Why Hawaii Is Trending Today: Latest Travel Advisories, Deals & Safety Tips

Kilauea’s fresh eruption on Hawaiʻi Island is sending fountains of lava soaring nearly 1,000 feet into the night sky, reminding residents and travelers alike why the Big Island sits atop many bucket lists—but also why preparation is essential. The U.S. Geological Survey raised Kilauea’s alert level to “warning” after seismic swarms under Halemaʻumaʻu crater accelerated, splitting the cooling crust and releasing bright orange ribbons of molten rock that are now visible from vantage points along Crater Rim Drive. While the eruption remains confined to Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, officials emphasize that volcanic gases—especially sulfur dioxide—can drift down-wind and create vog (volcanic smog) that irritates lungs, eyes, and the skin. The Hawaiʻi Department of Health urges visitors with asthma or other respiratory conditions to pack medication and monitor real-time air-quality maps before driving along Highway 11 toward Volcano Village or Pāhoa. Those already on island are advised to stay indoors when vog levels spike and to keep N95 masks handy. Travel impact and tourism outlook Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) says the spectacle is drawing thousands of visitors, boosting occupancy rates in Hilo and Kailua-Kona. Hotels near the park report a 15 percent surge in bookings week-over-week, and tour operators offering twilight lava viewing are selling out 48 hours in advance. HTA spokesperson Mālia Sanders notes that “seeing lava safely inside the park is a once-in-a-lifetime experience,” but she reminds travelers to respect closures around the caldera and heed ranger instructions. The eruption coincides with the state’s broader effort to “reshape responsible tourism” after a turbulent 2024 season. A newly released Destination Management Action Plan proposes reservation systems for high-traffic sites, higher transient accommodation taxes earmarked for conservation, and stronger partnerships with Native Hawaiian organizations. Industry analysts say Kilauea’s activity underscores the need for balanced visitor numbers: dramatic natural events can create economic spikes but strain roads, restrooms, and emergency services if crowds overwhelm infrastructure. Layered hazards: hurricane season and dengue vigilance Kilauea isn’t the only natural phenomenon demanding attention. Hurricane Preparedness Week (May 18-24) just wrapped up, and the National Weather Service warns that an El Niño-boosted Central Pacific hurricane season could bring above-average storm activity through November. Travelers booking summer vacations should review hotel evacuation plans, purchase trip-insurance that covers weather disruptions, and sign up for HNL.alerts to receive flash-flood and high-surf warnings. Meanwhile, the Hawaiʻi Department of Health has confirmed a new travel-related dengue fever case on Oʻahu, raising the statewide total to eight in 2025. Though no local transmission has been detected, entomologists are increasing mosquito trapping on the Big Island, Maui, and Kauaʻi. Vacationers are advised to pack EPA-registered insect repellent containing DEET or picaridin and to wear long sleeves during dusk hikes on humid coastal trails. Tips for a safe and unforgettable Hawaiʻi getaway • Check the USGS “Hawaiian Volcano Observatory” updates every morning for lava-viewing conditions, road closures, and gas emission data. • Secure timed-entry passes for sunset at Kilauea Overlook; they’re released at 7 a.m. HST on recreation.gov and sell out quickly. • Download the Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority’s “Pono Travel” app for real-time vog alerts, reef-safe sunscreen guidelines, and cultural etiquette tips. • During hurricane season, stash a three-day kit with water, snacks, portable chargers, and a copy of your passport in a waterproof bag. • Combat mosquitoes by staying in accommodations with window screens or air-conditioning and by emptying standing water from balcony planters. Locals stress that Hawaiʻi’s power lies not only in its raw geology but also in the living culture that stewards these islands. As hula halau (dance schools) prepare for the Merrie Monarch Festival’s 2025 return and farmers ready orchards for peak lychee harvest, Kilauea’s glow offers a dramatic backdrop—and a reminder of the islands’ ongoing creation story. Visitors who travel with respect, heed safety advisories, and support community-based businesses can witness the lava’s fiery dance while helping preserve Hawaiʻi for generations to come.