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Hawaii Packing List For Active Family Holidays

Hawaii Packing List: everything you’d ever need to have a memorable, worry-free, super-fun Hawaii adventure!

For many travelers, a Hawaiian vacation is at the top of their bucket list. Just thinking of our last trip to Maui, Hawaii makes me want to immediately run packing my suitcase and booking the next available flight! The land of Avatar and Jurassic Park is indeed inspiring, picturesque, recharging and makes the best travel memories! You want those memories to be perfect of course. Not an overpacking nightmare or missed items and time wasted on shopping for necessities. With our ultimate Hawaii Packing List let’s break down what you absolutely need to have with you.

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Are you planning to travel to Hawaii in 2021 during COVID? READ THIS: Family Vacation Safety: from Vancouver to Hawaii in 2021

Quick Links:

• Skin Protection
• Hair Protection
• Activewear
• Beach Accessories
• Watersports and Beach Toys
• Photo & Video Equipment
• Mobile Apps
• Travel Insurance

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Skin Protection

Sunscreen

It goes without saying that when planning a visit to a sunny destination, you should bring sunscreen with you. 

Natural, chemical-free, organic sunscreen should be your choice, but anything marked as “reef safe sunscreen” is good too. Hawaii has an extremely fragile ecosystem. As per recent studies, some of the chemicals used in most traditional off-the-shelf sunscreens are toxic and destroy coral reefs, poison fish and turtles. 

Interestingly, Hawaii is the first state in the US to ban the sale of sunscreen containing the coral-harming chemicals oxybenzone and octinoxate. 

Another obvious reason to use natural sunscreens is – it is good for you. Your skin will be much faster recovering from sun exposure without the need to fight off the poisoning and toxic elements attacking your skin cells. 

🚫 NO spray-sunscreens. Lotions only. When you spray sunscreen, the little oily particles get inhaled by everyone around and poisoning you from within. The sunscreen also bounces off your body and settles everywhere around, making the surface slippery, especially if wet – so it becomes quite dangerous. If you are taking a water excursion, you’ll be surprised to hear that almost every boat in Hawaii bans the use of spray sunscreens aboard.

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Our sunscreen of choice in 2020 is Green Beaver. We had both – adult and kids sunscreen – on our packing list when vacationing in Maui. Since we started using Green Beaver, none of us got burned at all, even though both my son and my husband both have very sensitive skin. 

We’ve done research into other brands offering natural chemical-free sunscreen products, read the results here: 8 Best Natural Sunscreens For Kids. Organic. Chemicals-Free.

✅ Hawaii Packing List Item: Green Beaver Natural Chemicals-free Sunscreen

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Mosquitto and Bugs Protection

Although there’s generally very little risk of mosquito-borne diseases in Hawaii, the presence of bugs, mosquitoes and black flies is quite annoying. 

You’ll definitely want to protect yourself against mosquito bites. You’ll also want to use the repellent when hiking rain forest trails to scare off black flies – otherwise, they can become unbearable getting into your eyes, ears, and nose! 

As always, look for natural non-toxic bug repellants. 

Bug Sprays

🚫 NO Deet-based insect repellents. There is a lot of discussion in the medical and environmental communities on the use of deet in bug repellent products, with more and more research-supporting evidence that deet is not entirely safe for you. It is linked to brain toxicity, cancer, seizures, and other side effects. Regardless, deet is a non-natural chemical compound, and when it comes to our family – we avoid it, if only for that reason alone. 

Natural, chemical-free, Deet-free bug repellant: there are many natural alternatives to mainstream products. Some of the bug repellents you can even make at home with essential oils. Lemongrass, eucalyptus, lavender, citronella, thyme oils are just a few to be named. 

Our favorite natural bug repellant is the one we buy from a local small business Nasty Free Naturals. But there are some natural insect repellants available on Amazon you can look at.

✅ Hawaii Packing List Item: Nasty Free Naturals Bug-off insect repellent

Deet-Free Mosquito WristBands  

These natural insect-repelling wristbands last for up to 300 hours. Perfect for kids and people with sensitive skin if you do not want to use any products on them! An alternative would be a clothing clip-on designed specifically for young babies.

✅ Hawaii Packing List Item: Deet-Free Mosquito WristBand

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Hair Protection from Sun-Damage

When in Hawaii, you’ll be spending lots of time in the sun and saltwater, but it can be devastating for both your skin and your hair. If you don't protect your hair, the sun can actually shift your hair color and also change your hair texture by drying it out. 

While the use of sunscreen for your skin is an obvious solution, what do you do for your hair? Apparently, it is even worse for bleached-blonde types as I have experienced first-hand. Only a week in Hawaii and my lovely shiny blonde locks have become a total disaster-mess. 

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Hair Sunscreen

Yes, there are special sunscreen oil sprays products on the market that are specifically developed to protect your hair from damaging UVA/UVB light. Learn more about hair sunblock products HERE. 

These hair products should be used before sun exposure. As always, I encourage you to carefully read through ingredient-list and give preference to natural, non-chemical, organic, reef-safe hair sunscreen products.

✅ Hawaii Packing List Item: Aveda Sun Care Protective Hair Veil

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Leave-in Conditioner

Leave-in Hair Conditioner can be a great additional protection option to reduce the damage and restore the hair from exposure to elements.  Leave-in conditioner is usually applied post-factum after you left the beach for the day in case you are not planning to properly wash your hair right away. Once again, try to find a natural toxins-free solution.

✅ Hawaii Packing List Item: SunBum Leave-in Hair Conditioner Spray

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Other self-care Hawaii packing list recommendations

Coconut Oil is something I take with me everywhere I go alongside, and sometimes instead of, packing traditional skin products, like body lotions and face creams. 100% natural and rich in fatty acids, coconut oil is known for keeping skin moisturized, reducing inflammation, and helping heal wounds including those from sunburn.

I use it on my skin every time after taking a shower after a beach day. I also have started treating my hair with coconut oil hair masks after prolonged sun exposure – it works miracles restoring the softness and smoothness of my bleached-blonde hair. Check out my recent article to learn more about How To Save Sun-Damaged Hair With Coconut Oil After Beach Vacation. I've put together after our Maui trip, where my blonde hair was completely ruined – after this Maui trip coconut oil makes my packing list every single time.

I always buy 100% natural, organic, food-grade, ethically produced pure coconut with no additives. Therefore when using coconut oil instead of regular body lotions when in Hawaii, I have that peace of mind that the marine life and coral reefs are totally safe! 

TIP: Most coconut oil is sold in larger containers. Just scoop a bit into a reusable bottle or a lunch container to take a smaller amount with you. You can also buy coconut oil when in Hawaii in any department store.

✅ Hawaii Packing List Item: Certified Organic Coconut Oil

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Activewear

Swimwear

Swimwear is likely at the top of anyone’s Hawaii packing list! However, if you do not have a swimsuit or are shopping for a new swimsuit to take to your vacation – stop. Living in a colder climate, like we are – in British Columbia Canada – any decent bikini in a local store in the middle of fall or winter will likely cost a fortune! …and out of season selection is so limited. 

Do NOT get your swimsuit at home – get it when you are already here in Hawaii! There is a large variety of styles and colors, and always the latest trends – as in Hawaii the sun and ocean are in-season all the time! And swimwear is cheap! 

✅ Hawaii Packing List Item: Swimwear

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Swimsuit Poncho

Swimsuit poncho, cover-up or a pull-over beach dress are super-handy at any beach destination and a definite must-have in Hawaii. You can go to the beach, for a swim or a surf, then quickly throw the poncho over your swimsuit, and head to lunch without much thought. 

Most swimsuit ponchos are made of lightweight fabrics that dry quickly and are breathable.

If you decide to bring one with you, it’ll take up very little room in your suitcase. Otherwise, you can find a variety of colors and styles sold on the islands in both: many local boutique stores and in larger department stores like Walmart.

✅ Hawaii Packing List Item: Swimsuit poncho

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Long-Sleeved Rashguard

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The sun in Hawaii is strong all year round even in the winter, but there is so much outdoor fun! Too much even 🙂 It is so easy to lose track of time when learning to surf or watching turtles underwater while snorkeling. It’s super-easy to get burned. So when you start planning your next trip to Hawaii, don't forget to add a rashguard to your list!

Rashguard is a long-sleeved swim shirt. It was first invented by surfers to protect their shoulders from rashes carrying the surfboard. Now with modern fabrics, the UVA/UVB protection is built-in and it is a must-have for any active adventurer! 

A “rashie” was a new concept for us when we first visited Hawaii, as they do not sell these here in Canada in mainstream stores. I have totally overlooked it and only got it in Maui after I’ve accidentally spent over an hour snorkeling trying to film a turtle on my GoPro. The good news: you can get a rashguard when in Hawaii almost anywhere, no need to overspend time and money trying to find it in your local stores if you do not live next to the coast. Once again, thanks to Maui, a rashguard for each of us has a firm spot on our packing list to a sunny destination.

✅ Hawaii Packing List Item: Long-sleeved rashguard

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Water Shoes

Although Hawaii is famous for its exceptional sandy beaches, if you are into serious snorkeling or diving, you might want to explore some rocky areas where the lava formations are sharp, slippery and may be covered with marine vegetation. Definitely include water shoes on your packing list for Hawaii!

Our favorite water shoes are JIASUQI – these even have a little zip pocket for your hotel card key and a credit card!

✅ Hawaii Packing List Item: JIASUQI Water Shoes

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Mesh Water-friendly Shoes

Hiking in Hawaii rainforest is absolutely spectacular, but it can be intense. Depending on how adventurous you are, your path can lead through muddy and rocky surfaces, crossing streams and waterfalls. 

Instead of bringing heavy hiking boots to Hawaii, we highly recommend mesh, water-friendly, lightweight shoes with non-slip soles.

✅ Hawaii Packing List Item: Alibress Quick-Drying Water Shoes for Hiking 

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Sunglasses

When selecting sunglasses to take with you on Hawaii vacation, look beyond just the style. The best way to protect your eyes from the sun is choosing sunglasses that block 100% of UV rays. 

How do you tell if your sunglasses remove 100% UV light? 
Beam the UV light through one of the lenses and onto the credit card or money. If the symbols are still visible, your glasses are not 100% UV protected. This means the lens is letting the UV light through and as a result, the symbols become noticeable.

✅ Hawaii Packing List Item: Ray-Ban Aviator Sunglasses

In addition to looking for UV protection, my husband always gets polarized sunglasses – these reduce glare when driving in the sun. To learn more about polarized sunglasses check this out.

✅ Hawaii Packing List Item: Polarized sunglasses for driving

NOTE: Some contact lenses provide UV protection too, but they don't cover your whole eye, so you still need sunglasses. 

Sunglasses strap is another little gimmick no one usually thinks about in advance, but it can be a lot of help. When you are adventuring over water – paragliding, surfing, motorboating, you name it! – the least you want is to lose your sunglasses as they slip off by accident.

✅ Hawaii Packing List Item: Sunglasses security straps

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Beach Accessories

Beach Bag

A good is key because likely you won’t want to go back to your car or hotel any time you need something, be it a snack, a towel or a change of clothing. There are some bags you can find now that even have an insulated cooler at the bottom for keeping your drinks and snacks cold in the sun. 

✅ Hawaii Packing List Item: Odyseaco Aruba Mesh Beach Tote Bag

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Loctote

If you are a high-tech adventurer, like we are, you’d likely be carrying a lot of photo and video equipment with you wherever you go. But even if that’s just your wallet and your phone you are worried about, we found a perfect and unique solution.

Loctote is an anti-theft bag to keep your belongings safe without the need for someone to “babysit stuff”. You can quickly lock your things (like camera, phone, wallet)  inside this bag and to a tree or a fence, and finally, enjoy the swimming or snorkeling together! 

✅ Hawaii Packing List Item: Loctote anti-theft bag

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Beach Towel

You’ll definitely need towels in Hawaii, but nearly any hotel and even a condo-rental will provide them. If unsure, it may be a good idea to bring your own towel, but if you do, look for a lightweight quick-dry travel towel, not a bulky bath towel. Worst case scenario – you can always buy a towel when in Hawaii – may even find something unique.

✅ Hawaii Packing List Item: Microfibre Beach Towels for Travel

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Sand-Resistant Beach Blanket

Beach blankets are handy everywhere in Hawaii. Yes, you can technically use your beach towel only to risk it to get blown around and filled with sand. Depending on the towel or blanket you choose, it can be hard to dry at the end of the day. 

Luckily, there are amazing quick-drying, lightweight beach blankets on the market, that fold-up very compactly, and have weights at each corner to pin it down and resist the wind…

✅ Hawaii Packing List Item: VASLON Beach Blanket

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Watersports Equipment & Beach Toys

Unless you’re a professional surfer or diver or are very attached to your own gear, there is no need to add beach gear to your packing list. Whether you want to go snorkeling, go diving, or learn surfing, everything you need is either available to rent or for sale in the nearby store.

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Snorkeling equipment

We did end up buying our own snorkeling equipment, as the thought of sticking that snorkel into my mouth after ten thousand people have spat in it makes me shiver. We do recommend however to avoid the hustle and time waste hunting for gear before departure to Hawaii – get it all here on arrival! It will be cheaper too!

🚫 AVOID full-face snorkeling masks – these are at the very least unsafe, and some are outright dangerous! In it, you are breathing in recycled air and CO2, which leads to dizziness and headaches. In addition, if something goes wrong, it is very hard to get it off quickly even if you are not panicking. Avoid at all costs! Learn more about the dangers of using a full face snorkel mask HERE. 

Traditional two-piece snorkeling set – a mask and a snorkel – is the safest choice!

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Beach Toys

Traveling with kids? You definitely need beach toys when going to Hawaii! While you may add beach toys to your Hawaii packing list, these could be bulky to pack and could take up much space in your luggage. The good news: you can find inexpensive beach toys for sale in any larger department store on every island you visit. When vacationing in Maui, we saw a large bag of toys in local Walmart for less than $10. 

Most hotels and condo rentals have “community” toys available for you to borrow as many families leave these behind once their vacation is over. In our last condo rental – Kahana Sunset in Lahaina – we’ve discovered sand buckets, trucks, floaties, kids surfboards and even a baby potty we could use (which was handy as Cosmos was going through potty training at the time). 

No need to add beach toys to your packing list – you’ll find all you need in Hawaii!

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Hawaii Educational Activities and Colouring Workbook

What's the best way to entertain and occupy your kids than with Hawaii-themed activities and colouring? We have prepared just the kit for you! Simply print it before you leave on your vacation, and take it with you on the plane – a few happy learning hours for your little ones guaranteed! You can learn some Hawaiian words along too!

What other activities and toys could you take with you on the plane? Find out here: Toddler Airplane Activities You’ll Definitely Want to Use On Your Next Flight

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Photo & Video Equipment

Waterproof Phone Case

A waterproof case is a MUST if you want to do anything or go anywhere where your phone can get wet, get exposed to the sand or fall into the water. bring your phone to the beach, take photos when on a yacht, hiking near waterfalls. Some heavy-duty waterproof phone cases even make it possible to take underwater photos and videos. So if you want to bring your phone to the beach, take photos when engaged in water activities, taking a boat excursion, or hiking near waterfalls – get a phone case that will take your worries away!

✅ Hawaii Packing List Item: Choetech Waterproof Phone Case

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Floatation Strap

A floatation strap is definitely not something at the top of your mind when you are packing for Hawaii. But that’s one of those must-have water-safety items you should definitely take with you if you’re going to bring your underwater camera, a GoPro or the phone (in its waterproof case) to the beach, while snorkeling, out on a boat tour, while kayaking or paddleboarding. Then if you drop your camera – it will float for you to easily scoop it back – no need to jump into the water to save it from the bottom of the sea!

✅ Hawaii Packing List Item: Camera float strap

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Selfie Stick

If you are traveling solo, or are planning to do a bit of wilderness exploration with your family with little chance of meeting many other hikers, then a reliable universal selfie stick should be added to your Hawaii packing list. 

“Universal” means it has you can use to attach any device you are using: your phone, GoPro or your camera. There are some selfie sticks that convert into a tripod. As to the photoactivation button – it’s great to have both – one on the stick itself, and also as a remote control!

✅ Hawaii Packing List Item: BlitzWolf selfie stick tripod with remote

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Camera

Even if you are not a professional photographer, I can guarantee you’d be taking photos non-stop when in Hawaii. There are plenty of memories you’d want to take home: magnificent sandy beaches, high waves, unbelievable turquoise color ocean, the turtles, the tropical rain forests, the spectacular waterfalls… 

Bring your camera! When selecting a camera and a lense, get one with the best landscape photography capabilities.

Get a few lens protectors – you’ll encounter sand almost everywhere you go, and it is so easy to unintentionally scratch that expensive lens.  

For the memory cards, it is best to bring a few smaller capacity cards. For example instead of one 128GB, we’d recommend 4 x 32GB. This way you can replace a card once full, and have it safely stored away. If your camera (hopefully NOT!) is lost, stolen or broken at a later date, at least you have the memory cards with the most precious memories still in your pocket!

✅ Hawaii Packing List Item: Camera

✅ Hawaii Packing List Item: Lens protectors, specific to your camera and lens

✅ Hawaii Packing List Item: Samsung EVO Select Memory Cards

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GoPro

Hawaii is a stunning place indeed and is an absolute paradise for active explorers. Surfing, snorkeling, diving, ziplining, watching turtles, climbing trails, swimming under magnificent waterfalls… But all of these adventures require a camera that is convenient, hands-free and waterproof. That’s why a GoPro, even the very basic inexpensive model, is a little something that’s will make a big difference if what memories you take home!

✅ Hawaii Packing List Item: GoPro HERO7

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Photo / Video Drone

YES! Hawaii allows recreational drones! The natural beauty and scenic landscapes make Hawaii a perfect place to exercise your aerial photography and videography skills! 

If you already have one, bring your drone. 

If you are shopping for a drone now, check out the latest from DJI MAVIC – the leader in recreational, semi-professional and professional drone products. 

Our latest addition to PerfectDayToPlay gear family is DJI MAVIC MINI. 

• Weighs only 249g (anything under 250g you don’t have to register it in most countries)
• Shoots Full HD and 2.7k video
• Flight time is 25-30min, which is the longest I’ve seen in 2020
• Flight radius is close to 4km!

We absolutely LOVE this little guy! An excellent choice for beginner pilots!

IMPORTANT NOTE: if you are flying to Hawaii with a layover in another country, and are planning to carry your drone in a carryon, check local regulations to avoid issues at the airport security.

✅ Hawaii Packing List Item: DJI Mavic Mini Quadcopter Drone Fly More Combo

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Universal Power Adapter

Something that rarely is remembered is: if you are traveling to Hawaii from a part of the world outside North America, you may actually have different power plugs. We recommend investing in a universal power adapter that can fit anything to anything in terms of equipment to a power socket. 

✅ Hawaii Packing List Item: Universal World-Wide Power Adapter

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Power Outlet Bar

If you are like us, you’ve probably brought tons of photo equipment with you to make sure you are not missing a thing in documenting your vacation. A camera, a drone, a GoPro, two phones, likely a laptop or a tablet, extra batteries, other gadgets…. And then you find out there are only a couple of power outlets in your hotel room or a condo! Do you really need to take turns charging it all? Therefore a power outlet bar is something we always add to our packing list when going to Hawaii or any other destination for that matter. We make sure to choose a power outlet with a surge protector, and with both: electric plugs and USB sockets.

✅ Hawaii Packing List Item: RDXone Power Bar with Surge Protector and 4 USB Outlets

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Power Bank

It totally sucks to hike all the way up the Hawaiian volcano to watch Haleakala sunset, to only find out your phone, drone or camera is out of juice, and you can’t take any more photos or find your way back the trail! Happened to us sooo many times, that now we are always packing a power bank with us. 

✅ Hawaii Packing List Item: Jackery Bolt Ultra-Compact Power Bank

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Camera Backpack

If you are bringing a lot of camera gear with you, trying to pack it up safely using regular luggage may be a challenge. It makes sense to get a proper backpack that is specially designed for carrying electronics worry-free.

These days lots of brands are offering all-in-one digital nomad gear – it’s important to find one that works for you and your equipment.

The bag we use is TARION RB-02. This backpack fits our laptop, camera, 2 lenses, chargers, memory cards, power bank, DJI MAVIC drone with accessories, GoPro, a light jacket or a scarf and a few other little things.

You can stick your water bottle or a thermos into one side pocket, and your selfie-stick or tripod into another. The great thing about this backpack is that it comes with a waterproof cover that is always with you in a zip pocket underneath the bag – you can add a little travel umbrella into that pocket too! 

✅ Hawaii Packing List Item: Tarion RB-02 Camera Backpack

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Mobile Apps

Virtual Private Network (VPN)

Many travelers learn it the hard way that to go on someone else’s WiFi whether it’s at an airport, a cafe, a hotel, or any other public hotspot – your passwords, credit card, and identity is at risk of being hacked and stolen.

Therefore please do not be surprised to see VPN on your Hawaii packing list. A good VPN will help you protect your devices and data. There are apps and VPN products readily available – learn more here. Alex uses expressVPN for all our travel needs.

✅ Hawaii Packing List Item: VPN application, such as expressVPN

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Shaka Guide

One of the best ways to explore Hawaii is by renting a car and driving around fun buzzing surfer villages, visiting remote scenic places, and hiking its National Parks. 

Shaka Guide is a driving tour app that is not only super-informative but also extremely fun! We absolutely loved it when exploring Maui! You buy your tour and you get: a local dude with a cool sense of humor telling you Hawaiian legends, introducing you to historical places, stunning nature sites, off-the-beaten-path wonders, spicing it all up with jokes, anecdotes, and Hawaiian music. Shaka Guide is a self-guided self-paced GPS-linked. Definitely one of our best investments into Hawaii vacation!

✅ Hawaii Packing List Item: Shaka Guide Mobile App

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YELP!

Unlike many other parts of the world, Tripadvisor is not as popular in Hawaii. YELP! is the service of choice for the islands, when it comes to restaurants, bars, and attractions recommendations, ratings and reviews. Therefore make sure you have the YELP! app installed and your account created before you board your flight to Hawaii.

✅ Hawaii Packing List Item: YELP! Mobile App

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Travel Insurance

Hawaii is a place to enjoy water sports and adventurous activities, and there is a higher risk of accidents. It is only natural to stock-up on insurance.

While you may have emergency medical coverage through your employer or through your credit card company, it is important to carefully review all terms, to know what you’re covered for and any special conditions. For example, we have emergency medical insurance through our Scotia AMEX card, but it only covers for the first 21 days of our travel outside of home jurisdiction. 

Therefore any time we travel for a longer time, or if we are likely to engage in adventure sports, we make sure we get extra insurance. We use World Nomads as it provides global coverage. In addition, if you are using expensive camera gear, you can get extra insurance to cover your property from being lost, stolen or broken. 

✅ Hawaii Packing List Item: World Nomads Travel Insurance

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Where to Stay in Hawaii

Once you picked your island in Hawaii to travel to, it is time to looks for great accommodation. The islands of Oahu, Kona, and Maui are the most popular family travel destinations.

When we last stayed in Maui, Kahana Sunset condos became our home sweet home for two weeks and it was awesome!

If you are staying in Oahu, you'll find many great AirBnB options and cool inexpensive resorts, such as Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort that is consistently rated as one of the best Ala Moana hotels for kids. ..and although Maui is our favourite place, there is plenty of things to do in Oahu too!

More Hawaii!

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We hope this packing list is helpful to you and your family on your journey to the most memorable place that we absolutely adore.

If you have any other suggestions, packing tips or things you think everyone must bring with them to their next visit to Hawaii, leave a comment or send us a message!

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Enjoy!

Cheerfully yours,

Alexandra, Alex & Cosmos

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