Heath and Safety

            Seeing as Hawaii is one of the safest tropical destinations in the world, no immunizations are needed. Some things you need to be aware of are as follows:

1) The oceans in Hawaii are often unpredictable. On average, lifeguards perform about 1100 “rescues” per year, and on average, about 50 people drown annually. Keep in mind that these deaths usually happen on unguarded beaches, and in high tourist destinations you won’t have to worry. Just be aware of your surroundings when swimming.

2) Shark attacks are something to be aware of when in Hawaii. From 1828 to 2005 there were 119 shark attacks in Hawaii, 21 of which were fatal. The modern day average is about 3 attacks per year. Take necessary precautions. Avoid swimming in murky waters and at dawn or dusk.

3) Jellyfish stings are common in Hawaii. On a single day in July 2004, over 350 stings were recorded on the beaches of Oahu. If stung, carefully remove the tentacle using an object such as a stick, and rinse thoroughly with water.

4) Leptospirosis is a tropical bacterial disease. Hawaii reports about 44 cases per year. Many cases will go unreported because it can be commonly confused as being the flu. This disease is spread from an animal to a human from their urine. Avoid swimming in fresh water and avoid muddy soil and ponds while hiking.