Hawaii’s tourism leaders are offering reassurance to travellers booked to visit the islands in the coming days, saying that everywhere is safe to visit except a remote region on the island of Hawaii.
Over the weekend, Kilauea volcano on the island of Hawaii, which has been erupting continuously for 30 years, experienced increased volcanic activity as it spouted lava into the air and some eight fissures emitted deadly gas.
Hawaiian Volcano Observatory reported that some 1,500 residents around the 1.22m high mountain were evacuated and so far some five houses have been destroyed by the lava.
WATCH: This fissure from the #Kilauea #Volcano eruption is spewing #lava and molten rock. The sound was unexpectedly thunderous. One of the most amazing things I’ve ever experienced. pic.twitter.com/G27LXE2Vvq
— Stephanie Elam (@StephanieElam) May 5, 2018
Hawaii’s County Civil Defense warned that the most active of the state’s five volcanoes is currently emitting toxic sulphur dioxide gas, which is a “threat to all who become exposed”.
However, in saying that, the toxic gas is limited to a remote region on the east side of the island of Hawaii, with the closest resort area – in Kona and the Kohala Coast – being more than 100 miles away. These locations are also shielded by the mountains of Maunakea and Maunaloa.
Hawaii Governor David Ige said all the necessary resources are being utilised to keep residents safe and everyone can rest assured that “this is limited to a remote region on the slopes of Kilauea volcano… everywhere else in the Hawaiian Islands is not affected”.
More aerial shots of the Keilani eruption. (via Ann Kalber) #LeilaniEstates #Kilauea pic.twitter.com/EAKmPLIQdj
— René Goad 🇬🇧🌋 (@RenVolcanoman) May 6, 2018
George D. Szigeti, President and CEO of the Hawaii Tourism Authority, added that no flights have been affected by the volcanic activity and the area where lava is emerging is “very far from resort areas”.
“Travelers can enjoy their vacation experience in the Hawaiian Islands to the fullest, with the only word of caution being that they stay out of areas closed to the public for their own safety.”
George D. Szigeti, Hawaii Tourism Authority President & CEO
The only impact the volcano may have on tourism is the closure of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, which will remain shut until further notice.
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