2018 Kilauea Volcano East Rift Zone Eruption
 

Just saw this:

https://abcnews.go.com/Technology/wi...ption-54885800

I'm adventurous enough to still visit if earthquake chances are <5%. But if main attractions close, I'd be more worried.

What do you guys think? Would it be better to visit Kauai or Oahu instead?

I would still go, but you do not say when, where, etc. What are you worried about being closed? There is a reason it is called the Big Island, if you are in Waikoloa, you would probably never know there was an active volcano.

If I were planning on staying in Lower Puna sometime soon, I might rethink it and stay somewhere else.....

I'd go to enjoy the show, but that's just me! Doubt any volcanic activity will affect the island too much, except for the southeast side where all the activity is. There are still some private lava tours operating in some safe areas.

Whatever you decide to do, make sure you are well-informed by monitoring the status of the volcano:

https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/volcanoes...ea/status.html

https://www.cnn.com/2018/05/03/us/ki...rnd/index.html

Evacuations affect area around Puna - so I think Volcano national park and Halemaumau crater are still fully open.

I read that past eruptions were isolated into a single region and everywhere else is pretty safe.

Any recommendations for lava tours and do you guys think it's worth it?

This is a big deal. Ten thousand residents affected. Lava pouring from vent. National guard activated.
Latest: https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/volcanoes...ea/status.html

"Issued: Thursday, May 3, 2018, 5:35 PM HST
Source: Hawaiian Volcano Observatory
Notice Number:
Location: N 19 deg 25 min W 155 deg 17 min
Elevation: 4091 ft (1247 m)
Area: Hawaii

Volcanic Activity Summary:
An eruption has commenced in the Leilani Estates subdivision in the lower East Rift Zone of Kilauea Volcano. Shortly before 5 pm, lava was confirmed at the surface in the eastern end of the subdivision. Hawaii County Civil Defense is on scene and coordinating needed response including evacuation of a portion of the Leilani subdivision.

Residents of the lower Puna District should remain alert, review individual, family, and business emergency plans, and watch for further information about the status of the volcano. Hawaii County Civil Defense messages may be found at http://www.hawaiicounty.gov/active-alerts/.

Recent Observations:

New ground cracks were reported in Leilani Estates late this afternoon. White, hot vapor and blue fume emanated from an area of cracking in the eastern part of the subdivision. Spatter began erupting shortly before 5 pm.

HVO and the County of Hawaii are on the ground and conducting overflights to further identify characterize activity and identify the direction of flowing lava.

Hazard Analysis:

Areas downslope of the erupting vent are at risk of lava inundation. At this time, the general area of the Leilani subdivision appears at greatest risk.

The opening phases of fissure eruptions are dynamic. Additional vents and new lava outbreaks may occur and at this time it is not possible to say where new vents may occur."

https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/volcanoes...ea/status.html

I do not believe that there is any lava pouring out at an ocean spot, so boat tours would be senseless. Roads are being blocked to prevent access to the fissure.

Here is a map of the generally-affected area:
https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/volcanoes...edia_maps.html

Everyone has different opinions. Mine is to stay away. The people who live there have problems enough without making traffic worse. If I were to do a tour, it would be a helicopter one. I would definately still visit Volcano, and the park in general, just stay away from Lower Puna.

I hope all is well out there. We are planning on going next month and had two days of stays on the Hilo side. I may change it all to Kona/Waikoloa.

I was planning to stay just 2 nights in Kona middle of June, depending on how bad the Vog is, I may cancel. It tears up my lungs something awful, worth paying for a last minute flight home to avoid.

Ended up canceling my Hilo hotel my stay. I ended up staying in Kona/Waikoloa. If things are good in the Hilo area, we will go for like a day visit or something.

My parents live in Hilo and they are saying that it is like any other day there.

I haven't gone yet. We will be there in exactly 4 weeks. We are at Hilton Kings Land from June 6-12 and then Hapuna Beach resort June 12-14.

Volcanoes National Park will close today for an indefinite period of time.

Most of HVNP to Close Due to Possible Summit Explosion Big Island Now

Volcano House closing as well.

https://www.hawaiivolcanohouse.com