I am going to Maui for one month. What basic items are expensive to buy in Hawaii (ie, batteries, platic zip loc containers, aluminum foil, suntan lotion.....etc.) Can anyone recommend what basic things I should bring with me from the mainland so I dont have to overpay in Hawaii. Any other recommendations or tips for this extended stay would be greatly appreciated

Thanks in advance.

Everything that I've purchased in Hawaii is more expensive than the mainland. Yet, even for a one month stay, I don't see myself stockpiling on supplies on the mainland and then shipping them to Hawaii simply to attempt to avoid overpaying (while paying shipping/luggage fees instead). If there are certain brands of items that you can't do without, then pack those. Otherwise, if price is the only concern, go generic.

I know that I paid more for a bottle of laundry detergent than I expected, but one large bottle would last me at least a month and I'd prefer to spend the extra $2 to just buy it there rather than bring it with me. Some of the things you mentioned are items that I would normally pack anyway...and they are tourist items in a tourist location, which will obviously be more expensive.

Batteries - I always take those myself...Although I think I'm down to all rechargeable devices and only needing a AA battery for my wireless mouse - which lasts for months at a time.

Sunscreen will be more expensive there, but I can't find reef safe sunscreen at home, so I buy it there.

Ziploc containers and aluminum foil are likely to be more expensive, but I can't imagine that it is worth bringing with you. Besides, with the trash/landfill issues that they have on the islands, I try not to bring things with me that I'll end up leaving for someone else to eventually figure out how to get rid of...And try not to use any disposable thing that isn't biodegradable or that I'm not packing back to the mainland or giving away (as I did with beach chairs and leftover laundry detergent on my last trip).

Ultimately, I don't see myself packing much more for a one month trip than I would for a one week trip. There becomes a point when you are taking too much of home with you and missing out on many experiences of travel or staying an extended time in a different location.

Have to agree with mrkindallas 100%.

If you plan on cooking, take small containers of spices and herbs with you. They have a Walmart and a Costco right near the airport. I found that buying the foil and other things you wrote about were not that much more expensive at Walmart.

I don't find the things you mention that much more expensive to make it worth packing from home. I do think the idea for things you only need a little of is good, to avoid buying large amounts (like the spices mentioned). Actually I've found cheaper prices on things like flip flops & sunscreen at the ABC Store or Long's Drug, than I find here in Seattle.

I'd also go with the pack for 1-week idea, assuming you have access to laundry facilities.

Me!

When I go to Maui for a month, the first thing I do is stop at the Costco and the Walmart after leaving the airport and get whatever I'm going to need including frozen and packaged food. At either store you will pay prices equal to or just slightly more than on the mainland. Also, the chain of ABC convenience stores, which are all over the island, have very cheap prices on beach stuff and souvenirs.

I'm not against the idea of creative packing. Maybe you could use some plastic kitchen containers and pack small items in them in your suitcase for the way over? One thing I always take is a few molded plastic hangers. There never seem to be enough, and I'm always needing extra to hang a damp swimsuit.

You are so lucky!

All you need is a few pairs of shorts, shirts, bathing suit and flip flops!