Going to à Hawaï: Formalities and administrative steps

Daily life à Hawaï

Hello? Hello? à Hawaï

Country code. 808. Numbers are 10 digits long, including the area code

To reach Hawaii from France: dial 001 (US area code) followed by the 10-digit number. Most hotels let you use their phones for local calls

To reach France from Hawaii: dial 0033 followed by the number without the first 0. Most French phone companies offer an international option or a US pass that allows you to use your phone locally. This is often cheaper than buying a local SIM card and will be useful as most reservations are made by phone or SMS. Note however that several places are out of network coverage (especially on Big Island), ask your hotel beforehand if you sleep in an isolated place

Accessibility Accessibility à Hawaï

As in all other American states, public places, hotels and restaurants are well equipped to accommodate disabled travelers (elevators, ramps...). But as for the buses of the different lines, there are only a few wheelchair access systems. So it is better to book a car or an adapted shuttle.

Health Health à Hawaï

Apart from some problems of adaptation to the climate, it is unlikely that you will experience any health problems during your trip to Hawaii. However, you should beware of mosquitoes and always have a repellent spray with you - especially in humid areas - because a dengue epidemic hit the archipelago in 2001... Other risks are mainly related to the strong currents of some beaches, which can cause drowning or propel you on very sharp coral reefs. Therefore, always ask the lifeguards of supervised beaches before going in the water and avoid swimming alone on unsupervised beaches. In addition, this guide gives you information about beaches that are safe to swim on and whether they are dangerous or not. For information on the health status of the country and for advice, do not hesitate to consult your doctor. Also, if you have any health concerns, keep in mind that medical costs are very high in the United States. For example, a consultation with a general practitioner costs a minimum of US$200. And if you go to the hospital, it is important to call your international credit card insurance company (you are automatically covered) to notify them so that they can initiate the coverage process. If you do not have an international payment card, it is highly recommended that you take out health/repatriation insurance for your stay. Advice:

Sunshine. Even if you're used to the sun, protect your skin at the beach because the sun is treacherous in Hawaii; remember that the islands are close to the Tropic of Cancer which makes the rays stronger. So take your sunscreen with you and use at least SPF 30 for the first few days, because sunburns can happen very quickly. Drink a lot of water to prevent any risk of dehydration or sunstroke.

Swimming. You have to be really careful with the currents because even in a heavenly water, you can drown very quickly! If the beach is supervised, it is always better to ask the lifeguards if you can move away from the shore. If the beach is not supervised and almost no one swims, it is usually because the currents are dangerous. The locals know their beaches inside out, so don't hesitate to ask them for advice... However, don't trust the surfers in the water because they usually know the currents very well, unlike you! If in doubt, it is safe to swim at the shore.

Diving. Whether you are scuba diving or snorkeling, you should never touch the coral: in addition to destroying it, you risk getting a deep wound! Beware also of jellyfish, which are ferocious in Hawaiian waters, and of sea urchins, which are very numerous on the rocks. Concerning the sharks that everybody thinks about underwater, you should know that the risk of being eaten by one of them like in Jaws is almost nil. Only 8 species of sharks can be found near the coast and you may come across one of these individuals if you go snorkeling, but be aware that they are not dangerous for humans. However, avoid diving at dawn or dusk, as this is the time when sharks come closer to the coast to feed...

The only shark in Hawaii that can attack humans is the tiger shark: it can be recognized by its pointed tail fin and the vertical stripes on its body. But don't panic: shark attacks are rare and occur only one to three times a year. Finally, these injuries are rarely fatal: the shark bites humans but does not eat them! Phew.

In fresh water. Avoid swimming in a river on stormy days because flash floods can occur and the current can carry you away in no time! Do not swim in ponds because of the risk of leptospirosis.

At altitude. When climbing Haleakala (3,055 m) in Maui, Mauna Kea (4,205 m), Kilauea (1,222 m) in Big Island, it is imperative to make several stops as you go up. Indeed, the summits of these volcanoes being accessible by the road rather quickly, the body does not have time to get used to the change of altitude... If you feel headaches, heartache, dizziness, sit down and rest; you are most likely suffering from altitude sickness. Do not make violent efforts at a high altitude because the oxygen is poorer in the air and it becomes difficult to breathe very quickly. If you have ever dived or flown in the last 24 hours, it is dangerous to go so high because of the sudden pressure changes and the risk of embolism that could result. Finally, it is not recommended for young children, pregnant women, people with heart disease or asthma to undertake such an ascent

Emergency numbers Emergency numbers à Hawaï

Hawaiians don't speak French and neither do the doctors! English is therefore the best way to describe your ailment. An advice: revise the vocabulary of the human body before leaving or have a mini-dictionary with you, why not on your smartphone that can be consulted offline. You can consult a doctor in the clinics and hospitals of the different islands (listed in this guide), with or without an appointment (ask beforehand). Most of the luxury hotels also have a doctor on site and his consultations are open to all (for a fee). To call the police, the fire department or an ambulance, dial the same number: 911. You can also go to the nearest hospital where emergency services are usually available 24 hours a day. You should also contact the French consulate. They will help you, accompany you and provide you with a list of French-speaking doctors. In case of a serious problem, they will also notify your family and assist you during your repatriation. To find out about emergencies and establishments that meet international standards, visit www.cimed.org, www.diplomatie.gouv.fr and www.pasteur.fr.

Securty Securty à Hawaï

Security problems in Hawaii are rare, but as in all popular tourist destinations, you should be on your guard. Do not leave anything in sight in your car, especially if you are parked near a beach or a place to visit. In high season, locals may express exasperation at seeing so many tourists depriving them of their peace and quiet. The more deserted the place is, the more careful you have to be, just like in France. There are a few muggings in Waikiki at night, often by drunk people. For single women, Hawaii is a privileged destination. Going to the bar, walking around or being alone in a restaurant will not attract any unwanted attention and you will be able to enjoy your independence without any worries, provided of course that you respect the basic rules and analyze the situations as everywhere.

LGBTQ LGBTQ à Hawaï

There is no discrimination against homosexuals and the LGBTQ community. On the contrary, Hawaiian society is very tolerant on this subject. Oahu, the state's capital island, is home to Hawaii's largest gay community

For more information, visit www.gogauhawaii.com

Embassies and consulates Embassies and consulates à Hawaï

There is no French embassy in Hawaii, but there is a consulate. This honorary consular agency, headed by Consul Guillaume Maman, is attached to the French Consulate in San Francisco. It provides assistance to French nationals who find themselves in difficulty due to illness, accident or theft for example. Please note that this is an honorary representation, which has no authority to issue visas or passports.

Mail Mail à Hawaï

There are post offices in the major cities of each island. From Monday to Friday, they open around 8am and close at 5pm. On Saturdays, they are open in the morning only.