On August 21, 2024 the USA celebrated the 65th anniversary of Hawaii becoming its 50th state – an event which brought a very different territory into the US fold. With Hawaii being more than a 5-hour flight away from the US mainland, and a truly tropical paradise, Europesure Travel Insurance knows it's very easy to forget it is part of the USA and subject to the same high medical costs as other US states.
Buying the right travel insurance for Hawaii
This is something of which all tourists need to beware, if making Hawaii their holiday destination. It is not just a ‘worldwide’ destination but one within the ‘worldwide (USA and Canada)’ category of an annual or single trip travel insurance policy. Getting this right is essential, particularly if travelling on an annual policy that may have offered protection in other far-flung places, such as the South Pacific, Asia or the Middle East, and which you may assume may do the same for you in Hawaii. It is important not to be caught out.
Healthcare in Hawaii
Whilst Hawaii has excellent health care facilities in general, the location we know as ‘Hawaii’ actually comprises several separate islands. If you suffered an illness or injury on some of these and needed expert medical care, you might have to be flown to the island of O’ahu, to access the support of specialist medical teams. Without travel insurance, that could cost a significant amount, in US medical costs, and also prove difficult to arrange by yourself. This is why you do not want to invalidate your insurance, by not having purchased a policy that covers the USA.
If you get this right and have the right travel insurance in place, you can largely relax and enjoy your holiday, as Hawaii is also viewed as a relatively safe tourism destination, although one that does have some distinctive risks.
Weather risks
The first of these is weather-related, with Hawaii suffering incidents such as flooding, wildfires, hurricanes and tsunamis, as well as being a volcanic location that can suffer the impacts of eruptions.
The islands are well geared up with emergency warning systems and sirens that alert inhabitants of risks but you have to be aware what these are and know how to act, if necessary. Seek local advice on arrival but do your homework too. If you are moved to an emergency centre inland, you will need to try to take food, drink, clothing, blankets and medicines, so be prepared.
Vaccinations and mosquito prevention in Hawaii
Certain vaccinations are also advised for Hawaii, or are they? Both the World Health Organisation, and America’s CDC, recommend a large number of vaccinations, including Hepatitis A and B and rabies. However, this whole area is a little foggy, as with many destinations. If you live in the UK, for instance, you will not find the Fit for Travel App assisting you with specific information about Hawaii, only details relating to the whole of the USA. Luckily, there is a new service, from Pinpoint Travel Health, that can identify exactly what you do or don’t need, in terms of vaccinations and antimalarials, with pinpoint precision, right down to your hotel level. Use this and pay a small charge of £15 and you could take all of the guesswork out of the equation and save a heap of money too.
Prevention against mosquito bites is well-advised, so applying a DEET-based insect repellent and wearing long-sleeved shirts or blouses and trousers, in both the early morning and evening, makes sense. Similarly, sun prevention is paramount, with a good SPF-factor cream required and other measures, including a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses. Just make sure that any suntan cream used in Hawaii is one that will not harm marine life and coral.
Swimming and beach safety
Talking of the sea, it is important not to go swimming in the Hawaiian sea by night, when sharks come towards shore to feed. Also beware rip tides present off various beaches and only swim where lifeguards are present. One of the highest contributing factors to drowning in Hawaii is snorkelling, so think twice about participating in this, particularly if you have a heart or lung condition. Maui’s beaches, in particular, can be tricky locations off which to snorkel, being prone to big waves, ocean currents and swell.
If on the beach, be careful not to leave items unattended and also beware regulations. On Waikiki beach, no ball games, use of frisbees or similar thrown items, or kite flying, is allowed. In general, be respectful of Hawaii and its people. Don’t leave your litter behind, don’t act in an unruly manner, don’t drink alcohol or smoke on the beach, as that is banned, and do not take lava rocks away from ancient Hawaiian temples.
Possessions are particularly at risk within parked cars in Hawaii, with beach-goers, who leave items behind, easy targets. Thefts from cars is a real risk in Honolulu too. If you must leave anything, leave it out of view and do not put things in the boot when you arrive at where you wish to park. Thieves monitor such locations and observe what is going on, so pack your boot items before heading to your intended parked-up destination.
Staying safe in countryside and city
Hawaii has many beautiful trails that attract the avid hiker but be careful when using these. Be mindful of incoming and predicted weather conditions and have the right clothing and footwear. Stick to dedicated trail paths and never wander too near the edge of cliffside trails, even if a photo is tempting. Don’t enter any stream or river with an open wound, as there is a risk of a staphylococcus (staph) infection if you do and that can be fatal. Make sure you stay hydrated and apply sun creams.
If in city, rather than countryside, be careful where you walk at night, avoiding areas such as Chinatown and the northern part of Honolulu around Kalihi. It is also best to avoid Kuhio Avenue after dusk, along with Ala Moana Park and the area west of Nuuanu Avenue, in the downtown area of Waikiki. Walking the Mai Tai Mile and around Honolulu’s State Capitol and the Iolani Palace should be safe, with the waterfront walk offering great views of Waikiki Beach and Diamond Head Crater.
Be wary, to avoid becoming a victim of a tourist scam. Scams can relate to timeshares, tours and promised ‘special entry’ to one of Hawaii’s many traditional luau ceremony events.
Enjoy all Hawaii can offer
White or golden sands, volcanic landscapes and wonderful lush mountain ranges define Hawaii, so do check out some of the best beaches, if you can. These include Oahu’s Kailua Beach and Kawela Bay, with the possibility of spotting green turtles or endangered monk seals on the latter. In Kaua’i you can visit locations used in the movie South Pacific, like Hanalei Bay, with 4000-foot mountains, sometimes featuring dramatic waterfalls, being its backdrop.
Of course, Waikiki Beach, with its iconic outriggers, is a must-do, when visiting Hawaii and, if you head to the beach on a Friday night, you can watch the fireworks from the Hilton hotel’s weekly display, which takes place at 7.45pm in winter and 8pm in summer.
It’s tempting to indulge in water sports and even diving with sharks whilst in Hawaii, but do make sure that all sporting activities are covered by your travel insurance, especially ones such as extreme parasailing. If not, maybe enjoy something more subdued such as dolphin watching or a visit to the Pearl Harbor USS Arizona Memorial.
Buy your worldwide travel insurance – including the USA – at https://www.europesuretravelinsurance.com and you can then chill out and enjoy the wonderful ‘aloha’ that awaits you in Hawaii, without worrying about those US medical costs.
