Kamehameha constructed temple in 1790-1791, he had been successful in conquering Maui, Lanai and Molokai. At this time he had not yet claimed full possession to his home island of Hawaii. His cousin Keoua Kuahu'ula remained his chief rival. While Kamehameha was on Molokai he learned that his cousin was invading his territory on Island of Hawaii. His aunt was sent to consult prophet Kapoukahi, for guidance as what could be done to overcome Kamehameha's rival, Kuahu'ula, prophet told her that Kamehameha would conquer all of islands if he built a heiau dedicated to family war god, Kuka'ilimoku atop Pu'ukohola, at Kawaihae.

The guest book first appeared in 1865. Volcano house was no more than a grass hut when O.H. Gluck donated first blank guest book.

Travelers and passerby are requested by donor of this book to record their names in it and to note all, or any, volcanic phenomena that may come under their notice during their stay at time of their visit. By so doing, this record may become of great value, some years hence, to scientific world... O.H. Gulick, 2 Feb 1865

In 1865 Volcano House was located between two active volcanoes, Kilauea and Mauna Loa. As there was no official observatory at time, Gulick proposed original log book would be a means to record volcanic activity. The Volcano House eventually became a hotel which was rebuilt over years. As one logbook was filled a new register was donated.

In 1866 an improved hotel was constructed by Julius Richardson of frame, bamboo and thatch. There was a furnished parlor, a fireplace, and two sleeping rooms.

Having visited Kilauea in days when old shed with its open door and hole in center, for a fireplace, were all accommodation for poor weary chilled travelers; how great is our appreciation and admiration of present delightful dwelling which well deserves name of hotel. Well may Madame Pele now light up her fires and advertise for visitors since she can receive them with hospitality. M.A. Chamberlain, Honolulu, 19 July 1866

In 1877, William H. Lentz was hired to assist in building an improved hotel. he took over as proprietor until 1883. The 1877 building now houses Volcano Art Center.

The management of Volcano House is second to none in kingdom, and could be well copied by a house in Honolulu of far greater pretensions. I reckon that all who come here will be pleased, combination of a cool atmosphere, a genial host, a table thoroughly supplied with various delicacies which could not be expected here and last though not least good beds and warm fires make it a place where one would like to remain for a week. signature illegible, Louisiana, 6 Dec 1882

In 1883 O.T. Shipman took over managing hotel until 1885. Guests were pleased with new management. However, main attraction continued to be Madame Pele.

THE GREATEST SHOW ON EARTH The Great Craters OF HALE-MAU-MAU and KALEAU! Billows of liquid fire! Waves of molten lava!! Fiery fountains!!! UNPARALLELED PYROTECHNIC DISPLAYS!!!! Day and Night Goddess Pele, Propreitress Geo. D. Dorrin, Berkeley, Cal., 19-21 April 1884

In 1885 Volcano House came under new ownership of "Wilder Steamship Company," with John Maby as manager.

I came to Volcano House for benefit of my health and must say that climate, comfortable and clean beds, good well prepared food, sulfur baths and kind treatment I have received at hands of Mr. and Mrs. Maby have made me feel like a new man. I can not help but feel surprised that people from Honolulu especially and different islands also don't come here to Volcano House when they need a rest, because everything that can be done for them is certainly done by manager and his good lady. Only regret is that Madame Pele was not at home when we called on her, but grand and awe inspiring sights we saw repaid us quite for any hardships we had to go through, if any, on our return home. The weather during time I have been here has not been such as one would call favorable but open hearted welcome which I invariably received after a tramp in surrounding woods has always cheered me up. John G. Eckardt, 24 Jan 1887

1891 saw new owners, Volcano House Company. A new and larger hotel was constructed under direction of George A. Howard. The new manager of house was Peter Lee, he ran Volcano House until 1898.