Hawaii Safety and Hazards
The Sun (All Islands)
The sun - A UV index of near 14+ every day speaks for itself. We recommend at least 15+ sun block in Hawai'i at all times. Don't ruin your visit by trying to get that tropical tan. The tan will be gone within a month of your return home, the memory of the burns will last a lot longer.
Streams, Rivers, & Pools (All Islands)
Our primary message here is short and sweet. Pay attention to the flow of the stream where you are and be aware of the weather inland. Streams and rivers can change flow rates and heights very quickly in the islands. Flash flooding is a regular occurrence in some places. One good rain, even far inland from where you are, can cause a stream to rise substantially. If you're crossing any streams or rock hopping, pay close attention to the weather and the water levels. Anytime you are crossing a stream or river where it empties into the ocean, we also advise crossing inland a bit. Dangerous rip currents can form in the ocean at the mouth of a river or stream. Hiking poles may be extremely useful for any crossings you do make, as they provide an extra set of limbs to help you keep your balance.
If you go swimming, make sure you don't swallow any water, and try and cover up any open wounds you have so that water can't get in them. In Hawaii leptospirosis can be found in water contaminated by animal droppings, and you do not want to get mixed up with the likes of this disease. It causes flu-like symptoms and in rare cases death.
Ocean Life & The Beach (All Islands)
If you've ever been to the beach then you likely already know about the hazards of the ocean. Rip currents, sharp coral, large waves, surf, and various creatures are just a few. The most notable sea-creatures to watch out for on the Big Island are coral, jellyfish (Portuguese Man-of-War), and sea urchin's. If you plan to swim, snorkel, or scuba dive on the island, make sure to do your homework and become fully educated on the hazards of the ocean here.
Volcano Area Hazards (Big Island and portions of Maui)
The first thought that comes to mind when you hear about Hawai'i volcano danger is probably the lava hazards. In reality the 2000 degree Fahrenheit lava probably poses the least amount of danger to the sensible person. Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park and the surrounding Volcano area of the Big Island are subject to a number of hazards that are easy to overlook or just aren't something you'd expect without prior knowledge of the area. While this is mostly applicable to the Big Island, Maui is no exception providing it has many areas covered with recent (geologically speaking) lava flows as well - especially in South Maui. Let's go over a few of these hazards.
Hiking on Lava: Around the Big Island and especially at the end of Chain of Craters Road you will have the opportunity to hike over lava. You may have made note on our Hawaii Geology page, that there are two types of lava, pahoehoe and a'a flows. You also likely know that trying to walk over a'a is a fool's errand. The only lava flows that are traversable are hardened pahoehoe flows like those found at the end of Chain of Craters Road.
Currently this is the only location you can also safely approach active flows (when they are present). The dangers involved in crossing lava, even pahoehoe lava, are primarily due to the razor-like sharpness of the hardened lava. Even the pahoehoe flows are as sharp as glass, and you can easily cut yourself (especially your hands) in the event of a fall. Extreme care and/or precautions should be taken when hiking over lava. Long pants and gloves are always a good idea. The heat produced by the sun on top of the black asphalt-like lava surface deters many visitors from wearing long pants, but don't risk the injury. The pahoehoe surface is smooth but can contain all sorts of variations in the surface that can catch your foot or cause you to stumble. It is also important you remain keenly aware of the texture of the flows you are walking across, as shallow lava tubes can cave in, dropping you a few inches (or more) below the surface. If you plan to make any lengthy hikes, also be sure to bring adequate amounts of water as dehydration can occur quickly on the shade-less black lava surface.
Viewing Active Lava Flows: As a continuation of the above hazard and warning, we again encourage all visitors to be prepared for any hiking they do on hardened flows out to see active flows. When approaching active flows your body will only let you get so close before the heat forces you to stand back, but use common sense and don't attempt to get any closer than you must to view the lava safely. Lava temperatures average around 2000 degrees Fahrenheit. Do not attempt to cross any active flow up slope as active flows are often concealed in lava tubes beneath the surface, and you do not want to find one by mistake.
Do not cross any National Park boundary ropes in the park, as they are in place for your protection. The park service is fairly liberal about how close they will allow people to get to lava flows; so traversing beyond the boundaries they've set up is extremely dangerous. Usually the roped off areas are near the lava entry point into the ocean. Violent explosions, deadly steam plumes, and gases make this a treacherous area to be near. Furthermore, all lava benches are roped off for the same reason. Lava benches can easily collapse at any time spelling certain catastrophe for anyone on the bench at the time. Just two days before writing this article a 45 acre bench collapsed in a single night; yes, 45 ACRES!
Volcanic Gases & Vog: Where hot lava meets the sea, and especially at the source of the eruption, the volcano produces a deadly concoction of gases. In fact, it's estimated Kilauea puts out about 2,500 tons of sulfur dioxide a day. Enough of those fumes can kill someone almost instantly, (as if you needed another reason to stay behind those barriers the park service puts up). Even far away from the sources of these sulfur dioxide plumes visitors can experience another type of gas, Vog.
Vog is a mixture of the sulfur dioxide gas, water vapor, carbon dioxide, dust, and other airborne particles. Vog exists in fairly high amounts all around the volcano area and can even wrap around the island into Kailua-Kona depending on trade wind activity. Hilo, Puna, Kohala, and the Hamakua coast are usually vog-free. Vog affects different people in different ways. Visitors with asthma and respiratory troubles will have the most problems. In our experiences with vog we've been mostly unaffected by it. It's unpleasant to smell, but it has never had any adverse affects on us. We have though, on a few occasions, experienced especially heavy vog settle upon us near the end of Chain of Craters Road (usually coming from Pu'u O'o up the pali, “cliff”) when the trade winds were blowing light. Usually this causes coughing and a burning sensation in the eyes, nose, and mouth. If possible, avoid areas where you notice a lot of vog. Usually you can see it in the air like a low cloud moving south down the coastline from the volcano (can you make it out in the photo here?). If you are caught in thick vog, try and get out of it as quickly as possible. You can call 808-885-7143 for a vog index update.
If you want more information on vog, hiking over, and viewing lava safely, please consult the park rangers inside Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park.
The sun - A UV index of near 14+ every day speaks for itself. We recommend at least 15+ sun block in Hawai'i at all times. Don't ruin your visit by trying to get that tropical tan. The tan will be gone within a month of your return home, the memory of the burns will last a lot longer.
Streams, Rivers, & Pools (All Islands)
Our primary message here is short and sweet. Pay attention to the flow of the stream where you are and be aware of the weather inland. Streams and rivers can change flow rates and heights very quickly in the islands. Flash flooding is a regular occurrence in some places. One good rain, even far inland from where you are, can cause a stream to rise substantially. If you're crossing any streams or rock hopping, pay close attention to the weather and the water levels. Anytime you are crossing a stream or river where it empties into the ocean, we also advise crossing inland a bit. Dangerous rip currents can form in the ocean at the mouth of a river or stream. Hiking poles may be extremely useful for any crossings you do make, as they provide an extra set of limbs to help you keep your balance.
If you go swimming, make sure you don't swallow any water, and try and cover up any open wounds you have so that water can't get in them. In Hawaii leptospirosis can be found in water contaminated by animal droppings, and you do not want to get mixed up with the likes of this disease. It causes flu-like symptoms and in rare cases death.Ocean Life & The Beach (All Islands)
If you've ever been to the beach then you likely already know about the hazards of the ocean. Rip currents, sharp coral, large waves, surf, and various creatures are just a few. The most notable sea-creatures to watch out for on the Big Island are coral, jellyfish (Portuguese Man-of-War), and sea urchin's. If you plan to swim, snorkel, or scuba dive on the island, make sure to do your homework and become fully educated on the hazards of the ocean here.
Volcano Area Hazards (Big Island and portions of Maui)
The first thought that comes to mind when you hear about Hawai'i volcano danger is probably the lava hazards. In reality the 2000 degree Fahrenheit lava probably poses the least amount of danger to the sensible person. Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park and the surrounding Volcano area of the Big Island are subject to a number of hazards that are easy to overlook or just aren't something you'd expect without prior knowledge of the area. While this is mostly applicable to the Big Island, Maui is no exception providing it has many areas covered with recent (geologically speaking) lava flows as well - especially in South Maui. Let's go over a few of these hazards.
Hiking on Lava: Around the Big Island and especially at the end of Chain of Craters Road you will have the opportunity to hike over lava. You may have made note on our Hawaii Geology page, that there are two types of lava, pahoehoe and a'a flows. You also likely know that trying to walk over a'a is a fool's errand. The only lava flows that are traversable are hardened pahoehoe flows like those found at the end of Chain of Craters Road.
Currently this is the only location you can also safely approach active flows (when they are present). The dangers involved in crossing lava, even pahoehoe lava, are primarily due to the razor-like sharpness of the hardened lava. Even the pahoehoe flows are as sharp as glass, and you can easily cut yourself (especially your hands) in the event of a fall. Extreme care and/or precautions should be taken when hiking over lava. Long pants and gloves are always a good idea. The heat produced by the sun on top of the black asphalt-like lava surface deters many visitors from wearing long pants, but don't risk the injury. The pahoehoe surface is smooth but can contain all sorts of variations in the surface that can catch your foot or cause you to stumble. It is also important you remain keenly aware of the texture of the flows you are walking across, as shallow lava tubes can cave in, dropping you a few inches (or more) below the surface. If you plan to make any lengthy hikes, also be sure to bring adequate amounts of water as dehydration can occur quickly on the shade-less black lava surface.
Viewing Active Lava Flows: As a continuation of the above hazard and warning, we again encourage all visitors to be prepared for any hiking they do on hardened flows out to see active flows. When approaching active flows your body will only let you get so close before the heat forces you to stand back, but use common sense and don't attempt to get any closer than you must to view the lava safely. Lava temperatures average around 2000 degrees Fahrenheit. Do not attempt to cross any active flow up slope as active flows are often concealed in lava tubes beneath the surface, and you do not want to find one by mistake.
Do not cross any National Park boundary ropes in the park, as they are in place for your protection. The park service is fairly liberal about how close they will allow people to get to lava flows; so traversing beyond the boundaries they've set up is extremely dangerous. Usually the roped off areas are near the lava entry point into the ocean. Violent explosions, deadly steam plumes, and gases make this a treacherous area to be near. Furthermore, all lava benches are roped off for the same reason. Lava benches can easily collapse at any time spelling certain catastrophe for anyone on the bench at the time. Just two days before writing this article a 45 acre bench collapsed in a single night; yes, 45 ACRES!
Volcanic Gases & Vog: Where hot lava meets the sea, and especially at the source of the eruption, the volcano produces a deadly concoction of gases. In fact, it's estimated Kilauea puts out about 2,500 tons of sulfur dioxide a day. Enough of those fumes can kill someone almost instantly, (as if you needed another reason to stay behind those barriers the park service puts up). Even far away from the sources of these sulfur dioxide plumes visitors can experience another type of gas, Vog.Vog is a mixture of the sulfur dioxide gas, water vapor, carbon dioxide, dust, and other airborne particles. Vog exists in fairly high amounts all around the volcano area and can even wrap around the island into Kailua-Kona depending on trade wind activity. Hilo, Puna, Kohala, and the Hamakua coast are usually vog-free. Vog affects different people in different ways. Visitors with asthma and respiratory troubles will have the most problems. In our experiences with vog we've been mostly unaffected by it. It's unpleasant to smell, but it has never had any adverse affects on us. We have though, on a few occasions, experienced especially heavy vog settle upon us near the end of Chain of Craters Road (usually coming from Pu'u O'o up the pali, “cliff”) when the trade winds were blowing light. Usually this causes coughing and a burning sensation in the eyes, nose, and mouth. If possible, avoid areas where you notice a lot of vog. Usually you can see it in the air like a low cloud moving south down the coastline from the volcano (can you make it out in the photo here?). If you are caught in thick vog, try and get out of it as quickly as possible. You can call 808-885-7143 for a vog index update.
If you want more information on vog, hiking over, and viewing lava safely, please consult the park rangers inside Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park.
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