You don’t have to worry too much about forgetting something on your trip to Hawaii, especially if you’re traveling to Waikiki, there are plenty of stores like Wal-Mart, ABC convenience stores, and tons of other little shops. But you’ll pay a bit of premium for something that you might already own, or could have gotten cheaper back home.

Here’s a list of things to pack on your trip to Hawaii. It’s not all inclusive, but its a good starting point and a list of some of the essentials that you’ll need to remember in a place where the weather is always nice.

• Guidebooks - yes you’ll look like a tourist, but you’ll be thankfull that you got the most out of your trip when you see what they have to offer.  Check out our reviews on our favorite Hawaii Guide books the Hawaii Revealed Guidebooks for The Big Island, Maui, Kauai, and of course Oahu.
• Swimsuit – unless you don’t like the water, a bathing suit is essential. These can get expensive if you buy one here so save your money for other things like food, and bring on along.
• Sunscreen – Hawaii is south, way south, and the sun is always shining, so bring some sunscreen to keep from burning and help prevent skin cancer. We recommend something like SPF 30 or 40, and waterproof.
• Sunglasses – Especially if you’re driving, sunglasses are a must. Reflection off the water, off buildings, off other cars, can all be dangerously blinding.
• Comfortable clothing – You can pretty much bet on 75 – 85 F weather, all year round. Dress accordingly. Maybe pack one set of clothing if it cools at night or if you’re in upcountry Maui. Other than that, shorts, skirts, short sleeves, tank tops. You don’t need much.
• Slippas – Slippers might also be called flip flops, or old school, thongs. Bring open footwear. It’ll make you feel better as you walk around.
• Comfortable shoes – although you may never remove your slippers, a nice pair of walking shoes will be great for walking, sightseeing, and hiking on Hawaii’s many many trails. Pack a pair just in case you want to get some exercise.
• Beach towel – Although you may have access to a beach towel depending on where you stay, you should pack one just in case. Buying one on your trip can be an unnecessary expense.
• Extra duffel bag – You may think you won’t buy trinkets on your trip, but you’ll buy stuff. It’s inevitable. Bring a duffel bag you can fold up and pack on the way out to Hawaii, but then fill with everything you bought on the way back.
• Umbrella – Being a tropical climate an mountainous, the islands of Hawaii can get rainy at a moments notice. You’ll be on the beach taking in a the sunshine when all the sudden a group of clouds can rain heavy on your parade. Bring an umbrella.
• Camera – digital or old school film will do. You can buy waterproof disposables which are fun. We suggest the olympus waterproof digital camera if you’re in the market. You want to capture everything so bring your camera.
• Money - If you’re traveling from the US don’t worry, you’re still in the US. Cash, checks, credit cards all work just fine. If you’re from another country, pretty much everyone accepts credit card. You may not get to go to some super local plate lunch places that only accept cash, but you can get around just fine.
• Snorkel gear – You can definitely buy snorkel gear here in Hawaii, but we suggest buying and bringing. You can use it on your next trip and can probably get it cheaper back in your hometown.