KAUAI: Travel and TRIP ESSENTIALS

5/9/2022

We often get asked what to pack or take when going on a first-time trip to Hawaii. Though you may have taken tropical trips before, there may be a few things added to your list you had not thought of before. (All of the links are simply for your benefit and we do not receive any commission from these products)
Kauai combines the beauty of rolling green landscapes and tropical foliage on the Nāpali Coast with the majestic red rock and secluded waterfalls in the Waimea Canyon. Wherever you travel in Kauai, we know that the Garden Island of Hawaii will welcome you with rich and beautiful landscapes.

CLOTHING

It's probably pretty obvious that you will definitely want your sunglasses on a tropical trip like Kauai, but one thing we would add to your packing list are sunglass keepers like these so that you don't lose your sunglasses on boat trips or hikes around the many beautiful waterfalls Kauai has to offer--believe us, we've done it! Like many tropical places, the weather in Kauai can shift from day to day and is prone to having intermittent rainstorms. Because of this, we suggest packing a lightweight rain jacket that is breathable and waterproof for those afternoon showers.

OTHER CLOTHING TO PACK:

Durable water sandals like Tevas, Keen, or Sketchers
A wide brimmed sun hat
Hiking shoes for that red dirt in Waimea Canyon (Pack alongside a plastic bag to place those dirty shoes in for the return trip)
Long sleeve rash guard for the days when the sun is intense

GEAR

One thing we all dread is the low battery signal or the realization that you have forgotten an important charging cord. While of course you can always pick something like this up at a local store, one thing we advise is packing extra charging cords for the rental car alongside a battery pack so that you are not without navigation or your camera while you're out for the day. We also suggest bringing a packable daypack like this one from our local ChicoBag for those great day hikes.

OTHER GEAR TO PACK:

Reusable or insulated bags for souvenir and grocery shopping
Packable towel or beach blanket for the days on the beach
Dry bag for clothes or electronics while you're out paddling or sailing
Miniature binoculars for whale watching from shore or your lanai

OTHER PERSONAL ITEMS

Spending all of your time on the beach or outside will warrant a purchase of sunscreen and we suggest buying and bringing reef safe sunscreen that is mineral based or without oxybenzone and octinoxate. With all the hiking and tropical foliage also come a fair amount of insects and we suggest these bug wipes that come in both long lasting deet and deet-free options. These are so helpful to have in your purse or bag when you're out for dinner or sitting on your lanai.

OTHER ITEMS TO PACK:

Anti-Itch stick for after those pesky bug bites
Lip balm with sunscreen
Small first-aid kit with bandaids and other necessities

Do you have other things you would add or offer to fellow travelers? We'd love to hear from you! And if you're going on an upcoming trip, don't forget to share some photos with us so that we can celebrate the memories you made with the people you love.