Everyone deserves a nice vacation. And if you’re planning a vacation to Kauai, you may be wondering what to pack for your Kauai vacation? Read on to find out what Makana Charters recommends for your exciting adventure.
What to pack for Kauai has everything to do with the weather. In Kauai’s humid climate, you need light clothing that keeps you cool at all times.
Remember the old adage ‘less is more’ when travelling to Kauai. Avoid making common mistakes such as packing your summer whites or jeans. In other locations, summer whites make you look crisp, sharp, and sophisticated, but on Kauai, your summer whites will make you look just plain dirty. Jeans, on the other hand, are bulky and retain moisture. Instead, opt for lighter-weight pants which you can wear while hiking and other outdoor activities.
Before we unveil what you need to pack for your trip at different times during the year, take a look at some of the travel essentials.
Travel Essentials
- Photo ID
- Credit cards
- Travel documents
- Medications
- Camera
- Glasses
- Phone/Tablet
- Chargers
- Ziploc Bags
- Refillable Water Bottle
- Rubber flip-flops
- Sandals
- Sneakers
Toiletries
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Floss
- Razors
- Make-up
- Hairbrush
- Reef-friendly sunscreen
- Bug spray
What to Pack Year-Round
- Sunglasses – the sun is very bright at any time during the year.
- Casual Clothing – this will be your main attire during daytime, sightseeing, and casual dining.
- Nicer Clothing – for fine dining, theater performances, meeting people.
- Club-appropriate Clothing – If you plan to visit popular night clubs, you must dress to impress.
What to Pack During the Summer
Summer is very hot and humid in Kauai, so you will be fine with minimal clothing. Early summer is also the rainy season.
- Hat or Cap – Sunglasses are sometimes not enough to keep the bright sun out of your eyes. We recommend you wear a hat or cap as well.
- Bug spray – for the mosquitoes.
- Sunscreen (SPF 30) – you need sunburn protection, especially in the middle of the day.
- Swim Suit, and a cover-up for entering your hotel lobby.
- Umbrella – rain showers often come without warning. So keep a travel-size umbrella in your bag.
- Open-toe shoes or sandals – you will stay cooler if your feet stay cool. So don’t use socs.
- Shorts or skirts and capris.
- A light sweater only for indoor places like museums and restaurants.
- For long days out in the sun, consider clothing with UV-protection – you will stay cooler but not have to keep applying sunscreen to your arms and legs.
What to Pack During Fall & Winter
Kauai’s traditionally sunny weather is sometimes punctuated with extra rain during its winter season, which usually lasts from November through February.
- Sunscreen (SPF 15) – if you plan to be in the sun for more than an hour.
- Swim Suit, and a cover-up for entering your hotel lobby.
- Umbrella – it rains on occasion during winter.
- Open-toe shoes or sandals, as well as closed-toe shoes.
- Shorts, skirts, or capris, as well as lightweight long pants.
- Short-sleeve as well as long-sleeve shirts.
- A light jacket or sweater.
So these are our recommendations. Now that you know what to pack, it’s time to get ready for your awesome Kauai adventure.
