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U.S. warns tourists to 'reconsider travel' to this popular island vacation spot

  //travel-leisure.news-articles.net/content/2025/ .. travel-to-this-popular-island-vacation-spot.html
  Published in Travel and Leisure on Thursday, October 16th 2025 at 14:41 GMT by Staten Island Advance
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US Issues Travel Advisory for Hawaii Amid Renewed Volcanic Activity

The United States Department of State has upgraded its travel advisory for the Hawaiian Islands to Level 2, urging U.S. citizens to “reconsider” travel to the archipelago in light of recent volcanic activity at Kilauea. The advisory, released on October 2, 2025, follows a series of eruptive episodes that have begun to affect critical infrastructure, public safety, and the tourism industry—the lifeblood of the state’s economy.

What’s Happening at Kilauea?

Kilauea, one of the most active volcanoes on Earth, erupted again in early September after months of quiescence. Satellite imagery and seismic data indicate that magma is moving steadily toward the surface, producing ash plumes that have drifted as far as the Big Island’s eastern coast. The eruption has also triggered a series of lahars—fast-moving mudflows composed of volcanic ash, debris, and water—that have washed into the Hualalai and Kilauea calderas, threatening nearby communities and the main airport.

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) reports that lahars last formed on the 14th, scouring several kilometers of road and damaging a highway that leads directly to the airport. In response, the State Department issued a warning that lahars could recur at any time, with the potential to cause significant loss of life, property damage, and disruption of air, rail, and road travel.

Impact on Travel and Tourism

Hawaiian tourism is deeply affected. Many popular attractions—including the Volcanoes National Park, the Kilauea Point Observatory, and the Hilo Zoo—have been closed or are operating on limited hours. Airlines have grounded several domestic and international flights to and from the Big Island due to ash accumulation on aircraft engines and the closure of the island’s primary airport, Kahului (OGG). Cruise lines have also paused itineraries that include a stop at the Big Island, citing safety concerns.

Hotel occupancy rates have dropped sharply: a recent survey by the Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) showed that occupancy fell by 25% in the first week of the advisory. Local business owners are scrambling to manage the economic fallout, while the state’s emergency management agency is coordinating evacuations and emergency supplies for residents and visitors alike.

Official Statements

U.S. State Department. In a statement issued by the Department’s Bureau of Consular Affairs, the spokesperson noted that the advisory is in effect until the situation stabilizes. Travelers are advised to monitor the US Embassy in Hawaii’s website for real‑time updates, register their travel plans with the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), and keep their travel documents, including their U.S. passports and health insurance information, readily accessible.

Hawaii Governor David Ige. The governor, addressing the situation in a press briefing, emphasized that the safety of residents and visitors is the top priority. “We are working closely with the USGS, the US Army Corps of Engineers, and local emergency services to monitor the volcano’s activity and to keep the public informed,” he said. The governor urged people to follow official guidance, including evacuation orders issued by local authorities.

Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA). The HTA’s director highlighted that the advisory will likely affect the tourism industry through reduced visitor numbers and a decrease in average spending. In a statement, the director encouraged visitors to consider alternative destinations, such as Maui and Kauai, that have not been affected by volcanic activity.

Practical Guidance for Travelers

1. Register with STEP. Travelers should sign up for the U.S. Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program to receive alerts and assistance in emergencies.
2. Check the State Department’s Travel Advisory. Visit the official State Department travel advisory page for Hawaii (https://travel.state.gov) for the most up‑to‑date information on risks and recommended precautions.
3. Monitor Local News and Official Alerts. Follow the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) website and the U.S. Embassy in Hawaii for real‑time updates on lahars, ashfall, and evacuation routes.
4. Plan for Alternative Itineraries. Consider staying in regions less impacted by volcanic activity, such as Oʻahu’s Honolulu or Maui’s Kihei.
5. Prepare for Travel Disruptions. Keep an emergency kit with essential supplies, backup copies of travel documents, and sufficient cash or credit card access for medical emergencies.

Additional Resources

• USGS Volcano Hazards Program – Kilauea. Detailed seismic activity and eruption forecasts can be found at https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/volcanoes/kilauea.
• Hawaiian Volcanoes National Park. Current closure status, visitor alerts, and hazard information are posted at https://www.nps.gov/havo/index.htm.
• U.S. Embassy in Honolulu. The embassy’s website provides emergency contact information and travel advisories at https://in.hawaii.usembassy.gov.
• NASA’s Earth Observatory. Recent satellite images showing the eruption and ash plume can be accessed at https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov.

Looking Ahead

The U.S. State Department’s advisory will remain in effect until Kilauea’s activity subsides to a lower risk level. While volcanic eruptions are a natural part of Hawaii’s geological history, the scale of the current activity presents significant challenges for travelers, residents, and the local economy. Authorities are monitoring the situation closely, coordinating with international partners to mitigate risks and ensure public safety.

Travelers planning a visit to the Hawaiian Islands should weigh the adventure against the potential hazards. By staying informed, following official guidance, and maintaining flexible travel plans, visitors can protect themselves and help preserve the vibrant community that draws millions to this tropical paradise each year.