$484,017Average Value$387Average Price per Sq Ft61Homes For Sale
Volcano is a rural village nestled in the jungles surrounding the Kilauea slopes
Tropical rainforests and barren, blasted landscapes surround the fiery peak of Kilauea, one of the world’s most active volcanoes. From the top, visitors get panoramic views of the Pacific. Further down the slopes is the rural village of Volcano, a tiny town of around 3,000 residents known for its cool, rainy climate and abundant natural beauty. “Volcano is a little different because it’s up around 4,000 feet. The air is crisp and cool. Most places on the islands don’t have heaters. But if you’ve got a fireplace, Volcano is one of the few places in Hawaii you’ll actually use it,” says Realtor Cathy Fedak of Hilo Bay Realty, who has been working on the island for more than 14 years.
Volcano, HI is a small rural town nestled in the lush rainforest near the summit of Kīlauea volcano.
Volcano, HI offers a rare blend of rainforest serenity, geological wonder, and a strong sense of place unlike anywhere else in Hawaii.
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World-class sightseeing and stunning volcanic scenery is within walking distance
Volcano borders the expansive Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, which encompasses both Kilauea and Mauna Loa, the island’s two towering volcanic mountains. Known for its stunning landscapes, active lava flows and rare flora and fauna, it was listed as a World Heritage Site in 1987. Hiking trails wind across the slopes, carved into the cinder outfalls of past eruptions. Tourism is a mainstay of the local economy, with people coming from all over the world to view the island’s fuming craters, desolate topography and bubbling lava flows. Its elevated location makes the village cooler and rainier compared to nearby coastal towns, where it’s much hotter and sunnier.
Steam vents, lava tubes, and recent lava flows are visible throughout the surrounding park area.
The view from the Volcano House window is unbeatable.
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Volcano has a mix of homes on large, rural lots
The village offers a mishmash of homes, most of which were built after 1990. Prospective homebuyers will find everything from cozy cottages and Craftsman builds to classic ranch styles and cabins with vaulted ceilings. Many of them are tucked away on sprawling, wooded lots that offer plenty of space for gardening, farming and enjoying nature. Some residents are hundreds of yards away from their nearest neighbor, so they get plenty of privacy. The median home price here is about $400,000, putting it more than 50% lower than the statewide median. "It's one of the most beautiful and unique places on the islands, but also relatively affordable,” Fedak says.
Unique homes dot the landscape in the town of Volcano.
Many homes in Volcano are tucked into the forest, offering privacy and a peaceful, rustic atmosphere.
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The village is within a lava-flow zone
Residents should be aware that Volcano is within a lava-flow zone, and eruptions are a part of daily life. In 2018, a major eruption led to lava flows that destroyed homes and roads close to Volcano, causing an estimated $800 million in damage. Volcanic eruptions are also typically accompanied by earthquakes, some of which can reach magnitudes of 6 or 7 on the Richter scale. “This general area of the Big Island has had lava flows for hundreds of years, most coming from the volcano Kilauea, which is close to the Volcano Village area. That said, Volcano Village has had minor impact from volcanic activity,” Fedak says.
Volcanoes National Park receives thousands of visitors each week.
Get a look at an active volcanic crater inside the national park.
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Shopping and dining at local restaurants and general stores
Visitors and locals have several options to choose from for dining. Among the most popular pit stops is Volcano’s Lava Rock Café, a local destination for pizza, burgers and sandwiches. There's also Thai Thai Bistro and Bar, known for its spicy curries, and Eagle’s Lighthouse Café for coffee and breakfast sandwiches. For a laidback wine tasting at the foot of the mountains, residents can grab a table on the patio at Volcano Winery. Several small convenience stores and grocers are within the town, but locals make the drive to Hilo for major grocery chains and big box stores, about 28 miles away.
Volcano Winery is one of only a handful of wineries on the island chain.
The nearby Volcano Winery produces local wines and teas and offers tastings with scenic views.
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Students attend Hawaii public schools
Students can start at Mountain View Elementary School, which gets a C rating from Niche. The next steps are Keaau Middle School and Keaau High School, both of which get C-plus ratings. The high school offers a wide range of academic, athletic and extracurricular activities, including clubs geared towards technology, agriculture and science. Students may have a lengthy bus ride, however — both schools are about 20 miles away.
Mountain View Elementary School serves local children and is a central part of the community.
Mountain View offers a peaceful, nature-filled lifestyle with a strong sense of independence and community.
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Residents will need a car to get around the Big Island
State Route 11, also known as Hawaii Belt Road, is the main road connecting Volcano to surrounding towns and cities. Residents can take the road east to Hino, or west to the opposite side of the island. There’s no public transportation in Volcano, so residents will likely need a car to get around. Hilo is also home to the nearest major medical center and an international airport.
Mountain View is located along the scenic Highway 11, a key route connecting Hilo to Volcano and other upcountry areas.
Despite its rural charm, Mountain View is only about a 30-minute drive to the Hilo International Airport.
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Written By
Daniel Berti
Photography Contributed By
Paul Peck
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Keolani Keawe,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
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On average, homes in Volcano, HI sell after 79 days on the market compared to the national average of 49 days. The median sale price for homes in Volcano, HI over the last 12 months is $390,000, up 13% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Must-See Property nestled in the lush rainforest of Ohia Estates, this delightful 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom home offers 1,024 sq ft of living space on a tranquil forested lot. Built in 2003, the home features a spacious loft with a half wall overlooking the living room, creating an open and airy atmosphere. The grounds are meticulously landscaped, boasting over 100 orchids interspersed with native
This classic Volcano Craftsman-style home combines nostalgic charm with modern updates, creating a vibrant estate for multi-generational living. Accessed via a covered walkway from an oversized garage, the main house features a contemporary kitchen with hardwood cabinets, Corian counters, and refinished wood floors. A cozy wood-burning fireplace is the perfect spot to enjoy a good book in the
Pu’u ’O’o Ranchlands is the opportunity you’ve been waiting for! Nestled in the scenic Volcano area, and with access on a paved County road, this thoughtfully planned subdivision offers 5-acre rectangular parcels with building areas 200 feet apart, designed for privacy and natural beauty. Established 10-foot wide nature trail easements along the boundaries between the front and rear lots are
Pu’u ’O’o Ranchlands is the opportunity you’ve been waiting for! Nestled in the scenic Volcano area, and with access on a paved County road, this thoughtfully planned subdivision offers 5-acre rectangular parcels with building areas 200 feet apart; designed for privacy and natural beauty. Established 10-foot wide nature trail easements along the boundaries between the front and rear lots extend
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