Volcano Rainforest Estate in Hawaii Reviews

If you are looking for a unique and luxurious vacation rental in Hawaii, you might want to consider Volcano Rainforest Estate. This is a stunning craftsman estate located in a private, 9-acre forest near the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. In this blog post, I will give you a beginner’s guide to Volcano Rainforest Estate, covering its address, facility, price, nearby points of interest, tips, and frequently asked questions. By the end of this post, you will have a better idea of what to expect from this amazing property and how to make the most of your stay.

Volcano Rainforest Estate

Address

Volcano Rainforest Estate is located at 11-3203 Huakai St, Volcano, HI 96785. It is only a few minutes away from the main entrance of the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, where you can witness the awe-inspiring spectacle of Kilauea, one of the most active volcanoes in the world. It is also close to the friendly artists community of Volcano Village, where you can find restaurants, shops, galleries, and other amenities. The nearest airport is Hilo International Airport, which is about 40 minutes away by car. You can also drive from Kailua-Kona, which is about 2.5 hours away along the scenic Hawaii Belt Road.

Facility

Volcano Rainforest Estate is a 2,300 square foot, one-level luxury home with three bedrooms, each with a private bathroom. The home can accommodate up to six guests comfortably and offers a spacious and elegant living space. The home features a gourmet kitchen, a living room with a lava rock fireplace, a dining room that can seat 10 people, a laundry room, and over 1,400 square feet of covered, outside living area (lanai). The home is decorated with custom furnishings, some of which are made from native Hawaiian woods. The home also has high-speed internet, smart TVs for streaming, and a hot tub for relaxing. The home is surrounded by a lush and ancient forest of Ohia trees and Hapu’u ferns, which provide a serene and tranquil atmosphere. You can enjoy the views of the forest and the lava outcroppings from every room and the lanai. The home is designed with privacy in mind, so you will not have to share the property with any other guests during your visit.

Price

The price for renting Volcano Rainforest Estate varies depending on the season, the number of guests, and the length of stay. You can check the availability and the rates on the official website or on other booking platforms such as EXPEDIA. The average price per night is around $500, but it can go up to $800 during peak seasons or holidays. The price includes all the amenities and services mentioned above, as well as taxes and fees. There is also a refundable damage deposit of $500 and a cleaning fee of $250. You can cancel your reservation up to 30 days before your arrival date and get a full refund, minus a $100 processing fee. If you cancel within 30 days of your arrival date, you will forfeit the full amount of your reservation.

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Nearby Points of Interest

One of the main attractions of staying at Volcano Rainforest Estate is its proximity to the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an International Biosphere Reserve. The park covers an area of 333,000 acres and encompasses two of the world’s most active volcanoes, Kilauea and Mauna Loa. The park offers a variety of activities and experiences for visitors of all ages and interests, such as hiking, biking, camping, stargazing, ranger programs, and cultural demonstrations. You can also witness the amazing phenomenon of lava flowing and creating new land, depending on the volcanic activity and the weather conditions. Some of the highlights of the park include:

Kilauea Visitor Center

This is the best place to start your visit to the park, as you can get maps, brochures, information, and advice from the park rangers. You can also watch a 25-minute film that introduces you to the history, culture, and geology of the park. The visitor center is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Kilauea Iki Trail

This is one of the most popular and scenic trails in the park, as it takes you through a lush rainforest and across a solidified lava lake that was formed by a massive eruption in 1959. The trail is 4 miles long and takes about 2 to 3 hours to complete. It is moderately difficult, as it involves some steep and rocky sections. The trailhead is located near the Thurston Lava Tube parking lot.

Thurston Lava Tube (Nahuku)

This is a 500-year-old lava tube that was formed by a river of molten lava that flowed underground and then drained out, leaving behind a hollow tunnel. You can walk through the tube, which is about 600 feet long and 20 feet high, and marvel at the different colors and textures of the lava walls. The tube is lit by electric lights, but you can also bring a flashlight to see more details. The tube is accessible by a short trail from the Kilauea Iki Trail parking lot.

Crater Rim Drive

This is a 10.6-mile road that circles the summit caldera of Kilauea and offers stunning views of the volcanic landscape. You can drive, bike, or take a shuttle bus along the road, and stop at various overlooks, trails, and points of interest along the way. Some of the highlights include the Steam Vents, the Sulphur Banks, the Jaggar Museum, and the Halema’uma’u Crater, which is the home of Pele, the Hawaiian goddess of fire and volcanoes.

Chain of Craters Road

This is a 19-mile road that descends from the summit of Kilauea to the coast, passing through several craters, lava fields, and scenic viewpoints. You can drive, bike, or take a shuttle bus along the road, and stop at various attractions along the way. Some of the highlights include the Lua Manu Crater, the Mauna Ulu Crater, the Holei Pali, and the Holei Sea Arch. The road ends at a lava flow that covered the road in 2003, but you can hike further to see the Pu’u Loa Petroglyphs, which are ancient rock carvings made by the native Hawaiians.

Besides the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, there are also other points of interest near Volcano Rainforest Estate that you can explore, such as:

Volcano Garden Arts

This is a working art studio and gallery that is set on three lush acres in Volcano Village. You can browse and buy a variety of artworks, such as paintings, sculptures, ceramics, glass, and jewelry, made by local artists. You can also enjoy a delicious meal at the onsite cafe, which serves organic and vegetarian dishes. The gallery is open daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Volcano Winery

This is the southernmost winery in the United States, and it produces unique fruit-blended wines and meads using local ingredients, such as guava, jaboticaba, macadamia nut, and honey. You can visit the winery and take a tour of the vineyard and the production facility, and taste some of their award-winning wines. The winery is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Akatsuka Orchid Gardens

This is a family-owned business that has been growing and selling orchids for over 40 years. You can visit the gardens and see a large collection of orchids, including rare and exotic varieties, such as the famous Sharry Baby, which smells like chocolate. You can also buy orchids and other souvenirs at the gift shop, or order online and have them shipped to your home. The gardens are open daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Tips

Here are some tips to help you enjoy your stay at Volcano Rainforest Estate and make the most of your visit to the area:
  1. Book your reservation well in advance, as the estate is very popular and often fully booked, especially during peak seasons and holidays.
  2. Check the weather forecast before you go, as the climate in Volcano can be unpredictable and changeable. It can be cold, rainy, foggy, or sunny, depending on the elevation and the time of the day. Bring layers of clothing, rain gear, sunscreen, and insect repellent.
  3. Check the volcanic activity and the park conditions before you go, as they can affect the accessibility and the safety of some areas and attractions. You can visit the official website of the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park or call (808) 985-6000 for updates and alerts.
  4. Respect the nature and the culture of the area, and follow the rules and regulations of the park and the estate. Do not litter, feed, or disturb the wildlife, plants, or rocks. Do not cross any barriers, fences, or signs. Do not touch or take any lava rocks, as they are considered sacred by the Hawaiians. Do not enter any restricted or dangerous areas, such as active lava flows, steam vents, or cracks. Always stay on the marked trails and roads, and keep a safe distance from any hazards.
  5. Be prepared for emergencies, and have a first aid kit, a flashlight, a whistle, a phone, and some water and snacks with you. If you need any assistance, contact the park rangers or the estate staff.
  6. Have fun and enjoy the beauty and the wonder of Volcano and its surroundings. You will have an unforgettable experience at Volcano Rainforest Estate.
Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about Volcano Rainforest Estate and their answers:

Q: How do I check in and check out of the estate?

A: You will receive an email with the check-in and check-out instructions, as well as the access code for the keyless entry system, a few days before your arrival date. You can check in anytime after 3 p.m. and check out anytime before 11 a.m. on your departure date. Please follow the instructions carefully and leave the estate in good condition.

Q: What are the amenities and services included in the price?

A: The price includes the use of the entire estate and its facilities, such as the kitchen, the living room, the dining room, the laundry room, the lanai, and the hot tub. It also includes high-speed internet, smart TVs, a DVD player, a CD player, a radio, books, games, puzzles, and a telescope. It also includes linens, towels, toiletries, paper products, and cleaning supplies. It also includes taxes and fees.

Q: What are the amenities and services not included in the price?

A: The price does not include food, beverages, or personal items. You will need to bring or buy your own groceries and supplies, as there are no stores or restaurants within walking distance of the estate. The nearest grocery store is in Volcano Village, which is about 10 minutes away by car. The nearest restaurant is the Volcano House, which is inside the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, which is about 15 minutes away by car. The price also does not include transportation, tours, activities, or tickets. You will need to arrange or book your own car rental, flights, excursions, and admissions, as there are no public transportation or shuttle services available in the area.

Q: Is the estate suitable for children, pets, or people with disabilities?

A: The estate is suitable for children, as long as they are supervised by an adult at all times. The estate has a crib, a high chair, a booster seat, and some toys for the convenience of the guests with young children. However, the estate is not suitable for pets, as they are not allowed on the property. The estate is also not suitable for people with disabilities, as it is not wheelchair accessible or ADA compliant. The estate has some steps, stairs, and uneven surfaces that may pose a challenge for people with mobility issues.

Q: Is the estate safe and secure?

A: The estate is safe and secure, as it is located in a private and gated community. The estate has a keyless entry system, a security alarm system, and a smoke detector. The estate also has a landline phone and a cell phone booster for emergency calls. The estate is also insured and licensed by the state of Hawaii. However, the estate is not responsible for any loss, damage, or injury that may occur to the guests or their belongings during their stay. The guests are advised to exercise caution and common sense, and to follow the rules and regulations of the estate and the park.