by Donald Wood
Last updated: 5:45 PM ET, Tue May 8, 2018
Update: May 9, 2018 at 11:30 a.m. ET
The Island of Hawaii Visitors Bureau told potential visitors Tuesday there is absolutely no reason at this time to change or alter their leisure or business plans due to the continued eruption of Kilauea volcano.
Tourism officials said all of the Hawaiian Islands are unaffected by the volcanic eruption, except a 10-square-mile area on the island of Hawaii's east side. In addition, no flights to or from Kona International or Hilo International airports have been impacted, despite airlines waiving change fees.
In addition, executive director of the Island of Hawai'i Visitors Bureau Ross Birch revealed all accommodations, activities and attractions on the island are also operating normally, with the exception of those in the area impacted by the lava activity.
Original Text
As Hawaii's Kilauea volcano continues to erupt, government and emergency officials warn of more potential evacuations and travel interruptions.
According to Reuters, lava continued to spread around the base of the volcano, causing emergency personnel to evacuate an estimated 1,700 people. The evacuation zone could grow in the coming days due to fissures spreading into new areas.
If the 12 vents that opened on Hawaii's Big Island due to earthquakes and the eruption begin spewing lava, more people will be evacuated from the surrounding areas. While no deaths or major injuries have been reported, at least 35 structures had been destroyed.
In terms of the eruption impacting travel, several major airlines serving Hawaii have announced they will waive change fees for those scheduled to fly in or out of Hilo International and Kona International airports.
Travelers scheduled to fly with top carriers such as American, Hawaiian and United to or from impacted airports through May 13 will be eligible to have their change fees waived.
As for those scheduled to cruise to Hawaii in the coming days, the Royal Caribbean ship Radiance of Seas was forced to cancel its stop in Hilo Monday, instead spending the day at sea, according to Cruise Critic.
The Norwegian Cruise Line ship Pride of America was also scheduled to make a stop on Hilo Tuesday, but the company did not announce any changes. Travelers are being encouraged to contact their travel agent or cruise line for any potential issues.
The volcanic eruption also impacted several tourist destinations, including viewing areas around Kilauea and a portion of the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
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