In any type of crisis, the most important thing to do is stay calm. Your country’s embassy abroad is usually your best resource in an emergency; registering with that embassy upon arrival in the country is a good idea. The government offices listed in the Travel Advisories box can provide information on the services they offer their citizens in case of emergencies abroad.
As in the continental US, the drinking age in Hawaii is a strictly enforced 21. Young people should expect to be asked to show government-issued ID when purchasing any alcoholic beverage. In Hawaii, off-premises alcohol sales stop at 11pm while on-premises sales vary depending on the establishment. Drinking and driving is prohibited everywhere. Never drive under the influence. In Hawaii it is a crime to drive with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) above 0.08%, a level that can be achieved with as few as two drinks in one hour. Hawaii has a zero tolerance policy for those under 21, with severe consequences for those found to have consumed any amount of alcohol. It is also illegal to have an open container of alcohol inside a car, even if you are not the driver and even if you are not drinking it. Those caught drinking and driving face fines, a suspended license, imprisonment, or all three.
Marijuana and narcotics such as heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamines are illegal in the US, and possession carries extremely harsh sentences. If you carry prescription drugs while you travel, it is important that you keep a copy of the prescription with you. A letter from your doctor is advisable if you carry large amounts of prescription drugs.
See Great Outdoors.
In light of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks in the eastern US, the US government infrequently puts the nation, and its territories, on an elevated terrorism alert. Hawaii has not had any attacks, or threats of attacks, but, like the rest of the US, the islands have taken necessary precautions. Allow extra time for airport security and do not pack sharp objects or more than 3 oz. of liquid in your carry-on luggage, as they will be confiscated. Monitor developments in the news and stay on top of any local, state, or federal terrorist warnings, but do not let fear of terrorism prevent you from enjoying your vacation. The box on travel advisories lists offices to contact and websites to visit to get the most updated list of your government’s advisories about travel.
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For 52 years, we have published the world’s favorite budget travel guides, written entirely by students and updated every year. With pen and notebook in hand and a few changes of underwear stuffed in our backpacks, we spend months roaming the globe in search of travel bargains.
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