Time to Head to Hawaii Packing List

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!

Checklist of What to Pack for Your Best Hawaii Vacation

Posted on Mon, Jul 23, 2007 by Sheila

Tips & Tricks

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.

• Bring a waterproof floating case or other waterproof bag that will protect your keys, cash, cards, etc.
• Reef shoes, but make sure you don’t walk or touch the coral reefs.

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.

A One Bag Pro Packs His Gadgets (and Everything Else)

I just found a Flickr set called Lightweight Travel. On it people post photos of the contents of their "one bag" as it will be packed for a trip of 3 days or longer. On top of the photo, many people attach notes regarding what each item is/is for, which is very helpful/generous/anal-retentive. I love this!

I have not gone through every photo, but I learned so much from this one person, I just had to post his strategies and a link to his heavily annotated photo. This Flickr pool is brilliant, because it is theory put into action.

Please follow the link to his photo on Flick to complete this packing light lesson.

Red OXX Air Boss on Flickr - Photo Sharing!
My one bag carry on for a 14 day trip to the Middle East

Comments

Roscullion says: This is most of what I took in the Airboss. There was a 1 bag 7kg limit on carry on so I wore the vest and put heavy items in the pockets at check in. I wore Craghopper cargo pants and the laptop fitted into the leg pocket. (If you were behind me when I was walking along loaded up you may have thought I was trying to mix a coctail!). I wore the camera kit seperately. All essentials for the filght were packed in the day sack ready to pull if I was forced to check the bag in. (Liquids, Laptop, Ipod etc.) Once into departures I put it back in the Airboss and just had the camera seperate. 6 flights on this trip - got asked to put the bag thru sizing frame once and got it weighed once out of Doha (11 .5kg! - the guy asked if I had a laptop in there, I said yes and he waved me thru). Airlines: Qatar Airways, Oman Airways, Emirates. Clothes all synthetic type that wash thru and dry overnight in hotel sink. Not shown because I was wearing them: Nikon D50 & Tamron lens, Blackberry Pearl, CH cargo pants, CH long sleeved shirt, synthetic webbing belt with hidden pocket containing $100, sandals, socks, wallet. Also 1 short sleeved shirt and 2 pairs socks on clothes line drying over bath. This arrangement works well for travel to Middle East. Total weight of carry items approx 13kg so its a bit cumbersome when transiting or duty free shopping etc. I use Priority Pass lounges to help with this. The choice of clothes gives the ability to look smart - business casual style - and enough flexibiity to hike, do the tourist thing etc. Never been challenged about the Utilikey (which has a blade) on any flight including Far East, North America, Europe. Once they pulled my keys at the XRAY and asked "whats this?" It was the USB drive I explained, the utilikey was right by it!

Eagle Creek Packing List

Stumbled across this great packing list+, on the Eagle Creek website.
They have a lot of good traveler's information there. If you follow the link to their site, you can download the pdf version which includes the sweet little check boxes for each item. Yes!

Eagle Creek Traveler's Checklist

The following list is not meant to cover every travel situation, but merely to serve as a reminder of the items that many people take on trips. Nor is it meant as a litany of recommended travel items. When was the last time you kicked yourself for not bringing the sink stopper? This list is compiled from correspondences with our customers.

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Pre Departure • Passport • Visa • Health Documentation • Transportation Tickets • Frequent Flyer Cards • Emergency Information • Insurance • Hotel Reservations • Traveler's Checks • Currency • Credit Cards • Guide Books and Maps • Trip Cancellation/ Medical Insurance • Personal Identification • Copies of Airline Tickets & Passport • Special Event Reservations Travel Gear • Main Travel Bag (Travel Pack/ Duffle Bag/ Luggage) • Packing Accessories (for clothes, small stuff and toiletries) • Security (Passport Carrier/ Locks/ Luggage Tags) • Document Organizer • Everyday Bag

Everyday Basics • Travel Clothing • Raincoat/ Umbrella • Travel Footwear • Visor or Brimmed Hat • Camera, Lenses, Film • Radiation Shield for Film • Video Camera, Tapes • Binoculars • CD/ Cassette Player • Electric/ Phone Converters • Travel Alarm • Language Books • Reading Materials • Address Book • Travel Journal • Pen/Pencil • Scarf/ Bandana • Games/ Playing Cards • Snacks • Water Bottle • Hand Sanitizer/ Towlettes • Travel Neck Pillow • Eye Shade/ Ear Plugs • Portable Door Lock • Tissues/ Toilet Paper • Keys

Maintenance Items • Flashlight Batteries/ Bulb • Matches or Lighter • Extra Batteries • Sewing/ Repair Kit • Duct Tape • Travel Iron or Steamer • Sink Stopper for Hotel Sinks • Zip-close Plastic Bags Travel Health • Travel Health Booklet • Pain Reliever/ Aspirin • Cold Medicines • Contact Lens Items • Diarrhea Medicine • Laxative • Insect Protection • Sun Protection • Sunburn Relief • Antibiotic Cream • Malaria Medication • Motion Sickness Medicine • Personal Hygiene Items • Personal Prescription

Home Checklist • Stop deliveries • Have Post Office hold mail • Arrange care for pets, lawn and plants • Set-up a timed lighting system • Notify local police of absence • Leave house key and trip itinerary with a neighbor • Empty refrigerator • Eliminate possible fire hazards (unplug appliances, etc.) • Turn down thermostat • Turn off water heater • Store valuables in a safe place • Lock all doors and windows • Reconfirm with airlines

Toiletries • Comb / Brush • Toothbrush / Paste • Dental Floss • Deodorant • Soap-Personal & Laundry • Skin Care Lotion / Creams • Make up • Mirror • Manicure Articles • Hair Care • Sunscreen / Lipbalm • Razors / Shaving Cream • Hair Dryer • Towel / Washcloth • Travel Bottles (for shampoo & laundry soap)

Theme Week: HTC Relay Gear for Packing List

This week I will be focusing on the best gear to take along on a long distance relay, specifically, the Hood-To-Coast Relay in Oregon, held the third weekend in August. Included will be the best fleece pullover, the best flashlight, the best sports drink, and the best combination bug spray/sunscreen. Stay tuned!