5 essential items to pack for your Hawaiian vacation

Getting ready to visit Hawaii? You’re sure to have an absolutely wonderful time. While you’re packing, don’t forget to bring along any of these items – these things are absolutely essential for the perfect Hawaiian vacation:

1. Swimsuit

It may seem obvious, but you should bring a swimsuit to Hawaii even if you’re not the biggest fan of swimming. There are a ton of absolutely beautiful beaches in Hawaii, and when you’re lying out on the warm sand, you’ll be itching to jump in the water. Even if you’re not a fan of swimming in the ocean, most of the islands have a plethora of natural swimming holes. You can find a place where you’ll want to splash around, guaranteed.

2. Sunscreen

Hawaiian vacations are all about spending time connecting with some of the most beautiful natural surroundings in the world. You’ll be heading out of your Hawaii vacation rental and into the fresh air each and every day. A side effect of spending time in nature? Lots and lots of sunlight. Make sure you use plenty of sunscreen – regularly reapplied – to keep your skin happy and healthy during your trip. Not only will this prevent an unpleasant burn on your vacation, it can help spare you from more serious skin issues later on in life.

3. Hiking shoes

Even if you’re not much of a hiker, you should make sure you bring along a pair of comfortable, sturdy boots to visit some of Hawaii’s harder-to-reach spots. Some of the best sites on the islands are a short hike away from the main road – as long as you have a good pair of shoes, you shouldn’t have any trouble at all. If all you have is flip-flops, however, there’s a good chance you’ll hurt yourself on any of the slightly rockier paths. Moreover, some activities on the islands actually require closed-toe shoes: You won’t regret bringing along at least one sturdy pair.

4. Camera

There are some vacations which many pictures on. A Hawaiian vacation absolutely is not one of them. The islands are beautiful, so no matter where you’re staying, you’re sure to see some incredible sights. Don’t rely on your phone’s lens to capture these incredible moments – bring along a decent camera with plenty of memory space.

You'll want to get a picture of this. You’ll want to get a picture of this.

If your camera doesn’t already have a strap, this is the perfect time to invest in one. Accidents happen, and if they happen over one of Hawaii’s cliffs or rivers, your camera won’t survive.

5. Umbrella

Although the time of year will dictate exactly how much it rains, there’s always a chance of a shower in Hawaii. Year-round, the rain is mostly regulated to specific parts of the islands, and in summer, there isn’t much at all. However, brief showers are common enough that they’re worth preparing for. Bring along an umbrella or a rain shell to stay dry, and you’ll be back in the sun in no time at all!