With the lush, green landscape that is seen throughout the Island chain, it is easy to forget that Hawaii lies on top of a volcanic hot spot. Except of course if you are on the Big Island. Kilauea volcano on Hawaii Island has been continuously active since 1983 and as one of the state’s more popular attractions, residents and visitors alike are accustomed to lava flows on the south-west flank of the mountain. But on May 3rd, 2018 we were reminded that volcanic activity can pop up just about anywhere on the island of Hawaii. As a new flow makes its mark on the rural east side, state and county agencies work to keep their residents safe while the community works to help those who have been displaced. But what about the traveling parties?
With the Hawaii Island’s main resort areas being almost 100 miles away and shielded by massive mountains, those planning on spending their Hawaii vacation on the Big Island should feel at ease that their experience will be mostly unaffected. And here on Maui, we are safe and sound.
While the Hawaiian volcano is not a threat to the memories you will make here, there are some general tips for staying safe while on vacation. To best enjoy paradise, here are some precautions to best enjoy your stay.
Fight The Bite
While tiny, these bugs pack a big bite and could potentially carry diseases. We often forget about mosquitoes until we are dotted with itchy spots and fortunately, none of the diseases are being spread locally. Utilizing EPA-registered insect repellent and wearing light-colored clothing when mosquitoes are most active can at the very least protect you from some discomfort.
Be Sun-Smart
And while the warm Hawaiian sun feels great on your winter-chilled skin, make sure to wear reef-safe sun protection at all times. Ultraviolet rays can be quite unforgiving and can add a lot of discomforts that can hamper your Hawaii experience. Brimmed hats, sunglasses, and long-sleeves can also help protect you!
Ocean Safety
Here in Hawaii, we are famous for our beautiful beaches and exciting ocean activities but the refreshing salt water can pose a threat if you are not aware of your surroundings. Stick to life-guarded beaches, heed warning signs of dangerous surf, and try your best to avoid turning your back on the waves. They tend to come in sets, so large waves can be separated by calm ones.
Hawaii is world renowned for the memories and each vacation has incredible potential to be better than the last! Keep these precautions in mind and you are sure to enjoy every moment of your time here. And if you have been planning on enjoying tropical slopes and warm sandy beaches of Hawaii but are still a little worried about recent volcanic events, Kahana Village offers a tucked away place to escape to.
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