Visitors to Hawaii have a front-row seat for a geological phenomenon: The world's largest active volcano, Mauna Loa, has begun erupting after nearly four decades of dormancy. On Sunday night, Mauna Loa, a volcano in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, began erupting on the Hawaiian island of Oahu. No settlements are in immediate danger, according to authorities, due to the eruptions' location and the lava flow.

Should I Cancel A Vacation To Hawaii?

Officials in the tourism and government sectors of the state and island of Hawaii have said no. In an interview with ABC News, departing Governor David Ige (D) remarked, "If you have booked a vacation or trip to Hawaii Island, this eruption is no reason to modify your plans."

The region where the eruption occurred is far from any tourist resorts or other populated places on Hawaii Island. According to the Hawaii Tourism Authority, both of the island's significant airports are functioning normally; nevertheless, it is still wise for passengers to double-check with their airlines to ensure their flights are on time.

Are There Any Flight Cancellations?

Already some were. On Monday, nine flights between Honolulu and Hilo were canceled when Southwest Airlines "temporarily halted" operations at Hilo International Airport. There was a further delay of one flight.

While the airline reported no more effects on Monday or Tuesday, it did issue a website warning that "the ongoing Mauna Loa volcanic activity may create interruptions" for flights to and from Hawaii. Those whose flights may be disrupted can reschedule without penalty thanks to exemptions offered by both Southwest and Hawaiian Airlines.

When Will The Volcano Stop Erupt?

Unfortunately, we can only provide you with a partial answer. At a press conference on Monday, Ken Hon, the head scientist at the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory for the United States Geological Survey, indicated that such eruptions typically last between one and two weeks. The duration of the outbreak is unknown at this time, he said.

Can I Witness The Eruption?

T. Ilihia Gionson, public affairs officer for the Hawaii Tourism Authority, wrote in an email that because Mauna Loa is so big, "at a minimum, the light is seen from much of the island."

Gunson remarked that "many of the nicest views right now are from the middle of the island along the Daniel K. Inouye Highway," also known as the Saddle Road. He also stressed the need to obey "no trespassing" and "keep out" signs and drive cautiously "no matter how stunning the sights."

On Monday, the Hawaii Department of Transportation notified tourists that no-parking zones will be enforced along the highway and advised them to use approved parking lots instead. "Do not park beside the roadway to witness the volcanic activity, especially in locations where cars abruptly exiting or reentering may cause a hazard," the agency stated.

Can I Still Visit The Park?

Some parts of the park are closed, but most are still accessible. There are sections of Mauna Loa Road that are blocked to motorized vehicles, bicycles, and pedestrians, and the Mauna Loa Observatory Road leads to the park from beyond the island.

When "signs of disturbance" appeared in early October, the park had already shut off the summit, lodges, and high-elevation regions of Mauna Loa. Visitors are advised to check the website for the latest information on closures, safety alerts, and air quality.

How Secure Is The Region Around Mauna Loa?

According to authorities, local communities are not in immediate danger from the eruption. Although no mandatory evacuations have been issued, shelters have opened for those who feel the need to do so. The Hawaii Tourism Authority has warned that anybody staying downwind of the volcano should be ready to leave in the event of an emergency.

The tourist authority advised those staying in short-term rentals to maintain communication with their hosts.

A National Weather Service ashfall alert for the Island of Hawaii was in force through early Monday. People with respiratory issues should "take precautions" to avoid ash and vog, or volcanic haze, the tourist bureau stated in an update.

The advisory recommended remaining indoors or keeping an eye on the wind direction to avoid being trapped in areas where ash and vog are dense enough to make regular breathing difficult.