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Resources & References

Resources & References

Hawaii, USA

Digital Resources

Essential Apps for the Destination

  • Google Maps/Waze:

    Useful for navigation, real-time traffic updates, and finding points of interest. Download offline maps for areas with potentially spotty cell service.

  • Uber/Lyft:

    For convenient ride-sharing services in and around Kona.

  • Yelp/OpenTable:

    For dining reviews, restaurant recommendations, and making reservations.

  • Weather app:

    A local weather app (e.g., Hawaii News Now or KHON2 Weather) presents accurate forecasts, including vog conditions, important for planning outdoor activities.

  • Airline apps:

    For managing your flights, checking status updates, and mobile boarding passes.

Useful Websites for Additional Planning

Print Resources

Recommended Guidebooks

Hawaii The Big Island Revealed (often called the "Blue Book") is popular for its detailed maps and local insights, covering many hidden gems and practical tips.

Maps

National Geographic Adventure Map Hawaii Big Island presents detailed, waterproof maps useful for extensive driving and outdoor exploration.

Local Publications

West Hawaii Today is the local newspaper for current events. Free visitor guides and magazines are widely available and often contain maps and event listings.

Emergency & Medical Information

Emergency Contacts

  • Emergency (Police, Fire, Ambulance): 911 (This is the standard U.S. Emergency number).
  • Poison Control: 1-800-222-1222.
  • Hawaii Police Department (Kona, Non-Emergency): (808) 326-4646.
  • Kona Community Hospital: Located at 79-1019 Haukapila St, Kealakekua, HI 96750 (just south of Kailua-Kona). It presents comprehensive medical services and an emergency room.

Important Procedures

  • Kona Urgent Care: Located at 75-1024 Henry St #101, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740. This is a good option for non-life-threatening medical issues.
  • For international visitors, your country's embassy typically sits in Washington D.C., with consulates in major U.S. Cities. There are no foreign embassies or consulates on the Big Island. In emergencies, contact your country's nearest consulate or embassy.
  • Lost Passport: Report to local police immediately. Obtain a police report. Then, contact your country's embassy or consulate for emergency passport procedures.
  • Lost Credit Cards: Report to your bank or credit card company immediately to prevent fraudulent charges.

Natural Disaster Protocols

Tsunami Preparedness

  • Heed tsunami warning sirens.
  • Move immediately to higher ground (at least 50 feet above sea level or 1 mile inland).
  • Know evacuation routes, which are marked by blue signs.
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Hurricane & Tropical Storm

  • Follow instructions from local authorities (Hawaii Civil Defense Agency, local news reports).
  • Prepare an emergency kit.
  • Seek shelter in designated hurricane shelters if advised.
  • ...

Earthquake & Volcano

  • Earthquake: Practice "Drop, Cover, and Hold On."
  • If near the coast after a strong earthquake, immediately evacuate to higher ground due to the potential for a tsunami.
  • Volcano: Stay informed via the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO) website. Follow all park ranger instructions in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Do not enter closed areas.
  • ...

Further Reading & Exploration

Engaging with Hawaiian Culture

Documentaries and Films

  • Hawaiian History:

    Many documentaries about Hawaiian culture, history, and natural environment exist on streaming platforms. Search for films about the history of the monarchy or the geology of the volcanoes.

  • Featured Films:

    "The Descendants," a film starring George Clooney, is set in Hawaii and presents scenic views of the islands.

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Music and Art

  • Traditional Music:

    Listen to traditional Hawaiian music. Artists like Israel Kamakawiwoʻole introduce Hawaiian sounds.

  • Local Art:

    Explore contemporary Hawaiian artists online or visit local galleries in Holualoa.

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Online Communities and Forums

Travel Forums

Join travel forums (e.g., TripAdvisor, Reddit's r/Hawaii or r/BigIsland) for recent traveler experiences, tips, and asking specific questions.

Local Connections

Connect with local insights and community discussions for a richer travel experience.

Specific Queries

These platforms allow for specific questions about itinerary, activities, or local recommendations.

Language Learning Resources

Apps for Basic Phrases

  • Use apps like Duolingo or Memrise to learn basic Hawaiian phrases.
  • Explore local Hawaiian language apps for a dive.
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Benefits of Learning Local Phrases

  • Enhance interactions with local residents.
  • Show respect for the local culture.
  • Deepen your cultural immersion.
  • ...

Next Destination Recommendations

Based on Interests

  • More Volcanic Wonder: If you found the Big Island's volcanic landscapes captivating, explore other volcanic regions globally, like Iceland or New Zealand.
  • Diverse Marine Life: For more underwater adventures, consider destinations like the Great Barrier Reef in Australia or the Galápagos Islands in Ecuador.
  • Deep Cultural Immersion: For cultural experiences, explore other South Pacific islands (Fiji, Samoa) or destinations in Southeast Asia.
  • Historical U.S. Sites: If you enjoyed the historical aspects of Kona, explore other historical U.S. Cities like Boston or Philadelphia.

Regional Connections and Return Visits

  • Combine the Big Island with another Hawaiian island for a comprehensive Hawaiian experience. Each island has its own unique character and attractions, like the dramatic cliffs of Kauai or the famous beaches of Maui.
  • Return Visit Suggestions: Return in winter (December-May) for whale watching season.
  • Plan a return visit in fall (October) to experience the energy of the Ironman World Championship or in November for the Kona Coffee Cultural Festival.
  • Explore different parts of the island on your next trip, perhaps staying on the Hilo side to focus on rainforests, waterfalls, and the active volcano.

Helpful Tip

Share your sustainable and responsible travel practices with others.