It is safe to travel to Hawaii during the volcanic eruptions — but avoid these areas

By Cailey Rizzo

May 22, 2018, 10:24:15 AM EDT

After two weeks of eruptions, Hawaii’s Kilauea volcano became more dangerous over the weekend.

Lava from the volcanic eruption oozed out to the ocean on Saturday, creating something called “laze,” a lava-haze hybrid. As the lava combines with ocean water, it forms a steam cloud laced with hydrochloric acid and fine particles of glass. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) calls laze a "hot, corrosive, gas mixture” that can create "hazy and noxious conditions” and warned people to stay away from the coastline where the cloud lingers.

County officials have distributed breathing masks and warned residents about air quality near the laze cloud (which is mostly offshore). Sulfur dioxide levels have tripled in recent weeks because of the eruptions.

Is it safe to travel to Hawaii now?

The National Park Service has closed most of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park “due to ongoing seismic activity, summit deflation, and a possible steam explosion.” Tourism officials maintain that most of Big Island is still safe to visit and remains unaffected by the explosion. However, travelers are urged to avoid the island’s Puna region.

The Kilauea volcano also caused its first injury on Sunday when molten lava hit a man outside his home. The rock “hit him on the shin and shattered everything from there down on his leg," Janet Snyder, spokesperson for the Hawaii County mayor, told Hawaii News Now.

Scientists are unsure how long the eruption will last. Kilauea erupted at least twice over the weekend.

"At any time, activity may again become more explosive, increasing the intensity of ash production and producing ballistic projectiles very near the vent," the USGS wrote in an update. "Communities downwind should be prepared for ashfall as long as this activity continues."

Since its eruption two weeks ago, the volcano has caused thousands of people to evacuate their homes.

Over the past few days, lava flow has picked up speed and intensity. At least 23 fissures from the volcano have opened so far and 40 homes buildings have been burned by the lava.

Report a Typo

Continue Reading on travelandleisure.com >

Business

More Weather News

How earthquake early alert warnings work and protect millions of lives

Weather News - January 18, 2019, 2:18:00 PM EST

As earthquakes shake regions and cause massive, unpredictable destruction, an early warning system that provides a precious few seconds of alert can be a matter of life and death.
Midwest and Northeast hunker down with preparations ahead of blockbuster snowstorm

Weather News - January 18, 2019, 2:34:33 PM EST

A major snowstorm is moving through the Midwest into the Northeast through this weekend, dumping mass amounts of snow and creating treacherous travel. Local officials warn communities to prepare ahead of the dangerous winter storm.
Blizzard to dish out up to 40 inches of snow in northeastern US as dangerous ice storm takes aim farther south

Weather News - January 18, 2019, 3:04:23 PM EST

A storm with feet of snow, blizzard conditions, a significant build-up of ice, tree-breaking winds and plunging temperatures will close roads, cause flight cancellations and disrupt daily activities over a large part of the northeastern United States this weekend.
How are outdoor ice skating rinks kept frozen in warmer climates?

Weather News

Outdoor ice skating rinks aren’t just limited to colder climates that are all too familiar with blizzards and below-freezing conditions.
Australian Open: Heat to return during tournament's 2nd week

Weather News - January 18, 2019, 10:36:27 AM EST

A turn to more comfortable weather this weekend will not hold through the second week of the Australian Open in Melbourne, with more hot days ahead.
Europe: Lisbon, Berlin and Prague to enjoy best views of Sunday night's lunar eclipse

Weather News - January 18, 2019, 10:05:24 AM EST

Residents across Europe will be treated to a lunar eclipse right before the moon sets late Sunday night, where the weather cooperates.
In case you missed it: Deadly storms cause travel chaos across US; New Mexico avalanche kills skier

Weather News - January 18, 2019, 9:49:02 AM EST

Storms pounded parts of the U.S. this week from California to the East Coast while snow blanketed parts of the U.K. and players at the Australian Open battled extreme heat.
Brutally cold weather to follow blockbuster weekend snowstorm

Weather News - January 18, 2019, 2:46:15 PM EST

Following the impacts of a major winter storm in the Midwest and Northeast this weekend, a blast of frigid, windy weather will complicate travel and cleanup efforts across the region.