In Dragons of Kilauea, part of the story is set at Kilauea Military Camp within Volcanoes National Park in Hawaii. I gave the camp’s history a few different interpretations and it became a central part of the story.
Kilauea Military Camp is a real place. In the early 20th century, when Hawaii was still a territory, local landowners lobbied the government to use some land on the rim of Kilauea volcano as a training ground for the National Guard and as an Army “vacation and health recruiting station.” Their wish came true in September 1911, when Companies A and F, Twentieth Infantry, arrived. They were followed two years later by one hundred men from Company D, First Infantry, who camped near the present day Volcano House.
The recreation part of the camp came years later, the same year the National Park was created. On November 6, 1916, a group of 68 enlisted men from Company A, Second Infantry of the United States Army, were the first to arrive. Nothing was ready. Even the main buildings were unfinished. These poor soldiers had to sleep in tents, which they had to bring themselves.
World War I sent the soldiers stationed in Hawaii to Europe. But by 1921, it was back serving soldiers for R&R.
Living large with a mule-drawn wagon ride.
It’s all smiles at KMC!
Everyone wants a morning formation on vacation.
Yea, it’s hot, but it still beats the mess hall food.
During the initial year of Work War II, the camp became a military installation. But after the tide of war turned at Midway, it again began to host soldiers on leave. Sadly, a part of it was also used as a Japanese internment camp.
If you are active duty U.S. military or a U.S. military veteran, you are eligible to book a cabin there. If you qualify and are going to the Big Island, you must stay there at least a few nights. The accommodations are rustic but in no way make you rough it, and the entire vibe of the place makes you swear you are hearing Big Band music in the background.
So, a lot of the historical background in Dragons of Kilauea was correct. Are the dragons there the real deal? You decide.
If you haven’t already read it, you can check out a copy of Dragons of Kilauea here on Amazon.
