Is Kīlauea erupting all the time?

Kīlauea is frequently active, but eruptions vary widely in duration and intensity. Many last only hours or days.

Can visitors safely view a Kīlauea eruption?

Yes. Viewing is safe when done from designated areas and by following official guidance.

Does Kīlauea affect Kailua-Kona or the Kohala Coast?

No. These west-side areas are geographically protected from lava flows.

Why does the news make Kīlauea eruptions look so dangerous?

Media coverage often emphasizes dramatic imagery without geographic context, which can exaggerate perceived risk.

What about volcanic gas on the west side?

Volcanic gases mainly affect areas near the eruption site. Depending on wind conditions, light haze can occasionally reach the west side.

Is it safe to live on the west side of the Big Island?

Yes. Distance, topography, and natural barriers protect west-side communities from direct volcanic impacts.

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News and Updates

Kilauea Volcano 101: Location and Safety

Kīlauea Volcano Activity on the Big Island: What Recent Eruptions Mean for Residents and Visitors

By Kai Ioh and KE TEAM HawaiiKai Ioh is a luxury real estate advisor based in Kona, Hawai‘i, specializing in resort and ultra-high-net-worth markets across the Big Island. Key Takeaways Kīlauea is one of the world’s most active v...

January 13, 2026

Big Island ADU Laws 2024: What Hawaiʻi County and State Rules Now Allow

By Emil Knysh and Kai IohKai and Emil are luxury real estate advisors based in Kona, Hawai‘i, specializing in resort and ultra-high-net-worth markets across the Big Island. Executive Summary This page explains how 2024 updates to Ha...

January 6, 2026

Hawai‘i County Long-Term Rental Tax Class Explained: What Big Island Property Owners Need to Know

By Kai Ioh | Nov 2025 Executive Summary This page explains Hawai‘i County’s new Long-Term Rental (LTR) property tax classification for Big Island homes. It is relevant for property owners, investors, and landlords renting h...

January 1, 2026

Maui’s Bill 9 Explained: What Hawaii’s New Vacation Rental Law Means for the Big Island and Beyond

Kai Ioh | December 2025 Maui County just took a decisive step that every Hawaii property owner should be paying attention to. Earlier this month, Mayor Richard Bissen signed Bill 9 into law, following final approval by the Maui County Cou...

December 18, 2025

New Big Island STVR Law (Bill 47): What Homeowners Need to Know

Kai and Emil | Updated Dec 21, 2025 Hawaii County has taken a decisive step in reshaping the rules for short-term vacation rentals (STVRs). With Bill 47 signed into law on June 23, 2025, homeowners across the Big Island need to prepare for a...

December 10, 2025

What a 50-Year Mortgage Could Mean for Hawai‘i Buyers & Investors

50-Year Mortgages: What Hawai‘i Buyers & Investors Need to Know Emil Knysh | Dec 2025 A practical and balanced breakdown for first-time buyers, second-home owners, and investors. As affordability continues to challenge homebuyers...

December 2, 2025

How Hawai‘i County Assesses Real Property Taxes: What Every Property Owner Should Know and New Changes

Kai Ioh | Nov 2025 (Based on the 2025 Mass Appraisal Report) Understanding how Hawai‘i County evaluates your property each year is one of the simplest ways to protect your investment - and avoid surprises on your annual tax bill. We sometime...

November 30, 2025

When Kona Becomes the Center of the (Ironman) Universe

It’s that time of year again, when the normally laid-back town of Kailua-Kona transforms into a global stage of grit, glory, and Spandex/Lycra. While I’ve been preoccupied riding the emotional rollercoaster of the Dodgers’ postseason (ca...

October 9, 2025

Compass Is About to Become the World’s Largest Brokerage: What This Pending Merger Means for You

Kai and Emil | September 2025 Big things are on the horizon, and if you’re a client, friend, or follower of Compass, you’ll want to pay attention. Compass recently announced its plan to acquire Anywhere Real Estate in an all-stock deal. T...

September 30, 2025

Hawaii Insurance Crisis: September 2025 Update

By Kai Ioh | September 2025 September Update: Programs Making a Difference On September 9, Sue Savio, one of Hawaii’s most respected insurance experts, shared something we haven’t heard often during this crisis: real optimism. According...

September 16, 2025

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