Packing for Hawaii Vacation in One Bag

September 22nd, 2009

Recently I wrote that I try to schedule a stop on the west coast to break up the flight to Hawaii. (Plane Facts)  A reader commented: "I agree with wanting to stop in LA, but I worry about changing planes another time for fear of them losing my luggage! I would hate to be on vacation with no clothes! Plus we will be getting on a cruise ship 3 days after arriving in Hawaii. What are your thoughts?"

It is fairly rare to loose luggage en route to Hawaii, but I would still have the same worries.  Who wants to think about a dream vacation in Hawaii in whatever you wore on the plane?  Relax.  It’s actually as easy as answering two questions.  First, what is easy to replace in Hawaii, and second, what would make your vacation really unpleasant if you didn’t have it?

First: tropical-weight casual clothing and swimwear are probably easier to find in Hawaii than your hometown.  And, unlike many cities on the mainland, they are in stores year-round here.  Honolulu has world-class shopping, everything from big box discount retail to extremely high-end luxury stores are within easy access by walking, cab or bus from hotels in Waikiki or where cruise ships dock.  Replacing clothing might be an extra expense, but it is not difficult.  You might want to under-pack deliberately and consider your Hawaii purchases to be wearable souvenirs. 

The second comes in two parts.  First, shoes: although there are shoes from drugstore slippers (flip flops) to designer creations on sale here, it is harder to be comfortable in new purchases.  It doesn’t matter so much if my pants are a little long or my jacket is a little loose, but if shoes don’t fit correctly they leave blisters.  Second, what are you pickiest about?  If replacing your dinner jacket (for a man) or evening wear (for a woman) concerns you, make a note of that.  For many women, swimsuit shopping is one of the rings of hell.  Although you might find a fun new swimsuit here, don’t make it your only option: bring one you like and plan to purchase a spare. 

OK, now you know everything necessary to insure your Hawaii vacation is successful from your carry-on bag.  You already know to first include any prescription medicine, eyeglass prescriptions, camera and other electronic equipment in your carry-on.  So, you have space for one or two items plus what you are wearing.  This is what I do: wear my broken-in comfortable walking shoes (think sneakers not hiking boots), a pair of long pants (the only ones I bring) and a light semi-dress jacket (again, the only one I bring).  In the carry on, I pack a swimsuit, a tank top that can be worn under the jacket or a blouse, or alone with a long skirt or sarong, and one pair of shorts.  I have a pair of slippers that can double for beach or dress - if I didn’t have them, I might be tempted to squeeze in one pair of dress sandals that already fit and are broken in.  I’m not much for jewelry, but even if I were I’d leave most of it at home and look for fun, casual pieces in Hawaii.

Anything extra can go in your checked bag, but only fill it half way to leave room for the wonderful things you find to buy on the islands!

Posted by Cindy Scheopner  

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