While much of Hawaii, and even of the Big Island, are not affected, day-to-day changes in the ongoing eruption of the Kilauea volcano are forcing cruise lines to skip or shift ports.
So far, though, they have not had to cancel any cruises. But conditions have led to some ships skipping the Big Island ports of Hilo and Kona, substituting stops at ports on other islands.
Kilauea’s current eruption started Thursday, May 3, spewing lava hundreds of feet into the air. Since then, lava-spewing fissures have opened up in dozens of places, destroying a number of communities. The U.S. Geological Survey said, as of May 31: “Vigorous eruption of lava continues from the lower East Rift Zone fissure system in the area of Leilani Estates and Lanipuna Gardens.” It added that volcanic gas emissions remain high, and trade wind conditions are bringing vog (volcanic smog) to the south and west sides of the island.
