Volcano Forest Inn in Volcano, HI

Jon was an excellent host. Property is 200 yards from a lightly traveled road so very quiet. The facility is surrounded by tropical forest and is only 1 mile from entrance to volcanoes national park and 25 minutes from Hilo. Room was huge, about 27'x21'. It had a private covered deck to listen to the rain and pheasants who occupy the surrounding forest at night. No mini-fridge in the rooms but the large fridge in the shared area was accommodating. Breakfast was trail bars, muffins, fruit, coffee and hot tea. The building has 4 bedrooms and a shared common area with common kitchen. We never saw another patron and Jon was discreet. Just what we needed to recharge our batteries and have easy access to a fantastic park.

This place was a nightmare. I did not like it at all. First of all, there was no one to greet you and show you around. There was a keypad with a code (which we couldn't figure out), but finally someone came from inside to help us get entry. Then quickly went backup stairs. You walk into the kitchen area, which is very messing with multiple notes on the refrigerator cabinets and drawers, not to touch! Not a warm and fuzzy environment. We went down the hall to find our room from the text message we received via the "bookings" website. The room itself was nice, clean and spacious. No extra towels, blankets, or toilet paper, and the soap dispenser was empty. They supplied no shampoo, rinse, or bath soap. As a matter of a fact, we ran out of toilet paper, and through a text were told to go to another bathroom to "collect" another roll ourselves. Imagine that? The only positive thing I can say about this establishment was the beds were comfortable and the room was relatively clean. Even though the walls in the room we had had mismatched paint on the walls. Tacky. Then furthermore upon reading all the text messages auto sent from the Bookings platform, there was many threatening fees if you didn't put the keys where you were asked, or if you didn't lock the sliding door, and heaven forbid if you forgot something and had to reentry after your designated "check out" time you be charged a "fee"! This place was run like a youth hostel for wayward children!

My 2 adult daughters and I had stayed for 2 nights the end of October in the Botanical Room. It was clean and spacious. There was a very nice outdoor balcony. There was delicious fresh papaya and other fruits for breakfast, with bread to toast, and croissants. Jon made fresh brewed coffee early every morning and there was also a selection of teas. There was a fridge available to guests to put any additional food items in. It was very convenient to Hawaii Volcano National Park. Jon was available via text if we needed anything. If going to VNP, would definitely stay here.

We loved this place, great large room, we loved having the kitchen to use, we cook breakfast evenly day, dinner a few nights. Jon the host was great very easy to communicate with and responsive to emails. This property is in a rain forest and it is cool here so I suggest bringing slippers as you need to remove shoes at the front door. The location is great for visiting the volcano national park and as a home base for the rest of the island. If you are looking for a very quite easy going place to stay this is the place. It is set far back off the road and even though we saw other cars we did not hear anyone in our room.

Very pleasant and quiet place. The room is large and clean. The kitchen is outstanding. We appreciate the fruits. The bed is comfortable. Everything is contactless. Air conditioning should be implemented. Not for cooling, but for drying. Humidity is very high.