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Tourism & Hospitality

Big Island Operations Face Disruption from Kilauea Ashfall and High Surf

·4 min read·👀 Watch

Executive Summary

New eruptive activity at Kilauea volcano is causing ashfall advisories for eastern Hawaii Island, while high surf impacts coastal areas statewide. Businesses need to prepare for potential operational disruptions and safety concerns. Monitor ashfall intensity and surf conditions for immediate mitigation steps.

👀

Watch & Prepare

High Priority

Ashfall can damage equipment and require operational adjustments, while high surf impacts coastal access and safety for tourism; these hazards require immediate attention for mitigation.

Monitor official advisories from [USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory](https://www.usgs.gov/observatories/hvo) and the [National Weather Service Honolulu](https://www.weather.gov/hnl/) for ashfall intensity, wind direction, and surf conditions. If ashfall reports indicate moderate to heavy accumulations in your immediate area, or if air quality indexes become unhealthy, activate your immediate business continuity plan, focusing on equipment protection and employee safety. For coastal businesses, if surf advisories are upgraded or storm surge is a possibility, secure outdoor assets and prepare for potential access limitations until conditions subside. Reassess these conditions daily until advisories are lifted.

Who's Affected
Small Business OperatorsReal Estate OwnersTourism OperatorsAgriculture & Food Producers
Ripple Effects
  • →Increased operational costs for cleaning and protecting equipment due to ashfall → potential temporary business closures on Hawaii Island → reduced local consumer spending → strain on small business revenue.
  • →Widespread high surf advisories → cancellations of water-based tours and activities → decreased visitor spending in coastal areas → localized economic downturns impacting hotels and restaurants statewide.
A spectacular view of Kilauea Volcano erupting during twilight, showcasing red lava and smoke against a dark sky.
Photo by Michael Li

Big Island Operations Face Disruption from Kilauea Ashfall and High Surf

Executive Brief

New eruptive activity at Kilauea volcano is causing ashfall advisories for eastern Hawaii Island, while high surf impacts coastal areas statewide. Businesses need to prepare for potential operational disruptions and safety concerns. Monitor ashfall intensity and surf conditions for immediate mitigation steps.

  • Small Business Operators: Risk of equipment damage, temporary closures, and increased cleaning costs. Monitor air quality and surf reports.
  • Real Estate Owners: Potential for property damage from ash accumulation on roofs and coastal erosion from high surf. Assess property vulnerability.
  • Tourism Operators: Inbound travel disruptions, tour cancellations, and damage to coastal infrastructure. Review emergency protocols and insurance.
  • Agriculture & Food Producers: Ashfall can damage crops and affect livestock; high surf can impact coastal aquaculture and logistics. Implement protective measures and assess supply chain resilience.
  • Action: Monitor ashfall patterns and surf advisories. Implement immediate safety protocols and consider contingency plans for equipment and supply chain disruptions.

The Change

As of February 14, 2026, the Kilauea volcano has entered a new eruptive phase, leading to an ashfall advisory for Hawaii Island communities in eastern and southeastern regions. Volcanic particles are being dispersed by prevailing winds, potentially affecting air quality and surface conditions. Concurrently, high surf advisories are in effect for east-facing shores across the Hawaiian Islands, posing risks to coastal infrastructure and activities. These cascading environmental conditions necessitate immediate attention for businesses operating in or serving these areas.

Who's Affected

Small Business Operators (small-operator):

  • Operational Disruptions: Ashfall can infiltrate buildings, damage sensitive electronic equipment, and require extensive cleaning, leading to temporary closures and increased operating costs. Service businesses, retail shops, and restaurants in affected eastern districts should prepare for potential cessations of normal operations. Consider indoor work contingencies and essential cleaning supplies.
  • Staffing: Employees may be unable to commute safely or may need to attend to home protection, impacting staffing levels. Communication with staff regarding safety protocols and work flexibility is crucial.

Real Estate Owners (real-estate):

  • Property Damage: Volcanic ash, if heavy or wet, can accumulate on roofs, potentially causing structural stress and gutters to clog. Coastal properties face risks from unusually high surf, leading to erosion and potential inundation.
  • Insurance Claims: Owners should document any damage and review their insurance policies regarding volcanic ash and flood damage coverage.

Tourism Operators (tourism-operator):

  • Visitor Safety: High surf advisories directly impact beach activities and water sports, leading to cancellations of tours and excursions. Ashfall can affect air quality, potentially leading to flight delays or cancellations, and may deter visitors from outdoor activities.
  • Infrastructure: Coastal hotels and businesses are at risk from wave action. Inland businesses may see reduced foot traffic if ashfall significantly impacts air quality or visibility.
  • Reputational Risk: Managing visitor expectations and ensuring their safety during these events is paramount.

Agriculture & Food Producers (agriculture):

  • Crop Damage: Fine volcanic ash can smother crops, reduce sunlight, and damage plant tissues, impacting yield and quality. Livestock can experience respiratory issues and reduced access to feed.
  • Coastal Operations: Aquaculture sites or boat-dependent operations along the coast are vulnerable to high surf and potential debris.
  • Supply Chain: Ashfall can disrupt road transportation, affecting the movement of goods and access to markets. Increased cleaning and protective measures for produce will be necessary.

Second-Order Effects

Kilauea's renewed activity and high surf advisories can create a ripple effect through Hawaii's isolated economy. Increased operational costs for cleaning and protecting equipment due to ashfall → potential temporary business closures on Hawaii Island → reduced local consumer spending → strain on small business revenue. Simultaneously, widespread high surf advisories → cancellations of water-based tours and activities → decreased visitor spending in coastal areas → localized economic downturns impacting hotels and restaurants statewide.

What to Do

Small Business Operators: Watch ashfall intensity and surf forecasts. If ashfall becomes significant (measurable accumulation, poor air quality indices), implement a dust mitigation plan, protect sensitive equipment, and consider temporary closures for safety. For high surf areas, review coastal access and potential flood risks for premises if applicable.

Real Estate Owners: Watch ashfall reports and surf conditions. If heavy ashfall is forecast, arrange for roof and gutter cleaning post-event. For coastal properties, monitor high tide levels and surf impacts; implement temporary flood barriers if necessary.

Tourism Operators: Watch the duration and intensity of ashfall and surf advisories. If ashfall significantly impacts air quality or visibility, or if surf conditions pose a safety risk, proactively communicate with guests, adjust tour schedules, and review emergency evacuation plans. Ensure all coastal-facing assets are secured.

Agriculture & Food Producers: Watch the trajectory and density of ashfall. Implement protective coverings for vulnerable crops and livestock. Monitor coastal conditions for aquaculture operations and be prepared for potential transportation delays. Consider stockpiling essential supplies if supply chain disruptions are anticipated.

Action Details

Monitor official advisories from USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory and the National Weather Service Honolulu for ashfall intensity, wind direction, and surf conditions. If ashfall reports indicate moderate to heavy accumulations in your immediate area, or if air quality indexes become unhealthy, activate your immediate business continuity plan, focusing on equipment protection and employee safety. For coastal businesses, if surf advisories are upgraded or storm surge is a possibility, secure outdoor assets and prepare for potential access limitations until conditions subside. Reassess these conditions daily until advisories are lifted.

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