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 STREAM
WATER. Boil or treat all drinking water.
While swimming in streams, or drinking
untreated stream water, it is possible to
contract leptospirosis. This potentially
fatal disease invades the body through cuts
and other openings and is often mistaken for
hepatitis.
SUNBURN/HEAT
EXHAUSTION. Beware of the midday tropical
sun. Avoid strenuous exercise during hot
periods, drink plenty of water, and use
sunscreen to protect against ultraviolet
radiation, even when the sky is overcast.
HARMFUL
PLANTS AND ANIMALS. Never taste or eat
unfamiliar plants or use them for food
skewers. Keep your area clean to avoid
attracting pests. Spiders, scorpions,
centipedes and other harmful insects like
hidden areas such as under leaf litter and
rocks. Hawaii has no snakes or large
carnivorous mammals.
SAFETY CONCERNS
 NO
EMERGENCY SERVICES. In case of emergency,
someone must hike out for help or signal a
passing helicopter or boat. There is no
cellular phone coverage for the Na Pali
Coast.
TRAIL. In
places the trail is narrow with steep
drop-offs, uneven because of protruding
roots and rocks, or slippery because of mud
or loose rocks. Wear appropriate footwear.
CROSSING
STREAMS. Never cross a flooded stream.
Hawaii's gently flowing, clear streams can
quickly become deep muddy torrents. Avoid
crossing swift flows when the water level is
above your knees. Wait - the water level may
recede as quickly as it rose.
OCEAN
SWIMMING. Swimming, wading, and bodysurfing
are not recommended unless you are an
experienced swimmer familiar with local
conditions. Surf and currents are variable
and can be treacherous even during summer.
There are no lifeguards.
MOUNTAIN
CLIMBING. Hawaii's volcanic mountains are
too crumbly for roping or climbing and
plants are easily uprooted.
ROCKSLIDES
AND FALLING ROCKS. Avoid the base of steep
cliffs, narrow canyons, and waterfalls
whenever possible. Fallen rocks -
particularly in areas such as the beach
fronting the Kalalau sea caves - indicate
the hazards.
TSUNAMIS
(tidal waves). Tsunamis are an infrequent,
but great hazard on low-lying coastal areas
such as Hanakapi'ai and Kalalau beaches. A
few hours warning may be given, unless the
waves are locally generated. Evacuate
immediately to high ground and do not return
until given official clearance. Tsunamis are
often preceded by an unusual drop in sea
level prior to the first waves.
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