Fast Facts

American Express -- There are offices on the Kohala Coast at the Hilton Waikoloa Village (tel. 808/886-7958) and the Fairmont Orchid (tel. 808/885-2000). To report lost or stolen traveler's checks, call tel. 800/221-7282.

Dentists -- In an emergency, contact Dr. Craig C. Kimura at Kamuela Office Center (tel. 808/885-5947). In Kona, call Dr. Frank Sayre at Frame 10 Center, behind Lanihau Shopping Center on Palani Road (tel. 808/329-8067). In Hilo, call Hawaii Smile Center, Hilo Lagoon Center, 101 Aupuni St. (tel. 808/961-9181).

Doctors -- In Hilo, the Hilo Medical Center is at 1190 Waianuenue Ave. (tel. 808/974-4700); on the Kona side, call Hualalai Urgent Care, 75-1028 Henry St., across the street from Safeway (tel. 808/327-HELP).

Emergencies -- For ambulance, fire, and rescue services, dial tel. 911 or call tel. 808/961-6022. The Poison Control Center hot line is tel. 800/362-3585.

Hospitals -- Hospitals offering 24-hour urgent-care facilities include the Hilo Medical Center, 1190 Waianuenue Ave., Hilo (tel. 808/974-4700); North Hawaii Community Hospital, Waimea (tel. 808/885-4444); and Kona Community Hospital, on the Kona Coast in Kealakekua (tel. 808/322-9311).

Internet Access -- Try the Epitopia Internet and Business Center, at the Royal Kona Hotel, 75-5852 Alii Dr., Kailua-Kona. Hours vary, so call to confirm.

Police -- Dial tel. 911 in case of emergency; otherwise, call the Hawaii Police Department at tel. 808/326-4646 in Kona, or tel. 808/961-2213 in Hilo.

Post Office -- All calls to the U.S. Postal Service can be directed to tel. 800/275-8777. There are local branches in Hilo at 1299 Kekuanaoa Ave., in Kailua-Kona at 74-5577 Palani Rd., and in Waimea on Lindsey Road.

Weather -- For conditions in and around Hilo, call tel. 808/935-8555; for the rest of the Big Island, call tel. 808/961-5582. For marine forecasts, call tel. 808/935-9883.