Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Due to the perfect weather, soothing negative ionization from the sea, and carefree life-
style, everyone seems to feel better in the islands. Hawai'i is just what the doctor ordered:
a beautiful, natural health spa. That's one of its main drawing cards. The food and water
are perfectly safe, and the air quality is the best in the country.
On the other hand, tooth decay, perhaps because of the wide use of sugar and the
enzymes present in certain tropical fruits, is 30 percent above the national average.
Obesity and related heart problems, as well as hard-drug use—especially crystal meth, or
“ice”—are prevalent among native Hawaiians.
Hawai'i has a sad claim to fame: More people drown here than anywhere else in the world.
Moreover, there are dozens of victims of scuba, snorkeling, and boogie boarding accidents
yearly with broken necks and backs or other injuries. These statistics shouldn't keep you
out of the water, however, since the majority of visitors go home unscathed. The best rem-
edy is to avoid situations you can't handle, and ask lifeguards or beach attendants about
conditions and follow their advice. If local people refuse to go in, there's a good reason.
Even experts can get in trouble in Hawaiian waters, and while some beaches are as gentle
as a lamb, others can be frothing giants.
While beachcombing, or especially when walking out on rocks, never turn your back
to the ocean. Always be aware of what is going on with the water. Undertows (the water
drawing back into the sea) can knock you off your feet and pull you into the shorebreak.
Observe the water well before you go in. Study it for rocks, breakers, and reefs. Look for
ocean currents, especially those within reefs that can cause riptides when the water washes
out a channel. Note where others are swimming or snorkeling and go there. Don't swim
alone if possible, and obey all warning signs. When snorkeling, come ashore
before
you
get tired.
When the wind comes up, get out. Stay out of water during periods of high surf. High
surf often creates riptides, powerful currents that can drag you out to sea. Mostly they peter
out not too far from shore, and you can often see their choppy waters on the surface. If
you get caught in a “rip,” don't fight by swimming directly against it. You'll only exhaust
yourself. Swim diagonally across it, while letting it carry you, and try to stay parallel to
the shore until you are out of the strong pull.
When bodysurfing, never ride straight in with your hands out in front you. This is the
number one cause of broken necks in Hawai'i. Instead, ride the wave at a 45-degree angle,
and try to kick out the back of the wave instead of letting it slam you into the sand. Re-
