Tourists assured travel to Hawai'i is still safe: officials
Hawai'i's governor David Ige has reassured travellers that it is still safe to visit the islands despite ongoing media reports about the eruption of Kīlauea volcano. The lava flow is contained to the remote area of lower Puna on Island of Hawai'i, also known as the Big Island, which is to be avoided. But all flights into Hawai'i are operating normally and the rest of the state is open for business. “Visitors to Hawai'i can be assured that the volcanic activity is having no effect whatsoever on the other islands, O'ahu, Maui, Moloka'i, Lāna'i and Kaua'I,” Ige said. “Visitors can book their trips comfortable in the knowledge that their vacation experience will provide all the enjoyment they expect when coming to our beautiful islands. All of Hawai'i is open for business and welcoming visitors with the hospitality, aloha, warmth and picturesque settings visitors seek in our islands. This includes Hilo, Pāhoa and the Kona and Kohala coasts on the island of Hawai'i.”
Kīlauea has been active since 1983 and is one of Hawai'i's most popular attractions. While most of Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park is closed until further notice, the Kahuku Unit of the park - about an hour's drive south of the park's main entrance - is open to visitors from 9am to 3pm Wednesday to Sunday. It includes a 9-mile scenic drive and cinder cone. National park rangers are also available at the Mokupāpapa Discovery Center in Downtown Hilo Tuesday to Saturday to present educational programs and provide updates.
Ige said a skilled contingent of scientists, geologists, meteorologists and health experts were monitoring the eruption, supported by emergency officials and law enforcement personnel from federal, state and county agencies. “They are continuously scrutinizing the activity within Kīlauea volcano and providing clear, carefully thought-out advice with the purpose of keeping the public safe and informed,” he said. “The experts are telling us there is no danger from the eruptions to anyone outside the areas that have been evacuated. There is no threat of a tsunami. Air quality is being closely studied and is of most concern in the immediate area inside where the volcanic activity is taking place.”
Hawai'i Tourism Authority says news reports about acid rain during the Kīlauea eruption have mischaracterized the severity of its potential effect on human health. It said acid rain is a common occurrence anytime there is rainfall on an area where volcanic haze, or VOG, is in the atmosphere. The Environmental Protection Agency says walking in acid rain, or even swimming in a lake affected by acid rain, is no more dangerous to humans than walking in normal rain or swimming in non-acidic lakes.
Hawai'i Tourism Authority president George D. Szigeti said there was no reason for travellers to delay booking Hawaiian holidays. “The number of flights serving Hawai'i has never been greater and there is an abundance of choices for travellers to select in choosing the accommodations and activities they want to enjoy in the Hawaiian Islands,” he said.
For the latest updates on the volcano see http://www.hawaiitourismauthority.org/news/special-alert/
Romance on the rise as new guide released
Romantic getaways have overtaken family holidays as the main type of Australian traveller visiting Hawai'i, new research shows. Nearly 38 per cent of visitors travelled in couples last year – an increase of three per cent from 2016, the Roy Morgan Holiday Tracking Survey found. This compares to around 22 per cent travelling as a family with children and nearly 29 per cent travelling with other family or family and friends.
The news comes as the 2018 edition of the annual Romance Hawai'i guide is released. The 48-page guide is designed for couples thinking of tying the knot overseas, renewing their vows or researching honeymoon destinations.
Filled with inspiring photos, it offers practical tips on the best locations for a romantic event, from beaches, resorts, hotels and restaurants to churches and private homes, and how to incorporate Hawaiian touches. There is also practical information about such things as how to go about getting a marriage licence and same-sex marriage in Hawai'i, as well as sample itineraries created by experts on different Hawaiian islands.
There are also lots of great ideas for things for couples to do, including road trips, spa treatments, sunset sailing cruises and stargazing atop Maunakea on Island of Hawai'i.
The guide has been published since 2010 and is a key marketing tool for Hawai'i Tourism Oceania for the Australian and New Zealand travel trade and travelling public.
Sydney-based Explore Media also publishes an annual 104-page Discover Hawai'i guide, a Meet Hawai'i guide, a Family Hawai'i guide and Luxury Hawai'i guide .
To read Romance Hawai'i or any other guides online go to www.exploremedia.com.au
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