Kilauea Military Camp: Our Stay Inside a Volcano
Tucked inside the dramatic landscape of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, Kilauea Military Camp (KMC) is one of the most unique military lodging options on the planet.
From cozy cabins to unbeatable access to hiking trails, lava tubes, and volcanic craters, this camp offers a rare chance to stay inside a national park. Volcanoes National Park is one of the first things I added to our Hawaii Bucket List. However, island hopping is more expensive than I realized. So, you can imagine my relief when I found MWR lodging!
Whether you’re PCS-ing to Hawaii, going on a family vacation, or planning a budget-friendly Big Island road trip, here’s everything you need to know about staying at Kilauea Military Camp.
(All of the cabins had beautiful stained glass windows in the bedroom.)
What Is Kilauea Military Camp?
Kilauea Military Camp is an Army resort and MWR facility on the Big Island. It is located inside Volcanoes National Park, just a short walk away from Kilauea – the world’s most active volcano!
The walk to the crater is so short and easy that we did it at night! The volcano was on Episode 18 of the Halemaʻumaʻu eruption when we were there. So, we could walk to an overlook on the Crater Rim Trail to see the glow of the caldera at night. It was truly an incredible experience!
Initially, this camp was created as a place for rest and recuperation (R&R) in 1916. However, it has served many roles over the years, including becoming a training base, internment camp, headquarters for various military units, Boy Scout camp, and Prisoner of War camp.
Upon arrival, guests are given handouts with an overview of the history of the camp, a historical walking map, and a list of services and amenities. Try to take advantage of everything they have to offer because this truly is one of the most unique lodging facilities you’ll ever find.
Who Can Stay at Kilauea Military Camp?
Since Kilauea Military Camp is a military Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) facility, there is a broad range of federally connected employees and retirees who are eligible to stay at the camp.
The quick answer of eligible patrons includes active duty and retired service members and their families. This is the group that we fall into, as my husband is active duty. However, there is a whole list of eligible patrons on the website. Check it out to see if you qualify!
What are the Accommodations at KMC?
There are 3 different types of accommodations at Kilauea Military Camp:
- cottages (with & without kitchens)
- apartments
- dormitories (for large groups)
We stayed in a one-bedroom cottage. It was the only thing available when I booked in January for our trip in April.
Bookings fill up FAST for all National Parks, and this one is no exception. You can make reservations up to 6 months in advance for KMC. I highly recommend making them as soon as you know the dates of your visit.
Our little cabin didn’t have a kitchen, but units without kitchens have a mini fridge, microwave, and coffee maker. All of the cottages and apartments feature a wood-burning fireplace for the chilly volcano nights. Since Kilauea Military Camp is located 4,000 feet above sea level, it can get cold.
The cabin was small, but cozy. We enjoyed our stay there, and it was perfect for what we needed during our trip.
(Some shots of the one-bedroom cottage that we stayed in.)
What Amenities Does KMC Offer?
Kilauea Military Camp is very much like a mini military base, minus the fences and gate guards. There is a fitness center, restaurants, a post office, a bowling alley, an arcade, a general store, a chapel, a laundromat, a fire/paramedic station, and much more!
I’m a little disappointed in myself for not taking better advantage of all the amenities KMC has to offer. But we spent our 4-day weekend road tripping around the island and only spent one day in the park. So, we were pretty busy!
However, we ate a lunch of burgers and fries at the 10-Pin Grill after our hike of the Kilauea Iki Trail. We didn’t bowl, but the girls loved playing in the arcade, and the food was great!
Later that night, we had a delicious prime rib dinner at the Crater Rim Cafe. There is also a Lava Lounge Bar and Java Cafe coffee stand available for beverages.
While the lodging facilities and select services have eligibility requirements, EVERYONE is welcome to enjoy a meal at KMC and explore the historic grounds.
We wish we had known that there are MWR rentals available at KMC before our trip. We brought our scuba gear with us, when it would have been much easier to rent it there. You can also rent beach chairs, grills, coolers, games, and more from the MWR. Check the website for a full list and prices.
In addition to the MWR rentals, there are tours available through Kilauea Military Camp. You can take a tour of Volcanoes National Park or travel the entire island with their guides. This is a great option if you choose not to rent a car or if driving stresses you out during your vacation.
Kilauea Military Camp offers a one-of-a-kind experience that blends adventure, history, and convenience. There’s nothing quite like waking up in the middle of a national park, surrounded by volcanic landscapes and star-filled skies.
From the cozy accommodations to the unbeatable location, we truly enjoyed our stay and hope this guide helps you make the most of yours. If you have the chance to stay at KMC, take it—you won’t regret it!
