3 Must-Have Packing Essentials Before Your Hawaiian Trip

1. When in Rome Dress Like a Roman

Togas are optional but comfort is essential. Packing for Hawaii needn’t be complicated. Take shorts. Light shirts and clothes that can take a bit of water splashed on them at any point during the days and evenings.

Swimsuits or your favorite swimwear are a must-take item, along with a beach towel or two.

For cooler nights, a light sweater or windbreaker will be your best friend. It does get cool some nights.

Choose to pack footwear according to your planned activities and worn-in ones are best. This is no time to be trying out the latest in stilettos (this means you too, gentlemen) or new trainers that you know need a bit of wearing-in. Sandals, and covered shoes for going out. Take flip-flops for daily beach-going.

The rules are one pair for the day, one pair for the evening, and one pair for the unexpected.

Got favorite sleepwear? Take them along. It all comes back to being comfortable day and night.

What about the unmentionables?

Does it go without saying your underwear is essential? You might be surprised at how many people don’t pack enough for their stay.

Don’t forget you are going to get wet, sandy, sticky, and sweaty... if you’re lucky.

The best advice? Take more than you think you’ll need.

Don’t forget socks. Leave the 40 below ones at home. A light cotton sock or two will come in handy.

2. From Head to Toe

When packing for Hawaii, headwear is important. Hats cut glare and they create a bit of shade, especially if you are traveling with small children. They are an absolute essential to keep harmful sun rays off little vulnerable heads.

For those of you that may be follicle challenged (come on, hands up) you too will need to take a hat. Baseball cap, fedora, headscarf, or sombrero. We don’t judge here.

Whatever floats your Hawaiian boat, friends.

3. It’s the Little Things

Sometimes little things turn into important things by sheer lack of forethought. It’s not surprising that things slip our minds in all the excitement of finally getting away, but it does pay to be mindful of such things.

What things?

Incidentals.

Do you have your reef-safe sunscreen packed? Please be aware that Hawaii has very strict rules for the type of sunscreen you are able to use.

First aid items, as much as we don’t want to think about it, are something that should be packed. Use a Ziplock for band-aids and some antiseptic cream if you don’t wish to pack a whole kit. Water bottles are a good idea but bring your own. It reduces plastic waste and is refillable as you go. Especially for kids, they are fantastic. You won’t regret that one.

Take rechargeable batteries. They will run out just when you need them. What about a flashlight? A small torch is a convenience often unlooked. Sometimes, a bit of extra light in an unfamiliar hotel room is a great thing. For those traveling with elderly folks, having a light source will give them peace of mind.

Don’t forget the camera and associated gear. Unless you want to explore the stores for new equipment, it’s one thing that can be left behind unintentionally.

Sure, all these things can be purchased from the hotel gift shop or at a local convenience store (that you will become very familiar with), but it doesn’t hurt to have them on hand.

Tips From Us

•  Leave these at home

Surfboards, boogie boards, and floatation toys. They take up room, and you must carry them around and then place them somewhere if you go to eat someplace after a day on the water.

Rent them instead. There are plenty to go around.

• Try to Reduce Waste where You Can

Pack mindfully. What is the environment like where you will be staying? Pack shopping bags and not plastic.

If you’ve bought some new items for your trip, wash them and dispose of any packaging. Don’t take that along for the ride.

• Go green where you can

Non-toxic, non-flammable, and naturally derived personal items will ensure you do not leave behind a giant footprint on these beautiful islands.

•  Comfort is OK

Taking your favorite music and old-school Walkman is ok. Packing the things that make you feel good is not something to be concerned about. Especially if you’re going to be away for a while. Having the things around you that make you smile is never wrong.

• The Carry-on About Carry on

Check out the rules before you go. If certain products are not allowed in your carry-on luggage, it is best you don’t push the envelope. All that will do is delay you and others (no one wants the stink-eye from fellow travelers, believe me). Make it easy on yourself.

• Decide What’s Appropriate for your Length of Stay

Overpacking is common, especially among new travelers. It’s just that you want to make sure you’re comfortable, right? No one can blame you for that, but if you’re staying for three days and your suitcase feels like you’re running away from home permanently, there might be a reason to rethink it.

Just saying.

When packing for Hawaii, the essentials will make your life a bit easier. Not only will it save you money by not having to purchase items, but your time will be better spent on making the best memories of your stay rather than having to go to the store for regular toiletries and forgotten toothbrushes.