Volcano House Resturant Review

[Frank]

can anyone add to this review? http://bigislandnow.com/2014/06/20/revie...rilliance/ good, bad??

[ericlp]

we go on the "FREE" days (the park free days) and usually will get to eat breakfast (all you can eat) buffet. Did it three times so far. Great all the time we have eaten there.

[topograph]

We went there in April and sat in the lounge for cocktails, followed by pupus (you have to move to the main dining room to eat). Though I don't remember the specific dishes we had, I do remember for a group of 6, I did not find it to be too exorbitant, and we were all happy with the food. The one dish I do remember is the ahi tower, basic poke stacked with won tons chips and avocado, which was delicious.

[Carey]

We went with family in January to dine at the Volcano House The Rim Restaurant. Food (most had Mahi, Opakapaka & Kampachi, one steak and one slider plate (teen did not like them as well as the sliders at Ponds...)) was nicely presented & well prepared, and service was very good and accommodating. Also, they have worked to try to locally source much of their offerings.

Of course, for the east side, the prices are higher than most any venue, but where else can you get the view of the glowing crater?
The Rim Dinner Menu:
http://www.hawaiivolcanohouse.com/files/...-Menu1.pdf

Volcano House Dining site, with all of the menus for Uncle Georges & the Rim:
http://www.hawaiivolcanohouse.com/dining/

For anyone who has not been since the renovation. Uncle George Lounge is way more elegant than before (bowling alley chic was my old impression). One of the neat things to do on a clear night is to enjoy the lanai service on deck of the lounge, outside on a clear night!

Many have pro/neg impressions on the new lobby, some of the old charm is gone, but all of the old decline is also gone, much more light & bright. Our credit card can verify that visiting teens & twentysomethings LOVE the retail offerings!

[Kelena]

Location, location, location. You go for the haunting red glow emanating from Halema'uma'u. You go for the fire. It is pointless to go for any other reason. As for the cuisine, they are definitely making an effort and there are flashes of brilliance. Oddly, there are some duds, too. The service on the one occasion I went, was impeccable. The waiter was very attentive without being obsequious. The waiters seem very well trained and have a certain bearing. They are of the sort that you would find in a very fine dining establishment. They never ask you if you are "working on" something, like a cow chewing its cud. Who started that anyway? It is what it is I guess. And who started THAT? What a meaningless phrase. Yes --it's true, things are what they are. Even when things are not what they seem, they are what they are. A rose is a rose is a rose even if you call it a hibiscus.

Anyway, the atmosphere at the Volcano House is festive, but subdued. It's a very romantic place to go. I would definitely go there again --not for the cuisine, but for the overall experience. I think that is important, too. Go right before sunset. Ask for a table by the window before you go. Then look at the flame. Then look at the person sitting across from you. Still see the flame?

[Kapohocat]

Kelena - no matter what you write about it is a joy! Thanks for the review.

[terracore]

I took my smokin' hot wife there for Valentine's day and we really enjoyed it. The service was in the Goldilocks zone and the food was great. They did overcook my steak, but so has nearly everybody else on the island. It was spendy, especially considering that we had to pay to get into the park for the privilege of eating there. (You can avoid this by making later reservations, but that wasn't an option on Valentine's Day). We especially liked that they incorporated fresh local ingredients whenever it was possible.

Unfortunately, there was no volcanic glow after dark, and we would have had a great table if there was. I don't know if that's normal nowadays, but go there for the food etc, not for nature's mood lighting which may not be turned on during your visit.

[csgray]

terracore
Cronies will actually cook their steaks as rare as you ask for, nice thick cuts too, which is rare here.

Carol

[Frank]

Thanks everybody...the writer of the article didn't seem to keen on the food...thanks again...we're go'in!

[ericlp]

It is a romantic place. After fueling up from the morning breakfast. Nothing better to do but hike the wonderful tails with your lover... Come back for some coffee or tea and relax by the fire.

It's not just the good eats, but the journey, views and the experience. Not everyday one gets to hike though a volcano!