Charming Historic Sugar Era Family Home Close to Volcanoes National Park!

E komo mai!

LA CAPANNA welcomes you to historic Volcano Village and Volcanoes National Park, designated an International Biosphere Reserve and World Heritage Site.

The Giacometti family has a great history of hosting family, friends, and visitors through a variety of outreach and rental platforms since its beginnings in Hawaii. Our community's proximity to the Volcanoes National Park is an ideal place for those wishing to explore the uniqueness of Hawaii Island. It's a wonderful place for lovers of nature and all things creative! Hiking, cultural events, farmers markets, a winery, art galleries, shops, restaurants, and other attractions are close providing lots of memory making choices.

The owner’s grandfather, an Italian chemist who immigrated to Hawaii to work for the local sugar company, purchased the property in 1920 as a weekend retreat away from the heat of Hilo. He promptly dubbed it “La Capanna” which is Italian for “the cabin”. He immediately began hosting friends and other visitors who came to see Madame Pele’s home – Halemaumau crater on Kilauea.

The third generation now enjoys and assumes kuleana (responsibility) for the care and use of the cabin. It has been improved with modern amenities over the years, but every effort is made to maintain its old Hawaii atmosphere. For your reading enjoyment, copies of early guest books are available on site containing firsthand observations of many historical events. Please see examples in our photos!

You will find La Capanna conveniently located less than an hour from Hilo just off Hwy 11 along the central road leading through our quaint little town of Volcano Village. It is within walking distance or short drive to many local restaurants and attractions. The private semi-circle drive is accessible from two sides of the property and leads to the porte-cochere that still shelters the front entry. There is also a large carport adjacent to the house, so larger groups have covered parking for up to three vehicles. Two steps up lead to the double front doors that allow for the easy loading and unloading of luggage and supplies.

The interior reflects traditional Hawaiian sugar era style with natural wood interior walls and vaulted beamed ceiling in the main room. Large sliding windows throughout help to keep the interior bright and allow the trade winds to cool the interior on warm days. For our cool evenings, cozy up to the wood burning stove [wood provided] with a cup of coffee or cocoa and popcorn and enjoy a relaxing family evening. Furnishings reflect the generations that have lived here - a mixture of family pieces, modern mission oak, old family photos and artwork. The spacious main room comfortably seats six and has a Smart TV with Roku streaming and basic cable – you can access your own Netflix or Prime if you like. Free Wifi is also available for your use. The large oak dining table seats six. It’s a great space for family meals or game night. Cozy up on the built-in window seats to read - we keep small collections of both adult and children’s books, periodicals, cards, games, puzzles on hand.

The kitchen is furnished with full size appliances and microwave, as well as enough tableware, cookware, and bakeware to prepare complete meals. We provide basic towels and soaps, salt, pepper, plastic wrap, and foil. The breakfast table seats four and rounds out the space nicely for those who like to hang out with a glass of wine (Hawaiian Sun for the kiddies!) and cook together. Don’t forget to plan a barbeque to take advantage of the local foods from one of our many area farmers markets - the large, covered lanai is right outside the kitchen door and is set up with a picnic table, lawn chairs, and charcoal grill. Kids and dogs can run off steam in the fenced yard while adults check out the unique Hawaiian plants, trees, and birds. And don’t forget to make time for star gazing – the number of stars and view of the milky way are amazing!

The queen bedroom with the main bath and the twin bedrooms with Jack and Jill bath are located at the opposite ends of the main area for privacy. Snuggle into beds furnished with quality linens, blankets, and Hawaiian quilts. Extra blankets and pillows for each bed, as well as Turkish towels, soap, and basic bath supplies are provided. Nightlights light your way throughout our home during the night as our community is dark and quiet. Relax and sleep late before exploring the park (early birds sneak out to see the sunrise over the crater).

Please ask the manager about military and Kama’aina rates.

LA CAPANNA is a fully permitted and insured home with a 24-hour contact. We follow all state and local short-term vacation rental laws including the collection of transient accommodation and general excise taxes.
Disclosure: We have a full security system in place with one exterior camera for the purposes of discouraging trespassers/burglars. We do not monitor our guests.