We’re staying in Volcano on the Big Island for the weekend and started it off with dinner at Kilauea Lodge on Thursday night. This charming place is right in Volcano Village, very close to the entrance to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. The room is cozy, comfortable and nice looking.

We arrived with a 6:30 reservation and were seated immediately. We were soon greeted by our server and told about the several specials. The menu includes several kinds of game and it was hard for me to choose between rabbit and venison. I choose the Hasenpfeffer which is braised rabbit in a hearty hunter's wine sauce($27.50). Howard chose the Ostrich Schnitzel ($27.50). All entrees come with a choice of soup or salad. We both choose soup. There were three to choose from.

A house made mini loaf of bread was brought to the table. It was a hearty wheat bread. It was alright, but seemed to lack salt. Half of it was left at the end of the meal, which for this bread lover never happens. Next came my creamy potato leek soup. It was thick and tasty and a light green in color. It was about a cup and just the right amount. Howard had the duck vegetable soup. It too was delicious. The broth was a particular standout.

Our entrees arrived quickly after we were finished with our soups. The Hasenpfeffer was very good. It was served with mashed potatoes, braised cabbage, and steamed veggies. All over the rabbit was the hunter’s wine sauce. It was good, but the rabbit could have held up to a bit richer sauce. I became a bigger fan of the sauce as I ate more and added just a tiny amount of salt. Howard’s Ostrich Schnitzel was delicious. It was lightly coated with bread crumbs, fried and topped with a lemon caper sauce. The portion was quite generous; he couldn’t finish it. It also came with steamed veggies and braised cabbage. Instead of mashed potatoes he substituted rice pilaf which was a little bland and needed some salt.

I guess there’s a theme there. Perhaps we’ve gotten used to the fairly salty local cuisine in  Hawaii and our palates expect more salt. Or maybe Kilauea Lodge doesn’t use enough. I don’t know which.

The dinner over all was very good, the service great, the experience fun. I’d definitely go back.  It’s certainly a special occasion place, our total bill was $120 with a low end bottle of wine and tip.

Kilauea Lodge 808-967-7366

19-3948 Old Volcano Rd

Volcano Village, HI 96785