This is our disclaimer on safety and common sense. We are not responsible for your safety. You are. We can guide you to amazing things to see and do but you HAVE to practice using sound judgement.
You are traveling to a beautiful place where things can and do go wrong. People get injured or die every year.
Sometimes the beautiful surroundings make you numb to the dangers around you. Or maybe you’ve just never been near an ocean, for instance. Keep your mind about you and you will be just fine.
This might sound like your mom is saying these things, but they are important.
- Obey posted signs. They are there for your safety. “Kapa” means “off-limits” – respect the signs and the people who own the land.
- Never turn your back on the ocean. Waves are powerful. And rogue waves can sweep you off the rocks (the very sharp rocks).
- Don’t get to close to the edge of cliffs. The ground below can give away
- Don’t try to cross rivers in a hard rain (people die on the Kalalau Trail, for example, when the rivers flood).
- Swim where there are lifeguards, especially if you’re not super comfortable in the water. And talk to them before you get into the water to ask if there’s anything you should keep in mind when swimming at that location.
- Lock your car and put your valuables out of sight (better yet, don’t keep valuables in your car; break-in’s are common).
- Leave the wildlife along. Touching many things (like turtles and monk seals) are actually breaking the law, but for the safety of you and for the animals, keep your distance).
- Wear appropriate shoes. Lava rock is SHARP! Don’t go walking around without closed toed shoes if you’re hiking a lava field. And if you’re doing a big hike, don’t wear heels! (I’ve seen it). Wear appropriate hiking or running shoes.
- If you get stuck in a rip current, don’t fight it by swimming against it. Swim sideways, parallel to the beach until you’re out of the current. At that point you can swim back toward shore.
- Don’t drink water from streams, they more than likely have nasty bacteria in it and will keep you on a toilet (at best) the rest of your vacation, and in the ER (at worst).
This probably isn’t even a comprehensive list. And it’s not meant to scare you. It’s meant to help you remember that the water, plants, animals, and landscape that we all find so amazing is also capable of bringing great harm if we’re not mindful.
// DISCLAIMER ABOUT SAFETY, RISK, AND LIABILITY
While we do our best to be helpful, the information presented on HawaiiForLovers.com has not been vetted for accuracy, safety or legality; and after all, things change constantly and we can’t keep up with changes in trail openings, trespassing laws, etc. If you attempt any of activities mentioned on this site, you are doing so at your own risk. Hiking, swimming with sharks, snorkeling, helicopter rides, etc are all dangerous and accidents while can happen and can be fatal. Andy and Jessica Stenz are not responsible for damages, loss, legal fees, fines, medical fees, injury or death incurred as a result of your actions taken after reading this website.
