Posted in Hawaii
February 17, 2016
Here Are The 15 Biggest Risks Living In The State Of Hawaii
There certainly are perks associated with living on a beautiful tropical island paradise in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, but there are also some risks that come with the territory. From giant centipedes and cockroaches to hurricanes and volcanic eruptions, here are 15 of the biggest risks associated with life in Hawaii, and how to help you be prepared.
The cockroaches in Hawaii are huge, and absolutely terrifying. We suggest always having a can of Raid at the ready – and maybe making your spouse, roommate, child or dog the designated bug killer in your house.
It’s hard to resist the urge to have your photograph taken in front of a stunning Hawaiian beach, but unfortunately, being toppled over by a large wave is a risk you’ll have to take for that perfect Instagram shot.
Vog, or volcanic smog, wafts over from the Big Island, and is killer on the sinuses. We’re talking severe allergy symptoms and sinus headaches. Your best defense while the vog is thick is to stay inside and make sure to keep taking those allergy meds.
This may be a long shot, but I would still tend to avoid areas that tourists flock to if you like your personal space.
With near-perfect weather year round, many people who live in Hawaii somehow forget how to drive when the sky is producing anything more than a light drizzle.
Hiking is a favorite activity among locals and tourists alike, though anyone can easily get lost on a trail if they aren’t closely following trail markers. We suggest sticking to popular trails until you are more experienced, and always packing more water than you think you’ll need.
While few people in Hawaii are actually attacked by sharks, being stung by a jellyfish is a very real risk. Always check beach reports after a full moon, as that’s when the jellyfish are closest to shore – trust me, it’s not a fun experience.
There is no doubt about it – the cost of living in paradise is astronomical, and if you just moved here, the prices you’ll find at grocery stores will make your head spin: $8 for a gallon of milk?
Similarly, dehydration and sun poisoning are also major risks associated with visiting or living in Hawaii.
Hurricanes are common among the Hawaiian Islands – in fact, there was a time last summer when there were three developing hurricanes off the coast of Hawaii at the same time. Unfortunately, being prepared is the only defense against an impending hurricane.
Many people who visit Hawaii believe that they are completely safe cliff jumping – but the ocean is in control, and a sudden shift in the tide could cause you to impale yourself on a rock. Please, only go cliff jumping if you are extremely knowledgeable in the ocean currents of the area, and are a strong swimmer.
That’s why there’s such a thing as lava insurance in Hawaii.
Centipedes in Hawaii are no joke. They can grow to be up to 12 inches long, and an inch in width. Be careful, because these little menaces attack, they tend to travel in pairs, and if you want to kill one, you’ll need some good scissors, because just stomping on them will not work. Oh, and make sure to kill the centipede outside – the scent a dying centipede gives off attracts more centipedes to the area.
Leptospira, a dangerous bacteria, is most commonly found in freshwater ponds throughout Hawaii. The bacteria can cause leptospirosis when coming in contact with your eyes, nose, mouth or broken skin, and exhibits mild to severe flu-like symptoms.
Death by falling coconut may sound silly, but rumor has it that a supposed expert claimed in 2002 that falling coconuts kill approximately 150 people around the world each year.
What other risks do we face on our beautiful island paradise?
