Page 745 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - USA

PR A C TIC AL INFORM A TION  743

Hawai‘i Practical Information DIRECTORY

Tourism is Hawai‘i’s most important industry. From the bright Tourist Information
lights of Waikīkī and Honolulu to the remote waterfalls of Hawai‘i Visitors &
Maui’s Hāna district, the islands offer something to suit all Convention Bureau
budgets. The cost of living in Hawai‘i is about 40 percent Tel (800) 464-2924.
higher than that in the rest of the US; even so, Hawai‘i is a ∑ gohawaii.com
year-round destination. However, visitors will enjoy better Snorkeling
prices in the off-season, between April and December.
Manta Ray Advocates
∑ mantaraygreenlist.com
Tourist Information sunglasses, use sunblock cream, Snorkel Bob’s
Visitor information desks at all and drink plenty of fluids as a 700 Kapahulu Ave, Honolulu,
airports provide maps and protection against the harsh sun. O‘ahu. Tel (800) 262-7725.
guides, and all major hotels Ask the lifeguard about ocean ∑ snorkelbob.com
have a guest services desk. conditions, as some beaches
All islands have a branch of can be safe in summer but Scuba Diving
the Hawai‘i Visitors’ and very dangerous in winter. Swim Bubbles Below
Convention Bureau (HVCB), or facing away from the beach, as PO Box 157, Eleele, Kaua‘i.
some other visitors’ bureau. sudden rogue waves can sweep Tel (808) 332-7333.
you out to sea. If you get carried ∑ bubblesbelowkauai.com
out by a rip current, try to swim
Getting Around
with it until it dissipates. Always
Driving is the best way to check for rocks and corals below and playing golf on some of
get around, since public the surface, and wear protective the world’s best courses.
transportation is limited. foot gear. If you cut yourself on
Seat belts are mandatory, and coral, clean the cut thoroughly Entertainment
children under three must sit in with antiseptic. If you step on
approved car seats. Distances a sea urchin, or are stung by a Music and dance are as
between gas stations can be jellyfish, immerse the wound in important to Hawaiians as the
long, so keep the tank at least hot water to relieve the pain. air they breathe. Most islands
half full. Always check the Although shark encounters are offer extravagant Polynesian
weather – many roads wash rare, it’s best that you check with shows, with lū‘au-style meals,
out during or after heavy rains. the lifeguard before swimming. and music and dance from
Allow plenty of time for any trip. other Pacific islands such as
The locals move at a leisurely pace, Tahiti and Fiji. You can dance
seldom using horns. On narrow Outdoor Activities the night away in nightclubs in
roads, pull over to let cars pass. Hawai‘i offers a plethora of Honolulu and Maui, but also
outdoor activities, many focused be prepared for earlier nights
on the ocean, such as surfing, in other parts of the state.
Natural Hazards
swimming, fishing, scuba diving,
Visitors should be aware of whale-watching, and snorkeling.
certain potential dangers that In addition, sports enthusiasts Festivals
the sun and the ocean pose to have a variety of opportunities A diverse range of festivals and
health. Thus, wear a hat and such as horseback riding, hiking, events take place all through the
year. The onset of summer sees
The Climate of Hawai‘i Lei Day, with everyone donning
flowered garlands. The King
Hawai‘i has two distinct seasons, HONOL Kamehameha Day honors the
HONOLULUULU
summer and winter. May to chief who united the islands. All
October is hot and dry, while 82/28 82/28 summer long, there are cultural,
November through April is cooler °F/C 78/25 73/22 73/22 76/24 music, and food festivals, as well
and wetter. Happily for visitors, 68/20 68/20 as sports events, from rodeos
there are very few days when 32°F to canoe races and the grueling
Hawai‘i’s beaches do not beckon. 0°C Ironman Triathlon. Summer
Sudden rains or storms mean draws to a close with the
the onset of winter, as do the 21 24 22 20
big waves that surfers eagerly days days days days grand Aloha Week Festivals.
await. However, Hawai‘i is not 1.5 0.6 2.3 3.5 Winters offer sports and
all sunshine, and residents in in in in in cultural events such as the
the cooler upcountry areas Triple Crown of Surfing, and
spend Christmas Eve gathered month Apr Jul Oct Jan the Merrie Monarch Festival
around the fireplace. which culminates with the
“Olympics” of hula.

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