The sun is bright and warm in Hawaii, so you must protect your body and make sure the clothing you pack will keep you cool. Sunscreen is a necessity. Pack several different levels of SPF protection. Begin your days in the sun with a higher level of protection, then gradually reduce the SPF level as your skin becomes more accustomed to the bright Hawaiian sun.
If you plan to hit the beach, you'll obviously need a swimsuit. Pack more than one in case your suit gets dirty or doesn't dry overnight. A bathing suit cover-up is recommended for women. When you're not on the beach, T-shirts, shorts and sundresses made of lightweight material, such as linen or cotton, are good choices. If you want to beat the glare of the sun and protect your face from its rays, pack a hat and a pair of sunglasses, too.
When you're not on the beach or in the water, the island offers plenty of land activities to keep you busy. If you plan on cycling, hiking or participating in other physical activities, bring a comfortable pair of tennis or walking shoes that fit your feet well. Shorts and T-shirts are the perfect gear for island activities. Activity equipment is available for purchase or rental on the island. If you're going to take a volcano tour or take part in evening activities, you might need a light jacket or sweater as the temperature in these areas tends to be cooler.
The Hawaiian islands tend to be very casual, so leave your ballgowns and ties at home. Casual resort attire, such as khakis and collared knit shirts for men and sundresses for women, is acceptable evening wear at most restaurants, bars and clubs. You should keep your jewelry simple as well. Fine jewelry isn't the norm in island attire, and wearing such will only make you a target for theft.
The currency in Hawaii is the U.S. dollar, so you won't need to convert your money or carry traveler's checks. Credit cards are widely accepted and if you need cash, you won't have any problem finding an ATM.
