| Chances are, if this is your first venture to the Aloha | | | | every corner that sells these items, and while you |
| state, you have no idea what to expect or how to | | | | are there, you can pick up your moisturizers and |
| prepare for it. That's okay, because you're not alone! | | | | sunscreens. |
| As the time for your travels near, you will begin to | | | | Even if you have a rather rich tan, you will need to |
| question your method or level of preparedness. So | | | | wear sunscreen every day! Chances are, you are not |
| we've assembled some rather useful tips for making | | | | used to being in the glaring sun for 8+ hours a day, |
| sure you don't experience any negative surprises | | | | and being on a small tropical island is like being |
| along the way! | | | | surrounded by a sun mirror! Put a high-SPF sunscreen |
| Packing for such an adventure may sound like an | | | | on every morning during your vacation, and again |
| easy task, but it always gets more difficult and more | | | | around lunch time and you will be well-protected. |
| questionable as the time nears. If you are like me, | | | | Because the sun can be so drying to the skin, be |
| you were so excited that you packed a month | | | | sure to slather on the body moisturizer several times |
| ahead of time! If that's the case, go to your suitcase | | | | a day...this will also minimize the dehydrating effects |
| now, open it, and remove half of it! Seriously | | | | of air travel. And don't forget to drink lots of water! |
| speaking, you don't need to bring as many clothes as | | | | Now, back to that tourist comment from before. |
| you think you do. | | | | The most important thing you can do to prepare for |
| The Hawaiian culture is one of casual living, and really | | | | your vacation to Hawaii is to be mindful and |
| all you need is a couple pairs of shorts, a pair of | | | | respectful. Hawaii is a land of all cultures, a true |
| slacks, a couple of tee shirts, your swim suit, a | | | | melting pot. In fact, there is no majority racial group |
| sundress for women, a nice aloha shirt for men, a | | | | in Hawaii; everyone is a minority! Be respectful of all |
| pair of good walking shoes, and a pair of slippahs. No, | | | | cultures, have an open heart, and learn what Aloha is |
| not flip flops or slippers, but slippahs! If you are | | | | quickly. No, it's not just a word, it is a practice that |
| travelling to Hawaii in winter, bring a light jacket or | | | | has become to be known by millions of people, and |
| hoody. Other than your p.j.s, this is all the clothing | | | | it's what keeps people coming back for more. |
| you will need during your vacation. If you over dress, | | | | We have a saying here in Hawaii: "Where Aloha is |
| you will certainly appear to be a tourist, and that's | | | | shown, Aloha is given." We see so many tourists |
| the last thing you want to do! I will explain that later! | | | | come here every day that are not respectful and |
| Because Hawaii is temperate yet tropical, it does rain | | | | stand out in a crowd. Have you heard that old cliche |
| somewhere on the island every day, if even for ten | | | | "when in Rome, do as the Romans?" Well, the same |
| seconds! It is a good idea to tuck away in your | | | | applies in Hawaii. Go with the flow, show some Aloha, |
| suitcase a cheap rain poncho. No umbrellas are | | | | smile everywhere you go, and talk story with those |
| necessary. You want something that you can fold | | | | you meet. The more you do this, the more local you |
| away in your handbag, and you can certainly find | | | | will seem, and the less chance of being on the raw |
| rather inexpensive ponchos at discount retailers and | | | | end of a tourist vs. local run in! We are a very |
| even dollar stores! | | | | friendly group of people on these islands, and we |
| Don't pack all of your liquid cosmetics! Remember, | | | | want you to enjoy your time here! We want you to |
| airlines do not allow anything over 3 oz, so your | | | | become ohana (family), and the best way to do that |
| designer shampoo/conditioner and such will be thrown | | | | is to get out of the tourist mentality and into the |
| away at the terminal. You can buy a small bottle of | | | | local mentality! |
| shampoo/conditioner when you arrive, and likewise | | | | Enjoy your trip to paradise, get out in the |
| with toothpaste and other non-solid toiletries. If you | | | | community, and really scratch the surface of these |
| are staying in Waikiki, there is a store on just about | | | | islands, and you will be richly rewarded! Alooooooha! |