How to Prepare for a Trip to Hawaii

Decide where in Hawaii you will go by doing online research, sending away for travel brochures, talking to a travel agent, or reading a guidebook., Ride a helicopter over Waimea Canyon on the garden island of Kauai., Experience walking over...

27 Steps 3 min read Advanced

Step-by-Step Guide

  1. Step 1: Decide where in Hawaii you will go by doing online research

    Hawaii has widely-varied terrains and sightseeing opportunities which you'll want to examine closely at the beginning of your trip planning process.

    One of the most well-known beaches is Waikiki where you'll also find popular bars, restaurants, and shopping areas.

    Waikiki also offers experiences such as submarine tours and the Royal Luau.
  2. Step 2: sending away for travel brochures

    Kauai is off the beaten path and a favorite destination of nature lovers. , Here you can also snorkel, go horseback riding, and take helicopter tours. , Oahu also offers scuba adventures, chances to swim with dolphins, and nature tours. , If you can wash your clothes during your vacation, you will be able to pack less and travel lighter. , Temperatures in Hawaii average from 70 to 85 degrees F (21 to 29 degrees C) year-round.

    Think about investing in easy-to-wash, wrinkle-free clothing to save time and energy. , Dark clothes will absorb more sunlight than lighter, brighter-colored clothing. , Temperatures can drop as you gain elevation.

    Dressing in layers will also help you handle changing temperatures on hikes in higher elevations or nighttime luaus on the beach. , Visitors to Hawaii often spend much of their time on the beach or in the pool, so having more than 1 swimsuit ensures you always have one that is dry and ready to wear.

    Tuck one into your backpack when out hiking so you'll be prepared for an impromptu dip should you come across one of the swimming holes and waterfalls often found along Hawaiian hiking trails. ,,, At the very least, have a pair of sturdy shoes with non-slip or gripping soles.

    Hawaii's high humidity and plentiful water can make trails wet and slippery.

    Water shoes with good gripping soles can be useful when you are hiking over streams and around waterfalls where rocks and logs can be slippery. , Look for hats specifically designed for travel; you can bend and fold them for easier packing, yet they retain their shape when you put one on. , It usually rains at least once a day in Hawaii, and although the showers typically don't last long, having a purse-sized umbrella or fold-up rain slicker could come in handy. , Remember items like chargers for your camera, too, so you don't wind up with dead camera batteries and no way to document the rest of your trip. , Keep it in labeled bottles so if you need a refill, it will be easier to get.

    If you have too many bottles that it makes packing them cumbersome, make a list of your medications, dosages, and your doctor's phone number to tuck into your wallet. , Make sure you pack a change of clothing in your carry-on just in case your bags are lost or delayed by the airline. ,, Also a bag for the beach will help you keep all your items together when you venture out for a swim.
  3. Step 3: talking to a travel agent

  4. Step 4: or reading a guidebook.

  5. Step 5: Ride a helicopter over Waimea Canyon on the garden island of Kauai.

  6. Step 6: Experience walking over volcanoes at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island for an adventure found few other places in the world.

  7. Step 7: Visit Pearl Harbor on the island of Oahu; you can book sightseeing tours of the World War II Arizona monument online or check with your hotel's concierge for information.

  8. Step 8: Inquire as to whether or not your hotel has laundry facilities so you'll know how many clothes to pack.

  9. Step 9: Take lightweight clothes made of fabrics that breathe.

  10. Step 10: Wear your brightest colors to stay cooler.

  11. Step 11: Pack long pants and a warm shirt or light jacket if you intend to visit the mountains or volcanoes

  12. Step 12: or spend time outdoors at night.

  13. Step 13: Include at least 2 bathing suits in your suitcase.

  14. Step 14: Take the right shoes on your Hawaiian trip.

  15. Step 15: Wear comfortable walking shoes and take along a pair of flip flops or easy to slip-on sandals for the beach.

  16. Step 16: Bring a pair of hiking boots if you plan to hike or climb.

  17. Step 17: Prepare for the sun by packing sunglasses and a hat

  18. Step 18: preferably broad-brimmed

  19. Step 19: which can help protect your head

  20. Step 20: and face from sunburn.

  21. Step 21: Take along a raincoat or umbrella for protection against occasional showers.

  22. Step 22: Bring along a camera with plenty of film or memory cards.

  23. Step 23: Remember your medication.

  24. Step 24: Label your luggage outside and inside in the event it gets lost.

  25. Step 25: Determine if your hotel provides bulky items such as hairdryers and irons in the room so you can leave these at home.

  26. Step 26: Take a backpack along

  27. Step 27: if a long hike is in your plans.

Detailed Guide

Hawaii has widely-varied terrains and sightseeing opportunities which you'll want to examine closely at the beginning of your trip planning process.

One of the most well-known beaches is Waikiki where you'll also find popular bars, restaurants, and shopping areas.

Waikiki also offers experiences such as submarine tours and the Royal Luau.

Kauai is off the beaten path and a favorite destination of nature lovers. , Here you can also snorkel, go horseback riding, and take helicopter tours. , Oahu also offers scuba adventures, chances to swim with dolphins, and nature tours. , If you can wash your clothes during your vacation, you will be able to pack less and travel lighter. , Temperatures in Hawaii average from 70 to 85 degrees F (21 to 29 degrees C) year-round.

Think about investing in easy-to-wash, wrinkle-free clothing to save time and energy. , Dark clothes will absorb more sunlight than lighter, brighter-colored clothing. , Temperatures can drop as you gain elevation.

Dressing in layers will also help you handle changing temperatures on hikes in higher elevations or nighttime luaus on the beach. , Visitors to Hawaii often spend much of their time on the beach or in the pool, so having more than 1 swimsuit ensures you always have one that is dry and ready to wear.

Tuck one into your backpack when out hiking so you'll be prepared for an impromptu dip should you come across one of the swimming holes and waterfalls often found along Hawaiian hiking trails. ,,, At the very least, have a pair of sturdy shoes with non-slip or gripping soles.

Hawaii's high humidity and plentiful water can make trails wet and slippery.

Water shoes with good gripping soles can be useful when you are hiking over streams and around waterfalls where rocks and logs can be slippery. , Look for hats specifically designed for travel; you can bend and fold them for easier packing, yet they retain their shape when you put one on. , It usually rains at least once a day in Hawaii, and although the showers typically don't last long, having a purse-sized umbrella or fold-up rain slicker could come in handy. , Remember items like chargers for your camera, too, so you don't wind up with dead camera batteries and no way to document the rest of your trip. , Keep it in labeled bottles so if you need a refill, it will be easier to get.

If you have too many bottles that it makes packing them cumbersome, make a list of your medications, dosages, and your doctor's phone number to tuck into your wallet. , Make sure you pack a change of clothing in your carry-on just in case your bags are lost or delayed by the airline. ,, Also a bag for the beach will help you keep all your items together when you venture out for a swim.

About the Author

J

Joan Bell

Enthusiastic about teaching home improvement techniques through clear, step-by-step guides.

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