Frommer's Kauai - Jeanette Foster [48]
VOG
The volcanic haze dubbed “vog” is caused by gases released when molten lava—from the continuous eruption of the volcano on the flank of Kilauea on the Big Island—pours into the ocean. This hazy air, which looks like urban smog, limits viewing from scenic vistas and wreaks havoc with photographers trying to get clear panoramic shots. Some people claim that long-term exposure to vog has even caused bronchial ailments.
There actually is a vog season in Hawaii: the fall and winter months, when the trade winds that blow the fumes out to sea die down. The vog is felt not only on the Big Island but also as far away as Maui and Oahu. Kauai generally does not experience vog.
A Few Words of Warning about Crime
Although Kauai is generally a safe tourist destination, visitors have been crime victims, so stay alert. The most common crime against tourists is rental-car break-ins. Never leave any valuables in your car, not even in your trunk: Thieves can be in and out of your trunk faster than you can open it with your own keys. Be especially leery of high-risk areas, such as beaches, resorts, scenic lookouts, and other visitor attractions. In fact, after you take your suitcases out of the trunk, do not put anything else in it. Buy a fanny pack to carry your keys and wallet when you go to the beach or for a hike. Also, never carry large amounts of cash. Stay in well-lighted areas after dark. Do not display the parking pass from your hotel (look on your windshield, or sometimes the parking attendants attach it to your rearview mirror) when you leave the resort property.
7 Specialized Travel Resources
FOR TRAVELERS WITH DISABILITIES
Travelers with disabilities are made to feel very welcome in Kauai. Hotels are usually equipped with wheelchair-accessible rooms, and tour companies provide many special services. The Hawaii Center for Independent Living, 414 Kauwili St., Suite 102, Honolulu, HI 96817 ( 80 8/522-5400; fax 80 8/586-8129; www.hawaii.gov/health), can provide information and send you a copy of the Aloha Guide to Accessibility ($15).
MossRehab ResourceNet (www.mossresourcenet.org) is a great source for information, tips, and resources relating to accessible travel. You’ll find links to a number of travel agents who specialize in planning trips for travelers with disabilities here and through Access-Able Travel Source ( 30 3/232-2979;www.access-able.com), another excellent online source. You’ll also find relay and voice numbers for hotels, airlines, and car-rental companies on Access-Able’s user-friendly site, as well as links to accessible accommodations, attractions, transportation, tours, local medical resources, equipment repair, and much more.
For travelers with disabilities who wish to do their own driving, hand-controlled cars can be rented from Avis ( 80 0/331-1212; www.avis.com) and Hertz ( 80 0/654-3131; www.hertz.com). The number of hand-controlled cars in Hawaii is limited, so be sure to book well in advance. For wheelchair-accessible vans, contact Accessible Vans of Hawaii, 186 Mehani Circle, Kihei ( 80 0/303-3750 or 80 8/879-5521; fax 80 8/879-0640; www.accessiblevans.com). Kauai recognizes other states’ windshield placards indicating that the driver of the car is disabled, so be sure to bring yours with you.
Vision-impaired travelers who use a Seeing Eye dog can now come to Hawaii without the hassle of quarantine. A recent court decision ruled that visitors with Seeing Eye dogs only need to present documentation that the dog is a trained Seeing Eye dog and has had rabies shots. For more information, contact the Animal Quarantine Facility ( 80 8/483-7171;www.hawaii.gov).
FOR GAY & LESBIAN TRAVELERS
Known for its acceptance of all groups, Hawaii welcomes gays and lesbians just as it does anybody else.
For information on Kauai’s gay community and related events, contact the Bisexual/Transgender/Gay/Lesbian Community Bulletin Board ( 80 8/823-6248).
Pacific Ocean Holidays, P.O.