| When the summer season is over in the western | | | | long way here. Guys, a pair of shorts and aloha shirt |
| hemisphere, and thermostats are turned up around | | | | or two is all you need. Sarongs are easily dressed up |
| the world, Hawaii is still a balmy paradise throughout | | | | for the evening and dressed down for the beach. |
| the year. The winter is the time when Hawaii | | | | Bring along a jacket if you plan to venture into the |
| newbies and returning lovers of Hawaii begin to think | | | | higher altitudes to hike the volcano trails, for example. |
| about packing their bags in pursuit of the tropics and | | | | Hawaii has a wide variety of weather and climate. |
| the "aloha spirit" of Hawaii. It's been a long journey to | | | | When packing for a vacation to Hawaii, consider the |
| Hawaii for travelers before they touch down in the | | | | varying altitudes and temperatures. In fact, there are |
| middle of the Pacific Ocean. Travelers spend | | | | distinct climate zones in island locations. Temperatures |
| anywhere from 7 hours from mainland USA up to 22 | | | | vary from sea level to the tops of volcanoes |
| hours when coming from overseas. One thing certain, | | | | averaging from the mid 70-80s F., perfect for |
| whatever the time of year the warm temperatures | | | | humans, to freezing in the winter at the mountain |
| and tropical breezes of Hawaii revive the weary | | | | summits. The most diverse of all is Hawaii Island, |
| traveler when emerging from the plane - that is until | | | | better known as the Big Island with its eleven |
| they lose themselves behind the luggage cart piled | | | | micro-climate zones. Temperatures are warmest at |
| high. What in the world are people thinking when | | | | sea level and cooler in the upcountry locations where |
| they pack for a vacation to Hawaii? | | | | air conditioning is not needed, but where |
| Packing for a vacation to Hawaii should not weigh | | | | temperatures are ideally warm in the daytime up to |
| you down. In fact, chances are that you'll probably | | | | 2000 feet above sea level. At higher altitudes it's |
| not have much use for most of what you would | | | | much cooler, especially at night. And, at the summits |
| normally take on a vacation elsewhere. That goes for | | | | of the volcanoes it's not unusual to get snow in the |
| whether you'll be staying in a high-end Hawaii resort | | | | winter months. That's when you'll find the locals snow |
| or in a private vacation rental in the rainforest. Yet, | | | | boarding at the summit of Mauna Kea volcano on the |
| even the most seasoned travelers over do it when | | | | Big Island before they head down to the warm |
| deciding what they think they'll need on vacation in | | | | waters of the Pacific with their surf boards. |
| the Aloha State. | | | | Each island has a unique character and offers the |
| So, what should one pack for a Hawaii vacation? | | | | visitor a myriad of things to do from a kick-back |
| Answer: Just pack light! Hawaii lifestyle is laid back | | | | vacation lazing under a palm-lined beach, hiking deep |
| and casual. That's what island life is all about. Here's | | | | inside a verdant valley, kayaking, diving, snorkeling, or |
| the dress code: there isn't one! Daytime wear is | | | | taking in the Hawaiian cultural events. |
| casual, comfortable. Evening wear is casual, | | | | You can pack light when staying in an affordable |
| comfortable. The rule is, as long as attire is neat, you | | | | vacation rental in Hawaii. Many private vacation |
| can wear what you like to restaurants, clubs, | | | | rentals are fully equipped with both personal |
| markets, malls, luaus, church, and even to the theatre | | | | comforts and stocked with amenities that are |
| (yes, we have theatre here). | | | | comparable to the high-end hotels including a range of |
| Actually, you can bring next to nothing to Hawaii with | | | | toiletries, choice of pillows, hairdryers, bathrobes, kid's |
| just a few personal essentials and then pick up some | | | | toys, beach towels, snorkel gear, and other beach |
| "aloha wear" on the spot. What you will need are the | | | | equipment so you can travel even lighter and save |
| bare basics: shorts, sun tops, shirts, bathing suit, sun | | | | money. Check the rental amenity lists when |
| dress, flip flops, hiking footwear, sunglasses, sun cap, | | | | comparing accommodations and then choose the |
| lightweight backpack. But, don't over do it. Actually, | | | | location that answers to the type of adventures |
| for the ladies, just a sarong and footwear goes a | | | | you'll want - and then pack light for Hawaii island life. |