Kauai 2009 Travel Planner - (Page 5) us on this one . A sunburn will develop faster than you thought possible so be sure to use sunscreen—at least 15 SPF if your skin tone is dark and up to 50 SPF if you’re fair. Keep a hat or cap on your head and start off by spending no more than 30 minutes in direct sunlight . Remember, it’s usually hottest between 11:00 a .m . and 2:00 p .m . and the sun is stronger here than you’re probably used to . your shoes when entering a home. This doesn’t apply to hotel rooms, but may be practiced at B&Bs, vacation rentals and condominiums . Malama Kai ¯ At the Beach All of Kaua‘i’s 45 white sand beaches are open to the public. Queen’s Bath, on the North Shore and East Kaua‘i’s Kipu Falls should be avoided . There are no nude beaches on the island. Nudity is prohibited in Hawai‘i and this law is enforced . Make it a rule to swim at lifeguarded beaches . Check the map on pages 2 and 3 to see which beaches are staffed by lifeguards. For more safety information, see page 32. Malama kai (take care of the ocean) ¯ is an ancient Hawaiian tradition that you should practice while visiting Kaua‘i. This means please don’t touch the coral or the plants and animals surrounding it. In fact, keep a respectful distance from all sea creatures–for their safety and yours. Malama ‘A¯na ¯ ı Island Etiquette The people of Kaua‘i would like to share their island with you, but don’t engage in behavior that could be construed as upsetting or disrespectful to the residents or environment . Drive with aloha . On Kaua‘i we drive slowly and rarely, if ever, use the horn (honking is considered insulting) . Speed limits and seatbelt laws are strictly enforced. Expand your cultural awareness by visiting Kaua‘i’s museums and ancient Hawaiian sites, but be sure not to step on heiau (Hawaiian temple) sacred rock platforms . Kapu (prohibited, forbidden) means off-limits, so please be respectful of private property, closed trails or any place you’re not sure about (no matter what your guidebook says). Resist the temptation to pack coral, rocks or sand to take home. Some say it’s more than a legend that they bring bad luck when taken from the island . Please, take only pictures. It is the custom on Kaua‘i to remove Malama ‘aina (take care of the land) is ¯ ¯ one of the more important concepts in Hawaiian philosophy, and it’s as important today as ever. Help us take care of Kaua‘i’s natural resources by staying on trails when hiking and by not disturbing any plants or historical features . Guided tours are sensitive to the environment, and you are sure to learn more with an expert on hand . Avoid littering. Please recycle or properly dispose your opala (trash) . Reusable grocery bags are offered at most stores. Numerous recycle bins and redemption centers are located throughout the island. To find one near you, call 241-4842 or visit www.kauai.gov/recycling . you can also help by donating any unused food . The Kaua‘i Food Bank depends on volunteers, food donors and financial supporters to help feed hundreds of people on Kaua‘i who live with the threat of hunger . Food dropoffs are accepted at their warehouse located in Lı hu‘e at 3285 Waapa St, ¯ Ste A, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, call 2463809 or visit www.kauaifoodbank.org . Hawai‘i values healthy lifestyles and fresh air . The Hawai‘i Smoke-Free Law prohibits smoking in enclosed public areas, workplaces and within 20 feet of doorways, windows and ventilation intakes. For more information, visit www.HawaiiSmokeFree.com . Many plants and animals found nowhere else on Earth call Kaua‘i home. The ecosystem of the island is feeling stress resulting from the introduction of foreign species . When departing for the U.S. mainland, your luggage must pass a pre-flight check at the airport to ensure that you are not carrying fruits or plants that have not been inspected for insects and diseases. You’re welcome to take fresh flowers and fruits home, but they won’t pass inspection unless they’re properly certified beforehand. If you’re packing your own fruits, flowers or plants, visit the inspection office located in Lı hu‘e at 4398A Pua ¯ Loke St. (274-3071) before you go to the airport. Many items purchased at the airport are already certified. For more information, visit the Dept. of Agriculture website at www.hawaii.gov/hdoa . There are many environmental groups fighting to protect the island from the stress of foreign flora and fauna species . you can help some of these groups by volunteering time during your visit. Volunteering for conservation activities is a great way to have fun while exploring the island . you can sign up for afternoon or multi-day trips to help with a variety of projects. Most groups will provide training, if needed. For more information, check out the Sierra Club’s Guide for Environmentally Responsible Visitors at www.hi.sierraclub.org/kauai/ guidepost.html . The Kaua‘i Invasive Species Committee (KISC) is dedicated to preserving Kaua‘i’s biodiversity by preventing, controlling or eliminating the most threatening plant and animal species. For more information, or to report sightings of invasive species, call 246-0684 or visit www.kauaiisc.org. Only with awareness and respect can we be environmentally responsible. When visiting, please do your part to help protect our fragile ecosystem. KAUA‘I Hawai‘i’s Island of Discovery™ 5 http://www.hawaii.gov/hdoa http://www.kauai.gov/recycling http://www.hi.sierraclub.org/kauai/ http://www.kauaifoodbank.org http://www.kauaiisc.org http://www.HawaiiSmokeFree.com
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