If you’re worried about an upcoming trip to Hawaii, Hawaii’s Tourism Board has provided some facts to ease any nerves. Keep in mind that eruptions of Hawaiian volcanoes are typically nonexplosive or weakly explosive, and are usually gentle due to the highly fluid lava composition which tends to flow freely both beneath the surface of the islands and upon eruption.
All of the Hawaiian Islands are unaffected by Kīlauea volcano except a remote area on the island of Hawai‘i’s east side. Out of the island’s 4,028 square miles, only less than a 10-square-mile area of Leilani Estates and Lanipuna Gardens Subdivisions in Puna is affected.
Air Access: All flights into Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keāhole – KOA (west) and Hilo International Airport – ITO (east) are operating normally.
Accommodations and Activities: All accommodations, activities and attractions on the island are also operating normally, with the exception of those in the area affected by the lava activity.
Air Quality: Air quality on the island of Hawai‘i remains largely unchanged with this situation. However, air quality near where the lava is flowing can be hazardous (SO2-sulfur dioxide), and officials are continuing to monitor air quality. Read more about the hazards of volcanic ash here.
HELPFUL LINKS
Hawai‘i County Civil Defense http://www.hawaiicounty.gov/active-alerts
Hawai‘i County Eruption Map https://goo.gl/i7RbrB
Hawaiian Volcano Observatory / USGS https://on.doi.gov/2FEPVBm
Volcano Watch updates: https://on.doi.gov/2r8G4zE
Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park https://www.nps.gov/havo/planyourvisit/lava2.htm
Volcanic Ash Guide https://bit.ly/2IjIqBV
SO2 Measurement Map – Department of Health http://www.hiso2index.info
General Air Quality / Air Now https://bit.ly/2I33ixd
State of Hawai‘i Interagency Vog Information Dashboard http://www.ivhhn.org/vog/
Hawaiian Eruptions https://pubs.usgs.gov/gip/hawaii/page26.html
TOURISM UPDATES
Hawai‘i Tourism Authority Special Alerts http://www.hawaiitourismauthority.org/news/special-alert/
TRAVELERS MAY CALL
Travelers planning a trip to the island of Hawai‘i who have questions can contact the Hawai‘i Tourism United States Call Center at 1-800-GO-HAWAII (1-800-464-2924).
Information courtesy of: Hawai‘i Tourism Canada Office
*information as of May 10th, 2018.
Image via USGS facebook.
