How to Pack for an Extended Vacation to Hawaii

Packing for a trip longer than 7-days to Hawaii can be an easy task with some organization and prep time.  The items you bring depend to some extent on your personal preferences and planned activities, but certain things such as sun-protection gear, are vital for everyone.  Make a list of your Hawaiian  essentials so you can focus on the sun, surf and Polynesian culture, and not on what you left behind.

Step 1
Pack the things that will take up the most room in your suitcase first, such as your shoes.  Pack a pair of comfortable walking shoes for sightseeing, plus flip-flops or other flat, open-toed footwear for the beach.  If you plan to hike through one of Hawaii's tropical jungles or mountains, bring hiking or running shoes.

Step 2
Pack light, comfortable clothing such as shorts, sundresses, and sleeveless shirts that allow your body to breathe in the tropical heat.  Bring at least one sweatshirt or light jacket to keep warm during breezy nights, occasional rainfall and trips to high altitudes, such as the Big Island's Mauna Loa or Mauna Kea.  One thing you can leave behind is formal attire, since Hawaii is known for its Aloha-wear, the casual clothing that mirrors the relaxed pace of island life.  Hawaii stays mostly sunny throughout the year, with temperature shifting no more than 10 to 15 degrees F.

Step 3
Bring your beachwear, since you'll likely be spending a decent amount of time on one of Hawaii's many beautiful beaches.  Bring a couple of swimsuits, (one to wear when the other has been wet and is drying), water shoes and cover-ups such as board shorts, T-shirts or light sundresses.  You might want to bring a beach towel, since they're not always provided by hotels.  Consider buying a water safe, which you can wear while frolicking around in the ocean and not have to leave your valuables exposed on a beach towel.  You can find these at most sporting goods retailers.  If you have room to spare, and are on a tight budget, you can pack snorkeling gear, but these can usually be rented cheaply or borrowing for free from your hotel.

Step 4
Pack your camera, prescription or over-the-counter medications, a photo ID such as a license, along with a photo-copy for backup, and any debit or credit cards.  Keep these items in your carry-on bags to prevent problems in case of lost or stolen luggage.

Step 5
Bring a sun-protection kit that includes sunblock with an SPF of 30 or higher, sunglasses and hats.  The Hawaiian islands are close to the equator, where the sun's rays are the strongest.

5 Great Adventures To Do on Maui

If you ask most people to describe the island of Maui, in the state of Hawaii, many will describe it as the perfect beach vacation.  And for most people visiting the island for that perfect beach getaway.  From the lush and green Kaanapali area on the west side of the island to the sun drenched Wailea area on the southside, each area has great beachfront resorts, fantastic restaurants, and miles of sun drenched beaches to live out your small slice of paradise in paradise.  But if vacationing in paradise means wanting to do more than sitting on a beach, then Maui has a great deal more to offer you.  Here are five of my favorite activities away from the beach for the explorers and adventurers in our lives.

Molokini Snorkeling
There are plenty of great spots to snorkel and scuba dive around Maui, and I like to suggest Molokina because it offers a whole package of fun in one trip.  You'll cruise on the on the water and see Maui from a different perspective.  You may see dolphins and whales in season, and if the trip allows, you can do 2 snorkeling sessions: 1 at Molokina Crater and another with loads of green sea turtles.

Bike Haleakala
For the adventurous, riding a bike down a volcano sounds like a great start to the day.  Luckily, many Maui bike companies offer van tours for those looking to see the crater in complete comfort.  Either way, viewing sunrise from on top of the world is something you will never forget.  It's a blissful moment that can only be matched by many effortless miles downhill on a bike.

Road to Hana
I can't say enough about doing the Road to Hana.  Driving this road and enjoying the sights, smells, and people along the way is something you will never forget.  Waterfalls, coastal cliff line, and lush jungle will make you think you've gone to heaven ( if that's your sort of thing).

Fishing
Maui waters are abundant with tropical fish of many kinds.  Take advantage of a seasoned, skilled fishermen captains when choosing the right vessel for your Maui fishing trip, and have an experience to always be remembered.

Explore by Helicopter
Many of the most beautiful spots on the island are inaccessible in any other way than by helicopter tour. Hover next to towering waterfalls, cruise along rugged volcanic coastline, and enjoy the majestic beauty of Haleakala Crater above the clouds.  You can even hop across the channels to see the sea-cliff waterfalls of Molokai or the coast of the Big Island.