Earlier today, Governor David Ige, through the Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority, reassured the world that "travel is safe to the Hawaiian Island." Ige emphasized that the volcanic activity is having no effect on other islands.

But even though Kīlauea's latest eruptive phase is mainly affecting the Puna area, there have been a rash of island-wise cancellations for June and July because tourists mistakenly think the entire state is a disaster area. Some cruise ships are avoiding Hilo and even Kona as a port of call.

The Conversation's Catherine Cruz spoke with Ross Birch, the Executive Director of Hawaiʻi Island's Visitors Bureau, about his concerns and efforts to correct visitor assumptions.