Clothing
Most visitors will spend a lot of their time in Hawaii around the beaches and in the ocean. Pack more than one bathing suit it so you can let one dry and still have something to wear in the ocean. Sandals or flip-flops are a beach essentials too. Hawaii has very informal clothing styles, so consider beach wear that can be worn while shopping, eating and on excursions too. Sarongs are a versatile option for women, and longer board shorts for men can be worn as a bathing suit and as regular shorts. A hat is a good idea to protect your head, face and eyes from the sun.
Golf Clothing & Equipment
If you plan on golfing in Hawaii, pack clothing that you would be able to wear on any golf course in the United States. Although some courses in Hawaii have casual dress codes, you should pack a collared shirt, non-denim pants or longer shorts, socks and golf shoes to ensure you have acceptable clothing. Rain is always a possibility in Hawaii, so a golf umbrella and lightweight waterproof jacket are a good idea too. If you're not planning to play a lot of golf, and are flying with an airline that charges a fee for transporting golf clubs, consider renting clubs at the course. On the other hand, items like golf balls and tees may be cheaper to purchase at home and bring as Hawaii tends to feature premium prices for most consumer goods.
Clothing for Activities
Other than lightweight summer clothing suitable for the beach, sightseeing and eating out, you may need to pack some specialized items if you plan on hiking or taking a trip up one of Hawaii's volcanoes. As you travel to higher elevations, the warm and sunny climate changes to temperate rainforest conditions and then to cool and sometimes cold environments. You should take a lightweight waterproof jacket in case of rain and a few warmer layers of clothing and warm footwear if you are going to visit the summits of Haleakala on Maui or Mauna Kea on the Big Island. If you are going to hike in Hawaii you will need sturdy, waterproof hiking boots for terrain ranging from rugged lava beds to lush rainforest.
Beach Supplies
Although sun screen is widely available in Hawaii you may save money by bringing it from home. If your hotel does not supply pool and beach towels you can bring them if you have room in your luggage but they are fairly inexpensive in Hawaii. If you plan on snorkeling, you can either bring a mask and snorkel from home or rent them on an hourly or daily basis from all the more popular beach areas in Hawaii. If you are traveling with children who will want to swim and snorkel day-in day-out it is probably more efficient to buy your own masks and snorkels. If you are taking an organized snorkel trip you will probably be supplied with equipment as part of the cost of the excursion.
Basic Essentials
If you forget something, you can usually purchase it when you are there, albeit at a higher price than on the U.S. mainland. Some absolute essentials, however, are cash and major credit or debit cards and enough money to cover all your possible expenses. If you are traveling from outside the United States or continuing to another country, you will need a valid passport, otherwise U.S. citizens will need a driver's license or other official identification. If you want to rent a car you need a driver's license and usually a major credit card. And don't forget a camera to capture the beautiful Hawaiian scenery. Also, most U.S.-based cell phones will work in Hawaii.
About The Author
Joanne Lewis is a freelance writer who has written for newspapers since 2005. She is currently the editor of a weekly community newspaper in Los Angeles, Calif. Lewis holds a Bachelor of Science in politics from the University of Bristol, England.
