Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Everything You've Always
Wanted to Know About Sharks
The Hawaii State Department of Land and Natur-
al Resources has launched a website,
www.hawaiisharks.com
,
that covers the bio-
logy, history, and culture of these carnivores. It
also provides safety information and data on
shark bites in Hawaii.
The waters in Hawaii can range from as calm as glass to downright frightening (in storm condi-
tions); they usually fall somewhere in between. In general, expect rougher conditions in winter than
in summer. Some 90% of the population tends toward seasickness. If you've never been out on a
boat, or if you've had
seasickness
in the past, you might want to heed the following suggestions:
•
The day before you go out on the boat, avoid alcohol, caffeine, citrus and other acidic juices, and
greasy, spicy, or hard-to-digest foods.
•
Get a good night's sleep the night before.
•
Take or use whatever seasickness prevention works best for you—medication, an acupressure
wristband, gingerroot tea or capsules, or any combination. But do it before you board; once you set
sail, it's generally too late.
•
While you're on the boat, stay as low and as near the center of the boat as possible. Avoid the
fumes (especially if it's a diesel boat); stay out in the fresh air and watch the horizon. Do not read.
•
If you start to feel queasy, drink such clear fluids as water, and eat something bland, such as a
soda cracker.
DON'T GET
burned:
SMART TANNING TIPS
Hawaii's Caucasian population has the highest incidence of malignant melanoma (deadly skin
cancer) in the world. And nobody is completely safe from the sun's harmful rays: All skin types
and races can burn. To ensure that your vacation won't be ruined by a painful sunburn, be sure
to wear a strong sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB rays at all times (look for
zinc oxide, benzophenone, oxybenzone, sulisobenzone, titanium dioxide, or avobenzone in the
list of ingredients). Wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses. Keep infants under 6 months out
of the sun completely, and slather older babies and children with strong sunscreen frequently.
If you do get a burn, aloe vera, cool compresses, cold baths, and benzocaine can help with the
pain. Stay out of the sun until the burn is completely gone.
