NYC Summer 2009 Please, no more rain and grayness! I look forward to New York sweltering summers for the other 9 months of the year, but this year it is just not happening. I have to a get to a tropical place. I've settled on Hawaii, and did a search for a packing list (because it is easier than pricing out airfare and hotel packages).
Of all the Hawaii Packing Lists I found, this one seemed the most useful. AND it was posted exactly 2 years ago today. Serendipity. Thank you GoVistHawaii.com!
I’ve been to Hawaii many times. I’ve also been to all the islands, so I’ve become a bit of a pro for packing for Hawaii vacations. In this article, I wanted to share my best tips for packing for your perfect Hawaii vacation, so here goes:
The Core Basics
- Casual wear like shorts and T-shirts are fine for day time wear.
- For dinners, you really don’t need to get dressed up for the vast majority of restaurants. Most places will say “resort wear is fine”. So what does resort wear mean? Men can wear dress-shorts or khaki trousers and a collared shirt. Ladies can wear casual skirts, sun dresses, capri pants, dressier shorts, etc. For nicer restaurants, I like to make my dinner reservations about a week or so before I leave the mainland. So when I call to make the reservations, I ask what the dress code is. That way there is never a doubt.
- Bring two swim suits per person so that you will always have a dry suit to wear.
- Bring a swim suit cover-up as most resorts request that you modestly cover up while in lobbies and common areas other than the pool and beach.
- For the pool and beach, you will need flip flops and reef shoes.
- Sunglasses
- Bring sunscreen, with an SPF that is higher than what you would normally wear on the mainland. I can’t emphasize enough how important it is to wear a high SPF sunscreen in Hawaii. The sun’s rays are exceptionally strong there. See this post on the importance of sunscreen in Hawaii and how to avoid a sunburn. Remember that if the container is larger than 3 oz you will have to check your luggage. Whether you check the sunscreen in your luggage or carry it onboard the aircraft with you, always put it in a zip-lock container in case it leaks in transit.
- Lip balm with SPF 15, 30 or higher
- Hat
- Bring your guide book. My personal favorites are the “Revealed Guides“
- Bring a map of the island(s) that you will be visiting. The free maps you get from the rental car company are somewhat hard to navigate by because the island is sectioned off into multiple pages.
- Bring print outs of directions, confirmations, and online advice from great sites like Go Visit Hawaii.
- Camera with lots of memory or film and battery life.
- Binoculars for views, watching lava, bird watching, stargazing, and whale watching (January – April)
- Beach bag that packs flat and/or lightweight back pack for carrying snacks, water, guidebook, and other sightseeing necessities for when you hike, go on tours, etc.
- A small first aid kit with bandages and antibiotic ointment.
- Travel-sized wet wipes to have with you in your car when you are on the go.
- Bring a waterproof jacket in case it rains. I also like to pick up a package of disposable rain ponchos to keep in the rental car as back up for when I forget to bring my jacket.
- Don’t forget to bring your manners – so make sure you read these Hawaii vacation etiquette tips.
Make sure you know what not to pack for Hawaii.
Special Considerations:
If you plan to hike:
- Mosquito repellent – the pre-moistened towelettes can be convenient for packing and carrying with you.
- Benadryl stick in case the mosquito repellent didn’t work
- Hiking shoes or sneakers that you wouldn’t mind throwing away if they get muddy.
- Collapsible hiking poles can be useful, but not essential. I always stuff mine in my luggage when I can.
- Lightweight back pack with water bladder or a fanny pack that conveniently holds water bottles.
- Quick dry clothing
- Zip-off pants can be useful if hiking in cooler areas.
- Bring some energy bars to have on hand.
If you plan to go to higher elevations like Haleakala or Mauna Kea:
- Thermal underwear
- Windproof gloves
- Windproof jacket
- Winter weather hat, headband, and/or ear muffs. Note if you plan to go on a guided tour of Haleakala or to Mauna Kea, the tour company will most likely provide a parka and gloves.
- Long pants and shirts for layering
- Flashlight if you plan to be there for star gazing.
- If you plan on staying in the Upcountry like Lanai City on Lanai or Kula on Maui for examples, you’ll want to bring long pants and a sweater for evenings. Even the Volcano area on the Big Island can get chilly at night.
If you plan to watch lava flowing on the Big Island:
- Hiking shoes for walking over uneven lava surfaces.
- Hiking poles
- Long pants – like hiking pants.
- Flashlight for finding your way in the dark. (Night time lava viewing is best.)
- Gloves can be helpful in case of a fall.
If you plant to do water sports including snorkeling, kayaking, etc.
I hope these packing tips will help you as you prepare for your vacation to Hawaii. Please feel free to add any of your special packing tips in the comments.
Posted on Mon, Jul 23, 2007 by Sheila
Tips & Tricks