We have all seen this in the news, you can’t miss it! The Kilauea Volcano is erupting and spewing lava ‘bubbles’ high into the air. People’s homes in Puna have been destroyed. And the flowing lava just keeps coming. The Media is hyping this like Armageddon is coming! Oh my goodness, what is happening!?!?
Let’s step back for a minute. The affected remote area that this is happening in is approximately 10 square miles in the Leilani Estate and Lanipuna Gardens subdivisions of Puna. That’s it. The Media would have you believe the enter chain of Islands that compose the state of Hawaii are in extreme danger. That simply is not true. And, a continuous flow of lava has been flowing into the ocean for many years. This is how the islands were formed. Some native Hawaiians think Hawaii, The Big Island is still ‘under development’. It is just that right this moment, the lava is flowing inland instead of into the ocean.
Let’s address what we have heard in The Media. Air Quality is dangerous. The fact is that throughout the islands, not much has changed in the air quality with this situation. Near the flowing lava, yes, it can be hazardous. And it is being monitored continuously. Ashfall and air pollutants are only dangerous in the affected areas as well. If there is any Acid Rain, it will not hurt you anymore than ‘regular’ rain. Which according to The Media has been super harmful for years.
Flights to the islands have not been cancelled, even to Hilo and Kona. They are all still operating as normal. Because The Media has everyone so freaked out, the airlines are waiving change fees for those wishing to postpone their trips to Hawaii, but that is a day by day, case by case situation. Cruise lines that sail around the islands have repositioned a few if their sailings to stay one more day in Maui or have a day at sea. Because passengers hear from The Media all the terrible things going on and panic. The cruise lines don’t want their passengers to panic….there is really no reason to.
Now for a little geography. Maui is the nearest island to Hawaii, The Big Island and it is 118 miles away – from the opposite side of the island where the volcano is erupting. Hawi – on the far north tip – is the closest city to Maui on Hawaii, The Big Island. It is almost 100 miles from Puna. So we have over 200 miles of distance between where the volcano is going a little crazy and the next island. There is at least another 100 miles between Maui and Oahu. So, can you see that The Media is blowing it all out of proportion once again?
Bottom line here is that The Hawaiian Islands are fine! 99% of Hawaii, The Big Island is fine, too! People that live too close have gotten into trouble, much like people that live to close to flood zones, river washes, flat prairie land and tons of tall trees in the forest. A natural disaster can and probably will happen in these places and others during their life time. But they choose to live there anyway. Why? Because the chance is one in a million let’s say. It really may or may not ever happen. Why not take the chance? Well, the people of Puna unfortunately are finding out why. It is the chance you take. Along with the risk.
The information I have provided is to help you make a smart decision about visiting the Hawaiian Islands this year. Or next year. It has all come straight from the Hawaiian Islands Government, The Hawaiian Islands Tourism Board and people that actually live there. Unlike The Media. Sure, the pictures of the volcano spewing ash into the air are scary. But take a look at the guy below in the golf cart. He is pretty undaunted. I am guessing he is a native.
Hawaii is still a FANTASTIC destination to visit and explore! Are you ready to find out for yourself, first hand? Great! Contact me to get your vacation started! Oh and you may just be able to join a native islander or 2 throwing a party while watching the lava flow! It is pretty amazing, after all!