Is it Safe to Travel to Hawaii Right Now? A- Guide

Since the Big Island's volcano has been erupting and thousands of locals and visitors have been evacuated from their homes, if you have been planned a trip to Hawaii soon, you might be worried about your safety. Due to this, a lot of people have been wondering if it is safe to visit Hawaii right away or if it would be best to wait until the threat has passed. Here are some details on Hawaii's volcanic tourism as well as current travel safety levels, so you can decide what to do.

A Brief History of the Volcano

Kilauea has not erupted since its previous eruption in 1924. That changed in May 2018 when the first of several significant eruptions started, causing the destruction of hundreds of homes and the eviction of thousands of people. On May 3rd, 2019, the most recent eruption occurred, sending an ash plume 12 kilometers into the air.

Kilauea had not experienced activity prior to this eruption since 2008. If you are thinking about traveling to Hawaii right now, there is some danger involved due to the air quality and the possibility of additional eruptions given that history and the degree of activity at Kilauea.

The Latest Eruption and Current Situation

Hawaii's Kilauea volcano, one of the most active in the world, has been erupting since 1983.Beginning on May 3, 2018, the eruption has subsequently grown to be the most damaging in recent memory.

-In just two weeks, lava flows have destroyed 37 homes and other buildings, covered over five square miles, and caused inhabitants to flee.

-A magnitude 5.0 earthquake that struck the island most recently caused tsunami warnings and the evacuation of low-lying areas.

-It is currently unclear whether or not the eruption will continue for years or if it will eventually slow down again. Experts are warning that this could be just the beginning of a much longer eruption period.

What Does Safe Mean Anyway?

Safe means different things to different people. Here are some ways in which safe may apply:

- Safe for your physical health and safety

- Safe for your belongings and finances

- Safe for the environment

- Safety from natural disasters, such as hurricanes, tsunamis, earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions.

- Safety from crime, terrorism, or civil unrest

- Safety from hazardous materials spills

- Protection of public health through control of communicable diseases

 Where Else Can I Go?

If you are looking for someplace close, then take a look at Kauai. It is the second largest of the Hawaiian Islands and has rainforests, waterfalls, and volcanoes. In the winter months, this island tends to have more rain than the other islands with an average of 320 inches per year. But by spring it will become one of your favorite places! It’s also home to rare native birds like the Nene and Iiwi which can be found on its mountainsides, forests, coastal areas, and beaches.

Kauai can be accessed by ferries from Maui and Oahu or air flights from all over. Check out Lihue Airport in Kauai for all your needs!

Another suggestion would be Maui as it’s a popular destination not too far away that still offers sunsets over Wailea Bay while being surrounded by green rolling hills with acres of sugarcane fields as well as lots of shopping opportunities.

My Tips for Visiting Hawaii (Assuming You Are Going Anyway)

First, pack light. It's tough to take a lot of clothes and shoes when there is such limited storage space in the car or on the plane. Pack clothes that are appropriate for both warm and cool weather so you can layer. You'll also want comfortable walking shoes, lots of sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, and a good water bottle. On your way to the airport make sure you have your passport handy as well as any other travel documents (i.e., driver's license) that you may need. If you're traveling with kids make sure they have their backpacks with some snacks and toys in case they get bored while waiting around at the airport or on the plane ride home. There will be plenty of distractions like artwork and TV screens but it's always nice to have something familiar. The airline we flew on had TVs mounted above each seat which meant my son could watch his favorite shows without disturbing me too much. I don't recommend taking food through security unless you're going through one of the TSA Precheck lanes which have special lanes set up just for travelers who have gone through background checks ahead of time and show their boarding pass before going through security

 Conclusion

Hawaii is a beautiful, tropical paradise of an island. However, there are some things you should know before booking your next vacation. As the recent Kilauea eruption has shown, volcanic eruptions can happen and they can be devastating. You should also know that there are active lava flows near the volcano which will require evacuations.

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