A trip to any beach can be extremely relaxing and bring about loads of fun. If by chance that lucky destination happens to be a stretch of divine sand in picturesque Hawaii, you need to be all the more better prepared. You will want to look at Hawaii beach homes for your accomodation and pack accordingly for a beach-based vacation.
Though mostly beach trips,at the end of the day, result in a happy ending, improper planning can turn your whole day into a painful experience, in case you forget to pack the essentials. It is, therefore, advisable to carefully prepare a few days ahead of your planned trip, in order to avoid undue last minute hassles.
As far as the beaches of Hawaii are concerned, they are no doubt very popular because of the climate and scenic beauty, but they are quite expensive as well. Newcomers should be prepared for the vagaries of the warm weather, things to pack and what other items to bring.This concise guide will assist you to have a memorable beach vacation in Hawaii, one which you are bound to cherish for years to come.
What you must pack
Hawaii is known for its lovely beaches, and since this is where you will be spending most of the time it is vital to take adequate and proper clothing. Firstly inquire about laundry facilities from the hotel you propose to stay in. This will give you a better idea of how many clothes to pack.
Temperature on the beaches can range from 75 to 85 F and more all the year round. Carry wrinkle free clothing, which is easy to carry and wash. Don dark and bright colors, as they will absorb more sunlight than the lighter colored ones.
Include at least two pairs of swimwear in your suitcase. Visitors to Hawaii spend most of the day in the water, be it the pool or beach. In such a scenario, having an extra bathing suit ensures that you will have one pair dry whenever required. Always keep them on you in a corner of your day bag in an event you come across any exceptional swimming hole.
Your footwear too, occupies a pride of place in your backpack. Since the majority of time you will be on the hot sand, wear comfortable walking shoes and change into a pair of flip flops or open sandals for the time you are on the beach.
Be well prepared for the sun by carrying a hat (preferably a broad brimmed one) and sunglasses. These will safeguard you from nasty sunburns and the intense glare. Ensure that you carry specially designed foldable hats for easy packing, and which retain their original shape when put on. Even on cloudy days it is recommended to wear a high SPF sunscreen.
Carrying a raincoat or an umbrella is a good idea to protect from the occasional shower and keep up to date on Hawaii weather. In Hawaii, it rains almost certainly once every day, if not more. Although these are just light passing showers, a folding rain jacket or mini umbrella will always come in handy.
Choose the right location
Every island and beach in Hawaii is beautiful in its own right, which makes it a dilemma for visitors as to which to visit. Nearly all the beaches offer equal opportunities to relax and explore the local sights and experience the culture of this tropical paradise.
Hawaii is made up of a large number of islands, scattered over a vast area. You will need to do sufficient research beforehand, to decide which will suit your personality, budget, expectations and in case there are youngsters in the group, decide on a location with activities for them. To make it easy for you, a description of some of the best beaches of Hawaii is given here.
Waikiki – Flanked on the eastern side by the state capital, Honolulu, this is easily the most popular and most visited beach in Hawaii. If you are a lover of watersports, especially surfing, then Waikiki is the real haven for surfing enthusiasts from every corner of the world. The north shore area is where the monster waves are found and where surfing skills are perfected. For snorkeling fans, Hanauma Bay is the best.
Maui – This is the windiest and warmest of all the places in Hawaii, so one needs to dress accordingly. The southern coastline of Maui has some extremely clean and large beaches, which according to some rate as the best in the world. Maui beaches are known to be great whale viewing areas, particularly at point Lahaina. The north shore is ideal for surfing and kite boarding.
Kauai – The garden island of Hawaii is known for the spectacular natural beauty it harbors, which cannot be found anywhere else, because of the 97% of dense forest cover. Kauai is ideal for families with children, as the place is secluded and the beaches are small and easy going. There are plenty of play areas and the waters close to the shore are extremely shallow.
Pick the best time
Trip timing can be quite challenging. What you should do is to study the historic weather chart and plan accordingly. The weather patterns are totally different from mainland US, because of the proximity of the Pacific Ocean. The high travel season starts from mid December, and then June to August. Take your chances from September to November as the weather is fantastic, accommodation rates low and beaches are least crowded.
In conclusion, your packing needs for Hawaii, depend largely on your choice of activities and the location. One thing is sure, this packing list will be valid no matter when you want to go as the conditions do not vary a lot, season to season.