Here in Volcano Village, we’re excited to be gearing up for the Experience Volcano Festival at last! First held in 2019, ‘ono food, live music, and wine tasting were among the highlights of the inaugural festival. In fact, the event was so well received by visitors, residents, and businesses alike that it only made sense to make Experience Volcano an annual event! 

Well, we all know how 2020 went – Like so many events worldwide, the COVID-19 pandemic forced us to postpone the festival. Fortunately, Hawai’i’s visitation and vaccination rates are on the rise and the Experience Volcano Festival will go on! 

This year, we kick off a celebration of the diverse culture, people, and traditions of the Volcano Area with the O’hia Lehua Half Marathon and 5k, starting at 7am on Saturday, August 14th at the Cooper Center. The Ohi’a Lehua race was created to be a platform for spreading awareness about ROD and will continue to educate the community on how to preserve these precious ‘ohi’a trees. Participants can run through a stunning ‘ohi’a forest during the 2021 race – a potent reminder of what we stand to lose and why ROD prevention is so critical! 

Following the race, head to the Kīlauea Lodge for the Opening Oli Hawaiian Chant at 10am, which will surely leave you inspired to immerse yourself in Hawaiian culture. Fortunately, the festival offers an abundance of opportunities to learn everything from traditional poi pounding, poke making, and lei making to the history of ukulele.

Then head to the Volcano Art Center for a rainforest tour or take a walk through the Secret Garden at Volcano Garden Arts. After the walk, purchase some lush plants to bring home to your own garden. 

This is just the beginning of all the unique activities that the Experience Volcano festival features. For those of us who live and work in Volcano, the festival is our chance to share the food, music, art, activities, culture, and nature that make our area such a treasure. 

Tutu Lorna volunteering at the 2019 Experience Volcano Festival.

And don’t forget the savory food! Throughout the day, grab ono grinds (that’s delicious eats) at the Ohelo Cafe, Cafe Ono, and Kīlauea Lodge, to name a few. You can even tour the Volcano Winery and enjoy some wine tasting in Paradise! 

Wrap up the day with Happy Hour, Festival Evening Specials, and live music at the Lava Rock Cafe and the Lava Lounge at the  Kīlauea Military Camp. Almost all of the Experience Volcano Festival events will be free to the public, so save the date and join us in Volcano on August 14th! 

After a year of cancelations and lockdowns, excited guests will be staying at Volcano vacation rentals and spending the weekend here – many from all over Hawai’i Island and some from out of state. If you are visiting the Big Island in August, we invite you to join us for the Experience Volcano Festival! 

Our charming cottages, Tutu’s Place and the Ola’a House, are conveniently located within minutes of all the festival fun! Book your stay today and get ready to experience the enchanted village of Volcano!