People have flocked to see the incredible spectacle during a time which is usually quiet (Picture: Reuters)

A volcano erupting in Hawaii has had a surprise effect by attracting loads of tourists to the island.

This time of year, between Thanksgiving and Christmas, is usually quiet at the popular holiday destination.

But Mauna Loa, the world’s largest volcano, began erupting on Sunday and now nearby hotels and tour companies are sold out.

Castle Hilo Hawaiian Hotel is completely booked up until after Christmas.

‘Right now it’s boomed,’ said Marian Somalinog, who works on the front desk.

Brett Steen flew from Oahu to Hawaii with his parents, who are visiting from Florida, on a trip booked months ago.

The volcano began erupting right before their arrival on the Big Island.

The lava is nowhere near any communities yet (Picture: Reuters)

Mauna Loa is the biggest volcano in the world (Picture: Reuters)

He said: ‘It’s a bonus part of our trip. We’re super excited to get out here.’

Thousands of cars have created traffic jams on Route 200, known as the Saddle Road, which connects the cities of Hilo on the east side of Hawaii Island and Kailua-Kona on the west side.

Outrigger Kona Resort & Spa in Kailua-Kona’s Steve Solberg general manager said many guests have headed up Saddle Road to see the eruption.

Some people cancelled their reservations because of the volcano, but those were quickly snapped up by others wanting to see the eruption.

‘We expect it to be a very positive thing in the next week or so,’ he said.

Hot lava is flowing from the volcano, which has been quiet for 38 years, but it is still several miles away and not a danger to any communities.

Ingrid Yang, left, and Kelly Bruno, both of San Diego, take a photo in front of lava erupting from Hawaii’s Mauna Loa volcano (Picture: AP)

Brian Lichtenstein, of San Diego, takes a photo (Picture: AP)

But the lava is creeping towards Saddle Road – where multiple people have gathered to take photos of the spectacle.

Governor David Ige has issued an emergency proclamation to allow responders to arrive quickly or limit access as needed.

He also reassured everyone that if lava does cross the highway, the Hawaii National Guard can help plan for alternatives and try to set up bypass routes.

Mauna Loa last erupted in 1984. The current eruption is its 34th since written record keeping began in 1843.

Its smaller neighbour, Kilauea, has been erupting since September 2021.

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Hotels and tour companies are completely booked up.