GLAMPING IS HOT IN HAWAII BY MIKE GAST
Glampers have plenty of options at a plethora of wonderful locations around the U.S., but there is only one place where you can glamp within a short drive of flowing molten lava.
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lamping is still a new, largely unheralded option for folks planning that once-in-a-lifetime Hawaiian vacation. But the lure of the active Kilauea volcano on the Big Island has thousands flocking to the island paradise – and looking for unique glamping experiences that Big Island glamping entrepreneurs are eager to fulfill. Kilauea – the newest of the island’s five volcanoes and the only one currently active – has been erupting within its main caldera consistently since September 2021. After the sky darkens each night and well into the early morning hours, visitors take the half-mile-plus trek down the closed-to-vehicles Crater Rim Road to find the
closest viewpoint. Dozens brave the chill air and frequent showers to stare mesmerized at the orange glowing lava in the nearly three-mile-wide abyss. It’s a special place, and it has spawned several unique glamping accommodations. A quick Glampinghub.com search for “Glamping near Volcanoes National Park” yields nearly 200 nearby locations. Glampers can pick from among any level of comfort and amenities from conveniently close to small island towns to deep in the Big Island’s rain forest. Here’s a look at four unique glamping offerings we found that capitalize on one of the world’s most accessible natural wonders.
HAMAKUA CAMPING CABANAS
hamakuahouse.com
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