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VOG on the Big Island

kwilson

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We checked into the Kona Hawaiian Resort 4 days ago. We haven't seen the sun in Kona since. Well maybe a vague orange glow. The VOG is that thick. We drove over to Hilo today and it was beautiful, even though it is about 40 miles closer to the volcano. They are predicting a change in the winds in the next few days that should help clear things up.

FOLLOW UP...Next morning..Blue skies and sunshine, No VOG. Happy Days!
 
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canesfan

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We were supposed to be in Kona July 1-5th. Yesterday I changed our reservations to stay in Kauai. One of our travel companions has bad asthma and at this point I don’t think it’s worth the risk. I’m sad though! We were really looking forward to the Big Island.

I hope the trade winds change and you get some sun & relief from the VOG.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 

DaveNV

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We were scheduled to stay at Kona Hawaiian Resort for the second week of our trip that ended last weekend. I also decided it wasn’t worth the hassle, and changed our plans to go to Kauai instead. I’m glad I did. And the people who gave me a hard time about it need to get over it. I’m not spending all that money to sit in the haze, and be told where on the island we couldn’t go. We had a great time on Kauai.

Enjoy your vacation!

Dave
 

tompalm

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The big island is hurting right now due to all the cancellations. Anyone that wants a good deal on a hotel room or air fare can get them this summer or as long as this is going on. The CEO of Hilton was on CNBC telling everyone that the deals are really good at all their properties on the big island.
 

dsmrp

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My brother a Hawaii resident, and a frequent cruiser, says the Norwegian line has been avoiding the Big Island ever since these East Rift lava eruptions started. People are cancelling and cruise prices have dropped for June into July. Maybe I'll try to get one of those cruises in September.

I've got my Big Island Hilton timeshare reserved for May 2019. I hope it simmers down by then.
 

mapsd

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We are set to arrive on the Big Island on Monday for a week's stay, then to Oahu for 5 days.
Staying at King's Land as part of a promo.

Will HGVC work with us to change our itinerary?
We're committed to the dates, so what would our options be?
 

klpca

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Sorry - forgot to add quotes - this was in response to mapsd.

According to the Tripadvisor forums, Waikoloa (where Kingsland is located) is fine. There are a ton of threads over there. They are saying to stay away from Kona at all costs, and move your reservations to the Waikoloa area. Here is a link to different Big Island webcams: https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTop...f_Hawaii_webcams-Island_of_Hawaii_Hawaii.html

Also, when I log into my HGVC account, there is a big notice at the top saying that their Hawaii properties are unaffected. I doubt that they will relocate you. If it were me (and it is - we're heading there next Saturday) I wouldn't worry about it too much. If I were staying in Kona I would do everything in my power to move.
 

klpca

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We checked into the Kona Hawaiian Resort 4 days ago. We haven't seen the sun in Kona since. Well maybe a vague orange glow. The VOG is that thick. We drove over to Hilo today and it was beautiful, even though it is about 40 miles closer to the volcano. They are predicting a change in the winds in the next few days that should help clear things up.
I'm not sure what you itinerary is, but head north to Waikoloa, northeast to the Hamakua Coast, head up to Waimea or Hawi, go to Hapuna Beach. Check out Tex's bakery in Honokaa for malasadas too.
 

geist1223

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Just read that Lava has filled in and destroyd the largest fresh water lake and it was 200 feet deep in spots.
 

klpca

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dsmrp

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JIMinNC

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I've got my Big Island Hilton timeshare reserved for May 2019. I hope it simmers down by then.

We're going in March 2019, and I'm actually in the other camp, hoping some of the activity is still going on (but hopefully in unpopulated areas where people's homes aren't being destroyed). Since we'll be at HGVC in Waikoloa, any direct impacts are usually minimal there, so we would love to see interesting activity again if there was a way to observe from a boat or helicopter or even on foot.

On our honeymoon in 1992 we were able to walk within several hundred yards of where the lava was entering the ocean, on a path over recent lava flows where we could still feel the heat through our shoes (with US Park Service Rangers there to answer questions and keep everyone a safe distance back). It was an incredible opportunity. Would love to see something like that again.
 

canesfan

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We were able to see lava flows in July 2016, right before it entered the ocean. It was slow moving. We had a long hike to it, but it was worth it.
Like you, hoping that this will calm down to an activity where it’s not life threatening and taking homes but we can observe the nature of it. We will definitely be planning a trip in 2019.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 

DaveNV

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dsmrp

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My brother in Honolulu said Norwegian cruise line plans to resume Big Island cruising next week. Should have great viewing of lava. Cruise prices really really low now, should start rising soon.
 

Hawaiibarb

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I just got back from the Big Island; stayed at the Royal Sea Cliff. Yes, there was vog in Kona; so much depends on where the trade winds are blowing. I was concerned for my friend, who has a history of pulmonary problems, so I had special masks ready to protect against the vog, if we needed them, but we were fine. Coming back from Hilo, we hit a short patch of vog on Saddle Road, but we were out of it in no time, nor did it bother either of us. The Big Island has a lot to offer, and I'm glad we didn't cancel our trip just because of the volcano. The state is trying to find a way that people can safely see the lava flowing, but no time table. The Puna people have been hard hit, but there is a lot of amazing generosity from people all over the island, anxious to help in so many ways. I believe the latest count (verified) of homes lost is now at 577.
 
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