Hawaiʻi Joins Australia and Alaska in Battling Natural Disasters: Kīlauea Eruption, Wildfires, and Earthquakes Disrupt Travel in December 2025!

Published on December 8, 2025

By: Paramita Sarkar

December 2025 has seen nature unleash its fury on Hawaiʻi, Australia, and Alaska with powerful natural disasters shaking the globe. From the eruption of Kīlauea in Hawaiʻi, to destructive wildfires ravaging New South Wales, and a moderate earthquake striking Alaska’s Unimak Island, these events are disrupting lives and travel plans. For tourists and travelers, these natural occurrences bring both immediate dangers and long-term impacts. Whether it’s canceled flights, disrupted sightseeing, or safety concerns, those planning trips to these regions must stay informed and prepared for sudden changes.

Hawaiʻi: Kīlauea Volcano Update

In Hawaiʻi, the Kīlauea volcano, one of the world’s most active, has been a focal point of volcanic activity. Episode 38 of its ongoing eruption ended suddenly on Saturday, December 6, 2025, after more than 12 hours of lava fountaining. The eruption, which took place within Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, saw lava fountains shoot up to 1,000–1,200 feet (300–370 meters) into the air, creating dramatic scenes of molten lava pouring into the Halemaʻumaʻu crater floor.

What Happened?
During the eruption, volcanic gases and tephra, including Pele’s hair and fine ash, were ejected, drifting toward nearby communities to the southwest of the vents. This eruption, although significant in its intensity, has now entered a pause phase, offering some temporary relief to local residents. The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO) has maintained the alert level at “WATCH,” indicating that more eruptive episodes could occur after periods of dormancy.

When Did It Happen?
The eruption lasted for 12.1 hours, from Friday evening, December 5, 2025, until the abrupt cessation of Episode 38 on Saturday, December 6, 2025, at 8:52 p.m. HST.

Where Did It Occur?
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park was the epicenter of the volcanic activity, with the lava flows primarily affecting the Halemaʻumaʻu crater.

Why Is It Important for Travelers?
For those planning to visit Hawaiʻi, especially the Big Island, it is essential to stay updated on the eruption’s status. While the volcano’s eruption might be a thrilling experience for some visitors, the hazardous conditions — including ash fall, restricted access to certain areas of the park, and volatile eruptions — pose safety risks. Additionally, some flights into Hawaiʻi may be impacted, and tours in the vicinity of the volcano could be canceled or rerouted.

Travelers should monitor official updates from the National Park Service and the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory and exercise caution if they plan to visit the affected areas. For those seeking an alternative to the impacted regions, Hawaiʻi still offers a wealth of other destinations, such as Oʻahu and Maui, that are not within the volcano’s immediate danger zone.

Australia: Wildfires Devastate New South Wales

Over the weekend, New South Wales (NSW), Australia, was hit by one of the most intense bushfire outbreaks of the year. Driven by extreme heat and dry conditions, fires quickly spread across multiple regions, causing widespread destruction. At least 12 homes were destroyed in the Central Coast area, including in Koolewong, with additional property losses across the state.

What Happened?
As the fires raged, several regions in NSW were declared Natural Disaster zones, activating emergency relief and recovery efforts. The fires caused extensive damage to homes, critical infrastructure, and private properties. Fortunately, cooler weather on Sunday, December 7, 2025, brought some respite, allowing firefighters to gain control over many active blazes. However, the damage had already been done, and the fires continue to pose a threat to other areas in the region.

When Did It Happen?
The fires broke out across New South Wales over the weekend, peaking on December 6 and 7, 2025. While firefighting efforts have brought some fires under control, the season is expected to continue with more unpredictable outbreaks.

Where Did It Happen?
The worst-hit regions were on the Central Coast of New South Wales, including Koolewong, where homes and properties were destroyed. The fires also impacted many areas across the state, stretching resources thin.

Why Is It Important for Travelers?
For travelers planning to visit New South Wales, especially areas like Sydney, the Blue Mountains, or the Central Coast, it is crucial to stay informed about the ongoing wildfire situation. While many popular tourist areas are not directly impacted, travel disruptions, including road closures, flight delays, and cancellation of tours or events, may occur. Visitors should check with local authorities and their travel providers for updates on conditions in affected areas. Additionally, air quality in some regions may be compromised due to smoke, making it important for those with respiratory issues to reconsider travel or adjust their plans.

For international travelers, NSW’s natural disaster status may affect travel insurance claims or lead to changes in travel advisories, so it is essential to stay up-to-date on government travel alerts.

Alaska: Earthquake Near Unimak Island

Meanwhile, Alaska was shaken by a moderate earthquake near Unimak Island, located in the Aleutian Islands region. On Saturday, December 6, 2025, at 11:13 UTC, a magnitude 5.03 earthquake struck, sending tremors through the region. Although such events are common in Alaska’s seismically active zones, this quake was minor compared to some of the region’s historic earthquakes.

What Happened?
The earthquake occurred along the Alaska-Aleutian subduction zone, an area known for frequent seismic activity. Given the remote location of Unimak Island, the earthquake did not cause significant damage to infrastructure. While no major tsunami warning was issued, the event is a reminder of Alaska’s vulnerability to larger seismic events, such as the infamous 1946 Aleutian Islands earthquake, which generated a devastating tsunami.

When Did It Happen?
The earthquake struck at 11:13 UTC on December 6, 2025. While the tremor was felt across the region, its magnitude was not high enough to cause significant disruption or damage.

Where Did It Happen?
The earthquake struck near Unimak Island in the Aleutian Islands, part of Alaska’s highly active seismic zone. This area is regularly impacted by earthquakes due to tectonic plate movements.

Why Is It Important for Travelers?
For travelers planning trips to Alaska, particularly to the Aleutian Islands or other remote regions, it is important to remain aware of the ongoing seismic risks. Earthquakes of this magnitude do not typically disrupt travel, but visitors should keep an eye on local news and be aware of any potential aftershocks or tsunami warnings. Tourists should also review their travel insurance policies to ensure they are covered for natural disaster-related disruptions.

For those venturing into Alaska’s wilderness, preparedness is key — including awareness of the region’s earthquake activity, which can sometimes trigger aftershocks or other secondary events.

Nature’s Fury and the Impact on Travel

December 2025 has served as a stark reminder of the power of nature, with Hawaiʻi, Australia, and Alaska each dealing with significant natural disasters. The eruption of Kīlauea in Hawaiʻi, the ongoing wildfires in New South Wales, and the moderate earthquake near Unimak Island have all disrupted local communities and, in many cases, travelers’ plans.

For those planning to visit these regions, staying informed and prepared is essential. Whether it’s avoiding areas affected by volcanic activity in Hawaiʻi, adjusting travel plans due to bushfire disruptions in Australia, or being aware of seismic risks in Alaska, travelers should take the necessary precautions to ensure their safety. Regularly checking official sources such as local authorities, tourism boards, and emergency alerts will provide the most accurate and up-to-date information to guide your travels.

As always, natural disasters remind us of the unpredictable forces that can impact our travel experiences, and the need for flexibility and preparedness when exploring these stunning regions of the world.