Big Island Life

Here are some Helpful Hints during your stay

Home on the Island

In Hawaii, it is customary to remove your shoes before entering someone's home. Never leave valuables unattended around the pool or yard, on the beach or in your car.

Lock doors and windows when away from home, this also helps out when unexpected rain showers and keeps mosquitos away.

Critters

Hawai'i s year-round, temperate climate attracts critters just like it does people. The good news is that most of them are harmless and there are NO snakes on the Big Island. We make every effort to keep our rentals clean and critter free, we have a monthly pest control service once a month.

Other pests

The mosquitoes on Hawai'i have the potential to be vicious. We recommend bug repellent and keeping screen doors closed. Store or refrigerate all food and drinks to discourage ants, roaches and mice. Due to the humidity we experience, it also keeps food from going stale quickly.

Coqui frogs are small frogs that were accidentally introduced to Hawai'i. At dusk you can hear their mating calls. Some visitors enjoy the nightly chirping while others might find it annoying.

Wild Life

GECKOS: If you hear a clicking noise at night, it's most likely a gecko. Geckos are small and harmless and eat their weight (or more) in bugs! Many Hawaiians consider geckos as aumakua, or family god and considered good luck. Keeping doors and screens closed tightly will prevent them from sneaking inside.

In Hawai'i, feral pigs are known as wild boar or pua'a. It's not uncommon to see pigs on or off the roads or occasionally in the neighborhood. While they are not typically aggressive, please do not approach or provoke them.

Ocean Safety

Daily & seasonal changes must be monitored closely. Yesterday's calm snorkel spot may be a death trap today.

Hazards can exist in Any Coastal Area

Not just in the water. Be careful on wet sand and rocks. Never swim alone. Know your limits.

Our local lifeguards are very experienced and are water men. They know that prevention is the best way to save lives. Warning signs are there for a reason.

Rip Currents

1. Don't get caught in a Rip

Conserve your energy by not panicking. Float, breathe and wave for help.

2. GO WITH THE FLOW

Relax and float in the current

knowing there is no undertow. Allow the current to take you away from the beach where it will eventually release you offshore. Once this happens, swim perpendicular and toward the beach.

3. If there is large surf or shoreline hazard , wave your hands for help and wait for assistance.

Respecting Marine Life

There are several marine mammals, turtles (Honu), Humpback whales( Kohala), Spinner Dolphins (Nai‘a), Monk Seals, Manta Rays (Hāhālua), and fish in Hawai`i that are protected by both State and federal laws. These legal protections are in place to ensure these species populations continue to recover. Interacting with a “protected species” can be a violation of these laws and may result in harm to the animal, inhibit population recovery, or result in fines or other penalties. Keep your distance from protected animals.

10 feet from sea turtles (both on land in the water)
50 feet from Hawaiian monk seals, or remain behind any signs or barriers
50 yards from dolphins and small whales (and do not swim with them)

Black Sand Beaches

On the Puna Coast or Red Road, is a beautiful scenic coastal drive with tunnels of mango and old growth trees.There are many black sand beaches to swim, snorkel, body boarding, surfing and wave watching.

Kehena Black Sand Beach

Pohoiki or Isaac Hale Beach Park

Kaimu Black Sand Beach

Along the Puna Coast there are also many inlets to explore like hidden rocky beaches, State Parks and areas for great fishing. Note: The currents can change daily and rogue waves happens when weather conditions change so please be careful

Protecting Coral Reefs

Coral reefs are living animals that grow and reproduce, creating habitats for thousands of marine species and protecting shorelines from erosion. In recent years, there has been a major decline of our world’s reefs — 40 percent in Hawaii' as of 2021. Sunscreens containing oxybenzone and octinoxate, two chemicals that have been shown to be damaging to coral reefs, are banned in Hawaii. Avoid touching reefs or anchoring your boat on the reef. Contact with the reef will damage the delicate coral animals. Recycle and dispose of trash properly.