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Resources & References

Resources & References

Hawaii, USA

Digital Aids

Mobile Applications

  • Hawaii Weather Today:

    For accurate and localized weather forecasts.

  • Google Maps/Apple Maps:

    For navigation. Download offline maps of Kauai.

  • AllTrails:

    Detailed information and maps for hiking trails.

  • Yelp/TripAdvisor:

    For finding and reviewing restaurants, attractions.

  • Surfline/Magic Seaweed:

    For real-time surf reports and forecasts.

Online Planning Hubs

  • GoHawaii.com:

    The official state tourism website.

  • Kauai.com:

    A local visitor information site with listings and events.

  • Hawaii DLNR:

    Required for state park permits (Kalalau Trail, Haena State Park). Book far in advance.

  • County of Kauai Parks & Recreation:

    For county park permits and camping.

  • Hawaiian Airlines / Southwest Airlines:

    For checking inter-island flight schedules and booking tickets.

Connect & Learn

Social Media Channels

Follow official Kauai tourism accounts or local news outlets on social media.

Podcasts & Digital Media

Search for podcasts focusing on Hawaiian history, culture, or travel.

Language Learning

Use language learning apps like Duolingo for basic Hawaiian phrases.

Emergency & Medical Information

Important Numbers

  • All Emergencies (Police, Fire, Ambulance): 911.
  • Wilcox Medical Center: 3420 Kuhio Hwy, Lihue, HI 96766. This serves as the main hospital.
  • Urgent care clinics operate in various towns for non-emergency medical needs.

Document & Disaster Prep

  • Lost Passport: Report to local police immediately. Contact your embassy for an emergency travel document.
  • Lost Credit Cards: Call your bank immediately to report the loss.
  • Tsunami: Move to higher ground (100 feet elevation or one mile inland). Follow civil defense sirens.

Further Reading & Exploration

Top Guides

  • Fodor's Essential Hawaii
  • Moon Hawaii
  • Frommer's Hawaii
  • Look for specific Kauai-focused guides.

Maps & Navigation

  • A good waterproof Kauai map is invaluable.
  • Important in areas with limited cell service.
  • Find maps here.
  • Carry a physical map as a backup.

Local Publications

  • Pick up free visitor guides upon arrival.
  • Available at airport, hotels, and info centers.
  • Contain current event listings.
  • Include restaurant guides.

Historical & Cultural Reads

Deep Dive into History

Historical Texts

  • Shoal of Time:

    A History of the Hawaiian Islands by Gavan Daws.

  • Hawaii's Story by Hawaii's Queen:

    By Lili'uokalani (Queen of Hawaii).

  • Firsthand Account:

    Offers a firsthand account of Hawaiian monarchy.

Island Stories

  • Fiction Set in Hawaii:

    Like The Descendants by Kaui Hart Hemmings.

  • Narrative Glimpse:

    Offers a narrative glimpse into contemporary Hawaiian life and culture.

  • Expands Perspective:

    Expands perspective on island life.

On Screen & Online

Documentaries & Films

The Descendants (filmed partly in Kauai) offers a dramatic narrative. Jurassic Park (parts filmed in Kauai) showcases lush, prehistoric-looking landscapes. Lilo & Stitch (animated, set in Kauai) provides a charming, family-friendly depiction.

Music & Art

Listen to traditional Hawaiian music, including artists like Israel Kamakawiwoʻole. Explore local art galleries on Kauai to appreciate contemporary Hawaiian art and craftsmanship.

Online Communities

Join travel forums (e.g., TripAdvisor forums, Reddit's r/Hawaii) to ask specific questions, read recent traveler experiences, and get tips from a wider community.

Emergency Numbers & Procedures

Emergency Contacts

  • All Emergencies (Police, Fire, Ambulance): 911 (universal US emergency number).
  • Wilcox Medical Center: 3420 Kuhio Hwy, Lihue, HI 96766. This is the main hospital on Kauai.
  • Urgent care clinics are available in various towns for non-emergency medical needs.
  • For international travelers, contact your country's embassy or consulate in the United States.

Lost Documents & Natural Disasters

  • Passport: Report lost/stolen passports to local police. Obtain a police report. Contact embassy for emergency passport.
  • Credit Cards: Call your bank or credit card company immediately to report loss/theft.
  • Tsunami: If a warning is issued, move immediately to higher ground (at least 100 feet elevation or one mile inland).
  • Flash Flooding: Do not cross flooded roads or streams. Remember: "Turn around, don't drown."

Further Exploration

Documentaries & Films

  • The Descendants (filmed partly in Kauai) offers a dramatic narrative set in Hawaii.
  • Jurassic Park (parts filmed in Kauai) showcases the island's lush, prehistoric-looking landscapes.
  • Lilo & Stitch (animated, set in Kauai) provides a charming, family-friendly depiction of the island.
  • Explore documentaries on Hawaiian culture, surfing history, or the geology of the Hawaiian Islands.

Music & Art / Online Communities

  • Listen to traditional Hawaiian music, including artists like Israel Kamakawiwoʻole.
  • Explore local art galleries on Kauai to appreciate contemporary Hawaiian art and craftsmanship.
  • Join travel forums (e.g., TripAdvisor forums, Reddit's r/Hawaii) to ask specific questions.
  • Use language learning apps like Duolingo or other online resources to practice basic Hawaiian phrases.

Map Tip

Download offline maps to your phone and bring a physical map. Cell service can be unreliable in remote areas.