Packing: The Basics

• Casual wear for daytime sightseeing.
  For example, shorts and T-shirts are fine for day time wear.

• For dinners, you really don’t need to get dressed up for the vast majority of restaurants. Most places will say “resort wear” is their dress code. So what does resort wear mean? Men can wear dress-shorts or khaki trousers and a collared shirt. Ladies can wear casual skirts, sun dresses, capri pants, dressier shorts, etc. We want to encourage you to pack light. It saves so much time, effort and airline charges for checked luggage.

• Hawaii is generally warm year-round. Bring a light jacket or sweater. You’ll probably want to have a sweater or jacket just for the plane ride over. If you are visiting in any of the uplands/upcountry areas like, Koele, Lanai City, Kula, Volcano and Waimea, you’ll definitely want to bring a light sweater.

• Bring two swimsuits so that you will always have a dry (or at least dry-ish) suit to wear.

• Bring a swimsuit cover-up as most resorts request that you modestly cover up while in lobbies and common areas other than the pool and beach.

• For the pool and beach, you will need flip flops. If you plan to spend a lot of time in the ocean, you might want to bring reef shoes.

• Long trousers, preferably moisture wicking and quick drying. Several Hawaii vacation activities either require or are best done in long trousers– like horseback riding, ziplining, hiking over lava, upcountry visiting/hiking, ATV tours, etc.

• Sunglasses, ideally polarized sunglasses are best in Hawaii.

• Bring sunscreen,  (note there is a HAWAII SUNSCREEN LAW, read about it in "Need to Know") with an SPF that is higher than what you would normally wear on the mainland.

• Also recommend a rash guard top. We can’t emphasize enough how important it is to wear a high SPF sunscreen in Hawaii. The sun’s rays are exceptionally strong. Remember that if the container is larger than 3.4 oz you will have to check your luggage. Whether you check the sunscreen in your luggage or carry it on board the aircraft with you, always put it in a zip-lock container in case it leaks in transit.

• Lip balm with SPF

• Hat and/or visor

• Camera with lots of memory or film and battery life. If you have a battery charger, bring it too. You might

  be surprised at how many photos you’ll want to take.

• Binoculars for views, watching lava, bird watching, and stargazing.

• Beach bag that packs flat and/or lightweight back pack for carrying snacks, water, and other sightseeing necessities for when you hike, go on tours, etc.

• Your own personal medicine and first aid kit.

• Travel-sized wet wipes to have with you in your car when you are on the go.

• Bring a waterproof jacket in case it rains.

• Do not waste valuable luggage space on things that you don't need. Save the space for bringing home chocolate macadamia nuts and Kona Coffee, to name a few delicious treats.

• Have a stellar Adventure  in Hawaii!

Agricultural Inspection

Be Prepared for Agricultural Inspection In Hawaii’s Airports Upon Departure

1. For the luggage you’ll be checking, you must have your luggage pass agricultural inspection before you check in with your airline.
 

• Locate the U.S. Agricultural Inspection Station by looking for signs that are located near the airline check- in desks.

• Place the luggage that you will be checking-in on the conveyor belt for inspection. Note that your carry- on items are not to be inspected here. They will be inspected later in the process.

• Declare any agricultural items to the inspection officers.

• After inspection, the officers will place a sticker on your luggage to indicate that your luggage has been

  checked and cleared.

• You may now check in at the airline counter.
   

2. Your carry-on baggage will be checked after the TSA security check and before you go to your gate.
 

• After you have cleared TSA security, you’ll find a U.S. Agricultural Inspection Station just before you arrive at the gate area.

• You must place all your carry-on items onto the conveyor belt for agricultural inspection.

• After your hand luggage clears inspection, you are free to take it onto the gate.
   

The processes are fairly simple, but just a bit out of the normal routine on the mainland.