| A Hawaiian vacation can be a dream come true ... | | | | safest place for your valuables is with you. Don't |
| if you're prepared! Any time you are away from | | | | leave anything in the car or the trunk and |
| home, in a strange place, even the smallest | | | | definitely don't leave anything on the beach. If you |
| problem can be disastrous. So how do you avoid | | | | leave valuables back at the hotel, you may want |
| a disaster? Just do a little research and | | | | to make use of the in-room safe or the hotel's |
| preparation before you go. Here are some things | | | | safety deposit boxes. Charges for the safes and |
| you should know before you visit Hawaii. | | | | safety deposit boxes vary by hotel so don't |
| Credit Cards and ATM's | | | | forget to ask how much it will cost to use them. |
| Credit cards are so widely used that many people | | | | It's better to be safe than to spend you're |
| don't carry much cash anymore. In Hawaii, | | | | vacation at the police station trying to get your |
| however, there are some places that will only | | | | wallet back. |
| take cash, even in the tourist areas like Waikiki. If | | | | Jellyfish Warnings |
| you are planning to use a credit card, ask what | | | | Hawaii has jellyfish and each month around full |
| cards are accepted. If you go to a restaurant, | | | | moon, they gather around the beaches. |
| ask before you order to avoid a mad dash to the | | | | Sometimes, there are so many jellyfish that the |
| ATM. And speaking of ATM's ... there are plenty | | | | authorities put out warning signs advising people |
| of ATM's to get cash, however, you will probably | | | | not to go in the water. Why is this a big deal? |
| have to pay some fees. Why? Because you | | | | Because jellyfish sting and the more jellyfish, the |
| probably won't find your mainland or foreign bank. | | | | more likely swimmers are to get stung. Some |
| Hawaii has its own banks like Bank of Hawaii and | | | | people who get stung have such a serious |
| First Hawaiian Bank. Some local banks do have | | | | reaction they need to be taken to the hospital. |
| agreements with banks outside Hawaii that reduce | | | | Even when the warning signs are out, some |
| or eliminate fees. Check before you leave. | | | | people still go in the water and unfortunately, |
| Your Valuables | | | | some get stung. A jellyfish sting can really ruin |
| Anywhere there are tourists, there is theft and | | | | your Hawaii vacation so watch for the those |
| Hawaii is no exception. Leaving a camera on the | | | | warning signs! |
| front seat of the rental car is just too tempting. | | | | Vacations should be fun! Sure, you can't plan for |
| And leaving valuables on the beach while you | | | | everything and things come up but you can avoid |
| have a swim makes it even easier for thieves. | | | | the big disasters. Be prepared, be careful and |
| It's a hassle, but when you're out and about, the | | | | have a wonderful time. Aloha! |