Volcano Winery | Kailua Kona

Volcano Winery is a commercial vineyard and winery located on the Big Island of Hawaii, near the town of Kailua Kona.

It is situated on the slopes of Mauna Loa volcano, at an elevation of approximately 4,000 feet.

Visual Characteristics

The winery features a tasting room constructed with dark volcanic rock and dark wood accents. The surrounding landscape consists of dark, porous volcanic soil with sparse, hardy vegetation adapted to the high altitude and volcanic environment. Rows of grapevines are visible on the slopes.

Location & Access Logistics

The winery is located at 35 Azevedo Rd, Volcano, HI 96785. It is approximately a 45-minute drive from Hilo International Airport (ITO) and a 2-hour drive from Kona International Airport (KOA). Access is via Highway 11, turning onto Volcano House Road, then onto Azevedo Road. Parking is available on-site in a designated gravel lot. Public transport options are limited; a rental car is recommended.

Historical & Ecological Origin

Established in 1993 by the Azevedo family, Volcano Winery was founded with the intention of cultivating wine grapes in Hawaii's unique volcanic soil and climate. The vineyard is situated within the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park boundary, on land formed by past volcanic activity of Mauna Loa.

Key Highlights & Activities

Wine tasting sessions are available, featuring wines made from grapes grown on-site, as well as other Hawaiian fruits. Guided tours of the vineyard and winery facilities are offered. Visitors can purchase wine and related merchandise.

Infrastructure & Amenities

The winery has a tasting room with seating. Restrooms are available. Cell phone signal (4G/5G) can be intermittent due to the remote location. There are no on-site food vendors, but visitors may bring their own snacks. Limited shade is available within the tasting room area.

Best Time to Visit

The best time of day for photography is mid-morning or late afternoon when the sunlight casts longer shadows across the volcanic landscape. The weather is generally mild year-round, but visiting during the drier months of April to October can offer more consistent sunshine. The elevation means temperatures are cooler than coastal areas.

Facts & Legends

Volcano Winery is one of the southernmost wineries in the United States. A unique aspect of their wine production is the use of volcanic soil, which imparts distinct mineral notes to the wines. The winery also produces wines from macadamia nuts and passion fruit.

Nearby Landmarks

• Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Visitor Center (0.8km West)
• Kilauea Iki Overlook (1.5km Northwest)
• Thurston Lava Tube (2.2km Northwest)
• Jaggar Museum (3.1km Northwest)
• Devastation Trail (3.5km Northwest)