Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Stay attuned to the vibe on any beaches at night, even where police patrol (eg Waikiki),
and in places like campgrounds (
Click here
) and roadside county parks, where drunks,
drug users and gang members sometimes hang out. In rural areas of the islands, there
may be pockets of resentment against tourists, so be respectful as you explore off the
beaten path.
Flash Floods & Waterfalls
No matter how dry a stream-bed looks or how sunny the sky above is, a sudden rainstorm
miles away can cause a flash flood in minutes, sending down a huge surge of debris-filled
water that sweeps away everything in its path. Always check the weather report before
setting out on a hike; this is crucial if you're planning on hiking through any narrow
canyons or swimming in waterfalls or natural pools. Swimming underneath waterfalls is al-
ways risky due to the danger of falling rocks.
Tell-tale signs of an impending flash flood include sudden changes in water clarity (eg
the stream turns muddy), rising water levels and/or floating debris, and a rush of wind, the
sound of thunder or a low, rumbling roar. If you notice any of these signs, immediately get
to higher ground (even a few feet could save your life). Don't run downstream or down-
canyon - you can't beat a flash flood!
Tsunami
On average, tsunami (incorrectly called tidal waves - the Japanese term
tsunami
means
'harbor wave') occur only about once a decade in Hawaii, but they have killed more
people statewide than all other natural disasters combined. Hawaii's tsunami warning sys-
tem is tested on the first working day of each month at 11:45am for less than one minute,
using the yellow speakers mounted on telephone poles around the islands. If you hear
tsunami warning sirens at any other time, head for higher ground immediately; telephone
books have maps of evacuation zones. Turn on the radio or TV for news bulletins. For
more information, visit the
Hawaii State Civil Defense
(
www.scd.hawaii.gov
)
and
Pacific
Disaster Center
(
www.pdc.org
)
online.
Telephone
Cell Phones
Check with your service provider about using your phone in Hawaii. Among US providers,
Verizon has the most extensive network; AT&T, Cingular and Sprint get decent reception.
Cellular coverage is best on Oʻahu, more spotty on Neighbor Islands and nonexistent in
many rural areas, on hiking trails and at remote beaches.
International travelers need a multiband GSM phone in order to make calls in the USA.
With an unlocked multiband phone, popping in a US prepaid rechargeable SIM card is
