Hawaii (Big Island) Travel Forum

Aloha

I'm very excited about my first trip, I may be going on my own as I just want to chill out, but may have a friend with me.......anyway.......

I'm a big swimmer and really worried about the shark population in Hawaii, Ive swum in Rio de Janeiro and European countries and get rattled if a fish brushes past me and start swimming like a rocket powered torpedo towards shore. I've also been perversly attracted to " killer shark" documentaries thanks to Sky TV, so can someone give me the heads up on Jaws and his family in Hawaii.

Also, can you sunbathe topless in any of the islands?

Also, whats the chances of finding a beach all to yourself or if not, whats the crime like on the beaches, in Rio if your left your IPod behind, you had better say a long goodbye to it first!

Anyway, Hawaii is the ultimate paradise for me, there is just something about it, it's the total anti-thesis of rainy London and depressing London people traffic each morning.

I'm going to be going for 10 days in late November, my diet has started now, sit ups etc gotta look hot in Waikiki.

So, anyone luck enough to have the knowledge to want to help me out?....

Also, any chance I'll see Dog and his bounty hunters around?

Thanks

I love Google. It's amazing the answers you can get from it.

For example: http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=shark+attacks+hawaii&btnG=Google+Search

Or even better: http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=nude+beaches+hawaii&btnG=Search

Finding an empty beach on O'ahu, Maui, or Kaua'i is almost out of the question. Your chances improve on The BI, but you'll need to drive and hike a good bit to find it. I have seen empty whitesand beaches on Moloka'i. But that may be too slow-paced of an island for you.

In Hawai'i, public nudity is against the law. HOWEVER, it is really an issue of enforcement. And some of the places in the link above are places where enforcement is lacking. Do you feel lucky? After all, it just takes one complaint and the police MAY show up.

As far as petty crime goes, do not leave anything unattended that you will not mind losing. Some areas are worse than others, but that's always a good rule to follow. Ditto for leaving valuables in your locked car.

As far as Dog goes, I'm no fan of the show. But I'm sure you would be unable to miss his golden locks, studded leather, and Batman-like utility belt if they (and he) were to be near you on the street. :)

Be sure to post a close-up of your abs. We'll rate it for you. :)

Enjoy your trip and, please, post some pics and let us all know.

You've got to respect the ocean. The biggest worry really isn't sharks, but undertow, reef breaks and the occasionally polluted beach. Just ask the local lifeguard about anything - s/he'll know.

For 5 years, I would go to the beach after work to go for 2k swims. I would leave my keys and nothing more on the beach. Anything like an ipod or backpack would just be too tempting a target, so why tempt fate? If you're on a beach with other people, just make friends with them and ask them to keep an eye out while you're taking a dip.

Nude sunbathing is not really an option except on very rare/remote beaches... but since you seem to be staying in Waikiki, head to Queen's (or "dig me") beach toward Diamond Head across Kalakaua Ave for a more local flavor with truly great sand - the kind that brushes off easily. And though there's probably no celebrities, there are good looking people

A little known fact is that sharks are attracted to rocket powered torpedos....
There are several shark attacks in Hawaii every year. While the odds are minute (the threat of a shark has never stopped me from swimming) I have not been able to discern a pattern, but it does seem like there are more in surfing areas where the water is deeper and waves larger. I generally stay in shallow water no more than 15 feet deep. It is my understanding that sharks like to attack sea turtles from the bottom up, but I have never asked a shark and the turtles look at me like I am crazy. The few I have seen (my Molokini Crater) were still asleep and boring. As to topless sunbathing, as long as you are not in a major tourist beach area, i.e. Waikiki, you will probably not be bothered. There are unofficial clothing optional beaches. For example, on Maui there is Little? Beach just S of Makena. However, I have also seen topless on Kaanapali Beach. Considering that prostitutes market their wares directly across the street from a police substation in Waikiki, you are not going to be bothered unless you are especially attractive and the cop likes what he sees. It may take a while be he asks you to cover up. Petty theft is rampant in Hawaii (there is a big meth problem in Paradise). Use the hotel room safes and for really important stuff, use the hotel safe. Many people lose cameras stolen from their rooms. Make sure nothing is visible in your car. Have a great time. Karl

Thanks for your answers all, I do Google a lot but prefer local knowledge and word of mouth when itm comes to kiler sharks and co.

Anyway, thanks for taking the time to respond all, I can't wait!

Having lived on Oahu for a year, I can give you some answers that you can't find on google.
First, shark attacks are veryu rare here. There has only been one since I arrived in October 2006 and, typically, it was of a surfer. Surfers look like sea turtles to sharks. Also typically, the person survived, but lost a little weight! Anyway, sharks are much less of a wory here than in Australia or Florida.
AS for topless bathing, it is legal (complete nudity is not) but rarely practiced on crowded beaches. Two years ago, I saw a woman sunbathing topless in front of the royal Hawaiian and, while she got lots of attention, none of it was from the ubiquitous life guard corps or nearby cops. If you really want to show off on Waikiki, you can.
However, I would recommendfinding some of the less crowded North shore beaches for topless sunbathing. You can find isolated stretches of sand if you know where to look. Check my Oahu page for some of the less crowded beaches. I've even seen nudists on a beach by the polo field near Waialua (Polo Beach).
AS long as you watch your stuff, beach crime should not be an issue. Violent crime is rare here. The only big worry is car theft -- DO NOT LEAVE VALUABLES IN YOUR CAR!
Finally, do you like hiking? That's another great way to get away from the crowds, and it's beautiful here.
Enjoy your visit here. Let me know if you have other questions.

yes shark attacks are quite rare in hawaii.

Crime rate in hawaii is not high, however you shouldn't leave your things lying around tempting people. In my opinion it doesn't matter where you are, you should never leave your valuables lying around. I would say hawaii does have a low crime rate and no matter how many times visitors are warned about their valuables they still leave them out...making themselves easy targets.

As for topless sunbathing you may be able to find a beach off the beaten path where no one will care or even really be around. I wouldn't suggest doing it in waikiki. While the police may not come around...waikiki does tend to have many families and children and having a little 5 year old boy I think I would take offense to someone doing that in front of my child..while the police may not say anything..as a mother I probably would. A nice quiet beach where you may not find so many families and children would be a little more tasteful to do it at is all.

Dog the bounty hunter..hang out at 24 hour fitness on the east side of oahu and you may spot him there.

Have a good trip.