Hawaii tourism officials are calling on tourists to show respect and sensitivity as they flock to the Big Island to witness the latest eruption of Kilauea, one of the world's most active volcanoes.
The Hawaii Tourism Authority issued a statement on Wednesday night (June 7) urging visitors to be mindful of the cultural and spiritual significance of the volcanic eruption and the crater area.
"The Hawaii Tourism Authority urges mindfulness when planning a visit to the volcano," the agency stated.
For many Native Hawaiians, a volcano eruption holds deep cultural significance, and it is a personal and spiritual experience.
Some engage in chants, prayers to ancestors, or hula dances to honour the moment.
Hawaiians are requesting that visitors maintain a respectful distance and take in the experience without solely focusing on capturing it through cameras.
Cyrus Johnasen, a spokesperson for Hawaii County and a native Hawaiian, emphasized the importance of being present and appreciating the moment.
They said: "Don't just get out your camera and take photos. Stop and be still and take it in," he said. "It's something that you can't pay for. In that moment, you are one with Hawaii."
In addition to the cultural sensitivities, officials also urged visitors to refrain from taking rocks, avoid any horseplay, and leave the plants undisturbed.
The area surrounding the volcano is home to many native plant species, and preserving their habitat is crucial.
"Just be mindful that you will leave a footprint. The idea is you leave one that's as small as possible," Johnasen added.
News of Kilauea's eruption quickly spread, resulting in a surge of visitors to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
The park's website issued a warning of major delays and limited parking due to the high visitation.
According to Jessica Ferracane, a spokesperson for the park, the first day and night of the eruption saw an estimated influx of more than 10,000 people, which is more than triple the usual number of visitors on a non-erupting day.
To manage the crowds, park officials advised tourists to consider visiting during less-crowded times, such as before 9am or after 9pm.
While some spectators flocked to the area physically, others turned to the livestream provided by the U.S. Geological Survey to witness the eruption.
Thousands of viewers tuned in on Thursday morning to observe the red pockets of moving lava within Halemaumau crater.
Andrew Choi, visiting from Orange County, California, expressed his excitement at the opportunity to witness the eruption firsthand.
"We were on social media, and we saw that it was actually going off while we're here, so we made the drive from the Kona side," he told the Hawaii Tribune-Herald. "This feels so ridiculously lucky. We've never seen anything like this."
Scientists expect the eruption to continue, with the activity remaining confined to the Halemaumau crater within the park.
The U.S. Geological Survey's Hawaiian Volcano Observatory lowered Kilauea's alert level from warning to watch due to the decreased rate of lava input and the absence of any immediate threat to infrastructure.
Mayor Mitch Roth reassured the public that the eruption was occurring in a safe location designated for viewing. "People here on Hawaii Island are getting a spectacular show," he said. "And it's happening in a safe place that was built for people to come view it."
