Jellyfish on the Leeward Coast/South Shore

9 - 10 days after every full moon, for about 3 days, there is a box jellyfish invasion on the Leeward Coast (from Kaena Point, to Waianae, to Barber's Point, to Ewa Beach) and South Shore (Ewa Beach, to Ala Moana, Waikiki, Hawaii Kai, Hanauma Bay, to Makapuu Beach). The invasions are pretty consistent, and the jellyfish authority here on Oahu have been able to predict them pretty well. It's best to stay out of the water in Waikiki, Ala Moana, Hanauma Bay, and other popular South Shore spots during this time. If you're planning your vacation, as inconvenient and silly as it sounds, it's best to plan your vacation around the jellyfish's schedule.

Check this calendar link below to plan your outings/vacations to the Leeward Coast and South Shore areas:

http://www.to-hawaii.com/jellyfishcalendar.html

There are 2 main types of jellyfish in Hawaii:

1. box jellyfish, more dangerous when stung - these are the primary jellyfish that invade during the days marked on the calendar

2. portuguese man-o-war, still hurts, but not as dangerous as the box jellyfish - mostly found on the Windward Coast (east facing shores on Oahu)

To give you some kind of perspective, (movie spoiler alert:) remember that movie in which Will Smith kills himself to donate his body parts? He used box jellyfish to kill himself.

My friend, while at Waimanalo Beach, had a portuguese man-o-war wrap itself twice around his neck. He delicately unwrapped it with his bare hands. He had a slightly red rash where he was stung on his neck, but he was fine in a day or two.

I have always observed the jellyfish calendar, and have never gotten stung.

Just a side note, while we are on the subject of jellyfish, on the Windward Coast, which includes my favorite body boarding spots, Bellows Field Beach Park, and Waimanalo Beach Park, the portuguese man-o-war is always present. I have gone there many times with my wife, but we have never been stung by the portuguese man-o-war. A local there gave me tips on how to avoid the portuguese man-o-war on the Windward Coast.

1. Check the beach and make sure there are no jellyfish lying around on the sand. If there are jellyfish on the sand, then they are sure to be in the water.

2. Avoid high surf days.

3. If you're in the water, look beyond the breaking point of the waves. If you see jellyfish floating on the other side of the break, get out quick.

4. When in doubt, talk to the lifeguard. If he's treated a bunch of people for stings, then it's probably not a good idea to go in.

Hope that helps. Stay safe, and don't mess around with these jellyfish.