HTA says no impact to vacations from volcanic eruption
As more airlines issue flight waivers, Hawaii tourism officials have urged travelers to keeping visiting, insisting vacations are not in jeopardy despite the ongoing lava flow from Kilauea volcano.
In a website message the Hawaii Tourist Authority says there is ‘no reason at this time for travelers to change or alter their leisure or business plans.’
Flights to Kona Airport are operating normally and all accommodations, activities and attractions away from the small, impacted area are open for business.
HTA says only a 10-square mile area of Leilani Estates and Lanipuna Gardens Subdivisions in Puna are impacted.
Air quality directly around the lava flow is hazardous but elsewhere is safe, it said.
Officials are continuing to monitor air quality.
The eruption is more than 100 miles away from the western Kohala and Kona Coasts, where most tourism infrastructure and accommodations are located.
Hilo town, which is about 20 miles away, is also unaffected.
American Airlines is waiving change fees for travel through May 13 which van be rebooked for flights until May 16.
United Airlines also issued a similar waiver policy.
Hawaiian Airlines had already offered to change flight reservations free of charge since Kilauea began spewing lava last week.
TravelMole Editorial Team
Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
TAP Air Portugal to operate 29 flights due to strike on December 11
Qatar Airways offers flexible payment options for European travellers
Airlines suspend Madagascar services following unrest and army revolt
Strike action set to cause travel chaos at Brussels airports
Digital Travel Reporter of the Mirror totally seduced by HotelPlanner AI Travel Agent