Aloha,

Many of you are seeing the news about Kilauea volcano on the island of Hawaii and have questions and concerns about current and future travel plans. Following are the most pressing answers to questions:

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
• There is absolutely no reason at this time for travelers to change or alter their leisure or business plans.
• None of the Hawaiian Islands are affected by Kilauea volcano except a remote area on the island of Hawaii’s east side (see map here of affected area) and the Kilauea Summit. Out of the island’s 4,028 square miles, only a remote area of less than 10-square-miles is affected – Leilani Estates and Lanipuna Gardens Subdivisions in Puna. As a precautionary measure, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park (some 40 miles away) has been closed indefinitely as a precaution should a steam explosion occur in the crater.
• Air Access: All flights into Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keahole – 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 Hawaii remains largely unchanged with this situation. However, air quality near where the lava is flowing can be hazardous (SO2-sulfur dioxide) and very light ash fall may be present, and officials are continuing to monitor air quality.

In regards to questions about vacation rentals in the Puna area, accessibility, current status of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and other questions, please read the latest update from May 12 here. Updated information will be posted at: http://www.hawaiitourismauthority.org/news/special-alert/

If you have other questions or concerns, please contact Director of Sales Deanna Isbister at disbister@hvcb.org or Sales Manager Teresa Cosgrove at tcosgrove@hvcb.org of the Island of Hawaii Visitors Bureau (IHVB). Or, you may call IHVB at (808) 886-1655.