Ocean Safety
While vacationing on Kauai we want you to enjoy, explore, relax and most importantly stay healthy and safe. Kauai is beautiful, exotic, mysterious and full of spectacular wonders to explore. Most of Kauai activities are associated with the outdoors, hiking and ocean activities. With these activities comes a share of precautions and potentially dangerous situations. Please become familiar with these to help you stay safe and relaxed.
The biggest safety concern is understanding the oceans and the environment. Ocean conditions are difficult to judge and conditions can change quickly. Always use common sense when entering Hawaiian Waters. Conditions vary from seasons, tides, locations and local weather pattern.
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Swim at a Lifeguarded Beach
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Ask a lifeguard about conditions of the ocean
Swim at a Lifeguarded Beach
Ask a lifeguard about conditions of the ocean
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Before entering the water check for any warning signs indicating hazardous conditions.
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Avoid shorelines rocky areas and swimming during high surf.
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Never turn your back on the ocean, an unexpected wave can knock you down and drag you out.
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Never swim alone.
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Never allow small children to swim or play in water unattended.
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Never swim in murky water and never swim in river mouths.
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Listen to weather and surf forecasts on local radio or check the surf report
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Learn about rip currents and how to avoid them or what to do if you get caught in one. Check out Beach Safety page for more information.
Portuguese Man of War - This small jellyfish-like animal with a stinging tentacles can be seen on the beaches after strong onshore winds and stormy conditions. The Portuguese man of war (locally known as pochos) resemble a clear bubble about the size of a half dollar with blue tentacles that are usually a couple feet long.
The jelly fish float on the surface of the water and the painful sting is usually a result of the tentacles touching bare skin. Medical attention is usually not necessary unless a rare case of an allergic reaction. Be careful to remove all the tentacles, do not rub and rinse well with very hot water to neutralize the poison and help relieve the pain. Lifeguards usually will have ice-packs or sting relief.
Coral Reefs - Coral reefs are beautiful to explore underwater but it is important to not touch or stand on the reef for your own safety and the protection of the living coral. See our page on reef etiquette.
Kauai Hiking Tips Hiking on Kauai will take you into some of the most beautiful and remote rain forest, mountain tops, river valleys and canyons. It is important to remember to plan your hike and follow well marked trails as well as learn about precautions and trail etiquette.
We wish you a safe and healthy Kauai vacation!
Aloha from your Kauai.com Ohana
Important Phone Numbers
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Emergency/Police/Fire/Ambulance |
911 |
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Police Dispatch (non-emergency) |
808-241-1711 |
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Visitor Information Line |
808-262-1400 |
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Kauai Visitors Bureau |
808-245-3971 |
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Kauai Weather |
808-245-6001 |
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Kauai Bus |
808-241-6001 |
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Visitor Aloha Society of Kauai |
808-482-0111 |
Kauai Hospitals and Emergency Rooms
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Wilcox Memorial Hospital |
808-245-1100 |
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Kauai Veterans Memorial Hospital |
808-338-9431 |
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Samuel Mahelona Hospital |
808-823-4194 |
Island Clinics
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North Shore Medical Center |
808-828-1418 |
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Koloa Clinic |
808-742-1621 |
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West Kalaheo Clinic |
808-332-8523 |
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Kapaa Clinic |
808-822-3431 |