When other rival chiefs learned of ongoing construction, they decided to attack Kamehameha while his warriors were occupied building temple. The invasion could be successful in either of two ways: it would eliminate Kamehameha and threat of his army to rival chiefs, or interfere with specific rituals required to build temple, displeasing god Ku. The chiefs of Maui, Lanai, and Molokai reconquered their islands then joined forces with chiefs of Kauai and Oahu. They sailed to attack Kamehameha, who in turn counterattacked, routed invading armies and resumed work on temple.

The heiau was completed during summer of 1791. Kamehameha invited his cousin Keoua Kuahu'ula to dedication ceremonies. Kuahu'ula knew he would be facing is demise, yet came willingly. There was a scuffle when Keoua arrived, he was slain with almost all of his companions. The body of Keoua was carried up to top of temple and offered as a sacrifice to Ku.

Keoua Kuahu'ula's death ended all opposition on island of Hawaii, and prophecy began to come true. By 1810, Kamehameha Great, through conquest and treaties was King of all Hawaii.

Related Internet Resources:

http://aloha.150m.com/puukohola.htm

In 1898, Fred Waldron took over management of Volcano House for about two years.

We made a trip to crater by day and one by night - both of which were interesting. At night cracks burned a fiery red and we amused ourselves cooking eggs, baking bananas and burning sticks. We went into hot cone and felt heat of 130 degrees, and charmed by interesting wonders and moonlight, almost forgot to come back - so, much to our surprise when we were coming through moonlit forest of ferns we met a search party - fearful that edge had caved in and that we were no more. The relief of our host and hostess (Mr. and Mrs. Waldron) at our return, was shown in a very charming midnight repast and a hot crackling wood fire. Mrs., Edith Maling, 19 June 1902

After Mr. Waldron left, St. Clair Bidgood became manager until 1904.

For snow capped mountain peaks, rugged rocks, fiery pits, bracing air, complete cuisine, good service and most congenial of hosts, visit Volcano House. C.K. Maguire, Manila P.I., 5 July 1904

In 1904 George Lycurgus and his nephew Demosthenes Lycurgus arrived to manage hotel. Demosthenes ran Volcano House between 1905 and 1919.

For admirer of marvelous; for over of Nature in one of her most picturesque garbs; for seeker after health for bob-vivant; for botanist, geologist, and seismologist; here is to be found something or other to interest, to enjoy, and to satisfy. Singular must be human being who cannot be happy amidst such charming surroundings. Edward Armitage, Palikani, 2 Dec 1905

In 1919 Demosthenes went to Greece for a visit and Peter Anastasopoulous took over as manager. While in Greece Demosthenes became ill and died in 1921. The Inter-Island Steamship Company then gained control of Volcano House and made extensive alterations. Peter T. Phillips managed for awhile, and was replaced in 1923 by Channing J. Lovejoy who managed until 1927.

I shall remember my days here with great pleasure. The first time in traveling (India, China, Japan) I have been able to sit in woods, enjoy peacefully birds, ferns. It reminds me of my own Dorset homeland. Beautiful Hawaii. Wm. George, Dorset, England, 28 Aug 1927

Mr. and Mrs. James N. Gandy ran Volcano House from 1927 to 1932.

The most spectacular sight I ever hope to see - came to spend a weekend, decided to stay two weeks. Clare Bennett, 27 July 1929

No better comforts. No better scenery and atmosphere. A home within a hotel. Lady Florence, 10 May 1931

Only two years after Inter-Island Company purchased and invested $150,000 in renovations in hotel Halemaumau ceased activity. Revenues fell due to fewer visitors. The Volcano House went into receivership following depression, stock market crash and financial difficulties. At a sheriff's sale in 1932, George Lycurgus became owner of hotel once more. The only bidder he purchased Volcano House for $300.

The Volcano House became world famous, partly because of unique location and beautiful country and partly because of Mr. Lycurgus himself.

The Volcano House and Hawaiian National Park is indeed a garden of Eden in Paradise. The exterior and interior of Volcano House has all sophistication of most deluxe Hotel in world, and yet, by flickering firelight encircling cheery hearth, you will find happy family attitude of a small abode. The engaging smile of welcome and true hospitality, from most pleasing countenance of Mr. George Lycurgus, greets you each morning, noon and evening. To me this gorgeous spot is like "love" - to describe it makes it but less. It is something we feel yet can not define. It is something we know, yet can not express. Fay Frances King, Honolulu, no date

In 1940 a fire in kitchen ignited entire hotel and everything within hotel was lost. The 1877 building was spared and made into a temporary hotel. By 1941, Lycurgus had built a new hotel, Volcano House which still stands today.

Related Internet Resources:

http://aloha.150m.com/volcanohouse.htm