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Parts of this popular tropical destination are now labeled 'do not travel'

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  Published in Travel and Leisure on Saturday, August 23rd 2025 at 19:26 GMT by MLive
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Hawaii’s Volcanic Activity Triggers a “Do Not Travel” Advisory for Key Tourist Areas

A recent travel warning issued by the U.S. Department of State has placed large portions of Hawaii—one of America’s most beloved tropical playgrounds—on a “Do Not Travel” list. The advisory, released in late August, follows a week‑long series of eruptive events from the Kilauea volcano on the Big Island that have produced dense ash clouds, lava flows, and dangerous volcanic gases. While the U.S. government’s move is precautionary, it has already sent shockwaves through the state’s tourism industry, travel agencies, and millions of vacationers planning trips to Maui, Oʻahu, and the Big Island.

The Core of the Advisory

The State Department’s official travel advisory—accessible on its website—specifies that travelers are strongly discouraged from visiting the following areas:

Travelers are urged to avoid any travel to these regions until the Department states that conditions have improved. In addition, the advisory advises that visitors to the islands of Kauaʻi and Molokaʻi should be “extremely cautious” in the event of any volcanic activity, though they are not listed on the full “Do Not Travel” banner.

The warning cites three primary hazards: ashfall that can disrupt air travel and damage respiratory systems; lava flows that threaten infrastructure and human life; and toxic volcanic gases—particularly hydrogen sulfide and sulfur dioxide—which pose immediate health risks even at short distances from the vents. The advisory also stresses that many of the affected regions are still under continuous monitoring by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and the Hawaii Volcano Observatory (HVO), which provide real‑time updates on seismic activity and gas emissions.

Why the Advisory? A Quick Look at Kilauea’s Recent Fury

Kilauea has been a source of both wonder and danger for Hawaiians and tourists alike. Historically, its gentle eruptions have fed the islands’ fertile soil. But since early August 2025, the volcano’s activity has escalated dramatically. The HVO recorded a series of explosions on August 20‑24 that released thick, sulfurous plumes and ignited new lava lakes in the crater’s lower slopes.

The resulting ash columns rose to an estimated 12 kilometers, covering parts of Oʻahu and Maui with a fine, powdery residue that clogged jet engines and forced multiple flight cancellations. Local airports—Honolulu International (HNL) and Kahului Airport (OGG)—were forced to close for brief periods while crews worked to clear runways. In Maui’s West Coast, the eruption’s lava flows have destroyed two main highways, severing direct access to key tourist spots like the Lahaina Historic District and the Road to Hana.

The USGS’s most recent seismograph reading on August 25 recorded over 200 tremors per hour in the Big Island’s southwestern region, far exceeding the “normal” background level. The HVO’s latest gas‑monitoring data shows hydrogen sulfide concentrations 20 times higher than the EPA’s short‑term safe limit of 100 ppm (parts per million). These alarming metrics prompted the Department of State to issue the advisory.

The Ripple Effect on Tourism and the Local Economy

The announcement has already had a measurable economic impact. According to a press release from the Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA), hotels on West Maui reported a 35 % drop in occupancy for the remainder of the month. A local travel agent, who asked to remain anonymous, told the article that several of her clients had already canceled or postponed trips, citing the “dangerous” travel advisory as the main reason.

Local businesses—especially those in the hospitality and retail sectors—have expressed deep concern. A Maui County tourism official said, “We’ve seen a sharp decline in visitor numbers, which is a blow to the islands’ economy, but the safety of our residents and guests must come first.” Meanwhile, the US Embassy in Honolulu is encouraging Americans to stay within the mainland states or consider alternative destinations such as the Pacific Northwest or Mexico’s Baja California for the time being.

The advisory also brings to light the broader conversation about balancing tourism and natural disaster risk in small island economies. A 2023 study by the University of Hawaiʻi found that the tourism sector accounts for approximately 21 % of the state’s GDP, making the current advisory a potentially costly blow.

Practical Advice for Travelers

Even if you’re not planning a trip to Hawaii right now, the travel advisory contains important lessons for any traveler heading to volcanic or disaster‑prone destinations:

1. Check the U.S. Department of State website before booking. The site’s “Travel Advisories” page updates in real time and provides specific hazard information for each region.

2. Purchase flexible travel insurance. Most policies will cover cancellations or rescheduling prompted by government warnings or natural disasters.

3. Stay informed via reputable sources. The USGS and the Hawaii Volcano Observatory publish daily updates on volcanic activity. For tourists, the HVO also offers a public‑facing “Kilauea Volcano Watch” page.

4. Follow local guidance. Once you’re on the island, pay close attention to any evacuation orders or ash‑fall advisories issued by local authorities.

5. Prepare for ashfall. If you are in a region with possible ashfall, bring a mask rated to filter out fine particulates (e.g., N95 or better), and keep windows and doors closed.

Links for Further Reading

• U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory for Hawaii
  https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html

• Hawaii Volcano Observatory – Kilauea Activity
  https://www.hvo.washington.edu/kilauea/

• U.S. Geological Survey – Volcano Hazards Program
  https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/

• Hawaii Tourism Authority
  https://www.hawaiitourismauthority.org/

• Honolulu City & County – Emergency Management
  https://www.honolulu.gov/content/EM.html

Looking Ahead

The Department of State’s “Do Not Travel” advisory is slated to remain in effect until at least the end of September, with a review date set for October 1. While volcanic eruptions are a natural part of life in Hawaii, the scale and intensity of Kilauea’s recent activity have pushed officials to err on the side of caution. In the meantime, travelers, businesses, and policymakers alike will have to navigate a fragile equilibrium between preserving Hawaii’s natural allure and ensuring the safety of all who come to enjoy it.

As the state works with federal and local agencies to monitor the situation, the tourism industry is already exploring contingency plans, including promoting “remote” island stays, virtual tours, and diversified holiday packages to less affected regions. The hope is that once the volcanic threat subsides, visitors can return to their favorite beaches, waterfalls, and crater views—safer and with a newfound appreciation for the raw power that shapes this Pacific paradise.