Vog

VOG is typically an issue when Kilauea is actively erupting ... which it isn't doing at the moment.
The volcanic smog that can cause respiratory issues for sensitive people follows the path of the prevailing winds - usually from the Northeast. Downwind locations will bear the brunt of it, especially the area around Ka'u, though from there it can wrap around the coastline and affect the Kailua-Kona area too.
You can do a Google search to get the latest on conditions, but at the moment there doesn't appear to be an issue.
We're heading over there later today - can give you an update once we arrive.
Anywhere upwind of the volcano will be in the clear unless you catch the one week per year when the winds shift around from the south. Hilo in particular (really the entire East coast of the island) will typically be unaffected by VOG.
Bottom line is that unless Kilauea starts going off again I wouldn't worry too much about it.

Thanks, so if we were thinking of a couple of nights in volcano Village would that area be likely to be susceptible to VOG if it’s at the wrong time?

There has been vog near Volcano Village but I don’t recall the conditions by which we experienced it. One other place you would need to be aware of, especially if staying in Volcano Village, is the steam vents. They are off on a trail and won’t affect you much unless you are walking near the trail. I assume you would be exploring at the National Park if staying in Volcano Village. Just something to be aware of.

First of all, throw away that "Reviled" book. Many complaints about incorrect information and sending people to private property or down unpaved roads that shouldn't be driven with a rental car.

Vog is only a problem when the volcano is erupting, which is isn't currently. There are no vog alerts on the HVNP website. My husband had severe pneumonia last year and has no problems being on the BI.

Since Volcano Village is virtually co- located with the National Park it would be the place most prone to the effects of the VOG.
If you're particularly worried about it my suggestion would be to stay in Hilo - upwind from Kilauea and only a 45 minute drive away.
Would probably be a lot cheaper than staying in Volcano too.

VOG is a potential concern when volcanoes are active. Ironically, Big Island tourism bumps upward as tourists flock to see the eruption.. Read USGS FAQs:
https://www.usgs.gov/observatories/hawaiian-volcano-observatory/frequently-asked-questions-about-volcanic-smog-vog

During periods of volcanic eruption, whether or not you should cancel
your trip to the Island of Hawai‘i is a personal decision that only
you can make. To help you make an informed decision, information about
vog and air quality in Hawaii is provided in the Frequently Asked
Questions above, as well as on the IVHHN vog dashboard at
ivhhn.org/vog. You can also monitor the volcanic gas plumes and
real-time air quality conditions for yourself on local Webcams and air
quality advisory websites.