As more airlines issue flight waivers, Hawaii tourism officials have urged travelers to keeping visiting, insisting vacations are not in jeopardy despite the ongoing lava flow from Kilauea volcano.
In a website message the Hawaii Tourist Authority says there is ‘no reason at this time for travelers to change or alter their leisure or business plans.’
Flights to Kona Airport are operating normally and all accommodations, activities and attractions away from the small, impacted area are open for business.
HTA says only a 10-square mile area of Leilani Estates and Lanipuna Gardens Subdivisions in Puna are impacted.
Air quality directly around the lava flow is hazardous but elsewhere is safe, it said.
Officials are continuing to monitor air quality.
The eruption is more than 100 miles away from the western Kohala and Kona Coasts, where most tourism infrastructure and accommodations are located.
Hilo town, which is about 20 miles away, is also unaffected.
American Airlines is waiving change fees for travel through May 13 which van be rebooked for flights until May 16.
United Airlines also issued a similar waiver policy.
Hawaiian Airlines had already offered to change flight reservations free of charge since Kilauea began spewing lava last week.
