orchid

Hi, where can I buy a collapsible cooler? Does it have wheels? Thanks very much.

hawaiihoneymoon

I don't know if these things were listed since the post was getting too long for me to read EACH reponse!
1) Bug Spray (if you are planning on hiking, road to hana - Maui esp.)
2) Camera Batteries (Back Up)
3) Plenty of camera Film
4)We bought plenty of bottled water from the local ABC stores as soon as we got there and stocked the fridge
5) Folding Umbrella (to keep in your purse - depending on the time of year you are going)
6) Sweater, windbreaker, jeans - if you are planning on doing the Sunrise at Haleakala. It was FREEEEEEEEEZING! we brought blankets from our hotel.
7) comfortable sneakers (for those hikes)
8)laundry detergent (if you have young kids and might need to do emergency laundry)

cawhite

Costco has collapsible coolers - although they're starting to get rid of their summer stuff and bring in fall items (at least on the mainland). Not sure about the Costco's in Hawaii.

iamq

We got our collasible cooler at REI in the S.F. Bay Area. Acrtic Zone is the manufacturer. It is about the size of small ice chest and has a shoulder strap.
-Bill

kcinmo

You can get the collapsible coolers at Wal-Mart - cheap!

dwtoy

I took along my collapsible cooler this time and never had to use it! Both rental houses had coolers for us. But as the scouts say, be prepared. I ended up carrying other stuff in it.

We bought boogie boards and mats, and passed them on to others when we were done. Rentals for the boards were crazy, and the Foodland had them for under 12.00.
Ziplock bags were great to have along.

excited_confused

I am trying to research old posts to see what we should carry with us. We are flying into Kapalua airport in Maui & Kona in Big Island. Are there any Walmarts nearby or any other places which are reasonably priced? Where would we buy water shoes? Is it advisable to carry snacks with us or buy them there? (We are junk foodholics on vacation!)

suze

To each his own, but I certainly don't carry snacks with me to Hawaii. There's loads of great local specialties to enjoy once you're there, junk food and otherwise... from spam or hot dog sushi to fresh guava, pineapple, melons.

I take a couple sarongs and bathing suits, flip flops, and buy a straw hat after I arrive.

jayne1973

Any special recommendations for Kona in early January?

FainaAgain

I know Kal always brings Mrs Kal. He said she's especially helpful to have while there.

jamaltay

Collapsible coolers are also at Target and Kmart. I take mine everywhere that I fly. They are the best thing since sliced bread.

BTW, what was the best thing before sliced bread?8-)

MerryTravel

I just ordered some from Kona Joe's.

MerryTravel

Shoot. That was mean for the Kona coffee thread.

While I'm here, I'll second band-aids and Neosporin. It seems like I can never find good band-aids on vacation when I need them. And if you have a Safeway or Costco card don't forget those.

excited_confused

Hi, I am still looking for an answer - We are flying into Kapalua airport in Maui & Kona in Big Island. Are there any Walmarts nearby or any other places which are reasonably priced? Where would we buy water shoes?
Thanks.

MrTraveler

Bring the same things you would bring to any other tropical destination. As mentioned already, suntan lotion, bug spray, reaf shoes, etc. If you're planning to snorkel a lot, don't forget your snorkel gear, if you prefer using your own.

Excited_confused - there is a Walmart in Kahalui, but not sure about Kapalua.

suze

Yes, there is a K-mart (or similar) quite near to the airport on Maui. our family stopped there before our return flight for last minute good priced souveniers and by BIL needed a new suitcase because the zipper on his had popped that morning as he packed.

suze

excited_confused, but why not order your water shoes ahead of time from Lands End catalog? save spending precious vacation moments in a discount store!

MerryTravel

excited_confused, if you're staying north of Kona on the BI, you'll go right by a Costco.

Sarah

people have probably said this I may even said this earlier in the thread.

but:

Hiking boots, rash guard (long sleave water shirt 4 sun protection)

kakalena

You can check the forums here for more about Walmarts etc on each island. Just put in the keywords. There is a Walmart on Maui and one near Kona.

My experience having lived in Kauai and spending time on the other islands is that Walmart has the most merchandise at the lowest cost including K-Mart for bathing suits, tee shirts, souvenirs, snacks, beach chairs, umbrellas, coolers, beach towels, flip-flops, snorkel gear, boogie boards etc.

Walmart is sort of the social get together place for locals. They know where to go. K-Mart selection is much more limited.

That being said, there is a "season" in Walmarts in Hawaii for some items. You will find the bathing suit and beach accessory selection more plentiful in the Spring and Summer months.

They use their Seasonal department for Holiday items just like most stores at this time of year.

I'm not saying that you won't be able to find a bathing suit or chair etc but the selection will be down then. I once got the last umbrella in January.

You'll be able to find a stock of all of the items elsewhere on the islands too but the prices can be really marked up.

Sample prices I've paid $5-15 beach chair, $10-25 umbrella, boogie board $15up, snorkel gear $15-20up, cooler $5up, $5up reef shoes, flip-flops $2up, bathing suit $20up, coverup dress $10up, hawaiian shirt $10up. These prices are all for lowend quality of course. If you need a professional snorkel mask it will cost more.

ABC stores (like 7-11s)are fairly cheap and convenient for smaller items too. Compare prices with Walmart. Whalers are more expensive.

I can't imagine hauling anything along but a good snorkel if I had the room in my bag.

Have a great trip!

Mele Kalikimaka