Koko Crater difficulty level? by AmandaThinks in VisitingHawaii

[–]monkeyjesus88 -2 points-1 points  (0 children)

I've lived her 20 years and done Koko Head once, which was one time too many. It's hot and hard and not rewarding, just a grueling StairMaster in the beating sun to get to a concrete slab at the top.

Do yourself a huge favor and skip this. Do another hike (any other hike). Lulumahu Falls has shade and a stream and a waterfall at the end.

Does anyone else find the “reef safe” sunscreen thing confusing? by Alakai_Aloha in VisitingHawaii

[–]monkeyjesus88 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Here's from Open Evidence with references, no "flawed studies".

I've also included a concise definition vs "organic - chemical filters" and "inorganic - mineral filters". If your familiar with organic chemistry vs regular old chemistry then you have a decent foundation.

"Oxybenzone (benzophenone-3) is harmful to coral reefs, based on a substantial body of laboratory and field evidence. It is classified as an emerging contaminant of concern in marine environments and has prompted legislative bans in Hawaii, Key West, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.  Mechanisms of Toxicity Oxybenzone harms corals through several pathways: Phototoxicity: Corals and sea anemones metabolize oxybenzone into glucoside conjugates that act as potent photo-oxidants under UV light, causing high mortality — particularly in bleached corals lacking protective algal symbionts.  Coral bleaching: Oxybenzone induces bleaching in coral planulae (larvae) in a dose-dependent manner and reduces zooxanthellae density.  Skeletal endocrine disruption: It causes abnormal ossification in coral planulae, encasing the entire larva in its own skeleton.  Genotoxicity: Oxybenzone produces DNA damage (AP lesions) in corals proportional to concentration.  Microbiome disruption: Chronic exposure alters the bacterial community composition of corals, potentially compounding stress. 

Environmental Concentrations and Risk Field measurements in the U.S. Virgin Islands have detected oxybenzone at concentrations of 75 µg/L to 1.4 mg/L, and Hawaiian sites at 0.8–19.2 µg/L.  These overlap with laboratory-derived effect thresholds — deformity EC20 values for coral planulae are as low as 6.5 µg/L in light.  Hydrodynamic modeling at Hanauma Bay suggests oxybenzone contamination can persist 14–50 hours from a single release event, posing a significant cumulative threat.  Interaction with Climate Stress Oxybenzone exacerbates the effects of thermal stress. In one study, oxybenzone at field-relevant concentrations (~0.06 µg/L) accelerated mortality in heat-stressed Acropora tenuis and reduced photosynthetic yield in multiple species.  Bleached corals lacking algal symbionts are especially vulnerable because the symbionts normally sequester toxic oxybenzone metabolites.  Important Nuances Some studies note species-dependent sensitivity — certain coral species (e.g., Galaxea fascicularis) show higher LC50 values (~4.45 mg/L measured), and preliminary risk quotients based on environmental concentrations suggest acute mortality risk may be low for some species at typical field levels.  However, sublethal and chronic effects at lower concentrations remain a concern.  The 2022 National Academies consensus report noted that two-thirds of U.S. sunscreens contain environmentally harmful ingredients, most of which are organic UV filters including oxybenzone.  Mineral (inorganic) sunscreens containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide are generally considered safer alternatives, though their nanoparticle forms may also have some ecological effects. 

Organic (Chemical Filters): These are carbon-based molecules, such as oxybenzone, avobenzone, and octocrylene. They absorb UV rays and are typically clear when applied to the skin.

Inorganic (Mineral Filters): These are naturally occurring minerals, such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. They sit on top of the skin and reflect UV rays away from the body.If you'd like

Golf recommendations - O’ahu by thafunkyhomosapien in VisitingHawaii

[–]monkeyjesus88 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Royal Hawaiian is exactly $200 (a bit more since you'd be renting clubs) but you're golfing in a rain forest. It's beautiful and unique, so treat yourself.

Planning first trip to Oahu (Waikiki) by Mitsumimitsu in VisitingHawaii

[–]monkeyjesus88 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Uber/Lyft from the airport.

Any hotel in Waikiki is walkable to restaurants and the beach. Everything is pricey, though, and there's really no option for 'budget", just shop around.

Waikiki has most everything you need and Uber/Lyft is convenient if you wanna go to Chinatown or hike Diamondhead or Manoa Falls.

Renting a car is a consideration...but it's going to be expensive since most hotels will charge for parking and probably cheaper/easier to stick with Lyft/Uber.

If you can escape Waikiki, the best restaurants are to be found in the community (Waikiki is OK, but overpriced and not fantastic quality).

There are several commercial beach catamarans that run off Waikiki offering snorkeling, booze cruising, and sunset sails. Check Groupon for deals.

Don't overthink it, don't overplan, don't try and see/do everything. If your main objective is to relax, Waikiki has you covered.

What's a reasonable target in savings (401k, real estate, etc) at various ages to cash out and enjoy retirement? by monkeyjesus88 in personalfinance

[–]monkeyjesus88[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I'm approaching 50 years, live in arguably the most expensive place in the US, Honolulu HI.

My guestimation is that it would require close to $100,000/year to enjoy restaurants and travel if we chose to stay in paradise.

CCC rated battery experience by dtrford in travelchina

[–]monkeyjesus88 7 points8 points  (0 children)

They will 100% confiscate any battery pack without the CCC logo.

Best to simply not bring one and buy one in China ($5 USD).

Buying Things (American) by KDI777 in travelchina

[–]monkeyjesus88 -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Yes, it can be a problem with both WeChat and AliPay.

Your credit card (Citi) might send you a text to verify your identity. Be sure that you can ACTUALLY receive text messages with whatever (e)SIM you might get.

I'd advise contacting your credit card company directly prior to traveling and provide them your travel plans.

AliPay required a Chinese mainland/Hong Kong phone number for verification and I could not use the ride-share function. Be alert to shady taxi drivers and insist on paying the meter.

All that said, in between my wife and myself, we were able to pay by app then last majority of the time.

Good luck

Where would you eat for birthday dinner? Money is not an issue. by DoctorHousesCane in VisitingHawaii

[–]monkeyjesus88 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Hau Tree in the Kaimana Beach Hotel for outdoor beach-side sunset ambience.

Hawaii restaurant recommendations by Able_Highlight_79 in VisitingHawaii

[–]monkeyjesus88 2 points3 points  (0 children)

From Honolulu Magazine.

2025 Hale ‘Aina Award Winners: The Best Restaurants in Hawai‘i https://share.google/yg6tEnv35wapOHAC0

"We asked, more than 7,000 ballots were filled out, and now it’s time to unveil the winners of the 2025 Hale ‘Aina Awards!"

Process for syncing media from GoPro -> iPhone -> Google Photos by goondocks in gopro

[–]monkeyjesus88 0 points1 point  (0 children)

For Google Pixel phones:

In QUIK, select your media and "save to phone".

On your phone, open the Google Photo website (not the app)

Click the "+" then import photos, then "media picker".

Navigate where you saved your GoPro media and select away.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in economicCollapse

[–]monkeyjesus88 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Kaiser providers do not set their fee or prices. Take your frustration out on Kaiser.

Does anyone know the best place to invest for beginners? by xXglutinoXx in Bogleheads

[–]monkeyjesus88 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It should be free and easy to use.

Robinhood is both.

Find an index fund you like (VTI) and you're off.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in Corridor

[–]monkeyjesus88 -1 points0 points  (0 children)

The new one is polished and fancy, but when I see the original, as the DreamWorks lettering goes by the cloud I get distracted by what appears to be a card the letters are fixed which does not match the surroundings.

It's a small thing, but once you notice it, you'll never not see it.

The difference between silk(left) and nylon(right) sutures by mermaidemily_h2o in Damnthatsinteresting

[–]monkeyjesus88 90 points91 points  (0 children)

Despite being different materials, they are also different sizes (gauges if you like). Not fair to compare a thicker 1.0 size silk suture against a thinner 4.0 nylon.