Have you ever dreamed of a trip to Hawaii? Here are some great tips to be prepared for any climate and situation!
The suitcase, worry and delight of pre-departure and return. There are those who panic, those who carry too much, some too little, there are super organized ninjas, those who manage to live 2 weeks of travel with a hand luggage (but how do you do it ?!), those who prepare it for last minute, those who start weeks earlier to think about the outfits to wear.
In my opinion, information is essential: knowing in advance the situation in the destination to be reached during that specific period of the year is essential in order not to forget something important or leave with excess garments.
The suitcase for Hawaii
I did a lot of research before packing for Hawaii so here are my tips on what to bring and where to find the necessary information.
Where to inquire
Travel guide. Surely you will buy one before leaving to organize your itinerary. Each guide always contains a lot of information about the climate and advice on which clothes to bring with you.
Online Information
Blog but not only that, I always throw a look at statistics of previous years. You can find very useful information: in addition to the average temperatures there are also the levels of precipitation, humidity and hours of light.
I social they are a tool not only for sharing, but also for research. As? I looked at the geo-localized stories in places I would visit to see how locals and other travelers were dressed and what the weather was like.
Official site of the state or locality. In addition to numerous tips on itineraries, this type of corporate website often contains advice on what not to forget and information on the climate at different times of the year.
Personal itinerary
This alone constitutes a comprehensive guideline, because based on the activities you have planned you will already know what to bring. If you go trekking, footwear suitable for the purpose and sports or technical clothing will be essential. In case of snorkeling stops you will already know if you prefer to bring your own equipment or want to rent it on site. The rock shoes o Flippers will be essential if you are exploring areas with coral reefs or a rocky bottom.
What to bring to Hawaii
Hawaii is a dream, they have a practically perfect climate all the year. I visited them in early November and it was like living a second summer. It is important to inform yourself in advance about the islands you will visit as they are each different from the other, with their own characteristics. Even on a single island you can find different situations based on the area in which you are.
However, we can say with certainty that the basic elements to be included in the suitcase are costumes, summer dresses and sandals, with the addition of garments to overlap as temperatures drop slightly in the evening.
Do not forget absolutely the Sun protection but with special attention: Hawaii is constantly careful to protect the fragile ecosystem of their coral reef, so you should know that will prohibit the use of toxic sunscreens for it (pay special attention to these two chemical components: oxybenzone and octinoxate). The law decree will come into force in 2021, but already today it is recommended to take preventive measures and in local shops you will find creams considered safe for sale.
As anticipated, if your itinerary includes trekking routes, bring the appropriate clothes: trekking shoes, sportswear or technical and warm clothing if you go up a lot of altitude, backpacks and water bottles, a hat to protect you from the sun. Even if you do not plan this activity, pay attention and do not make our mistake of finding yourself in the botanical garden after a night rain and thus destroying your sandals and getting your feet muddy!
I definitely recommend summer and light clothes, maybe a jacket or light sweaters if like me you are cold and you shiver as soon as a breath of wind rises. If you pass by Waikiki you will notice a real city full of elegant shops and restaurants. In case you want to give yourself a special dinner, also plan a more elegant outfit, although you'll soon notice that those around you most of the time are in swimsuits and barefoot, with a surfboard under their arm.
General climate issues
O'ahu
The Honolulu and Waikiki area is the sunniest. As and when you approach the mountains, as you will notice, the clouds thicken and it is very easy to find rain.
In the north area winter corresponds to surfing. Expect more wind and major waves.
We visited the island in early November and in the north and east we found sun interspersed with clouds and passing rain showers but daily. Generally, the windward slopes (east and north-east area) have slightly lower temperatures and higher rainfall. The leeward areas they are drier, sunnier and warmer.
Le temperatures are constant practically all year round, with slight variations.
Ni'ihau, Kaua'i, Moloka'i, Maui, Hawai'i, Lana'i
On the island of Hawai'i, the largest, they are also found the highest mountain (Mauna Kea) and an active volcano (Mauna Loa). The island has particular characteristics and has 4 types of climate on its territory: tropical, arid, temperate and… polar! Yes, because the top of Mauna Kea is often covered in snow.
As for the other islands, the characteristics are more or less the same, constant temperatures and more abundant rainfall near the highest parts of the islands and on the windward slopes. The lower islands will be more arid and you will notice the clouds passing at an incredible speed.
In general, keep in mind that the wettest period is from October to April.
Tropical hurricanes and cyclones
Unfortunately, although previously considered a more unlikely event, this year the Hawaiian Islands were hit by Hurricane Lane and dodged by Hurricanes Norman and Olivia.
The hurricane season in the Pacific goes roughly from June to November.
Keep in mind that even if a hurricane or cyclone does not hit the islands directly but only passes nearby, it can cause problems such as high waves and strong winds, making swimming in the sea dangerous in any case.
All this not to discourage you from visiting the islands, but to leave informed and aware!
Last but not least, do your research before you leave and check the local climate news for any warnings or alerts.
Now you just have to pack your swimsuit and flip-flops in your suitcase and book your trip to this tropical paradise where, I assure you, you will leave a piece of your heart.
