Hey cruisers, Justin here! I wanted to give you a heads-up about some recent volcanic activity on the Big Island of Hawaii. Early this morning, Kilauea Volcano erupted in a region that hasn’t seen an eruption since 1974. The Volcano Alert Level was initially raised from watch to warning, and the Aviation Color Code went from orange to red when the eruption began around 12:30 a.m. local time (6:30 a.m. ET). Fortunately, those levels have since been lowered, but it’s important to know how this might affect your plans, especially if you’re planning an excursion to Volcanoes National Park in Hilo.
See status updates here for the Volcano
What Happened?
Kilauea, one of the most active volcanoes in the world, erupted in an area that hasn’t experienced volcanic activity in nearly 50 years. This event raised immediate concerns for both ground-based and aviation hazards, prompting quick changes in alert levels. While the alert levels have been lowered since the initial eruption, it’s still something to be aware of as you plan your visit.
Impact on Hilo Excursions
If you have an excursion planned to Volcanoes National Park on Tuesday 6/4/2024 , here’s what you need to know:
- Access to Certain Areas: Depending on the activity of Kilauea, some areas of the park might be closed for safety reasons. It’s a good idea to check with your tour operator or the National Park Service for the latest updates.
- Air Quality: Volcanic eruptions can affect air quality due to ash and volcanic gases. If you have respiratory issues, you may want to take extra precautions or consider an alternative activity.
- Viewing Opportunities: On the flip side, seeing an active volcano is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. If conditions are safe, your excursion might include some spectacular views of the eruption. Just be sure to follow all safety guidelines and stay within designated viewing areas.
Safety First
Your safety is always the top priority. Here are a few tips to keep in mind if you’re visiting Volcanoes National Park during this time:
- Stay Informed: Keep an eye on updates from the National Park Service and local news sources.
- Follow Guidelines: Listen to park rangers and follow all posted signs and warnings.
- Be Prepared: Bring essentials like water, snacks, and any necessary medications. If air quality is a concern, consider bringing a mask.
- Medical: If you or a family member has breathing issues be extra cautious if you decided to go.
What are your options?
While volcanic activity can change plans quickly, it’s also a reminder of the incredible power of nature. If your excursion to Hilo’s Volcanoes National Park is affected, there are still plenty of amazing things to see and do on the Big Island. From beautiful beaches to rainforest ziplines, Hawaii always has something spectacular to offer.
Remember if you have an NCL tour on the Pride of America and the operator cancels you will get a full refund of the tour to your on-board account. That money will be refundable and you can withdraw it on Friday or they will mail you a check for your remaining balance Saturday when you leave the ship. (this can take up to 4-6 weeks to arrive and make sure your address is correct in NCL’s system)
Stay safe, stay informed, and make the most of your Hawaiian cruise. Mahalo, and happy cruising!
