Kīlauea Ashfall Disrupts Big Island Operations with Immediate Road Closures and Health Risks
Executive Brief
Significant ashfall from Kīlauea's Episode 41 eruption is in effect until Sunday morning, causing immediate road closures on the Big Island and posing health and operational risks. Businesses must take swift action to mitigate damage and ensure safety, with potential impacts on tourism and supply chains.
- Restaurant operators: Risk of equipment damage, reduced foot traffic, potential closures.
- Real Estate Owners: Property damage from ash accumulation, potential access issues.
- Tourism Operators: Flight and road disruptions affecting visitor access and tour operations.
- Entrepreneurs & Startups: Potential disruption to logistics and employee commute.
- Agriculture & Food Producers: Crop damage, reduced visibility for transport, potential impact on livestock.
- Action: Implement immediate ash mitigation and safety protocols before 6 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 25.
The Change
As of January 24, 2026, Kīlauea volcano's summit is experiencing significant lava fountains associated with Episode 41. This event has triggered an ashfall advisory for most eastern, southeastern, southern, and interior portions of Hawaiʻi Island, remaining in effect until 6 a.m. Sunday, January 25th. The Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense has reported closures of portions of Highway 11 in Puna and Kaʻū, as well as within Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, due to the accumulation of volcanic ash and hazardous conditions.
Who's Affected
Small Business Operators (small-operator): Businesses in affected regions face immediate operational disruptions. Ashfall can damage sensitive equipment (HVAC systems, computers, machinery), leading to costly repairs or downtime. Reduced visibility and hazardous road conditions will likely deter customers, impacting foot traffic and sales for retail, restaurants, and service providers. Some may need to temporarily close for safety or to protect assets.
Real Estate Owners (real-estate): Property owners and managers in ashfall zones should anticipate potential property damage. Accumulation of ash can clog gutters, strain roofs, and potentially damage exterior surfaces. Access to properties may be hindered by road closures, impacting maintenance schedules and tenant access. Landlords should prepare for potential requests for rent abatement or assistance from affected tenants.
Tourism Operators (tourism-operator): This event presents a significant immediate challenge for the tourism sector. Road closures, particularly on Highway 11, directly impact visitor movement and access to attractions like Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. Airlines may experience delays or cancellations due to ash clouds, affecting arrivals and departures. Tour operators, hotels, and vacation rental businesses must manage cancellations, rebookings, and communicate rapidly with guests regarding safety and travel advisories.
Entrepreneurs & Startups (entrepreneur): Startups and growth-stage companies on the Big Island, especially those relying on physical logistics or with employees commuting through affected areas, face immediate disruption. Delivery routes may be impassable, impacting supply chains and client services. Employee safety during commutes becomes a primary concern, potentially requiring temporary remote work mandates or adjusted schedules.
Agriculture & Food Producers (agriculture): Agricultural operations in Puna and Kaʻū are particularly vulnerable. Volcanic ash can damage crops by coating leaves, reducing photosynthesis, and potentially leading to crop failure. Livestock may suffer respiratory problems if ash is inhaled. Reduced visibility on roads can impede the transport of goods to markets or processing facilities, and potentially impact export logistics if ports are affected by wider atmospheric ash dispersion.
Second-Order Effects
Ashfall events, even short-lived ones, create immediate economic friction on an island system. Road closures on key arteries like Highway 11 sever direct links between agricultural producers in Kaʻū and Puna and the primary consumer markets and transport hubs further north. This disruption in logistics can lead to spoilage of perishable goods, increasing waste and reducing revenue for farmers. The necessity for cleanup and potential damage repairs also increases operational costs for businesses, which may eventually be passed on to consumers through higher prices, impacting the cost of living for residents and the overall competitiveness of tourism. Furthermore, widespread road closures can strain local emergency services and impact their response times for other critical incidents.
What to Do
Small Business Operators: Implement immediate ash mitigation protocols. Advise employees to stay home if commute is hazardous or roads are closed. Protect sensitive outdoor equipment by covering it. Clean HVAC intake filters frequently. Monitor local Civil Defense advisories for updates on road status and air quality. Consider temporary operational adjustments based on local conditions.
Real Estate Owners: If ashfall is heavy, clear gutters and rooflines of ash as soon as it is safe to do so to prevent water damage. Advise tenants of potential access issues and provide safety guidelines for ash cleanup if applicable. Document any potential damage for insurance purposes. Ensure adequate ventilation systems are clear of ash.
Tourism Operators: Proactively communicate with guests regarding potential travel disruptions, flight delays, and altered tour availability. Update websites and booking platforms with real-time information on closures and safety advisories. Review cancellation policies and offer flexible rebooking options. Monitor airline and park status updates closely.
Entrepreneurs & Startups: Assess the immediate impact on transportation and logistics. If employees are commuting through affected zones, implement remote work policies or adjust start times. Halt non-essential deliveries or pickups in impacted areas. Ensure business continuity plans account for such localized disruptions.
Agriculture & Food Producers: Protect crops from ash accumulation where possible (e.g., covering sensitive plants). Monitor livestock for signs of respiratory distress and ensure access to clean water. Assess road conditions before attempting to transport goods and be prepared for delays or alternative routing. Document any crop damage for potential future claims or disaster relief.
Action Details: For all affected roles, the immediate priority is safety and damage mitigation. Implement ash cleanup and protective measures before 6 a.m. Sunday, January 25th, when the current warning is set to expire, but continue monitoring official advisories for further developments. Prioritize employee safety and business continuity in your operational decisions.
