A 6.7-magnitude earthquake, which hit on Oct. 15, off the coast of the Big Island, rattled locals and visitors alike, but aside from the anxiety caused by the tremors, damage to the islands and to Hawaii’s flow of tourism has been remarkably minimal. According to the Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau (HVCB), out of the 72,000 hotel rooms across the state, only about 100 of them were affected by the earthquake. Those hotels and resorts closest to the undersea origin of the quake in the Kona-Kohala area of the Big Island report only superficial damage, if any. The greatest inconveniences to visitors were caused by power outages which were not a result of any damage, but were in fact due to an automatic shut-off feature at the state’s power plants when their built-in seismic monitors were triggered by the quake. The loss of power caused disruptions in airport service, resulting in flight delays and cancellations, but power was restored to all affected areas by midnight Sunday. While some surface damage was sustained, all main highways and roads across the state are now open, Hawaii is sending out a clear message to visitors that it is open for business.
- According to the Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau (HVCB), the earthquake caused no fatalities or serious injuries, and it seems that structural damage has been limited to parts of the Big Island and is generally not widespread. The Bureau, as echoed by most Hawaii tourism authorities, recommends that travelers on their way to the islands call their airlines to reconfirm their reservations, but affirms that all airports are now functioning normally.
- The Hawaii Convention Center on Honolulu has been fully operational and open for business since its power was restored at 8:30 p.m. the evening of the quake. It reports no damage to the building or business systems.
- Resorts and hotels on the Kohala Coast are all open for business and welcoming guests, as are the surrounding restaurants, spas and golf courses. The area continued to see tourist traffic throughout Sunday.
Resorts
- Neither Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort and Spa nor their Kona Village Resort sustained any damage due to the tremors, and both properties were able to provide uninterrupted service to guests. Guests are currently enjoying all of the resorts’ amenities and both resorts are open and welcoming arrivals.
- Mauna Lani Resort on the Big Island is open for business and accepting guests as usual, with all amenities undamaged and buildings having sustained no apparent structural damage.
- Halekulani and the Waikiki Parc Hotel on the island of Oahu are both operating in full swing, offering complete service, as usual, now that power has been restored. There was no structural damage to either facility.
- Turtle Bay Resort on the North Shore of Oahu was untouched by the seismic effects of the quake, and service was only shortly interrupted during the statewide power outage. Power was restored to the resort early Sunday evening, and all operations are now being carried on as usual.
- Starwood Hotels and Resorts has announced the safety and functionality of all eleven of its Hawaii properties following the quake, and confirmed that every one of its structures are undamaged and sound. All services have resumed as usual.
Airlines
- Continental Airlines was the only major carrier to have continued uninterrupted service throughout the day of the quake, managing to avoid cancellation of any scheduled flights. Scheduled flights and airport procedures statewide have since continued in normalcy.
Cruise
- Cruisers will be glad to learn that Norwegian Cruise Lines is sailing its normal Hawaiian itineraries and making its Kona ports of call as scheduled. Damage to the ports was so slight that most major tourist attractions and the tender pier have been open for business following Sunday’s quake.