in laws birthday…read moreand Father's Day in March. Then in May the volcano starting erupting and the park closed and hearing about the air quality and earthquakes and potential explosions put a pall on our plans. Chris emailed us the entire time giving us updates and options and really just so responsive. We decided to go anyways and glad that we did. We reserved both rooms and really it felt like we were the home owners bc we had the place to ourselves. The rooms are beautiful and the landscaping amazing with beautiful orchids and plants everywhere. Each room has a fireplace that we used every night and again in the morning. We had so much food for snacks and breakfast and it was actually better than going somewhere they serve breakfast daily bc it was at our own pace. Since my in laws have dietary restrictions it was better to have cereal and instant oats and yogurt and fresh fruit and banana bread at our own leisure. Plenty of coffee and tea to make. I had planned on going to nearby cafe to get breakfast but it wasn't necessary. We ate out on the deck and had the it to ourselves and ate in pajamas and prolly made too much noise for chris and eric. I was full and ready for the day every morning before we headed out. Since the park was closed the location seemed silly at first but then when we came down to Hilo and up to Onomea Bay and then up to Waipio Valley I was glad to be up in Volcano. It was so hot and humid and oppressive but up in Volcano it was cool and misty and comfortable. Our hosts were gracious and attentive but not overbearing in any way. They were kind and we appreciated the time we got to spend with family there. I'd suggest staying here bc the weather is so much nicer up here and it's a neat place to get away from it all. If you're just going to rent one room get haiku which is in the back. More private. Bc the room is two walls of just windows surrounded by tropical vegetation. Pretty amazing. The metal roof made a perfect sound machine to fall asleep to. They provided ear plugs in case it's too noisy but we loved it all. Even the small earthquakes were mini adventures.

What a beautiful luxurious and romantic place to stay in Volcano. Don't think twice about booking…read morethis spot, you won't regret it! We stayed in the white lotus suite and this suite was 5-Star hotel material if not better. We loved everything about it: the king size bed, private parking, views of the rainforest from inside with all the glass windows, breakfast is provided, full jacuzzi bathtub that comes with bath salts and bubbles, double shower, double sinks, heat lamp above tub, and access to private patio to enjoy breakfast with a view. I would go back here in a heartbeat next time I come to visit. The owner is very sweet and you can tell that he is very attentive and thoughtful when it comes to the rooms that he builds himself.

Amazing in every way! We had the most magical four day adventure and loved everything about our…read morestay in the Rising Moon suite. John is the most gracious of hosts and went out of his way with so many thoughtful touches. The breakfasts were different every day and so very delicious. The soaking bath tub was such a welcome treat after long days adventuring. Highly recommend this little slice of paradise!

We LOVED our stay at the Crater Rim Cabin! The cabin is beautiful, roomy, well-appointed and…read moreromantic . . . a really unique place. We appreciated so many things about it: attractive living spaces, the easy-to-operate fireplace, helpful materials, and many thoughtful touches. From all the rooms, there are views of the beautiful grounds surrounding the cabin. Given its restful surroundings, it is surprisingly convenient . . . just 2.5 miles from the park entrance and visitor center and close to the town of Volcano for dining options. Our hosts, Jim and Barry, were excellent: knowledgeable, helpful and welcoming. From detailed information on the volcanos (they are geologists) to great touring tips and dining recommendations, they were superb. The Crater Rim Cabin is a very special place and we feel very lucky to have found it.

THE SADDLE ROAD IS A NICE HIGHWAY!…read more================================ I have been visiting the Big Island since 1980, but I had never been on the Saddle Road until June 18, 2023. It is a beautiful highway now and not treacherous as I heard about in the old days. Rental car companies always had a blurb in their contracts that renters should never take their rental cars on it, so I never did. My sister has lived over there for ages and she never took me on the old road either. I guess she was always too busy working. Highway 200 or the Saddle Road is a great way to get to Hilo from Kona. On Father's Day it was clear as a bell, so we could see the top of Mauna Kea, Mauna Loa and Hualalai which are three volcanoes. We also drove past the Pohakuloa Training Area. Pohakuloa Training Area provides a quality joint/combined arms facility that provides logistics, public works, airfield support, and environmental and cultural stewardship in support of the U.S. Army Pacific training strategy while maintaining an enduring partnership with the local Hawaiian community. If you return from Hilo on the Saddle Road just pay attention how to get to it. I have it on good authority from two locals that is hard to find and we all know GPS doesn't work great over there.

This review is serving as a mind jogger for myself. Prior to our most recent trip to the Big Island…read morewas five years ago. I thought at that time it wasn't safe to drive from Kailua Kona to Hilo on the old Saddle Road. So we went the long way along Hwy 11 to Hilo. I did some homework prior to coming two weeks ago today. I discovered the new Saddle Road has been transformed into the Daniel K. Inouye Hwy 200. No more pot holes or two lane roads. From Kona you take Hwy 190 then cut over to Daniel K. Inouye, Hwy 200. We got to Hilo in under 2 hours. On the way to Hilo you'll pass by Mauna Kea. We saved that for an excursion with a tour company for sunset and star gazing. But that's another review. Factoid - there aren't many street lights on the Big Island as the observatories don't want the artificial lighting to interfere with their studies of the stars. I wouldn't drive on Saddle Road once nightfall hits as there aren't any lights. Unless you're a local or you want to live on the wild side. Coming back we took Hwy 11 as we were going to hit Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Slow and scenic. We got back just as the sun was setting. Safe.

Longest lava tube on earth waiting to be explored .. Located in a beautiful rainforest with an…read moreexperienced guide named Harry .

If you're adventurous and curious, a volcano tube tour is perfect for you. Those with…read moredisabilities.... no this is not for you. Even the short tour is pretty extensive. There are miles of lava tubes snaking throughout the underground on the Big Island. They provide hard hats and flashlights so no equipment is needed other than appropriate clothing and footwear. You will need the ability to climb ladders and ropes. Extensive history is provided during your tour. It was a great and memorable experience.

Our 4:30am lava hike was one of the highlights of our trip to the Big Island. We met up at their…read moreoffice close to the Kalapana Gardens at 4am, checked in, signed some papers and got snacks and coffee (included in the tour). It is recommended that you wear long pants (but some did it in shorts) and requires that you have shoes that cover your toes (no water shoes or sandals). I did it in work out legging and sneakers and my boyfriend did it in jeans and hiking boots. We were both fine and neither of our shoes melted though at one point, his feet got really hot bc I made him stand by the lava for so long for a picture. Bring a good amount of water or your camelback and a hoodie bc it was cold in the morning. They provide you with good headlamps and flashlights since you are hiking in the dark. We were in a group of 12 or so and we loaded up in their nice van and drove out to start our hike. They take you as far as you can go on the road (where people would be otherwise renting bikes or walking) so it saves you some walking. From there, it's just up the lava you go. It was nice that the tour guide told us to take a look at the lava rocks and the texture which was glass like. Basically a warning to tell you don't slip and fall bc this stuff might hurt you. As we walked, it sounded like glass shards breaking under us and we walked towards orange glows up the mountain. Eventually we made it while it was still dark and it was crazy you could feel the heat as you got close to the lava. We spent an hour or so taking pictures of and with the lava and relocating to a few other areas with lava as it eventually got light. We hiked back down the same way and ended around 8:30am. Highly recommend this company as they do a good job making everyone feel safe and we completed the hike at a nice pace. They do not allow kids under 12 and it's probably not recommended for anyone over 50. There are parts where you might have to hop down or take a big step up or down and keep your balance. Our group did a good job and most were in their 20's and 30's and maybe one brave solo hiker in her 40's. Super worth it to wake up early and experience this in Hawaii!

The best thing I've done in Hawaii! We went out on their second day with the new (bigger) boat,…read morewhich provides a pretty smooth ride. We did the sunrise tour, which I would highly recommend. You get to the flow while it's still dark and can watch the sunrise out of the ocean which is another awesome aspect. Parts of the flow were breaking away while we were out there causing new patterns of flowing lava, it's just ever changing the entire time you're watching. A bonus was while on the way back, we came upon a pod of bottle nose dolphins and they swam along with us for awhile. No sooner we left those to continue to the dock, we came up on a pod of spinner dolphins. We absolutely recommend this and it is worth every single penny. Looking forward to doing this again next time we're on the island