The Rim - Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Hawaii

Nicole

We didn't have high expectations for the food or service (based on some reviews we read) and had planned to come mostly for a view! We lucked out and the volcano was erupting that day and we had seats right by the window. I made a reservation about a week out. Our server was quite good and was attentive. We were seated at our reservation time
The view and atmosphere was amazing. The food was alright (chicken was a bit too salty, nothing "wowed" us for the price point, the edamame was my favourite part of the meal and very good). The view was the highlight! Getting to sit and relax, watch the sunset and the lava was an amazing experience.

Brian G.

Food was very good, not cheap. We had the Lobster rolls, Hawaiian Fish & Fries (a ton of fries!) Service was a little slow, but very friendly. View of volcano crater was fantastic, couldn’t look away.

Scott P. H.

Sometimes a venue shines because of the venue, rather than the food, but I have to admit I was pleasantly surprised.

Situated in the rim of a volcano, the restaurant at the hotel had me skeptical. Anytime you can have an iconic view, usually a restaurant puts on an adequate effort when it comes to their food, especially when catered to “tourists”.

I ordered the Kalua Pork plate and found it to be very good! There was an abundance of it on my plate. It was moist, well seasoned, and tasty. My wife ordered to Somen Salad, which looked good, but the noodles were coated in creamy dressing, which was a little off putting for her.

Service was decent, but could be improved. No one seemed to really smile and order taking felt rushed.

Walter R.

We stayed at the Volcano House and enjoyed a wonderful breakfast buffet at The Rim restaurant. In the evening, after a full day of exploring, we had a very delicious Thanksgiving dinner. We didn't make a dinner reservation. However, we got one of the very last free tables. There was live music and we had a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Pruthvi K.

Amazing restaurant to dine in and watch the volcano. Great service and myst try the only vegetarian option - pesto pasta. It was amazing! Stuffed chicken was good.

Show stopper was the whipped butter with rosemary and honey for the fresh bread.

Therese H.

Whether you’re spending the day exploring Volcanoes National Park or just coming to see latest Kīlauea eruption, the restaurant at Volcano House is the perfect pit stop to refuel and relax. I’ve come during busy season and when it’s been slow - both times the staff have been gracious and the food surprisingly good for a tourist attraction.

I say that because it sure doesn’t have to bank on the quality of the dishes to draw diners - not with Halema’uma’u crater steaming or even erupting in the distance!

There are a couple of dining rooms that flank a sitting room with chairs so guests can enjoy Mother Nature’s show if they’re waiting for a table or just want to see the crater from a comfortable vantage point.

They’re open for breakfast starting at 7 am, lunch is fairly short from 11 am-2:30 pm, then dinner doesn’t start till 5 pm (reservations are required for dinner).

During the peak season, parking spots are hard to come by but you can also park at the visitor center and walk over.

Jacob G.

Somewhat disappointing. The food was fine, mostly. I got the seared kampachi, which was in itself pretty good, but it came with lobster which may have been the worst lobster I've ever had. It was dry, and so tough that it was difficult to cut even using a knife. Chewing it was like chewing taffy.

If the fish had been 20-30 dollars I'd have given it, by itself, 4 stars. But combined with the lobster and for over $40, it had to go down.

Same with the cheese ravioli. They were fine, but nothing special. There was a TON of sauce with them, filled with large pieces of parsley that were like chewing tiny sticks.

Very pretty food, though.

They also clearly have a staffing issue. Not enough servers for the amount of business they do. I got the impression the wait staff was doing their best, but there's only so much a too-small staff can do. This might be just a one-time thing, but other reviews seem to imply this is an ongoing issue.

The location is pretty great and it's a lovely restaurant.

I don't hate it, but I wouldn't ever spend that much for that food again. Not intentionally at least.

Hanna C.

We made reservations but we did have to wait an extra 30min since they were running behind. There is extremely limited seating outside the restaurant itself, so it was a bit annoying to stand and wait. That said, when we sat down, the waiter was really friendly. We got the ribeye steak (came with mashed potatoes & broccoli & mushrooms) and the restaurant-made pasta (came with garlic bread). Really delicious food!! Would recommend this place for a yummy meal post a long hiking day.