82 HAWAIIAN GUIDE BOOK. 



Here the ascent hitherto very gradual becomes more 

 rapid, reaches into a second rim of Koa woods, becomes 

 more level and after a short gallop, the traveler finds 

 himself, (eight hours from Hilo,) on the brink of the fa- 

 mous crater, and, four thousand feet above the level of 

 the sea, dismounts from his tired animal and enters the 



VOLCANO HOUSE, 



Which is a commodious thatch house, standing on a 

 grassy plat, under the lee of a hill which partially shel- 

 ters it from the damp and chilly east wind that sweeps 

 over the crater. It is a comfortable one story house, 

 built expressly to accommodate tourists, having ample 

 accommodations for all parties that have made the trip 

 in the last ten years. The enclosure is extensive, the 

 out-buildings are commodious, the table well spread, and 

 if previous notice is given, special effort is made to fur- 

 nish every tropical luxury in season. The temperature 

 here often apj>roaches the freezing point, and an ojoen 

 fire in an old-fashioned chimney, throwing its shadows 

 over the walls, and comfortable easy chairs, give the 

 stranger a home feeling even on the brink of a crater. 

 The sleeping rooms open out of this common parlor ; 

 their windows look directly into the pit, and at any hour 

 of the night, by turning the head, the flames and re- 

 flection may be seen, now like an aurora borealis ; now 

 like a prairie on fire ; now like a burning city, and again 

 like a fan of flame. The Volcano House is under the 

 management of Messrs. Stackpole and Gilman, one of 

 whom is generally on hand to welcome travelers. 

 Guides and every convenience for descent are always in 

 readiness and await an order. 



