Checklist of Things to Pack for Your Trip to Hawaii

To help you with your packing before setting off on your Hawaiian holiday, here’s a handy checklist for you.

• Carry a guidebook and map of the islands you’ll be visiting in Hawaii. The free maps available from car hire companies are easier to handle.
• Carry print outs of useful information such as directions, hotel booking confirmations, travel advice, etc.
• You will need casual wear such as shorts and T-shirts for daytime sightseeing.
• Pack reef shoes and flip flops for the swimming pool and beach.
• Carry two swim suits for each person to make sure each one always has a dry suit to wear.
• Remember to pack a swim suit cover-up since at most resorts they ask you to cover up modestly when in lobbies and other common areas besides the beach and pool.
• Polarized sunglasses are preferable in Hawaii.
• Carry a hat and/or a visor and lip balm having SPF 15, 30 or even higher
• The sun’s rays are very strong in Hawaii, so you’ll need sunscreen having a higher SPF than what you usually go with on the mainland to avoid getting painful sunburn.  If you’re carrying a container larger than 3oz, it will have to be packed in your check-in baggage.  A smaller size is permitted in your cabin luggage.  But either way, be sure to pack it well inside a zip-lock bag in case it leaks during transit.
• Another useful item would be a lightweight beach bag or back pack to carry water, snacks, a guidebook, and other essential sightseeing items.
• For dining out, most restaurants won’t need you to dress in formal wear.  Most of them will specify “resort wear” as the dress code.  This usually means khaki trousers or dress-shorts and a collared shirt for men, and casual skirts, capri pants, sun dresses, dressier shorts, etc. for ladies.  It is better to make reservations and confirm the dress code in advance in case you decide on some of the fancier restaurants.
• Don’t forget to pack a waterproof jacket just in case it rains. And as a back up, in case you don’t remember to take your jacket along, it would be handy to have a pack of disposable rain ponchos that you could keep in the rental car.
• Carry a camera that has lots of film/memory and adequate battery life.  Take your battery charger along too if you have one.
• If you’re a nature lover or the outdoors type, include a good pair of binoculars for bird watching, better scenery viewing, watching lava, stargazing, or whale watching (the ideal period being January to April).
• A few snacks would come in handy in case of flight delays or other emergency situations, especially if you have small children with you.  Have a pack of travel-sized wet wipes which you can carry with you in the car.
• Finally, don’t forget to carry your regular medications, including a handy first aid kit containing antibiotic ointment and bandages.

What to do in Hawaii?

The Hawaiian Islands are one of the leading destinations in the world for a memorable holiday.  It has only gained in popularity over the years for maintaining its natural environs in spite of all the regular tourist traffic.  The striking beauty of the Hawaiian islands is both exotic and breathtaking.

The activities available for the tourists in Hawaii are many if you are able to tear yourself away from the sightseeing of the many islands.  Volcanic activities all over the Hawaii islands has left rocks with multicolored lava trails and the mountains as well as the beaches surrounding the islands are a treat to be visited and experienced.

You could indulge in activities like parasailing, whale watching or even scuba diving with instructors close at hand to guide you.  Food offered on the islands is mainly Polynesian, but there are resorts that offer menus featuring multi-cuisine items.  Having a meal even in your room with a balcony facing the different hues of and listening to the waves of the Pacific is a sight for sore eyes and music to the ears.

Planning your Hawaiian holiday

Working on a plan in advance is very essential as you don’t want to get there and be spending time trying to decide what you want to do when you have come to relax and have fun.

There are seven islands in the Hawaiian archipelago and you will need to decide which are the ones you want to visit or if you want to limit your visit to just one.  Depending on the nature of your trip and what activities you want to engage yourself in, you could look up the websites and elect to go to a particular island that offers all of the ones you are interested in. Continue Reading »
Hawaii Vacation Tips