Lava Lounge
About
A Gritty Slice of Volcano Village Life
If you find yourself navigating the winding roads near Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, the Lava Lounge stands as a no-frills outpost for those looking to swap hiking boots for a cold drink. This isn't your polished resort bar; it is the kind of local watering hole where the floorboards have character and the conversation leans heavily toward local lore and trail conditions.
The Atmosphere and The Pour
The vibe is quintessentially rugged. You’ll hear the clinking of bottles against the hum of a jukebox that seems to pull from a different decade entirely. The lighting is low and amber-hued, casting long shadows against the walls that look like they’ve seen every eruption cycle of the last few decades. It’s a sanctuary for travelers finishing a long trek through the craters, and for residents who prefer their nightlife without the pretense of the nearby tourist hubs.
Why It Fits Your Hawaii Island Itinerary
Expect a straightforward menu that prioritizes function over flair. It’s an ideal stop if you want to immerse yourself in the authentic pace of Volcano, where the air is noticeably cooler and thinner than down at the Hilo coast. Be prepared for a bit of a scramble if the parking lot is crowded—the gravel area fills up fast once the sun dips below the canopy of ferns. While the service is efficient, the real draw here is the unapologetic simplicity. You don't come here for an artisanal cocktail experience; you come here because the beer is icy, the atmosphere is grounded in the reality of island life, and it’s the best place to decompress after a day spent traversing the nearby Kilauea caldera.
Location
99-252 Crater Rim Dr Kilauea Military Camp, Volcano, Hawaii, 96718
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Reviews
Showing 9 of 1 community reviewsSuzanne BaileyGoogle Maps
Recently
Service was slow, food was more like you could fix your self from a grocery store. The Mac/cheese think Kraft in a box, the shrimp like frozen food and fries some overcooked. But the kids liked it so what can I say just don't expect to be wowed.
Josh FuentesGoogle Maps
Recently
Love this place! Not your average bar, it’s a no-frills unique experience and the crowd changes depending on the night and the musician. The staff are friendly, attentive, and the place has a ton of charm. Lots of local regulars mingling with park and KMC visitors 🌋 strong pours and decent bar food !
Anna K.Google Maps
Recently
Great little bar with yummy food. If you are military, no cover charge. Staff is great and chatting with the locals is even better.! Prices very reasonable.
Jacob ProfferGoogle Maps
Recently
Service was abysmal, it was a slow night and couldn't get the bartender to take our order after 25 minutes. We had to ask another employee to take the order who was really off-putting... And confused to be handed a buzzer while sitting at the bar. Decided not to get a drink after waiting a half hour to get a order in, when we asked for water after ordering the overpriced food. We were directed to walk from the bar and serve ourselves, I also didn't realize you have to clean up your dishes as well when we ordered. Tipping before getting food was the wrong move. The I asked the staff if the photo for the Cuban was correct in the menu (showed a burger bun), they said yes... It absolutely was not, food was alright but the price and poor service really killed it. I do want to say they kitchen staff get a solid five stars, they genuinely cared and were the most attentive people there. The font house experience was horrible, and really put a damper on a overall good day. I left more than annoyed, and cheated after spending over $40+ tip for that experience. Marketing you need to fix your menus, and management is lackluster given the overall experience and operations. There was off putting smell that's a mixture of waste and cleaning supplies at the bar.
Clayton TurnerGoogle Maps
Recently
Trivia on Monday and some really good food at an exceptional price
mary mccarrollGoogle Maps
Recently
Great place we loved the burgers, they were awesome, tasted homemade. Christine the bartender was great. She was so friendly and welcoming and she makes fantastic drinks. Perfect place for us.
Ric RiniGoogle Maps
Recently
For a military hotel it's not bad at all. They have a limited selection of spirits but enough to please (tequila, scotch, rum and bourbon, vodka) Six beers on draft and another selection of about 10-15 bottles. On the weekends they have a cover band playing. Some nights a cover ($10.00) and others are no cover. They serve food as well. A nice place to chill. Especially inviting is the bartender (Tim) great conversation and a witty sense of humor! Make sure you visit!
Janet PeifferGoogle Maps
Recently
Great live local bands and only a $10 cover. Very fun vibe. A great place to just unwind and have some fun.
Dan WongGoogle Maps
Recently
2nd Sat w The Girls Night Out Band was awesome. Great music w gr8 ppl. Price was right. $10 cover at the door unless ur staying @ KMC.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Lava Lounge
Common questions from diners about Lava Lounge in Volcano.
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