When you think of vacationing in Hawai‘i, touring a vineyard is probably not the first thing that comes to mind, but Volcano Winery wants to change that. As the only commercial winery in all of Hawaiʻi, it offers something truly special for travelers with a taste for adventure. This one-of-a-kind stop, just 10 minutes from our Volcanoes National Park vacation rental blends volcanic landscapes, tropical fruit, and high-elevation vines into a wine experience you won’t find anywhere else.
What Makes Hawaiian Wine Unique?
Volcano Winery doesn’t just make wine; they make Hawaiian wine. That means traditional grape varietals like Symphony and Pinot Noir are given a tropical twist with fruits like guava and jaboticaba. The result? A flavor profile that’s distinctly island-inspired. If you’ve ever wondered what a wine made with macadamia nut honey or infused with local tea tastes like, this is the place to find out.
Part of what makes the wines so complex is the vineyard’s location. Sitting at an elevation of 4,000 feet, just outside Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, creates a cool climate and mineral-rich volcanic soil that gives the grapes their one-of-a-kind character. In addition to grapes, the winery also cultivates tea, offering guests a chance to explore another side of island agriculture.
Meet the Winemakers: A Story Rooted in Aloha
Volcano Winery began in 1986 with a dream and 20 grapevines. Retired Oahu veterinarian Lynn “Doc” McKinney turned a longtime hobby into something remarkable when he planted those first vines in the lava-covered soil of Volcano. Encouraged by their growth, he expanded the vineyard and began experimenting with blends that included tropical fruits like starfruit, passion fruit, guava, and even honey from local bees. By 1993, Volcano Winery officially opened its doors to the public, offering some of the most original wines Hawaiʻi had ever seen.
In 1999, Doc passed the torch to fellow wine lover Del Bothof, who brought his own family into the fold. Today, Volcano Winery is still family-run, led by Marie Bothof, along with a close-knit team including VP Alex Wood, Winemaker Keeane Toriano, Vineyard Manager Tommy Mochizuki, and Operations Manager Lani Delapenia. Their commitment to making wine with heart, creativity, and a whole lot of aloha is at the core of everything they do. Stop by for a tasting, and you’ll likely leave feeling like part of the family.
Must-Try Wines at Volcano Winery
At Volcano Winery, every sip tells a story of Hawaiʻi’s unique terroir and bold flavors, so whether you’re new to wine or a self-proclaimed sommelier, you’re bound to find something that suits your taste buds.
Among the must-try selections is Volcano Red, a smooth, semi-sweet blend featuring locally grown jaboticaba berries, adding a hint of tartness to its rich profile. For those who love a classic, the Table Pinot Noir showcases the depth of Big Island-grown grapes, offering a balanced and elegant taste.
Looking for something a little different? The signature Macadamia Nut Honey Wine, crafted from 100% pure Hawaiian honey, delivers a silky, nutty sweetness unlike any traditional mead. The Hawaiian Guava-Grape Wine is a refreshing blend of locally grown guava and premium grapes, offering a light, tropical sweetness with a crisp, smooth finish. For something truly unexpected, the Infusion Tea Wine combines estate-grown black tea with macadamia honey wine, perfect for sipping. Tasting flavors vary by season, so with each visit to Volcano Winery, you’ll have the chance to discover something new and unforgettable.
More Than Just Wine: Hawaiian Tea
Wine is only part of the story here. In 2005, the winery expanded into tea cultivation, starting with stem cuttings from the USDA and the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo. By 2011, they had established a full acre of tea plants, now yielding high-quality loose-leaf black and white teas, along with the black tea used in their signature tea wine, Infusion. Their dedication to quality was recognized in 2015 when their white tea placed 1st and 3rd in a national competition, proving that Hawaiʻi-grown tea is something truly special. These teas reflect the same terroir as the wines, with earthy, floral notes that make for a soothing and aromatic experience.
The Wine Tasting Experience
At Volcano Winery, the tasting room is all about taking it easy and enjoying good wine in a relaxed setting. The atmosphere is warm, welcoming, and unpretentious, so you can sip, chat, and just soak in the laid-back vibe without feeling any rush. The staff is friendly, knowledgeable, and happy to share the stories behind each wine while you sample everything from fruit-forward blends to smooth reds and honey-infused meads. You can sit inside or head out to the patio for fresh air and views of the surrounding vineyards and Mauna Loa.
Tours & Tastings Beyond the Bottle
Want to go deeper into the experience? Volcano Winery offers two unique tours that take you beyond the tasting room.
The Kīlauea Ki Tea Presentation offers an intimate tea-focused tour. Guests are guided into the estate’s tea field for a presentation and tasting of three steeps of the estate-grown white and black teas. The tour wraps up in the tasting room with a pour of their Infusion Tea Wine. Offered on select days at 12:45 p.m., this 60-minute experience is limited to six guests and must be booked at least 24 hours in advance. Rain or shine, this is an experience you won’t forget.
The Aliʻi Vineyard Tour includes a guided tour of the vineyard and production room, followed by seven wine pours and two estate tea tastings. It’s a great way to get the inside scoop on how the wines are made; plus, you’ll receive an exclusive 20% discount on any wine bottles you purchase during your visit.
Reservations are required for both tours, so plan ahead.
Join Club Volcano: Become Part of the ‘Ohana
If you fall in love with Volcano Winery’s unique blends (and you probably will), consider joining Club Volcano, their official wine club ‘ohana. It’s free to join, and there’s no annual fee! Could it get any better than that? Members receive four shipments a year, each including three bottles with the option to customize up to twelve. Shipments are sent straight to your door, so you can enjoy Hawaiʻi’s only winery no matter where you are. Members also receive 20% off all wine bottles and merchandise, four complimentary tastings annually, and exclusive event invitations and insider updates.
Club Volcano is the perfect way to stay connected with the Big Island and bring the flavors of Volcano Winery home with you.
Why Volcano Winery is a Must-Visit Near Volcano Village
For anyone staying in Volcano Village, Volcano Winery should be on your bucket list. Spend the morning hiking at Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park or exploring the Big Island and recharge with a glass of guava-infused wine as you take in the beauty of Mauna Loa towering beside you. It’s also a great spot for special occasions. Treat mom to a Mother’s Day wine tasting, surprise a loved one with a romantic date, or gather friends for a birthday celebration. No matter the occasion, you’ll leave the property with lasting memories (and a new favorite wine).
Plan Your Visit
Ready to discover the flavors of the Big Island in a whole new way? Volcano Winery is located just three miles south of Volcano Village, conveniently off Highway 11 between mile markers 30 and 31. To reach the winery, turn north onto Piʻi Mauna Drive and continue straight to the end of the road. The entrance to Volcano Winery will be clearly visible, and the winery itself is less than a mile down. Keep an eye out for the signs, and enjoy the scenic drive!
Plan your visit and experience Hawai‘i’s only winery, and add a bottle to your room at the time of booking to enjoy during your stay.