Hawaii - Jeff Campbell [477]
For health concerns, see the Health chapter, Click here.
Drugs
Pakalolo (marijuana) remains a billion-dollar underground industry, and the use of ‘ice’ (crystal methamphetamine) has been an ongoing social and law-enforcement issue since the 1990s, especially in rural communities. The ‘ice epidemic’ has abated recently (as a result of enforcement efforts), but ice-related crimes continue and social-service agencies still struggle to provide treatment for addicts.
Scams
The main scams directed toward visitors in Hawaii involve fake activity-operator booths and timeshare booths. Salespeople at the latter will offer you all sorts of deals, from free luaus to sunset cruises, if you’ll just come to hear their ‘no obligation’ pitch. Caveat emptor.
Theft & Violence
The islands are notorious for rip-offs from parked rental cars. It can happen within seconds, whether from a secluded parking area at a trailhead or from a crowded hotel parking lot. As much as possible, do not leave anything valuable in your car, ever. If you must, pack things well out of sight before you arrive at your destination; thieves wait and watch to see what you put in the trunk. Locals will leave their car doors unlocked to avoid paying for broken windows.
Otherwise, the most common problem is being hassled by drunks on beaches and in campgrounds, mainly at night. Wherever you are, stay tuned to the general vibe (see also Women Travelers, Click here). Don’t leave valuables in your tent, and watch your belongings in hostels.
Overall, violent crime is lower in Hawaii than in most of mainland USA, but Honolulu is a major city of nearly a million people and it suffers from the gamut of typical big-city problems, including a growing homeless population. Don’t forget your street smarts just because you’re in Hawaii.
Natural Disasters
Hurricanes, tsunamis and earthquakes all occur in Hawaii, sometimes to devastating effect. In 2006 the Big Island was shaken by a 6.7 earthquake that caused $200 million in damage, but no deaths. In 1992 Hurricane ′Iniki wrecked large swathes of Kaua′i (Click here), and in 1946 the largest tsunami in Hawaii’s history killed 159 people and caused enormous damage (Click here).
On average, tsunami (incorrectly called tidal waves – the Japanese term tsunami means ‘harbor wave’) have occurred once a decade over the last century and killed more people statewide than all other natural disasters combined. In 1948 Hawaii installed a tsunami warning system, aired through yellow speakers mounted on telephone poles around the islands. They’re tested on the first working day of each month at 11:45am for about one minute.
Of course, it’s highly unlikely that a natural disaster will occur while you’re here. Usually, there is ample warning prior to hurricanes. If you hear tsunami warning sirens, head for higher ground immediately. The front sections of telephone books have maps of tsunami safety evacuation zones. Earthquakes usually provide no warning; if one occurs, get clear of buildings or brace yourself in doorways.
For more information, visit the websites of the International Tsunami Information Centre (http://ioc3.unesco.org/itic), the National Hurricane Center (www.nhc.noaa.gov), and the Pacific Disaster Center (www.pdc.org).
Return to beginning of chapter
DISCOUNTS
Glossy, free tourist magazines are distributed widely; all contain discount coupons for activities and restaurants. However, for hotels and activities, usually the best deals are offered when you book in advance through their websites.
Children, students, seniors and military personnel usually receive discounts into museums and other sights. All but children need valid identification confirming their status. Since Hawaii is a popular destination