Hawaii Packing

Pack lightly: lay out only what you absolutely need, then take half the clothes and twice the money. The Travelite FAQ (www.travelite.org) is a good resource for tips on traveling light. The online Universal Packing List (http://upl.codeq.info) will generate a customized list of suggested items based on your trip length, the expected climate, your planned activities, and other factors. If you plan to do a lot of hiking, also consult The Great Outdoors . Some frequent travelers keep a bag packed with all the essentials: passport, money belt, hat, socks, etc. Then, when they decide to leave, they know they haven’t forgotten anything.

Luggage: If you plan to cover most of your itinerary by foot, a sturdy internal frame backpack is unbeatable. (For the basics on buying a pack,) In addition to your main piece of luggage, a daypack (a small backpack or courier bag) is useful.
Clothing: Dress in Hawaii is like the Hawaiian lifestyle—casual and laid-back. Almost everyone, from grandparents to preschoolers, swears by plastic flip-flops. Shorts and light T-shirts or tank tops will do for almost any occasion. However, if you’re planning a trip to high altitudes, bringing warmer clothing is advisable. It is also a good idea to bring a light rain jacket. If you’re hiking, sturdy shoes or hiking boots are a must.
Sleepsack: Some hostels require that you either provide your own linen or rent sheets from them. Save cash by making your own sleepsack: fold a full-size sheet in half the long way, then sew it closed along the long side and one of the short sides.
Converters and Adapters: In Hawaii, electrical appliances are designed for 120V. Visitors from the UK, Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand (who use 230V) will need to purchase a converter. An adapter (around $5) is always needed to make other plug types compatible with the 3-prong outlet found in the US. For more on all things adaptable, check out http://kropla.com/electric.htm.
First-Aid Kit: For a basic first-aid kit, pack bandages, a pain reliever, antibiotic cream, a thermometer, a multifunction pocketknife, tweezers, moleskin, decongestant, motion-sickness remedy, diarrhea or upset-stomach medication (Pepto-Bismol® or Imodium®), an antihistamine, sunscreen, insect repellent, and burn ointment.
Other Useful Items: For safety purposes, you should bring a money belt and a small padlock. Basic outdoors equipment (plastic water bottle, compass, waterproof matches, pocketknife, sunglasses, sunscreen, hat) may also be handy. Other things you’re liable to forget include: an umbrella, sealable plastic bags (for damp clothes, soap, food, shampoo, and other spillables), an alarm clock, safety pins, rubber bands, a flashlight, earplugs, garbage bags, and a small calculator. A cell phone can be a lifesaver (literally) on the road; see for information on acquiring one that will work in Hawaii.
Important Documents: Don’t forget your passport, traveler’s checks, ATM and/or credit cards, adequate ID, and photocopies of all of the aforementioned in case these documents are lost or stolen . Also check that you have any of the following that might apply to you: a HI card ; travel insurance forms ; ISIC .