The Island of Hawai’i visitors bureau has released new information in light of recent volcanic activity in East Hawai’i.
According to a release, County of Hawai’i Civil Defense Agency has directed all vacation rental owners and operators in Lower Puna to cease operations so that emergency operations can focus on residents who live in the area.
Current vacation renters in this restricted area should find alternative accommodations outside the restricted area as soon as possible. Until further notice, visitors who have vacation rental reservations in the restricted area should find alternative accommodations.
As a precautionary measure, most of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park has been closed until further notice. Only the Park’s Kahuku Unit is open during its normal hours, Friday through Sunday, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. For Park updates, go here.
The visitor’s bureau said there is still no reason at this time for travellers to change or alter their leisure or businesses plans.
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.
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 and air quality on the island remains largely unchanged.
However, air quality near where the lava is flowing can be hazardous (SO2-sulfur dioxide), and officials are continuing to monitor air quality.
Eruptions of Hawaiian volcanoes are typically nonexplosive or weakly explosive. Hawaiian eruptions, which is a term used by volcanologists worldwide to characterize similar eruptive style at other volcanoes, are usually gentle due to its highly fluid lava composition which tends to flow freely both beneath the surface and upon eruption. For more information about Hawaiian eruptions, go here.
Travellers 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). For other updates, go here.
