Opened in 1937 as a YMCA youth camp, this quaint lodge was converted in 1986 by Albert and Lorna Jeyte. (He was a makeup artist on Magnum P.I.) The whole thing was very well done and lovingly maintained, but it switched hands in 2018 for $4 million (we assume this is pocket change to Highway West Vacations, the new Cali-based operator). Some readers have told us the whole place, from restaurant to ambiance, has gone downhill, but from what we’ve seen, despite some expected growing pains, the comfy, delicious-smelling lodge has maintained the same feel and vibe (although we expect many changes to come).
The gift shop is filled with local items. There are different styles of rooms, such as the Hokulani (very romantic honeymoon room), the Hale Maluna building (snug rooms with fireplaces and incredible skylights in the bathrooms) and the Aloha Hale building (larger rooms and a common sitting room). Grounds are lush and well-tended. The staff is top-notch. No TVs, but who needs TBS when all rooms have towel warmers? Look for the (hopefully still around) property cat, Meatloaf, and use our joke, “like a cat out of hell,” to start your vacation off on the right paw. Rooms are 225–325 sq. ft., a 1/1 cottage is 400 sq. ft.
19-3948 Old Volcano Rd, Volcano Village