Volcano Village

Before Tom Selleck, Jack Lord, Elvis, and ultra-modern resort hotels, the Big Island's top attraction was Mauna Loa, which has captivated tourists since the 19th century. In order to accommodate the often well-to-do volcano watchers, locals constructed a large grass hut near the rim of Kilauea Crater and gave guests the royal treatment, Hawaiian-style. And so was born Hawaii's first resort, the famous Volcano House, which continues to pamper guests to this day. The "town" of Volcano has grown a bit since its humble beginnings and now features a handful of restaurants, a few souvenir shops, two general stores, and a post office.