45 thoughts on “Don’t Even Consider Packing These For Hawaii Vacations”
Owen P
These are great tips, most of which I’ve followed myself for years. My 2 exceptions are 1. I always have my passport card because I don’t have an enhanced ID drivers license from my state & 2. I do bring my own snorkel gear because I have very wide feet and finding fins that fit at rentals is very difficult.
How can I get a better price on first class or business class on Hawaiian Airlines? I am traveling from JFK to Honolulu via JetBlue and Hawaiian Airlines. Thank you so much.
I live in Alaska and my hiking boots are heavy! When traveling to warm weather places for outdoor adventure, I opt for sturdy sandals that are made for trekking, like Tevas or Chacos. Look for models with the appropriate strap placement and arch support. These sandals may not be the best option for those who need ample ankle support, but they are a good choice for those that want to travel light, are ‘adverse condition tolerant’, or who’d rather do 100 push-ups in the middle of the airport than to have hot, bulky, constricting footwear 🙂
I have followed most of these for years. All except the one about leaving the beach towel at home. I have at least 6 at home and don’t want or need any more. However, I always bring one with me on the place. It serves as a blanket if one is needed or as extra padding under me otherwise.
Forget beach towels. Sarongs from Ross about $8. Make sure no tassels. Towels weigh too much. And do not dry quickly. Sarongs do. Please name one or two brands of un- lined waterproof jackets. Mahalo.
Unless you’re expecting a lot of rain, a cheap plastic poncho works great.
That said, I often just let myself get wet, if it’s warm enough. My family once played a round of mini golf in the rain on Kauai and loved it.
Depending on the length of your trip, I always bring two rolls of toilet paper. Most vacation rentals only leave one or two to get you started and the rest you’re on your own. Toilet paper is expensive. It’s just easier to have a roll so you don’t run out when you least expect it.
If you do not have a state issued “Real ID” then get in the habit of traveling on domestic flights with your passport in hand. Your passport is a form of “Real ID”.
Wear your hiking shoes on plane, buy slippers when you get here. If you come big island, bring pants and a sweater for going up mountains or volcano.Costco has beach chairs and soft coolers, but if staying Vac Rental ask if they have. All boat tips have own gear, and if you want to exploring on your own it’s way easier to rent. Tour companies are you’re friend and want to tell you everything about the place they live and love!!
Yes thank you Steve for the comment about the reusable water bottle! And thank you BOH for mentioning it in this post. I am wondering if you would consider doing a current post about potable water in Hawaiʻi? I am saddened every day by the pallets of bottled water that I see visitors purchasing at our grocery stores. Perhaps they just need to be reminded that water from our taps is clean and drinkable, and also, that plastic bottle recycling facilities donʻt exist on the islands.
I wish plastic bottles could be banned everywhere and especially in Hawaii. There is just no where to get rid of them. Alaska air has boxed water now and hopefully more businesses will follow suit.
Mahalo! Nani
These are great tips, most of which I’ve followed myself for years. My 2 exceptions are 1. I always have my passport card because I don’t have an enhanced ID drivers license from my state & 2. I do bring my own snorkel gear because I have very wide feet and finding fins that fit at rentals is very difficult.
How can I get a better price on first class or business class on Hawaiian Airlines? I am traveling from JFK to Honolulu via JetBlue and Hawaiian Airlines. Thank you so much.
Hi Jane.
Maybe this can help. https://beatofhawaii.com/find-cheap-hawaii-airfare-with-google-flights-alerts/.
Aloha.
I live in Alaska and my hiking boots are heavy! When traveling to warm weather places for outdoor adventure, I opt for sturdy sandals that are made for trekking, like Tevas or Chacos. Look for models with the appropriate strap placement and arch support. These sandals may not be the best option for those who need ample ankle support, but they are a good choice for those that want to travel light, are ‘adverse condition tolerant’, or who’d rather do 100 push-ups in the middle of the airport than to have hot, bulky, constricting footwear 🙂
I have followed most of these for years. All except the one about leaving the beach towel at home. I have at least 6 at home and don’t want or need any more. However, I always bring one with me on the place. It serves as a blanket if one is needed or as extra padding under me otherwise.
Forget beach towels. Sarongs from Ross about $8. Make sure no tassels. Towels weigh too much. And do not dry quickly. Sarongs do. Please name one or two brands of un- lined waterproof jackets. Mahalo.
Hi Richard.
We don’t have a preference. The waterproofing on all of them is pretty short-lived. Amazon sells a ton of them.
Aloha.
Unless you’re expecting a lot of rain, a cheap plastic poncho works great.
That said, I often just let myself get wet, if it’s warm enough. My family once played a round of mini golf in the rain on Kauai and loved it.
Depending on the length of your trip, I always bring two rolls of toilet paper. Most vacation rentals only leave one or two to get you started and the rest you’re on your own. Toilet paper is expensive. It’s just easier to have a roll so you don’t run out when you least expect it.
If you do not have a state issued “Real ID” then get in the habit of traveling on domestic flights with your passport in hand. Your passport is a form of “Real ID”.
Wear your hiking shoes on plane, buy slippers when you get here. If you come big island, bring pants and a sweater for going up mountains or volcano.Costco has beach chairs and soft coolers, but if staying Vac Rental ask if they have. All boat tips have own gear, and if you want to exploring on your own it’s way easier to rent. Tour companies are you’re friend and want to tell you everything about the place they live and love!!
Great tips !
Mahalo
Definitely bring a refillable water bottle. Local water across the islands is excellent and plastic is killing the Earth.
Yes thank you Steve for the comment about the reusable water bottle! And thank you BOH for mentioning it in this post. I am wondering if you would consider doing a current post about potable water in Hawaiʻi? I am saddened every day by the pallets of bottled water that I see visitors purchasing at our grocery stores. Perhaps they just need to be reminded that water from our taps is clean and drinkable, and also, that plastic bottle recycling facilities donʻt exist on the islands.
Amen Jen!
I wish plastic bottles could be banned everywhere and especially in Hawaii. There is just no where to get rid of them. Alaska air has boxed water now and hopefully more businesses will follow suit.
Mahalo! Nani