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

We also ordered a drink, and much to my surprise, stirrer was about 7 inches long, made out of stiff plastic with a point as sharp as an ice pick. What a weapon!

I seriously doubt if I could kill or even threaten someone with prohibited small plastic knife. It would probably take a half an hour or so to kill someone, and they would have to cooperate. If someone tried to threaten me with one, I might die of laughter.

You could however easily kill someone with drink stirrer they provided, with a jab in eye, an ear, or throat. This was simply stupid. Why didn't they provide a small plastic straw instead?

Many people are apprehensive about flying under any circumstances, and many became even more so immediately following 9/11. A first time flyer leaving from Newark will have their heart in their throat. Due to noise abatement restrictions, plane must make some severe turns to follow a waterway on takeoff.

Before 9/11 on a another flight, a considerate pilot warned us about takeoff pattern, and told us just before he made turns what was going to happen - not now - it seems that skies are no longer "friendly".

Now with airlines struggling to survive, you would think their service would be top notch to entice people to fly with them - Naw - in my judgement, same old, same old crummy service.

Hey guys, "wake up and smell coffee". These people on plane are your customers. I guess airlines are trying to cut costs, and probably "bailout" by Feds was justified, but if you want them to come back, you better start treating them like customers.

Add inconvenience of having to arrive at airport hours before your departure time, minimum wage security guards who don't instill a lot of confidence, and issuance of a weapon with your drink, I think, like well known sports announcer, I'll consider alternate modes of transportation.