As news of volcanic activity taking place in a remote area on the island of Hawai’iʻs east side continues to make headlines around the world, it is important that travelers headed to the island understand that there is absolutely no reason at this time to change or alter their leisure or business plans.

The experts are telling there is no danger from the eruptions to anyone outside the areas that have been evacuated. There is no threat of a tsunami. Air quality is being closely studied and is of most concern in the immediate area inside where the volcanic activity is taking place.

All of Hawai‘i is open for business and welcoming visitors with the hospitality, aloha, warmth and
picturesque settings visitors seek in our islands. This includes Hilo, Pāhoa and the Kona and Kohala
coasts on the island of Hawai‘i. The one area that people need to avoid is lower Puna where the
eruption is ongoing.

 

What You Need To Know

• There is absolutely no reason at this time for travelers to change or alter their leisure or business plans. • 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.

 

Airports, Accommodations & Activities

• All airports on the island of Hawai'i continue to operate normally • 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 • Visitors who have already booked a trip to the island of Hawai'i with accommodations or activities in/near the Puna district, should call their provider with any questions or concerns • Effective May 12, those who have vacation rental reservations in the Lower Puna restricted area should find alternative accommodations, until further notice.

 

Air Quality:

• Air quality on the island of Hawai‘i remains unchanged with the exception of the eruption location, which can have hazardous levels of SO2 (sulfur dioxide).

• Officials constantly monitor SO2 levels across the island. VOG or volcanic haze is relatively common on an island with active volcanoes, and the level of haze is dependent on volcanic activity and wind direction/strength.

For more information on volcano updates, visit hawaiitourismauthority.org