Good boots, check. Lots of water, check. Testing the rope, check.
Photo by Lucy Walker
Visitors to Hawaii who want to try out some of our hiking trails need to be aware that Hawaii's climate and geology make for some different hiking dangers than what they are used to. Some things to be aware of:
1. The weather can change dramatically in a very short time. This means you need to be prepared for a dry trail becoming muddy and slippery, hot conditions suddenly changing to quite cold ones with wind and rain where hypothermia is a danger, or a tranquil stream rapidly becoming a raging torrent. Bring warm clothes and rain gear in your backpack, and on valley trails abort your hike if it starts to rain. Most hiking deaths in Hawaii come from people being swept away by powerful currents at stream crossings that are normally easy.
2. The soil in Hawaii tends to be quite a bit less firm than you may be used to. Dry ridge trails often can be very gravelly and it is surprisingly easy to lose your footing. On the more lush, tropical trails plants often have very shallow roots and if you grab onto them for support you can easily pull them out of the ground. So hiking boots with a well-textured sole for grabbing the ground are essential, and use a hiking stick for balance. If you climb up a rock face test all your handholds and footholds thoroughly, as a seemingly-secure rock could easily come loose.
3. The exposed rocks on Hawaii's stream crossings are often far more slippery than they look. If rocks are far enough apart that you have to hop from one to another, I would recommend wading in the stream. If the trail features numerous stream crossings, consider wearing the reef-walking shoes called tabis that have felt bottoms; these grip the rocks better than any hiking boots.
4. Although Hawaii's streams often look very clean and unpolluted, DO NOT DRINK UNFILTERED STREAM WATER. You could catch leptospirosis, a serious disease that can be fatal. Bring your own water, or use an adequate filter.
Other tips for safe Hawaii hiking are the same as for anywhere else. For example, don't hike alone and tell people where you are hiking. Every few years someone dies or disappears on the trail because he or she didn't follow this common-sense advice. Bring a first-aid kit, and bring more water and food than you think you need. Stay on the trail, and allow enough time that you can easily get home before dark. Test ropes before using them. Don't eat fruits if you don't know if they're edible. In general, be aware of the terrain and the weather conditions at all times. And, don't let these safety tips deter you from hiking; it's a lot safer than driving a car!
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