I've been reading that Box Jellyfish infest the South and West coasts of Hawaii regularly following 8-10 days after every full moon. Unfortunately, I'm going to be staying on Kaanapali, Maui and Kona, Hawaii during the week that I'm gonna be out there, which falls smack over this period (10/23 - 10/30)... peak Jellyfish falls about Tues-Thurs of that week.

I guess there's no way to sugar coat this, am I doomed to staying dry on my trip or running a moderate risk of goin through intense pain? Fortunately it's gonna be my honeymoon and we are booking up the week with activities, but I at least wanted to get one good free "beach" snorkel in at some point.

These are not the same 'brand' of box jellyfish that inhabit Australian waters and can kill within minutes after causing such intense pain that the victim wishes death would come instantly, so I wouldn't be scared out of the water completely.

The big risk from these critters is just a nasty sting, nothing life threatening, unless you have an allergic reaction. If it were me, I would use caution and swim at beaches with lifeguards who are able to determine if jellyfish are in the water and post the appropriate warnings. If you do get stung, the lifeguards should have a kit on-hand with some basic remedies.

FWIW, I have been in those waters during those periods of time completely oblivious to the jellyfish and was never stung, nor did I even see one.

Good beach snorkels can be had at Black Rock (Kaanapali), Kahalu'u Beach, and Honaunau Bay (Kona) - Kahalu'u has a sheltered breakwater and might offer more protection from any migrating nasties. Just check the condition boards posted at each beach before diving in.

Hmmm I will be in Kauai/Maui from Oct 10-22nd, and didn't know jellyfish were rampant then... I really, really hope that's not the case.

bigbadbuff, I don't think you have to worry... supposedly the jellyfish days are 8-10 days AFTER the full moon, which is Oct. 17th, 2005. That's only those two or three days... NOT actually all eight to ten days following the full moon. In other words, I think you'll be okay

I got stung by a Jellyfish on Waikiki beach it only hurt for 30 minutes. Remove the stinger and w ash it. Or yo ucan use vinegar I forget but the lifeguards can help. They are so nice and quite helpful .I was good to go in no time. Heed the warnings of the life guards. Also you are more likely to fall and hurt yourself than you are to get stung by a jellyfish.

There is more chance of you getting sunburn t han a jellyfish stinging you. So it's not as major as you would think. Just be happy there no mountain lions around or poisionus snakes. Be careful of corel.