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.

Recently, we flew from Newark to West Palm Beach on business, and stayed a few extra days to visit with our daughter. Since this was first time we flew since 9/11, we didn't know what to expect, so we allowed plenty of time before flight.

We were pleasantly surprised that we could check in, and get our boarding pass at curbside. We then headed directly to security to be screened prior to boarding. Apparently my wife Sue's purse failed X-ray check, as they put it through several times. While short of a body cavity search, they did put her through an extensive check. Taking her purse then to a different machine, they wiped it with a cloth, and then tested cloth. They didn't make her open purse, which I found strange, and offered no explanation of what they were doing, or why.

While I recognize that security guards are not direct employees of individual airlines, they should insist that these people are at least courteous. Those with a bad attitude make flying even more onerous.

We finally got through security, and had some time to wait before flight, so we decided to get some lunch. We ordered, and while they gave us a fork, they didn't give us a knife to cut meat. I inquired and was told that no knives were allowed in airport or on a plane. OK, I thought but wondered how I could injure someone with one of those small plastic knives with a rounded tip - fork would be far more dangerous.