NEW EMERGENCY WARNING: United States Joins Indonesia, Japan, Italy, Iceland, and Mexico as Kīlauea Ashfall Forces Travel Alerts Across Hawaii

Published on
January 25, 2026

By: Paramita Sarkar

The United States has joined a group of volcanically active nations including Japan, Indonesia, Iceland, Italy, and Mexico as an intensified eruption of Kīlauea triggered a rare Ashfall Warning, forcing road closures, park shutdowns, and travel disruptions across Hawaii’s Big Island. Verified alerts from the National Weather Service and the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory confirm this is the most severe ash-producing event on the island since 2018—placing immediate implications on residents, travelers, and Hawaii’s tourism infrastructure.

For visitors currently on the Big Island—or those with imminent travel plans—authorities are urging heightened caution as volcanic ash, debris, and shifting winds create hazardous conditions affecting transportation, accommodations, and outdoor activities.

WHAT IS HAPPENING

Kīlauea’s summit eruption escalated sharply on January 24, 2026, entering Episode 41—the most intense phase of the ongoing eruption sequence that began in December 2024. Lava fountains surged to 1,640 feet (500 meters) within Halemaʻumaʻu Crater, propelling ash, tephra, and volcanic glass high into the atmosphere.

The resulting ash plume spread across large portions of the Big Island, prompting the National Weather Service to issue a full Ashfall Warning, the highest alert level for volcanic ash hazards. This designation signals active or imminent heavy ashfall capable of damaging infrastructure and disrupting daily activity—including travel.

WHO IS AFFECTED, INCLUDING TRAVELERS

The warning zone spans the Puna District, Kaʻū District, and Interior Big Island—areas that include residential communities, key visitor corridors, and popular tourism routes.

Travelers staying in or transiting through Volcano Village, Mauna Loa Estates, ʻŌhiʻa Estates, Fern Acres, Glenwood, Mountain View, Pāhoa, and eastern coastal areas near Hilo may experience:

Ash accumulation on roads, vehicles, and hotel propertiesReduced air quality affecting outdoor excursionsDelays or rerouting due to road closuresLimited access to natural attractions

Tour operators and accommodations in affected districts are monitoring conditions closely, with some excursions suspended due to safety concerns.

WHEN THE DISRUPTION BEGAN

The eruption intensified at approximately 11:10 AM HST on Saturday, January 24, with ashfall impacts expanding throughout the afternoon and evening. By nightfall, emergency managers confirmed debris fall large enough to damage vehicles and structures, prompting infrastructure closures that remain in effect.

The Ashfall Warning is currently scheduled to expire at 6:00 AM HST on Sunday, January 25, though officials have noted it may be extended depending on eruption behavior and wind conditions overnight.

WHERE TRAVEL IS MOST DISRUPTEDRoad and Transport Impacts

Highway 11, the Big Island’s primary route connecting eastern Hawaii with the Kaʻū District and western destinations, is closed in both directions between:

Mile Marker 24.5 (near the Solid Waste Transfer Station)Mile Marker 32 (Kaʻū Desert Trailhead)

This closure directly affects travel between Hilo, Volcano, and southern coastal regions, forcing long detours or cancellations for visitors relying on rental vehicles or guided transport.

Park and Attraction Closures

Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park is fully closed due to falling debris, ash, and airborne volcanic glass. This closure impacts one of Hawaii’s most visited attractions and removes access to crater viewpoints, trails, and visitor centers.

Nearby scenic drives and hiking routes have also been restricted, significantly altering travel itineraries centered on volcanic sightseeing.

WHY THIS MATTERS FOR HAWAII TOURISM

This is the first Ashfall Warning on the Big Island since 2018, a year that reshaped both landscapes and visitor patterns. While Kīlauea eruptions often attract global attention, heavy ashfall introduces risks that outweigh sightseeing opportunities.

For travelers, volcanic ash presents specific hazards:

Engine damage to cars, buses, and aircraft on the groundRespiratory irritation, particularly for those with asthmaContamination of water catchment systems at eco-lodges and vacation rentalsAbrasive damage to electronics, cameras, and travel gear

Tourism officials emphasize that conditions can change rapidly, and visitors should avoid attempting volcano viewing during active ashfall periods.

HOW AUTHORITIES ARE ADVISING VISITORS

Government-issued travel guidance during the warning includes:

Avoid driving in ash-covered areasRemain indoors with windows and ventilation sealedDisconnect rainwater catchment systems at accommodationsAvoid hiking, sightseeing, or photography near eruption zonesMonitor official alerts before moving between districts

Airports on the Big Island remain operational, but officials note that ash can affect visibility and ground operations if conditions worsen.

OVERNIGHT CONDITIONS AND TRAVEL OUTLOOK

Forecasts from the National Weather Service indicate overnight wind shifts pushing fine ash and Pele’s hair toward eastern Puna communities. Travelers staying in these areas may encounter ash accumulation by morning even if eruption intensity decreases.

Southern and western parts of the Big Island are currently less affected, but authorities caution against assuming conditions will remain stable.

BROADER TRAVEL CONTEXT

Kīlauea’s escalation places Hawaii alongside global destinations such as Japan, Indonesia, Iceland, Italy, and Mexico, where active volcanoes periodically disrupt travel. The key difference is Hawaii’s reliance on natural attractions as a cornerstone of its visitor economy.

Tourism officials stress that while much of the island remains open, visitors should prioritize safety, flexibility, and official guidance when adjusting travel plans.

CONCLUSION

Kīlauea’s Episode 41 eruption has transformed Hawaii’s Big Island from a volcanic sightseeing destination into an active hazard zone requiring heightened travel awareness. With ashfall warnings, highway closures, and national park shutdowns in effect, both residents and visitors face evolving challenges.

Travelers currently in Hawaii or planning near-term visits are urged to stay informed, remain adaptable, and respect closures as authorities continue to assess the eruption’s trajectory. While Kīlauea remains a symbol of Hawaii’s raw natural power, this latest escalation underscores the need to balance curiosity with caution in one of the world’s most dynamic volcanic landscapes.