The first western-style building on the rim of Kīlauea still stands and currently hosts the Volcano Art Center gallery. Upon its construction in 1877, this version of the Volcano House hotel replaced more rudimentary structures that had been in the area since 1846.

The 1877 incarnation was originally located approximately where the pā hula (hula platform) is today. ʻŌhiʻa and koa timber made up the building which employed elaborate nail-less joints. Redwood shingles were imported from California and brought to Kīlauea by mule. The interior chimney also features an original painting by artist D. Howard Hitchcock of the Volcano School of painters.

The hotel was expanded in 1891, and the 1877 portion was later detached and moved close to its current location in 1921.

In 1974, a group of local artists moved the building away from the cliff behind it, performed an extensive restoration, and hosted an art exhibition in the historic structure. This laid the groundwork for the creation of the Volcano Art Center organization, which leases the structure today.  The gallery is open Wednesday-Sunday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.

The modern day Volcano House hotel stands across Crater Rim Drive and still takes in guests from around the world.