Packing for an Hawaiian cruise doesn't have to be very complicated, but there are a few useful tips to remember. First, pack lightly as possible; you're going on a cruise to a warm destination, not an expedition to the Arctic. Also, review your itinerary and consider what kind of activities you plan, both on the ship and on shore, and pack the items you'll need to do them in comfort and as much style as you like.
Bring a few of the casual basics that you would wear on land: underwear, pantyhose, sleepwear, t-shirts, shorts, socks, a belt or two and work-out clothes if you plan to exercise. Resist the temptation to throw in more than a few of each of these items: you might not have to lug them around from place to place in a suitcase (except on your flight), but they will end up cluttering your stateroom.
Create a simple daytime wardrobe by bringing a pair of light-color slacks and a pair of dark slacks, with a selection of matching tops for each. Don't bring expensive jewelry, which can be an invitation to sticky fingers among your fellow shipmates. If you want to wear jewelry, bring a small amount of costume jewelry.
Limit yourself to one dressy outfit as tempting as it is to pack more, and one pair of heels. Some cruises have more formal events, but no one has to participate; pack for comfort. Most of the time, you aren't going to want to walk on deck or upstairs as the ship moves in anything but flats -- dark walking shoes are a must. Bring sandals for excursions.
Bring mostly casual clothes, same as at home, ranging from workout duds (if you workout) to business casual, and only a few of everything. Vacation cruises are no time to bother with any more clothes than absolutely necessary, but also be sure to bring enough clothes, to avoid having to do any laundry; plan according to the length of the cruise. For a five-day cruise, for example, pack five pairs of underwear and one extra.
Take one dress shirt and one sports jacket, along with one necktie, which ought to be sufficient for most of the (generally optional) occasions when dress clothes might be required. Three pairs of footwear are enough: good walking shoes, black dress shoes and sandals.
Unless the cruise has some very formal events you want to participate in, a tuxedo will not be necessary, though if you want to feel like James Bond, bring one.
Pack two swimsuits for each person. More than that is excess baggage, but with two a cruise-goer can wear one -- and there will be many opportunities to do that on an Hawaiian cruise -- while the other is drying.
Bring a hat. Hawaii is a tropical destination, and the sun is strong most of the day.
Also bring a sweater. You might not need it ashore or out on deck, but some common areas of a large cruise ship might be air-conditioned to the point of discomfort, especially if the temperatures outside are hot.
Assemble all your essential documents before you go: airline tickets or confirmation information, cruise documents, proper ID (passport and/or visa if not a U.S. citizen) and drivers license, in case you feel the need to rent a car on one of the islands.
Bring any medicines you take and copies of the prescriptions, in case you misplace them. Also, pack an extra pair of glasses, plus sunglasses and reading glasses if you use them.
Take the electronic devices that you want, but beware of overloading on them because the list could go on and on--laptop and charger, cell phone and charger, PDA and charger. As with jewelry, it's best to simplify your electronics inventory while cruising.
Don't forget small but useful items you might take on any trip, such as a pocket knife (in a checked bag, however), a few plastic bags for dirty or wet clothes, sun screen and ear plugs.
