How to Get a Hawaii Volcano Fix Now

Although most of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park (HVNP) is currently closed due to lava flows and earthquakes, visitors to Hawaii Island still have a variety of exhilarating yet safe options for viewing and learning about Kilauea volcano.

Kilauea has attracted residents and visitors from around the world for decades,” said Ross Birch, executive director of the Island of Hawaii Visitors Bureau (IHVB). “We have received many inquiries from travel agents with clients who are eager to witness the natural phenomena, as well as travelers seeking that once-in-a-lifetime experience.”

Since the eruption started on May 3, Hawaii’s tourism organizations have worked diligently to spread accurate information about its minimal effect on the state’s visitors.

IHVB, in partnership with the Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) and Hawaii Tourism United States, developed a Kilauea volcano Quick Facts reference sheet, which is available on HTA’s alerts page, according to Birch.

“It’s especially beneficial for travel advisors because it contains useful references and answers to frequently asked questions, he said. “We are getting the word out that it’s a great time to visit the island of Hawaii.”

Looking ahead, state, county and tourism officials hope to establish a land-based volcano-viewing area for both locals and visitors.

“We’re considering possible locations that have proper accessibility while addressing all safety concerns and potential costs,” Birch said. 

In the meantime, the following activities are providing current visitors with multiple ways to get a volcano fix by air, land and sea.

Helicopter Tours
Hawaii Island helicopter tour companies have needed to make only minor changes to their itineraries in response to the eruption. Flightseeing firms are communicating closely with state and federal agencies to make sure volcano-viewing conditions are always safe for passengers.

“We are flying the helicopters at an altitude that is safe and clear of any fumes or smoke,” said Meghan Lee, director of sales and marketing for Blue Hawaiian Helicopters. “Guests enjoy seeing the lava activity. The Hawaii Island tours are among our most popular.”

Air excursions depart from either Kona, Hilo or Waikoloa, making a volcano-oriented helicopter tour convenient for clients staying almost anywhere on the island.

www.bluehawaiian.com
www.paradisecopters.com
www.sunshinehelicopters.com

Land Activities
Despite the closure of much of HVNP, park rangers continue to enlighten and engage clients in other locations. Volcano-related programs include hikes, talks and hands-on cultural presentations at HVNP’s Kahuku Unit, a 50-minute drive south of the park’s main entrance. Rangers also stand ready to chat at Volcano Art Center’s Niaulani Campus in Volcano Village.

In Hilo, rangers offer eruption updates at Mokupapapa Discovery Center and Prince Kuhio Plaza. They also greet arrivals at Hilo International Airport, welcome cruise ship passengers and educate visitors at Imiloa Astronomy Center.

Additionally, clients can head to nearby Pahoa, a small town east of HVNP, where they can marvel at a bright, brilliant, orange glow across the evening sky.

www.nps.gov

Sea Tours
On the island’s southeast shore, tour boats provide a thrilling vantage point for seeing lava flow into the sea. That said, agents should advise their clients of the rare but possible risk associated with these tours. On July 16, an explosion at the coastal site sent fiery, basketball-size rocks into the air, one of which hit the roof of a permitted vessel and injured 23 people onboard. 

At press time, lava-watching tour boats continue to operate. However, with guest safety in mind, the U.S. Coast Guard is requiring tour companies to stay at least 984 feet away from all areas where lava enters the ocean. From there, clients can still get jaw-dropping views of an island in creation.

www.hawaiianlavaboattours.com
www.kalapanaculturaltours.com
www.mnlavatour.com
www.seelava.com