Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
it's more about picnics and potlucks, not nightclubs. Even in Waikiki, the laid-back 'scene'
is muted by US mainland standards.
That said, Hawaii remains a popular destination for LGBTQ travelers, who are served
by a small network of B&Bs, guesthouses and hotels. Monthly magazine
Odyssey
(
www.odysseyhawaii.com
), free at gay-friendly businesses throughout Hawaii, covers the
islandwide scene, as does
eXpression!
magazine (
www.expression808.com
).
For more information on LGBTQ Hawaii, including recommended places to stay, gay
beaches, events and more, check these community resources:
Gay Hawaii
(
www.gayhawaii.com
)
Out in Hawaii
(
www.outinhawaii.com
)
Out Traveler
(
www.out-traveler.com
) Gay-oriented Hawaii travel articles free online.
Pacific Ocean Holidays
( 923-2400;
www.gayhawaiivacations.com
)
Personalized
Hawaii vacation packages for gay and lesbian travelers.
Purple Roofs
(
http://purpleroofs.com
) Directory of gay-owned and gay-friendly B&Bs, va-
cation rentals, guesthouses and hotels.
Health
»
For emergency medical assistance anywhere in Hawaii, call 911 or go directly to the
emergency room (ER) of the nearest hospital. For nonemergencies, consider an urgent-
care center or medical clinic.
»
Some insurance policies require you to get preauthorization for medical treatment from
a call center before seeking help. Keep all medical receipts and documentation for claims
reimbursement later.
Environmental Hazards
MARINE ANIMALS
Marine spikes, such as those found on sea urchins, scorpionfish and lionfish, can cause
severe localized pain. If this occurs, immediately immerse the affected area in hot water
(as hot as can be tolerated). Keep topping up with hot water until the pain subsides and
medical care can be reached. Do the same for cone shell stings.
Stings from jellyfish and Portuguese man-of-war (aka bluebottles) also occur in
Hawaii's tropical waters (for more information, visit
www.808jellyfish.com
)
. Even touching
a bluebottle hours after it's washed up onshore can result in burning stings. Jellyfish are
often seen eight to 10 days after a full moon, when they float into Hawaii's shallow near-
shore waters, often on the islands' leeward shores. If you are stung, douse the affected
area in vinegar, or carefully peel off the tentacles with a gloved hand, then rinse the area
