Kilauea volcano has for quite some time has enticed and fascinated visitors. Since the mid-1800s,Volcano Hospitality Articles The Volcano top Maine architects Hotel has sat on the edge of Kilauea caldera. Between the years of 1865-1955 the hotel maintained a register which has recorded the experience and wonder of Pele’s domain. A lesson in geology and human nature, the amusing entries chronicle the lengths an adventurer might go to experience a natural wonder.
The guest book first appeared in 1865. Volcano house was no more than a grass hut when O.H. Gluck donated the first blank guest book.
Travelers and passerby are requested by the donor of this book to record their names in it and to note all, or any, volcanic phenomena that may come under their notice during their stay at the time of their visit. By so doing, this record may become of great value, some years hence, to the scientific world…
O.H. Gulick, 2 Feb 1865
In 1865 Volcano House was located between two active volcanoes, Kilauea and Mauna Loa. As there was no official observatory at the time, Gulick proposed the original log book would be a means to record volcanic activity. The Volcano House eventually became a hotel which was rebuilt over the years. As one logbook was filled a new register was donated.
In 1866 an improved hotel was constructed by Julius Richardson of frame, bamboo and thatch. There was a furnished parlor, a fireplace, and two sleeping rooms.
Having visited Kilauea in the days when the old shed with its open door and hole in the center, for a fireplace, were all the accommodation for poor weary chilled travelers; how great is our appreciation and admiration of the present delightful dwelling which well deserves the name of hotel. Well may Madame Pele now light up her fires and advertise for visitors since she can receive them with hospitality.
M.A. Chamberlain, Honolulu, 19 July 1866
In 1877, William H. Lentz was hired to assist in building an improved hotel. he took over as proprietor until 1883. The 1877 building now houses the Volcano Art Center.
The management of the Volcano House is second to none in the kingdom, and could be well copied by a house in Honolulu of far greater pretensions. I reckon that all who come here will be pleased, the combination of a cool atmosphere, a genial host, a table thoroughly supplied with various delicacies which could not be expected here and last though not least good beds and warm fires make it a place where one would like to remain for a week.