KAILUA-KONA — The Pride of America canceled its Wednesday visit to Kailua-Kona.
Island of Hawaii Visitors Bureau Executive Director Ross Birch confirmed Wednesday morning to West Hawaii Today that the company notified the bureau via an email late Tuesday it would be skipping port on Hawaii Island’s leeward side Wednesday because of air quality.
“Obviously, we’re disappointed that they made the change,” Birch said. “We understand that they have to do what they feel is best for their passengers.”
He said the lost visit could mean another $175,000 potential loss to Kona businesses and activity partners.
The Pride of America, which normally visits Kailua Bay every Wednesday, has not called on Kailua-Kona since May 9 amid the ongoing Kilauea Volcano eruption in lower Puna.
However, the company said last week it was altering its itinerary after “carefully monitoring the geological conditions” on Hawaii Island for the last couple of weeks. The interisland cruise, for the time being, was to depart from Honolulu with stops in Kahului, Maui, Kailua-Kona and Nawiliwili, Kauai.
The vessel is currently slated to visit Kailua-Kona on June 6, according to Hawaii Port Call website, a scheduling system used by the state.
The 2,186-passenger ship will continue to forego visiting Hilo, where it last ported on May 1, pending “geological conditions.”
Norwegian Cruise Line did not respond to multiple requests for comment as of press time Wednesday.