Hawaii’s volcano erupts for the first time in nearly 40 years; What is the impact of tourism?
Although the world’s largest active volcano, Mauna Loa, continues to erupt on the island of Hawaii for the first time in nearly 40 years, the effects on flights, hotels and tourism so far have been quite small. Of course, that could change. Here’s what you need to know.
Can I travel to Hawaii?
Although the state Department of Transportation issued travel advice on Monday, warning passengers of flight disruptions out of both Hilo International Airport (ITO) and Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keahole (KOA), Southwest is the only airline to cancel some flights from ITO.
A Southwest spokesperson confirmed via email: “We suspended operations at Hilo yesterday and that canceled a total of 9 flights (all inter-island, all running between Honolulu and Hilo) and Another train runs about an hour late. “There was no other impact yesterday or today.”
In general, flights to and from Hilo will operate as normal on Tuesday.
Dallas-based Southwest, which operates 60 domestic flights daily, is just a rival to Hawaiian Airlines, which continued with a schedule of 140 domestic flights on Monday as usual, with only delays, according to reports. Hawaii News Now local reporting.
“Our flights to and from Kona and Hilo have operated as scheduled,” a spokesman said. “Guests should check their flight status online for updates.”
As of noon EST on Tuesday, the ITO had reported eight canceled flights within the previous 24 hours, according to FlightAware data.
Both airlines offer free travel for passengers who want to change their upcoming flights to and from ITO and KOA free of charge. People scheduled to fly Hawaiian Airlines from November 28 to December 12 4 eligible for rescheduling at no additional charge for the same city and cabin pair of the original ticket.
Hawaiian Airlines tickets must be rebooked by December 4 to travel by December 14. Alternatively, passengers can cancel their flight and receive future flight credits that expire one year from date of original purchase. No change fee will be charged, but fare difference may apply.
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Also on Monday, Southwest announced opportunity for customers to book games scheduled through November 29 to or from any of the five Hawaii airports it serves — ITO, KOA, Daniel K. Inouye Airport (HNL), Kahului Airport (OGG) and Lihue Airport (LIH). Southwest travelers can rebook free of charge in their original service class or travel standby within 14 days of their first travel date.
yacht
Cruises to the Big Island have so far been unaffected by the eruption, with upcoming visits from ships operated by Norwegian Cruise Line, Princess Cruises and Carnival Cruise Line remaining on schedule.
A spokesperson for Norway, by far the largest operator of excursions to the Big Island, told TPG that the line is monitoring the situation but this week’s eruption has not affected scheduled visits. line program.
The Norwegian ship Pride of America, carrying 2,184 Norwegian passengers, visits the Big Island ports of Hilo and Kona on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, respectively, as part of its weekly sailings from the Hawaiian Islands out of Honolulu.
The trips give passengers the chance to visit Hawaii Volcanoes National Park as well as other locations on the Big Island. “The safety of our guests and crew remains our top priority,” a Norwegian spokesperson told TPG in an emailed statement. the geological activity of Mauna Loa on the Big Island of Hawaii and will make any adjustments as necessary.”
In addition to Pride of America, cruise ships scheduled to visit the Big Island in the coming weeks include the 3,560-passenger Princess Royal and the 2,124-passenger Carnival Miracle.
In a typical year, cruise ships bring over 100,000 visitors to the Big Island.
National Park and Volcano Tourism
On the island of Hawaii, also known as the Big Island, all activities of accommodation, activities and sightseeing on the island are also operating normally. according to the Hawaii Island Visitor Office.
“There is no reason at this time for travelers to alter or alter their business or leisure plans,” it said.
At this time, lava continues to escape from Mokuaweoweo, the crater atop Mauna Loa, inside Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, according to the US Geological Survey’s Hawaii Volcano Observatory. As of November 29, Mauna Loa Road still bans vehicles from Kipukapuaulu and bans pedestrians and bicycles from the first cattle guard station, which extends to the crater at the top.
On the other hand, the main park areas remain open to visitors, according to the National Park Service, which encourages potential park goers to follow the park’s website for further updates.
Even so, park and geological officials encouraged the public to stay away from the lava, warning winds that carry volcanic gases and fine ash, according to the USGS.
bottom line
“I just wanted to let our visitors know if you’ve already planned a vacation or trip to the island of Hawaii, this eruption is no reason to change your plans,” said Hawaii Governor David Ige said. ABC News on Monday.
Even so, be sure to check with your airline before heading to the airport for any upcoming flights to the Big Island.
This story will be updated as more information becomes available.
Additional reporting by Gene Sloan.
