When John Hall goes hiking, he's careful to carry in his pack everything he might need in the event he runs into trouble. Photo by Gregory Yamamoto • The Honolulu Advertiser

That's why Peter Kempf and his colleagues at the Hawaiian Trail and Mountain Club urge hikers to equip themselves for the worst possible scenario every time they step out on a trail.

"You want to be sure that if you do find yourself in trouble that you'll be able to get out of it," Kempf says.

That means that before heading out, research the trail to get a sense of how difficult it is and how long it might take to complete.

File a hike plan detailing where you'll be, who you'll be with (never hike alone) and what time you should be back.

Finally, before you leave, check weather forecasts to be sure that you don't end up stuck at the top of a mountain in the middle of a thunderstorm.

A packing list for an everyday trip is relatively simple; everything the club recommends can fit easily and lightly into a day pack:

Photo by Gregory Yamamoto • The Honolulu Advertiser

• Something bright and colorful to alert rescuers.

• A whistle to keep within audible range of your hiking partners and to alert rescuers to your location if necessary.

• Rain gear. A waterproof jacket or parka will be invaluable if you get stuck overnight.

• First-aid kit, including adhesive bandages or moleskin, an ace bandage, anti-bacterial lotion, aspirin, and iodine to purify water.

• A light, metallic space blanket to keep you warm if you are stuck overnight.

• A flashlight or headlamp.

If you get caught after dark you should stay where you are until daybreak, but a flashlight or headlamp is still good to have.

If you get in trouble at any point in your hike, stay visible and audible, stay calm, and call 911 on your cell phone if necessary.

When done, check in with the person you gave your hiking plan to so they know you made it back safely.

Reach Michael Tsai at mtsai@honoluluadvertiser.com or 535-2461.

Keiki showcasing their talent in 29th annual hula competition

Today's your last chance to watch those young talents in action at the 29th annual Queen Lili'uokalani Keiki Hula Competition at the Blaisdell Arena. Two dozen hula halau are taking part in the three-day event that began Thursday and ends with today's group 'auana (modern) contest.

Kids from O'ahu, Maui, the Big Island, California and Japan are participating. It's a project of the Kalihi-Palama Culture & Arts Society.

The show begins at noon. Tickets are $8.50 and $9.50, available at the box office and at Ticketmaster outlets. (877) 750-4400.

The butts that will be kicked today are the cigarette kind, as FM station 1043XME and the state Department of Health join in an effort to rid Ala Moana Beach Park of the bits of unbiodegradable litter.

You, too, can be a member of the patrol: Just show up at 9 a.m. today at the Magic Island parking lot to help with the cleanup. You get a limited-edition Kick Butt Patrol T-shirt and entry to a private two-hour party at Dave & Buster's.

Mark your calendars for another cleanup event: 9 a.m. Aug. 7 at the Mililani Skate Park, 94-1150 Lanikuhana Ave. 275-1043.

Understanding your dishwasher can help protect it, extend its life

Unlike other appliances, the less you use the dishwasher, the more likely it is to break down.

Water that remains in the bottom of your dishwasher is there for a reason: It keeps seals moist. This prevents leaks and protects the motor.

But when it's not used for long periods, the water evaporates, seals dry out, and leaks and motor problems become likely.

To prevent this, when a dishwasher will sit unused for more than two or three weeks, pour in a half-cup of liquid bleach to prevent bacterial buildup.

Then, add three tablespoons of mineral oil. It coats the surface of the water and prevents evaporation, even over long periods of time.

With dishwashers — use it, protect it or lose it.

Sunset on the Beach returns to Waikiki this weekend with food booths, entertainment and movies on that 30-foot screen.

Tonight's featured film is the comedy "Starsky & Hutch," starring Ben Stiller and Owen Wilson. It's based on the old television series about two streetwise cops. Tomorrow's film is "Intolerable Cruelty," starring George Clooney and Catherine Zeta-Jones in a comic tale of obsessive love.

Sunset on the Beach begins at 4 p.m. each day at Queen's Surf Beach. The films roll after the sun goes down. Admission is free.

Photo courtesy of the Garden Island and Koloa Plantation Days

On Kaua'i, the Koloa Plantation Days celebration continues today with a parade at 10 a.m. in old Koloa town, with marching bands, floats, equestrian units and vehicles.

Then there's a celebration at Koloa Ball Park, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., with entertainment, crafts, bouncers for keiki, food, and made-in-Hawai'i items. Admission is $1 for those 14 and older.