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.