Meet your Innkeeper

Gary Benoit

“E Komo Mai” Welcome to your home in the Islands!

Little did I know a simple decision to finally take that “much needed vacation” would impact my life so greatly. In April of 2002 I did the same thing you are doing now, searching websites for that place to escape to and forget about “real life”…just for a little while. I decided on a trip to Hawaii. From the moment I landed, the spirit of aloha that surrounded the people I came in contact with helped influence my decision to want to be a part of it and share it with others. Within 5 months of going back to California, I would return to Hawaii to start my life as ka’amaiana. It is my hope that during your stay you will experience the aloha spirit through our gracious hospitality, warms smiles and dedicated service to make your stay comfortable and relaxing.

I started in the hospitality industry 17 years ago completely by accident. Looking for a way to finance my education at Arizona State, I began working for a small boutique hotel with Marriott. After getting my degree I realized just how much I enjoyed being in a part of the hospitality industry and decided to pursue it further. I went from managing bars and restaurants to producing meetings and events after my move to the San Francisco Bay Area. Then came that fateful spring trip to Hawaii in 2002. By September I had packed up and moved to beautiful Honolulu, to work for Hilton Hotels and Resorts as a convention and events planner. These experiences have helped lead me to Volcano village as your Innkeeper at Bamboo Orchid Cottage.

There is something very spiritual and energizing about living in the village of Volcano on the Big Island of Hawaii. Big Island is the largest of the main 8 Hawaiian islands and is also the youngest. It was formed by five volcanoes. Two are still active: Mauna Loa and Kilauea, the world's most continuously active volcano. Volcano Village is in a rain forest approximately one mile from Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. The village is very picturesque and we are pleased to share our knowledge of it and the surrounding area with you during your stay. Forest hiking trails, black sand beaches and a world class art center are just minutes away. Join me for a hike or let me help you with reservations, activity planning and finding those special places off the beaten path that will make your vacation to the Big Island of Hawaii a cherished memory of a lifetime.
We welcome you and your family to this special place with our warmest aloha!