We received the following question by email:
Hi. Coming to Hawaii in July 2011. Spending most time on Kauai. Would like to come to Kona and hike and see volcano/lava. Was there any damage from storms that would prevent us from doing that in Kona?
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Answer:
Most of Kona is back to normal following the Tsunami on 3/11/2011. Several hotels are still damaged including the Kona Village and Four Seasons Hualalai (North Kona District). Also, the King Kamehameha Hotel on the waterfront Alii Drive sustained serious water damage as well. Beyond that, most shops and restaurants have re-opened. Activities such as snorkeling tours regularly depart the Kailua-Kona pier.
The Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is located on the other side of the island (Ka’u District) and was untouched by the Tsunami. The new vent that is spewing lava is located adjacent the Halema’uma’u Crater and is intermittently causing portions of the National Park to be closed (due to the proximity to active lava flow, poisonous Vog gases, and brush fires). Check out our Volcano Lava Flow page for more information on lava viewing opportunities. Also, if you are only visiting the Big Island for a few short days, check out our Big Island Travel Itineraries page.
Hike
with an expert guide in Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park, in the rain
forests, deep in remote valleys, and explore hidden waterfalls
Enjoy
a picturesque Hawaiian horseback ride through the Valley of the
Kings, a lush tropical paradise of jungle trails, waterfalls, and spiritual sites.
