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Land Activities - Hiking:

Hiking Safety in Hawaii

Isolated by over 2,000 miles from the nearest landmass, Hawaiian native flora and fauna evolved into highly specialized species found nowhere else in the world.

Hiking in the Hawaiian Islands offers residents and visitors many opportunities to experience a unique natural environment. Known throughout the world for a wide variety of ecosystems, trails in Hawaii can take you to coastal dunes, shrub lands, rainforests, and high alpine deserts. Certain historic trails provide a glimpse of the culture heritage of Hawaii as they traverse past historic and archeological sites.

REMEMBER: When you are hiking on trails in Hawaii, you are a guest in the home of our forest creatures and Hawaiian ancestors. Please treat these areas with respect. Read and follow any official information or directional signage that may be posted along the trail to ensure that you are not walking onto sacred sites or areas of ecological restoration.

Pet Owners
If you are on a trail in a Public Hinting Area, you might encounter hunting dogs along the trail, and your pet may be at risk. Make sure that your dog is leashed, and kept at a safe distance. Please be considerate of other trail users, and remove any droppings from the trail.

Plan Your Hike

Inform Others of Your Plans
Let someone know which trail (name and location) you plan to hike on, and when you expect to return. If something should go wrong, rescuers will have accurate information on where to start searching.

Hike With a Partner
Don't hike alone. Frequently, people who get into trouble are alone. In case of an emergency, your partner's help can be valuable.

Get Information About the Trail
Learn about the trail so you will know the route, where to start, and degree of difficulty.

Assess Your Capabilities
Compare your level of fitness, ability, and experience with the trail description. Be practical and realistic. There are a wide variety of trails in Hawaii, so pick one that suits your level.

Check Weather Conditions
Sunny and clear mornings are sometimes followed by rain and wind later in the day. Flash floods are dangerous possibilities in the narrow gulches. Call the National Weather Service for the latest forecast or visit their website.

Wear Proper Clothing
Dress in layers so you can protect your skin from the intense tropical sun. A hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen are recommended. Hiking boots offer traction and ankle support to prevent slipping and injuries on muddy trails and slick sharp rocks. Light rain gear is good to carry because of the quickly changing weather conditions.

Hiking Essentials
WATER IS A MUST. Carry at least 2 liters of water per person for a full-day hike; more if it's a long hike or on a hot day. In tropical weather, dehydration can become a serious problem.

If you have a cell phone, bring it along. Though reception is not available from all points on the islands, it is a good item to have in case of an emergency.

Carry a daypack or waistpack. You will need to keep your hands free and unencumbered while hiking. PAck a brightly colored article (to attract rescuer's attention), a whistle (the sound travels farther and lasts longer than a voice), sunscreen, mosquito repellant, a small flashlight, food, and some basic first aid (at least band-aids and antiseptic).

Protect the Native Environment
Hawaii has a unique natural environment with many rare native plants and animals. Unfortunately, these fragile native ecosystems are under constant threat from non-native weedy plants. One way these weeds are spread is by seeds mixed in the mud on hiking boots and gear. You can minimize this impact by scrubbing your boots after every hike, and start each hike with clean boots.

Health Warning
Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease that is transmitted from animals to humans. The letospira bacteria can survive for long periods in fresh water and mud. It can enter the human body through the eyes, nose mouth, and broken skin. Do not drink untreated stream or lake water. If you have flu-like symptoms 2-20 days after hiking in wet or muddy areas, see your doctor immediately. Leptospirosis can be fatal if left untreated.

During the Hike

Stay on the Trail
Most accidents happen when hikers leave the established trail and disregard warning signs. Staying on the trail greatly reduces your chances of having a serious fall or getting lost. Hawaiian forests are not like mainland forests-the growth is very dense, and it is easy to become disoriented. Thick overgrowth can mask dangerously steep drop offs. Thin, sharp lava rock can crack beneath your weight above deep holes or lava tubes.

Stay Together
Hikers separated from their partners are more apt to make a wrong turn or lose the established trail. Keep track of each other, and regroup periodically, especially near junctions or when the trail gets obscure. Monitor everyone's condition. Dehydration, sunstroke, hypothermia, and fatigue can hit even the experienced hikers.

Avoid Undue Risks
Climbing waterfalls and following narrow ridge lines or gulches off the trail can place you in danger. Rock climbing is extremely dangerous due to the crumbly and porous nature of the volcanic rock. There have been fatal accidents from crumbling rock ...don't take the chance.

Monitor Weather
Keep an eye on the sky. When hiking into valleys or crossing streams, be mindful of rain conditions along the mountain top or ridges that can suddenly raise the water level in the stream. Use extreme caution if attempting to cross a swollen stream ...rushing water is very powerful. It is better to find an alternative route, or wait until the water subsides.

Watch the Time
Hawaii does not have daylight savings time, and the night falls quickly in the tropics. Getting a late start increases the possibility of getting caught in the dark. Know your turnaround time and stick to it to allow enough time to return. If you're caught by darkness, stay put unless you are familiar with the trail and have a flashlight.
Stay Put: You will be found more quickly and reduce the chances of getting into further trouble, especially after dark, by staying in one place. This is why it is important to notify someone of your hike location and destination.
Stay Warm: Wind and rain can drain your body of warmth, and be Lifetree. Get out of the wind and use your rain gear or extra clothes to stay warm.

Information courtesy of Na Ala Hele (NAH)
www.hawaiitrails.org