This Beautiful Hawaiian Town Is Surprisingly Dangerous To Visit:- There are numerous locations in Hawaii that are regarded as epic travel destinations due to the presence of breathtaking landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and an abundance of activities and places to discover. There are a lot of reasons why Hilo, which is located on the Big Island, is such a captivating city.
This Beautiful Hawaiian Town Is Surprisingly Dangerous To Visit
It is the city in Hawaii that is the least expensive to retire in, and it offers a wide variety of activities that can be enjoyed on a budget that is extremely modest. The tropical paradise is the place in the United States that receives the most rainfall during the year. Hilo, on the other hand, possesses a more malevolent quality within him. Because of its position and the environment that it is situated in, Hilo gives the impression of being a place where danger is just waiting to be discovered anyplace. This is the information that you need to be aware of if you plan on going there.
Hilo, Hawaii Is Near Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park
There are two of the most active volcanoes in the world that are located in close proximity to Hilo, which means that both people and tourists may be in danger. One piece of good news is that you will be aware of any potential danger posed by volcanoes.
In order to ensure that Kīlauea and Mauna Loa do not surprise anyone with lava glow, flows, or eruptions, the United States Geological Survey conducts continuous monitoring. Moreover, travelers have the opportunity to visit Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, where they can witness the volcanoes in action, but in a manner that is less hazardous than full-scale eruptions.
The other volcanoes in the park are also monitored, though none are as famous as Kīlauea and Mauna Loa.
- Kīlauea has eruption periods lasting hundreds of years, with eruptions sometimes lasting multiple decades
- Mauna Loa erupts roughly every five years, with “fast-moving flows”
In light of the fact that Hilo is constructed on contemporary lava flows from Mauna Loa, it is reasonable to anticipate additional eruptions in this region; nonetheless, it is important to keep in mind that Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is located quite a reasonable distance away. Beginning in the city of Hilo, the journey to Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park will take approximately forty minutes if you are traveling by automobile.
But the eruptions themselves aren’t the only thing one should be concerned about in the volcano park. The health of both locals and visitors can be negatively impacted by poor air quality, despite the fact that the air quality is often favorable when there are no active volcanoes in the area. During other times, smoke and ash can produce conditions that are potentially dangerous.
It is important to check the park’s website before making plans to travel to Hawaii, and it is also important to keep an eye on the website while you are in Hilo.
Earthquakes Hit Hilo All The Time
That Hawaii is practically afflicted by earthquakes is something that makes perfect sense if you have any knowledge about the topography of the state. The lava that lies beneath the surface, in addition to the movement of tectonic plates, is the cause of the startlingly high frequency of earthquakes that occur in various parts of the state, including Hilo.
It is not unusual for Hilo to experience dozens of earthquakes on a daily basis, however the majority of these earthquakes are of a lesser magnitude (around three on average).
Multiple Tsunamis Have Hit Hilo, HI
If the fact that Hilo is built on top of lava flows isn’t enough to set it apart from other natural disasters, the town is also vulnerable to other types of natural disasters, including tsunamis. According to Hawaii Magazine, the number of lives lost in Hawaii as a result of tsunamis stands higher than that of any other local calamity. In Hilo, there were three large tsunamis that caused millions of dollars in damage and resulted in a high number of fatalities.
| Year | Deaths | Wave Height | Damage in today’s $ |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1946 | 159 | 50 feet | $300M |
| 1960 | 61 | 35 feet | $171M |
| 1975 | 2 | 26 feet | $5.6M |
Although tsunamis are not the most prevalent type of natural catastrophe that can occur in Hilo, it is important to be informed of the meteorological patterns. Despite the fact that Hilo Bay has not been hit by a tsunami that has caused significant damage in the past thirty years or so, Hawaii Magazine notes that the bay is still vulnerable to such occurrences, particularly when severe earthquakes occur.
Hawaii, In General, Is Highly Flammable
In the event that all of these threats aren’t enough, Hawaii, in general, is also prone to fires. The fire that occurred in Lahaina in February 2024 prompted NBC News to declare that fires in Hawaii have become the state’s “new normal.” The largest fire in the history of Hawaii occurred on Big Island, which may add to the anxieties of those who are contemplating a trip to Hilo (and, of course, may also add to the concerns of those who already live there).
“A federal analysis of wildfire risk to homes found Hawaii is the state with the greatest likelihood of high-intensity fires near where people live.” It is NBC. Unfortunately, Hawaii continues to be plagued by fire risks, with both the frequency of fires and the intensity of flames growing over the course of multiple years. Although it appears that the specific risk associated with Hilo is quite minimal, this does not mean that tourists who are traveling to Big Island do not need to be concerned about this or any other potential dangers.