Hawaii Staying Healthy

Common sense is the simplest prescription for good health while you travel. Drink lots of fluids to prevent dehydration and constipation and wear sturdy, broken-in shoes and clean socks.

Environmental Hazards

See Great Outdoors.

Insect-Borne Diseases

See Great Outdoors.

Food- And Water-Borne Diseases

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Other Infectious Diseases

The following diseases exist all over the world. Travelers should know how to recognize them and what to do if they suspect they have been infected.

Hepatitis B: A viral infection of the liver transmitted via blood or other bodily fluids. Symptoms, which may not surface until years after infection, include jaundice, appetite loss, fever, and joint pain. It is transmitted through unprotected sex and unclean needles. A 3-shot vaccination sequence is recommended for sexually active travelers and anyone planning to seek medical treatment abroad; it must begin 6 months before traveling. Hepatitis B is rare in Hawaii.
AIDS and HIV: For detailed information on Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) in Hawaii, call the 24hr. National AIDS Hotline at ☎800-342-2437. Note that, according to US law, people who are HIV positive may not legally enter the US unless they obtain special permission from the US embassy before traveling. Legislatures are working on removing this ban and it will likely be repealed in the near future. Contact the US consulate for more information.
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs): Gonorrhea, chlamydia, genital warts, syphilis, herpes, HPV, and other STIs are easier to catch than HIV and can be just as serious. Though condoms may protect you from some STIs, oral or even tactile contact can lead to transmission. If you think you may have contracted an STI, see a doctor immediately.

Other Health Concerns

Medical Care On The Road

Medical services in Hawaii are accessible 24hr. at hospitals throughout the islands. Some more rural towns may be a short drive away from the nearest hospital, but for the most part, medical care is readily available. In an emergency, dial } 911 from any phone, and an operator will send out paramedics.

If you are concerned about obtaining medical assistance while traveling, you may wish to employ special support services. The MedPass from GlobalCare, Inc., 6875 Shiloh Rd. East, Alpharetta, GA 30005 (☎800-860-1111; www.globalcare.net), provides 24hr. international medical assistance, support, and medical evacuation resources. The International Association for Medical Assistance to Travelers ( IAMAT; US ☎716-754-4883, Canada 519-836-0102; www.iamat.org) has free membership and offers detailed info on immunization requirements and sanitation. If your regular insurance policy does not cover travel abroad, you may wish to purchase additional coverage . Those with medical conditions (such as diabetes, allergies, epilepsy, or heart conditions) may want to obtain a MedicAlert membership ($40 per year), which includes an ID tag and a 24hr. collect-call number. Contact the MedicAlert Foundation International , 2323 Colorado Ave., Turlock, CA 95382 (☎888-633-4298, www.medicalert.org).

Women’S Health

Women traveling in unsanitary conditions are vulnerable to urinary tract (including bladder and kidney) infections. Over-the-counter medicines can sometimes alleviate symptoms, but if they persist, see a doctor. Vaginal yeast infections may flare up in hot and humid climates. Wearing loosely fitting trousers or a skirt and cotton underwear will help, as will over-the-counter remedies like Monostat or Gynelotrimin. Bring supplies from home if you are prone to infection, as they may be difficult to find on the road. Tampons, pads, and contraceptive devices are widely available, though your favorite brand may not be stocked—bring extras of anything you can’t live without. Abortion is legal in the US, and information is available through Planned Parenthood of Hawaii (☎808-589-1156; www.plannedparenthood.org/hawaii).