The Hawaii Traveler

When you’re snorkeling, you’re wise to watch out for the wana, or sea urchins with the sharp spikes. Although the wana mind their own business on the bottom of the beach (there’s never been a reported case of them actually chasing anyone), those nasty spikes can poke you, injecting you with a poison that irritates and inflames the skin. Ouch.
But did you know that the the nettle caterpillar (Darna pallivitta) is armed with bristly spines that can sting? People can suffer itching, a persistent rash, welts and blisters lasting a couple of days. What’s more, heavy infestations of the pest …read more

Comments Off

If you find yourself in shallow water, or in close quarters with them, calmly and surely swim away. I’m nor talking about the berracuda, I’m talking about the Pacific’s prickliest pears, the “wana,” as they’re called. Commonly found on the ocean floor, rocks, and reefs, these sea urchins with needle-thin, sharp spines release a toxin after puncturing the skin, which is one reason why encountering them can be such a pain.
Using heat to treat sea urchin stings and punctures is controversial. And no, those old stories about peeing on an ocean sting are simply attempts at…something other …read more

Comments Off