Are you looking for somewhere to enjoy a truly memorable meal in a lowkey setting? If so, you need to get on over to Kilauea Lodge Restaurant in the heart of Volcano Village. They keep their doors open to all their lodging guests and the general public alike, ensuring they stay busy from open to close. Their smart farm-to-table approach in creating fresh island cuisine helps, too, as does their friendly service and cozy atmosphere.
Unless you just want to get takeout, reservations are a must. Although they do allow walk-ins, their small footprint and sheer popularity keep them booked out for days in advance. On the day of your visit, you’ll want to arrive a bit earlier than your scheduled time, for sure. That way, you can admire the tropical garden surroundings as you walk in from the parking lot.
Built in the 1930s, their restaurant is equally impressive. The main dining room centers around the International Fireplace of Friendship, featuring kind messages from all over the globe. On top of that, the exposed beams and wood-paneled ceilings reflect the country aesthetic at each table. The whole place has a rather cozy feel as a result, which helps ensure you’ll feel right at home in an instant.
Their team goes above and beyond in helping everyone feel at home as well. They infuse all their interactions with aloha, starting from the second you walk through the doors. The servers remain attentive throughout the meal, too, always seeming to pop in at all the right moments. They’re even super knowledgeable about all the selections on their wine list, so get their insights before ordering.
Their fresh island cuisine is the main reason to come in, of course, especially since they proudly take a farm-to-table approach. In fact, they partner with 26 local farmers, fishermen, and ranchers to get the freshest ingredients for all their dishes. Then, they use proven culinary techniques to prepare and plate each dish, creating a perfect combo of bright, bold flavors and pure artistry.
Popular menu items include:
Eggs Benedict
The Eggs Benedict always promises to start your day off right with its complex flavors in every bite. They create this dish by poaching two eggs, toasting English muffins, and frying their country potatoes. Once all that’s done, they put the eggs on the muffins, and then smother them in housemade hollandaise sauce before putting the potatoes alongside. Want to take the dish to the next level? Add Canadian bacon, blackened fresh catch, or crab cakes for an extra charge.
Big Island Lamb Burger
Whenever you order the Big Island Lamb Burger, you just know you’re in for a treat. To start this entrée, the chef puts a local lamb burger on the grill until perfectly done. Then, they put it on a Lodge bun with lettuce, pickled onion, and jalapeno-cilantro aioli. Salad or fries land on the side to bring it all together at the end.
Grilled Ribeye
Simple yet wholly decadent, the Grilled Ribeye is always a great way to finish off an amazing day in paradise. This dish features a high-quality ribeye grilled to your desired level of doneness. Over that, they add herbed butter plus Hamakua and Volcano mushrooms. Sauteed veggies and crispy potatoes come along for the ride.
Their dessert selection changes on the daily, but you can always count on it leaving you wholly impressed. So, save room in your belly as you enjoy your meal, and then ask the server what’s on tap for the day. You may end up with delightfully delicious Bread Pudding, Banana Cake, Lilikoi Panna Cotta, or something altogether different. Feeling too stuffed for dessert? Ask if they’ll box up your selections for the road.
Insider Tips:
-Reservations are easy to make through their website. But if the system gives you any trouble, just give them a call to get on the schedule.
-They close their doors for three hours between lunch and dinner service. So, check the time before popping in.
-Expect to see a 3% surcharge added to your check. You can ask for it to be removed, although it does support the continued success of the restaurant.