Start a stress free vacation with 14 tips on what to pack for vacation in Hawaii.
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Start a stress free vacation with 14 tips on what to pack for vacation in Hawaii.
Get Breaking Hawaii Travel News
Comments are closed.
Agree with shopping Thrift, and donating what I don’t want to take back. Great Aloha shirts for souvenirs too. I always wear a pashima shawl on the plane. Works as a blanket, but scrunches thin when I arrive and it’s warm. Also rolls up quickly and gets shoved into the top of my carry-on if it’s really warm on the Hawaii side.
Also I bring a sunhat that rolls or scrunches small.
Also comfy earplugs for the trip. Sometimes kids get fussy on the plane when the pressure changes.
Earplugs are a great suggestion – not only for the airplane but also to avoid getting your sleep disturbed during the night by roosters (Kauai) or Coqui frogs (Big Island).
Since I am just about finished packing – I still re read this article with interest. Sorry to hear of your luggage troubles. We (except for just a couple of times) always travel with just carry on. We have Rick Steves carry on backpacks – they are easily squeezed into spots other hard sided pieces cannot get into in the bins and we each have a Samsonite under seat totel That’s it. We manage 2-3 week trips with just carry ons.
One tip that I thought I would share is how I decided to actually pack the bags this time. I saw the program about How to fold your clothes the Marie Kondo way. Well you would not believe how much more space this method creates in our luggage!
The clothing may be a tad more wrinkled – but I usually spray them with warm water and shake and hang anyway. But it is so easy to see just what is in the bag! Wonder if anyone else has tried this folding method?
Mahalo for all your hard work! Hopefully we will see you in Kauai later this year. Heading for Big Island this trip.
Hi Colleen.
Thanks for your comment. We haven’t heard of the Marie Kondo way, but will look that up.
Happy travels to you both!
Aloha.
If you have access to Netflix – her new series is a feature there. You can probably look on YouTube as well. Or good ole Google. An interesting take on organizing. And I am NOT the most organized person. But, baby steps.
Hi Colleen.
Yes, of course, after you mentioned it we started checking her out.
Mahalo!
Thanks for providing the tips in urs article. Our family is looking to travel to Hawaii in March and we will be sure considered your tips.
I am traveling to Oahu December 25-Jan 1 from Atlanta. Air fare is very high right now. Any chance of it coming down.
Thank you!!!
Hi Renee.
Probably little to no chance. Sorry. $1,100 to $1,300.
Aloha.
Great post. Thanks for sharing your experience and providing these helpful tips to the readers. Your post is very useful to me for packing my essentials as I am going on my vacation trip to Hawaii next week with my friends. Keep sharing such posts.
The first time I visited Hawaii I definitely over packed. dressing in layers isn’t as necessary in Hawaii or else going to higher elevations. Even then I definitely pack less and like in the article I ship back any souvenirs.
Great article/helpful hints! Thanks so much!
Your idea to buy a Rubbermaid container to check as baggage on your return trip is an excellent one I’ve never considered.
Being a longtime Rubbermaid container user I’ve found that there is a cheaper version often available in stores branded “Sterlite” which I wouldn’t recommend.
Is Rubbermaid available easily on the island big box stores, or would you suggest one be purchased online and shipped “hold for arrival” to the hotel.
Thanks!
Hi Paul.
Readily available. In our experience the Sterilite ones are brittle and tend to crack easily. The Rubbermaid ones do not.
Aloha.
Hello
We are planning our trip to the big island 3/31/18 for 10 days… My question is when is the best time to purchase tickets… have the spring sales started or is there even a sale season… any help is greatly appreciated
Rodney
Hi Rodney.
That is not sale season – that is peak of high priced spring break season. Probably best to purchase now.
Aloha.
Since it is just about time to start thinking about packing for our trip to Kauai I appreciated your timely reminders about packing light. One thing that I have found ‘invaluable’ and doesn’t weigh anything at all is a small plastic spray bottle. Our clothes can get a bit crunched and spraying them with warm water and giving them a good shake and hanging them to dry really helps. Sure beats ironing! I don’t know where I got this tip – but thought I would share it. We are still planning to take only carry ons for our 3 week trip :0) Yes, it can be done. Can’t wait!!
Hi Colleen.
Do email us so we can get together.
Aloha.
Last summer we visited 4 islands, 17 nights, 2 adults & 2 kids and still managed with only a carry on and a back pack for each of us. We took powdered laundry detergent & dryer sheets in baggies to use. We also brought blow up floats for the kids, four of our own snorkels & masks plus one set of kids’ fins, a collapsible cooler, a stuff sack with a large beach blanket, 2 collapsible totes so we could take souvenirs home with us (surprisingly we didn’t have to use these island to island but only going home), and loads of snacks. Clothes were easy, just shorts & tees, swim stuff, plus one “luau” outfit. We limited shoes to one pair of closed toe and one pair of sandals/flip flops each and made sure to wear the heaviest & largest of the two shoes on the flights. We also all wore a long sleeve item over a tee on the flight which doubled as a light jacket. We had plenty of electronic devices plus cards and other games for the flights too. We saved a lot on luggage fees especially since we were flying on 4 different airlines using various points. It took some planning but I’d do the same thing again- no wait for luggage, no worry over suitcases making it, and no fees!
Wow,My family of 6 doesn’t bring that much for a month long vacation.
We are looking to go to Hawaii this fall or spring,our time frame is flexible. Are the prices from Portland,Oregon ever going to go below the now average of $450 per person this year? Thank you.
Hi Tom,
We can’t say for sure and certainly the airlines hope it doesn’t go lower. On the other hand, there’s a ton of availability for winter/spring and thus some further reduction remains possible. Sorry to not have anything more definitive.
Aloha.
just wondering which hotel to book in Honolulu for me and my family. A clean descent hotel with breakfast included ….any ideas please?
Hi Uchie.
With so many to choose from, we suggest you check out the Oahu Revaled guidebook online or in print. Highly recommended.
Aloha.
We stayed last year at the Embassy Suites in Honolulu with our family. Everyone ate for free a fantastic breakfast buffet each morning. They also had free drinks and evening happy hour in same location as the breakfast area. They really did a nice job! Have a great trip.
Hi / aloha 🙂
As an aussie travelling to hawaii for first time with my hubby and 4 teenagers i eas wanting to know what are the best ideas for meals? ( 3 of the teenagers are boys and eat there weight in food a day ) so i am kind of worried i will blow budget just feeding them!!
Also we are staying at outrigger beach resort any good tips on shopping or activities for our 12 day stay?
Thanks in advance 🙂
Hi Anne,
Yes staying at a hotel will certainly make cooking a challenge. And food out will be expensive – even fast food. We recommend (and ourselves use) the Oahu Revealed guidebook (in print and online). This should prove worth its weight in gold.
Aloha.
Aloha everyone🌴🌊 hope you don’t mind me chiming in here😁 when in our islands(especially Waikiki) please look for the extremely helpful guidebooks like Oahu Gold etc you’ll find an amazing plethora of deals, 2 for one meals(the steak dinners are well worth it), ABC Store savings, adventures like Catamaran trips, Atlantis submarine tours, hiking, Helicopter tours, and Dakine Luau’s and one that I absolutely love to do? Hop on “The Bus” stops anywhere and everywhere-jump off for a swim and our plate lunches jump back on -see another beach? same thing again Lol I’m tellin’ya’ it’s a wonderful way to see the island and note your stops and views then if you rent a car later you have a list..lock valuables in the trunk and insure them-please..saving on all these sure can streamline a hectic day or evening out and about,
have fun and leave the Lava where you see it (no take chance) this respects Pele..and don’t come close to the Honu (turtles) – that one! is Government Law!
Costco!
Hi,we are traveling from Nashville, TN to Maui the first week of September 2016. We have no choice (due to work) but to travel Saturday to Saturday. I’ve checked all the possible ways to go on all the airlines and American (for the entire trip) keeps coming up with the best price at $982. Do you anticipate this price getting any better? Thanks so much!
Hi Denise,
Yes $983 it is. May or may not come down but suggest waiting in case it does. Availability not likely to be an issue.
Aloha.
Hi! I have found your website so helpful. Thank you so much! A question please? Two of us are planning a trip to Hawaii in September, 2016. Is it too early to purchase tickets? We plan to fly from Oakland, CA to Maui, them to Honolulu and then back to Oakland. Total cost we found is $458.00 per person. How does that sound to you? I read your site all the time. It”s fun to read & keeps us always ready to go. Thanks so much.
Hi Diana,
Thank you! That certainly isn’t a bad price. If you wait and watch with us however you will probably improve that by $60+ per person. Availability in September is never an issue.
Aloha.
Thank you so much for the advice. We’ll hang with you and watch for a better deal. We love going to Hawaii, but we’d rather spend our money on the ground if we can, not on the air. Mahalo!!
YOU GUYS DO A GREAT JOB I LOVE LOOKING AT THE BEAT OF HAWAII AND LOOKING OVER OUR NEEDS AND YOUR COMMENTS WE WILL RETURN FOR OUT 12 TRIP TO KAUAI IN APRIL FOR 2 WEEKS THIS TIME IT WILL BE FOR OUR 50 ANNIVERSARY AND MY WIFES 70 BIRTHDAY THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR IMFO OVER THE YEARS
Thanks Vincent!!
Aloha.
When would you suggest purchasing flights from the San Francisco area to Honolulu for travel in late December? Yes, we will be joining the throngs to be in the best place in the world to celebrate the Holidays!
If I just submitted this questions, my apologies… computer issues….
Hi Nancy,
Best guidance on holidays is to purchase now. https://beatofhawaii.com/the-cheapest-time-to-fly-to-hawaii-is-coming-soon/. If you don’t already have accommodations, availability is a serious concern too.
Aloha.
Following 🙂
Another Aussie travelling to the beautiful Hawaii soon. Unfortunately Jetstar have changed their carry on luggage limits to 7kg…COMBINED! I have paid for 15kg checked in allowance to Hawaii (empty suitcases) and 40kg checked in allowance going home….a lot of room for shopping! I’m just taking the bare minimum and buying everything there.
Hi Vanessa,
We’ve never had Jetstar check carry on weight. Let us know if they do when you board.
Aloha.
Aloha and apologies for the late reply.
Our carry on luggage was not weighed! But could depend on the day as to who is checking your bags and how strict they are.
I absolutely LOVED Kauai. A week was not long enough to see everything. I can’t wait to return.
And shop we did……..all suitcases were close to capacity, even with the exchange range, we were still better of.
We always take checked luggage (it’s free with Qantas for us Aussies) and also a cabin bag.. we take only what we need .. and need plenty of room for my shopping .. yes a shopping junkie .. haven’t yet gone over the luggage weight have come close .. but when you’re only taking tee’s, shorts & thongs (slippers) you don’t need much. Just wear a thicker cardigan and scarf on plane both ways.. so no heavy clothing at all!
Bring old undergarments, old shorts, shirts and shoes. Throw them away them as you wear them so you go home with lighter suitcases, less laundry to do when you get home and if you feel you have to fill your suitcase, carry home fresh new clothing or gifts for family & friends.
I can’t believe you are suggesting people plan to buy items on the island and leave them behind. Waste is a huge problem on the islands. Suggestions to leave items to schools or charities would be a great idea.
I always tell folks that come to Hawaii to bring half the clothes and twice the money.
Good one. Statement is very applicable.
Chris always take more money than needed .. exchange it all at home and just take USD with us and allow between $1k-2k a week. Hawaii is our only holiday destination and when we go we totally spoil ourselves .. no budgets allowed.
I can’t agree more with the thrift store suggestion. My 3 favorite aloha shirts were from thrift stores in Kihei and Lahaina, and a pair of board shorts each trip.
DB’s husband’s “2-2-2-2 rule, 2 pairs of board shorts, 2 t-shirts, 2 pairs shorts, and 2 Aloha shirts” is spot-on, as well…or I might actually take 3 pairs of board shorts (one pair solid-color that goes with most of my tees) and minus 1 pair of cotton/cargo shorts.
Buy new slippahs at the ABC store.
Thanks for the spices suggestions.
Dont take t-shirts at all-just buy the 6 for 20 at ABC and bring them home as gifts or donate them when you leave.
I agree with the response about taking your own snorkel gear–I guess it depends on how much you like your own stuff (and I do). I use my luggage space for that and what doesn’t fit, I ship a Priority Mail box with other stuff (including some food), and shop the Thrift Stores. I often take a small travel pot or immersion heater. Like the person who bought the coffee pot, I once bought a toaster oven–all I really needed!
Hi Sherri,
Concur about something for heating like an immersion heater or travel pot. There are even international immersion heaters that work on 110 or 220.
Aloha.
HI MAY I ASK WHAT IS A IMMERSION HEATER.?
THANKS,SMOKIE
Hi Smokie,
An immersion heater is a tiny, lightweight heating coil that you put in a cup or other container to boil water for coffee, tea, cereal, etc. Weighs maybe 1-2 ounces. Incredibly handy for travel.
Aloha.
We have always traveled with just a carry on bag! Our kids think we are nuts – but it is truly a case of Less is MORE!! More freedom. Less Stress. Sure hope they don’t shrink the standard too far :0(
I lay everything out on the spare bed. ALWAYS THINK CASUAL for Hawaii. I also make sure that everything I take will ‘go with’ something else. Mix and Match. I do mostly black and white and add a couple other color for tops. 1 pair of casual thong sandals for the beach and one pair of nicer ones for going out. 2 pair of nicer capris for evening wear and a couple pair for play. 4-6 tops. I wear my hiking/water shoes if the bag will be too heavy. 2 swim suits.
We stay in condos – so we assume we will do laundry.
We just take our very favorite casual clothes and what is the comfiest!! BE FIRM about ONLY taking what will fit in the that carry on! You will thank yourself later.
Then I do a preliminary packing up – and what does not fit does not go. OR I take something out so something else will fit in the bag. :0)
Anything we buy as a souvenir – which isn’t much – we mostly take photos – we ship back via USPS. We don’t like the hassle of waiting around dealing with carousels at the airport.
Loved the thrift store idea and plan to put a stop on our list of ‘things to do.’
Heading back to the Big Island for 3 weeks next year!
Condo – check! Airfare – check! check! Nothing left to do but play around with that carry on bag!!! Can’t wait!
I always bring a small power strip. There never seem to be enough outlets in the hotel rooms. I also bring spices in a small container made for camping. My husband uses the 2-2-2-2 rule, 2 pairs of board shorts, 2 t-shirts, 2 pairs shorts, and 2 Aloha shirts…wears the hiking boots on the plane (pain for security, but keeps the bag light) and packs his flip flops.
Hi DB.
Ah yes – forgot that one. Also suggest packing extension cords (either electrical or USB).
Aloha.
I can not wait to go op shopping as we call it in Australia. Can not wait for My girlfriend and I to be in Hawaii in two and half weeks!!!!!!
I agree with the thrift store idea. It’s a great way to get items without spending top price. We did this on our trip to the big island and them donated them back before we left. Everybody wins.
My Last trip to Hawaii, I got smart, I looked on the Internet for thrift stores in the we were going to be in.
Previously when we went to Maui, We went to a very cool thrift store and Found Nice snorkel gear there! My Son-in Law is a fish and got lots of use. Plus, loads of grass mats are there, etc.
We went real cheap in Kauai and our room didn’t even have a coffee pot- Thrift Store! Mugs too. Brought home the Mugs, left the coffee pot! We Always have a Blast!
Just returned from 2 weeks iin Kauai – Sheraton, Poipu -umpteenth time. USPS Priority Flat Rate boxes have been a great way to send back heaviest items (guava jelly, Anahola granola, etc) back home to NJ rather than carry them on plane.
I’m not sure if Keoki Smith has ever actually tried taking the “mini liquor” bottles she suggests, but the airlines don’t allow any alcohol to be carried on board. You can pack wine and a limited amount of hard liquor in your checked bags, but I doubt the TSA would just laugh at liquor being carried on board.
As for clothing, I usually pack a foldable bag and take minimal shorts and tops since Hawaii is where I buy most of my summer clothing. I pack everything in the folding case for the trip home and check it through. I have at least saved the luggage charge one-way.
Cotton, cotton and more cotton, especially for ladies at or near the menopause. Talke comfy shoes and a great hat, but you can buy the best clothes, cosmetics and homeward there, leave lots of room in your luggage.buy a beach mat there, and loads of sunscreen. As an Aussie, I find the shopping there the best in the world.
Hi Heather Walker another menopausal aussie but I tend to wear rayon or cotton blends nothing that needs ironing… I’m on holidays and I avoid any work at all costs just the trip down to the laundry once a wek as we always stay in a condo. Never go shopping in the supermarkets we eat a light brunch usuallly at Dennys and then go out for an evening meal.
Only wear thongs but wear them down home in Melbourne all year long too… don’t wear a hat and only use a very light sunscreen on my face as I’ve had a few large skin cancers removed from it.
Stock up on single shot liquor bottles (correctly placed in a one quart zip lock bag) of you favorite libations. You can carry on unlimited amounts if packed correctly, TSA just laughs. Order cups of free ice, club soda, tonic, ginger ale, whatever your mixer of choice from the drinks cart on board.. Imbibe responsibly and be descreet, and you’ll enjoy a relaxed trip at a fraction of the cost; the rest instead of $8 – $10 dollar charge from the hotel stocked mini fridge.
Kevin–Can you really get away with carrying those small bottles on the airplane? What’s the size limit? Sounds great but I thought they didn’t allow liquids like that!
Amanda can’t see why you can’t carry on the single shot bottles as they hold less than the maximum 100ml requirement … like your thinking Keoki 🙂
For condo renters:
Small baggies each w/ 1 load’s worth of detergent and maybe a laundry sheet or two. Just so you don’t have to say “Really! $1.50 for detergent and another $1.00 a laundry sheet “. And that’s before you even start the washer!
Good idea Thanks Val
There’s a lot you can pack if you’re a condo renter. Since groceries at Foodland or Safeway is a lot higher than we are accustomed to on the mainland, I always pack spices I cook with and coffee. We mostly shop at Foodland stores and use the Maika’i card for extra savings.
When we go we always go for a minimum of 5 weeks and I don’t want washing powder in my luggage traveling from Australia and seen it’s only me and my hubby as the kids are all in their 30’s I find with such light weight clothing I only wash maybe once every 5 days if that .. delicates I quickly handwash at night and hang to dry in the bathroom and they’re dry in the morning..
One tip I dispute is leaving snorkel gear at home because by buying cheaply made gear on the islands, it adds to the rubbish and therefore the landfill. Besides, isn’t using your own reliable gear better than something that might not last your trip? Wouldn’t you rather use your money on a luau or a great show?
Sunglasses, water shoes and flip-flops.
my deal is that you can ALWAYS find shampoo etc on /in the islands,. there is nothing you can’t get there, so LESS is MORE. i WOULD say, for ladies, a COUPLE of bathing suits, flip flops and you’re done.