Island of Hawai‘i Volcano Update: Official Statement on Current Situation

Photo: U.S. Geological Survey

September 25, 2018

The Hawaii Tourism Authority, Hawaii Tourism United States and Island of Hawaii Visitors Bureau continue to provide updates to this site following the reduction in volcanic activity on the island of Hawaii.

It has now been more than a month since the continuous flow of lava ceased from Kilauea volcano on the island of Hawaii, with the clean and clear air quality island-wide being the most evident sign of the positive impact since then.

Air quality is rated as good in all communities throughout the island of Hawaii, according to daily reports monitored by the Hawaii State Department of Health. For the latest updates on air quality ratings and information, visit online at http://www.hiso2index.info.

Update: On September 22, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park reopened to the public and welcomed guests. The Park has resumed its normal business hours, and is open 24 hours a day. Parts of the Park remain closed for further assessments and repairs. The Kahuku Unit of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park continues to be open with free admission from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., from Wednesday through Sunday. For the latest information, visit www.nps.gov/havo/. 

RELATED NEWS RELEASES

• 09/22/18: Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Reopens to the Delight of Everyone
• 09/06/18: Hawaii's Kilauea Volcano Idle Since Early August; Air Quality Clean and Clear on the Island of Hawaii
• 08/15/18: Hawaii Volcanoes National Park: Kahuku Unit Extends Hours and Programs
• 07/30/18: Where Can You Still Go on the Island of Hawaii? Just About Anywhere!
• 07/16/18: Ocean Lava Explosion Injures 23 Passengers on Tour Boat; State and Federal Investigation Underway
• 06/28/18: Sulfur dioxide emissions declining; Hawaii Department of Health investing more than $1 million to expand air quality monitoring station network on Hawaii Island
• 06/13/18: Hawaii Department of Health to establish 10 new ambient air quality monitoring stations on Hawaii Island
• 06/08/18: Governor David Ige, Hawaii Tourism Authority Praise Norwegian Cruise Line for Resuming Weekly Hilo and Kona Port Calls
• 05/25/18: "Air Quality is Safe in the Hawaiian Islands" - Hawaii Governor David Ige and State's Top Health Official
• 05/21/18: Hawaii Governor David Ige: "Travel is Safe to the Hawaiian Islands"
• 05/12/18: Important Message to Vacation Rentals in Lower Puna

RELATED NEWS COVERAGE ASSURING HAWAII ISLAND AND STATE ARE SAFE AND OPEN FOR BUSINESS

• ABC2’s AM Northwest (Portland, OR): Kilauea Volcano Update
• ABC13’s The Morning Blend (Las Vegas, NV): Is it safe to be planning a trip to Hawaii?
• WCLO-AM’s Your Talk Show with Tim Bremel (Chicago, IL): Kilauea update with Dr. Ken Hon, volcanologist at the University of Hawaii at Hilo
• Live with Kelly & Ryan: Hawaii is Safe and Open for Business
• USAToday.com: Don't let volcanoes, other irrational travel fears, ruin your summer vacation
• JohnnyJet.com: What Travelers Need to Know About the Hawaii Volcano
• WCPO-TV (Cincinnati): Is Hawaii safe? Couple recounts Big Island trip
• Forbes.com: Don't Cancel Your Trip To The Big Island: Hawaii Is Not Only Safe To Visit, It Needs Our Love
• The Daily Beast: The Surprising Tourism Bump From Hawaii’s Spewing Volcano
• New York Times: Hawaii Eruptions Have Disrupted Tourism, but Fears May Be Exaggerated
• Los Angeles Times: Hawaii Assures Travelers It’s Open For Business As Erupting Volcano Makes Tourists Skittish
• Mashable: Don't Let Lava Stop You From Visiting Hawaii
• Jim Byers: Hawaii is Open For Business; Volcano Impacting Only Small Area of One Island

OTHER RESOURCES

For industry partners and visitors coming to Hawaii Island, please reference the Island of Hawaii – Kilauea Quick Facts and Infographic for answers to frequently asked questions about the current eruption, its location and how to enjoy the island of Hawaii.

STATEWIDE MAP | ISLAND OF HAWAII MAP

• Hawaii County Civil Defense
• Hawaii County Eruption Map
• State of Hawaii Interagency Vog Information Dashboard
• Hawaii Volcano Observatory/USGS
  • Volcanic Watch Updates
• Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
  • Recovery of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
• Volcanic Ash Guide
• S02 Measurement Map - Department of Health
• General Air Quality/Air Now
• Hawaiian Eruptions
• Na Leo TV (video media briefs)

Travelers planning a trip to the island of Hawaii who have questions can contact the Hawaii Tourism United States Call Center at 1-800-GO-HAWAII (1-800-464-2924).