What to pack
 

We're going to Maui next month and we are wondering how to pack/what to bring in terms of clothes (two adults, two kids). We're thinking of taking a couple of T-shirts, a couple of pairs of shorts, and one long pair of light weight pants each. What do you bring?

Hi Lee!! <BR><BR>My husband and I came back from Maui in Dec following a 10 day stay. I overpacked and I am glad that I did because you will need alot of different outfits. It all depends on what you are planning to do. You need a couple of swimsuits (i brought 5), a sarong, sunhat, sandals and comfy shoes for sightseeing, sundresses for day and evening (definately if you are going to a nice dinner etc), tank tops and tees.Maui is pretty laid back but it helps to have lots of choices for everyday.The long pants are a good idea-have your husband bring a collared polo shirt just in case you go for a nice dinner.When we were there (early Dec) the weather was perfect-80's and sunny. Have a great time!!

Lee:<BR><BR>When I go to a subtropical climate, I always wear cotton, silk and linen, then pick a neutral color scheme (beige, black, white) and mix that color with lime, coral, turquoise. That way you can have alot of different outfits from just a few tops and bottoms.<BR><BR>

What's wrong with taking 5 swimsuits for a ten day stay? I always take at least seven or eight.

Colleen, overpacking means taking to much. You obviously brought enough so you didn't overpack.<BR><BR>I take 5 or 6 bathing suits myself. Yuck, that would be gross wearing the same on over and over.

well folks, I guess we are all different..?...geeezz why does everyone have to be so sarcastic..I am only about 3 bathing suit person...If someone else wants to bring 7 or 8.. thats their choice:)

I take two. One to wear and one to dry, but I use them for swimming

You guys are pathetic-i simply gave Lee some good advice regarding her post and I get flack over packing too many swimsuits??FYI-so what if I brought 5 swimsuits?? You need different outfits for every day of the vacation.We stay at the Ritz Carlton or the Four Seasons so need I say more.

Why would you need a different outfit for every day of your vacation ??<BR>And what does staying at the Ritz Carlton or the Four Seasons have to do with it ?<BR><BR>I detect a little snobbery here !!

Gee, I didn't realize that the folks at the Ritz Carlton or the Four Seasons would keep track of your outfits every day! God forbid you wore that skirt on Tuesday and are wearing it again today!<BR><BR>Last I checked, both of these hotels, along with a slew of others, offer excellent cleaning services. I suggest you pack light. Less luggage to haul at the airport and you'll have room in your suitcase for purchases.

It's called mix-and-match, like Stephanie said. How many people are you going to see again when you leave the Ritz or Four Seasons?

My how defensive we all are-pack what you like and I will pack as I see fit. In the grand scheme of things who really cares-we all have different vacation experiences.FYI-resort clothing tends not too be too bulky in suitcases(who only brings one suitcase to Hawaii anyway).Cottons, jerseys and swimsuits don't take up much space so you have plenty of room for your purchases from Gucci and Louis Vuitton.I am bored of this post.....,

Thanks, Colleen. I'm not sure why certain people on this board enjoy being so mean-spirited either. I guess it's easy being a cyber bully/jerk because no one can really do anything about it. It takes some effort for these folks to submit sarcastic replies, so we know it's willful negativity on their part. Thanks to the people who answered with helpful advice, whether other people agree with it or not, the hell with those of you who enjoy being mean. We have too much of that in this world already.

Right on Girlfriend!!!<BR>Honestly, it doesn't matter what you pack-you are going to Maui and are going to have a fabulous time!!!Cheers!!

If you're going to do the Haleakala sunrise thing you'd better have some WARM clothing. Even if not, I suggest a very light showerproof jacket, it does rain in the spring, even last May we had one whole day of solid rain. <BR>The quantities depend on whether you want to use laundry facilities while there (condo or hotel services) or cart it all home ready-to-wash! Also remember you'll inevitably be buying T-shirts etc when there too. You'll have a great trip I'm sure, need someone to carry your bags :) ?

Lee - We have been to Maui twice with our two boys, (5 nights, 6 days) all I can tell you if you are staying in a Condo, pack light you can wash. I would rather throw a load of wash while relaxing in the evening then lug a huge suit case. (Plus gives you more room to take stuff back!) If you are staying at a hotel you might have to pack a little more if you dont want to stand at the coin operated machines in lobby of hotel. Two swimsuits is plenty. One nice pair of sandles and pair or flip flops for pool and beach. One casual short outfits for each of you for each day is plenty. We never did wear pants/jacket/tennis shoes except on plane. Sundress/skirt/sarong <BR>are all great options. Hats for all of you and good sun screen. The BEST thing we bought for our boys while we were their the first day were - &quot;Rash Guards&quot;. We bought them on the way from the airport at K-mart $14.99, they are really light lycra short sleeved shirts that you see the surfers wear. They were great - kids wore them in ocean and pool, really saved them from sun burns and sand burns while playing in the ocean. Have fun!!!

I agree with rg - she gave some good advice. I've been to Maui over 10 times &amp; what I pack does depend on where I'm staying &amp; what I'm planning to do. Some of you need to get a life!! Does it make you feel better about yourself by being mean &amp; sarcastic to others?

I'm interested in the swimsuit aspect of this. How many swimsuits do you all own?<BR><BR>Me, I own two and I always thought that was enough! When one wears out I buy another. Now I hear that wearing the same one over and over is gross!<BR><BR>Incidentally I took both to Hawaii - to wear every other day while the other one was drying. Personally I found that to be plenty.

I have about 15 bathing suites that I wear. One of the reasons I have so many is that I live at the beach. The second reason is that I only buy them after Labor Day when they are deeply discounted. I usually pay under $15 for very nice swimwear that retails for around $100. If I paid regular price, I wouldn't own two.

Pack a hat and sunscreen, SPF 45.<BR><BR>Went out to dinner a lot but nobody wore pants. DH took shirt with collar, I took summer dresses for dinner. Kids took 1 outfit of shorts and shirts for each day plus each of us took a couple of swim suits. We wore all our clothes.<BR><BR>The only time we wore warmer clothes was on the plane.

I was the one that started (unwillingly i might add) regarding the swimsuit controversy. How many swimsuits a person needs is pretty much an individual preference.Like shoes or handbags etc, i like to have different options when I go on vacation. I like bikinis, sexy one pieces, tankinis etc.I love fashion so of course I like alot of different suits. Having 1 or 2 0r 3 is perfectly fine-it depends what you do on your vacation.You won't want to wear your teensy bikini for surfing or some water sports etc and that was my point on the original post-bring extras (or not)because you never know what you will be doing.

I don't know about the others who reacted negatively to Colleen's posts, but for my part I have a problem with her statements informing people that they &quot;need&quot; a different outfit for every day of vacation, and they &quot;need&quot; several swimsuits. If she had said she prefers to have a different outfit everyday, I suspect fewer people would have reacted as they did. It's the know-it-all, my way is the only correct way attitude that is offensive. Personally, I only &quot;need&quot; one swimsuit, but I prefer to take 2 or 3 and I definitely don't need different outfits for each day of vacation no matter where I'm staying or what I'm doing. To the original poster - what you suggest sounds fine. That's about what I take, plus a sweater for cool evenings if you are going in winter and maybe a sundress. Have fun.

Colleen,<BR><BR>I agree, I am a lot like you. I am very into fashion and what I look like. I like to take care of myself. You always have to bring plenty of cute shoes and bathing suits(String Bikinis,Bikinis, one peices, takinis, different colors etc etc...) of course.

I have done the &quot;guy thing&quot; by just taking the bare necessities (sp?) and I am usually very disappointed. <BR><BR>You only carry (or roll) the luggage for a short while anyway so if you pack a cute dress and that extra pair of sandals and an extra swimsuit that you might or might not wear - so what.<BR><BR>So take what you want and enjoy!

FYI to &quot;Watchyourtone&quot;-girl you read way too much into things.I didn't say they &quot;need&quot; to bring many swimsuits as some sort of know it all. It was SIMPLY (and only that) a suggestion to someone who ASKED WHAT TO PACK and based on my recent trip to Maui I gave her an idea of my experiences. Personally I don't care how many swimsuits you all pack.I will enjoy my yearly trips to Maui and wear all the swimsuits I want-oh my god people what a tragedy that will be. Get a life....

Colleen,<BR>I agree 100%. It is important to look nice.

Thanks Loris for GETTING the intent of my post. Finally someone who understands!!! We should meet up in Maui next time and show off our fabulous swimsuits.My husband LOVES all the bikini's I wear!!

Colleen, don't feel bad for wanting to look nice at the resort. <BR><BR>I cringe when I see all those people in t-shirts that are a craft project, fanny packs, and those fugly ked sneakers.

Colleen,<BR><BR>My fiance also loves my bathing suits, we should meet up in Maui. I just Laugh at what Bikini is saying. Its so true. I hate to say it but its the truth, A persons first impression of you is how you look and what you are wearing.

Bikini girl you rock!!! Finally all of the fashionistas of the world are speaking out!!! Everyone is entitled to look however they like-don't knock the people who take pride it their appearance.Besides who would all the guys on the beach look at if it wasn't for us.... Cheers Bikini Girl!

Hey Colleen and Bikini Girl, I love what you have to say. I think that it is great that we take pride in making ourselves look good for the opposite sex. Even though we are all hitched it still feels great to have others gentlemen look our way. It lets us know we still got it.

I just don't think we should have to apologize for what we wear.<BR><BR>If I want to pack a steamer trunk, it fits airline weight regulations, and wear 50 outfits over a weekend, what business is it of anyone elses?<BR><BR>I don't take fashion advice from anyone.<BR><BR>Thanks for the replies.

Yep Bikini Girl, there is nothing more repulsive than someone wearing a t-shirt with puff paint on it and a fanny pack. People should really step out of the eighties.

What would we ever do without bikinis? I would just be sad.

Bathing suits, Bathing Suits, Bathing suits, I cant wear them.

I'd don't see the point to arguing with someone who likes to bring swimsuits, even bikinis. I like bringing a wardrobe of bikini &amp; one-pieces to bring to the beach. There is nothing more annoying than only bring 2 swimsuits and having to wash them out everyday.

OK Stephanie, how long does it take to wash out a swimsuit?<BR><BR>I don't recall being annoyed washing out my 2 swimsuits!

Now I'm really confused. I own two suits -- one for sunning, one for chlorine pools. Each time I wear one, I wash it out and hang it up to dry. That must be where my annoyance comes from. (Mystery solved!)<BR>