Volcano Hospitality

Kilauea volcano has for quite some time has enticed and fascinated visitors. Since the mid-1800s, The Volcano House 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.

Read the full Volcano House Hotel article by Gayle Olson.