2018-05-18 Big Island is Open for Visitors -- press release

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May 17, 2018 ISLAND OF HAWAI‘I VOLCANO UPDATE THE HAWAIIAN ISLANDS ARE SAFE FOR RESIDENTS AND VISITORS AIRPORTS, ACCOMMODATIONS AND ACTIVITIES ARE OPEN STATEWIDE  Hawai‘i is Open for Business: There is absolutely no reason for visitors planning a trip to the Hawaiian Islands to change or alter their leisure or business travel plans.  Air Access: All flights into the Hawaiian Islands are operating normally.  Accommodations and Activities: All accommodations, activities and attractions throughout the Hawaiian Islands are operating normally, with the exception of those in the area affected by the volcanic activity on the island of Hawai‘i.  Remote Location on the Island of Hawai‘i’s East Side: None of the Hawaiian Islands are affected by Kīlauea volcano except a remote area along the Lower East Rift Zone on the island of Hawai‘i’s east side, Kīlauea Summit and surrounding areas.  Kīlauea Summit Activity: Steam and ash outbursts from Halema‘uma‘u crater are occurring in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park (approximately 40 miles away from the Lower East Rift Zone) and being monitored. This is a natural occurrence as rocks fall into the crater and magma interacts with the groundwater (water table).  Air Quality: Air quality remains largely unchanged with this situation. However, air quality near where the volcanic activity on the island of Hawai‘i is occurring can be hazardous (SO2-sulfur dioxide) and light ash fall may be present. Officials are continuing to monitor air quality. LATEST UPDATE MAY 17 KĪLAUEA SUMMIT ACTIVITY At 4:17 a.m. HST on May 17, 2018, a steam and ash eruption occurred from Halema‘uma‘u Crater within Kīlauea Caldera at Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, resulting in an ash cloud that drifted northeast. Ash emissions continue from Kīlauea summit, which may affect the surrounding areas toward Ka‘ū, Volcano, Mountain View, Kea‘au and as far as Hilo. To protect yourself from ash:  Avoid excessive exposure to ash which is an eye and respiratory irritant.  Those with breathing issues should take extra precaution to minimize exposure.  Stay indoors and keep your windows closed.  If you’re in car, keep your windows closed and drive with caution.  All roads remain open. For a guide on volcanic ash, visit https://bit.ly/2IjIqBV.