Yes, you read that right … Death by Coconut!
Some tourists worry if they are going to encounter a shark and if it might bite them while in the waters on Maui, but there are bigger concerns one should be aware when visiting Hawaii. It’s hard to believe but there are more deaths by coconuts encounters in the world than shark attacks. So … before you go lounging or camping under one of our shady Maui Palm Trees with the pleasant and peaceful tropical breeze, make sure your chosen perfect palm tree is NOT filled with coconuts waiting to bounce one down onto your head.
In fact, did you know? Many Hawaiian Resorts employ people to knock coconuts out of the trees to keep vacationing guests safe. It would not look good to have a YELP REVIEW with the headline “Resort Tourist – Death by Coconut!” Resorts take bad coconut encounters seriously.
Consider these velocity coconut impact facts: A green coconut, full grown with its shell, and still on the palm tree full of coconut milk, can weigh up to 4.5 lbs (2 kilos). Palm trees can grow as high at 30 meters (98 feet). The speed with which a coconut falls at that height reaches around 85 km/hr (53 mph). This means the force of the coconut when it hits your head will be the equivalent in weight to a ton smash hit on you. Plan wisely so your nap under a coconut tree is just a relaxing Maui short “siesta” and not some urgent care medical experience.
