On Land

Ocean Safety
On Land

Back to MauiMaui, Hawaii: Travel Health Considerations

Like any tropical climate, Hawaii is home to lots of bugs. Most of them won't harm you. However, watch out for mosquitoes, centipedes, and scorpions, which do sting and may cause anything from mild annoyance to severe swelling and pain.

Mosquitoes -- These pesky insects are not native to Hawaii but arrived as larvae stowed away in water barrels on the ship Wellington in 1826, when it anchored in Lahaina. There's not a whole lot you can do about them, except to apply commercial repellent, which you can pick up at any drugstore.

Centipedes -- These segmented bugs with a jillion legs come in two varieties: 6- to 8-inch-long brown ones and 2- to 3-inch-long blue guys. Both can really pack a wallop with their stings. Centipedes are generally found in damp, wet places, such as under wood piles or compost heaps. Wearing closed-toe shoes can help prevent stings. If you're stung, apply ice at once to prevent swelling. See a doctor if you experience extreme pain, swelling, nausea, or any other severe reaction.

Scorpions -- Rarely seen, scorpions are found in arid, warm regions, and their stings can be serious. Campers in dry areas should always check their boots before putting them on, and shake out sleeping bags and bed rolls. Symptoms of a scorpion sting include shortness of breath, hives, swelling, and nausea. In the unlikely event that you're stung, apply diluted household ammonia and cold compresses to the area of the sting and seek medical help immediately.

Hiking Safety

In addition to taking the appropriate precautions regarding Hawaii's bug population, hikers should always let someone know where they're heading, when they're going, and when they plan to return. Too many hikers get lost in Hawaii because they don't let others know their basic plans.

Always check weather conditions with the National Weather Service (tel. 808/973-4381 on Oahu; see individual island chapters for local weather information) before you go. Hike with a pal, never alone. Wear hiking boots, a sun hat, clothes to protect you from the sun and from getting scratches, and high-SPF sunscreen on all exposed areas of skin. Take water. Stay on the trail. Watch your step. It's easy to slip off precipitous trails and into steep canyons. Many experienced hikers and boaters today pack a cellphone in case of emergency; just dial tel. 911.

Vog

The volcanic haze dubbed vog is caused by gases released when molten lava -- from the continuous eruption of Kilauea volcano on the Big Island -- pours into the ocean. Some people claim that long-term exposure to the hazy, smoglike air has caused bronchial ailments, but it's highly unlikely to cause you any harm in the course of your visit.

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.

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, here are some helpful tips:

Wear a strong sunscreen at all times. Use a sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher; people with light complexions should use SPF 30. Apply it liberally, and reapply every 2 hours.

Wrinkle prevention: Wrinkles, sagging skin, and other signs of premature aging can be caused by ultraviolet A (UVA) rays. Some sunscreens only block out ultraviolet B (UVB) rays. Look for a sunscreen that blocks both. Zinc oxide, benzophenone, oxybenzone, sulisobenzone, titanium dioxide, or avobenzone (also known as Parsol 1789) all protect against UVA rays.

Wear a hat and sunglasses. The hat should have a brim all the way around, to cover not only your face but also the sensitive back of your neck. Make sure your sunglasses have UV filters.

Protect children from the sun. Infants under 6 months should not be in the sun at all. Older babies need zinc oxide to protect their fragile skin, and all children should be slathered with sunscreen frequently.

If it's too late. The best remedy for a sunburn is to stay out of the sun until all the redness is gone. Aloe vera, cool compresses, cold baths, and anesthetic benzocaine also help with the pain of sunburn.

Coping with Jet Lag

Hawaii is two time zones from the West Coast (three time zones during daylight saving time). When you travel across so many time zones, your body becomes thoroughly confused about what time it is, and everything from your digestion to your brain gets knocked for a loop.

Here are some tips for combating jet lag:

Reset your watch to Hawaii time when you board the plane.

Drink lots of water and avoid alcohol.

Exercise and sleep well for a few days before your trip.

If you have trouble sleeping on planes, fly eastward on morning flights.

Daylight is the key to resetting your body clock. At the website for Outside In (www.bodyclock.com), you can get a customized plan of when to seek and avoid light.

If you need help getting to sleep earlier than you usually would, see your doctor about a prescription for the hormone melatonin or the sleeping pill Ambien.

Back to Maui