What to pack for Kauai
 

We leave for Kauai in one week! :D

I'm packing lots of shorts & t-shirts, a couple of bathing suits, and a sundress for a "nicer" dinner.

What else should I pack to wear? I"m just kinda confused what to wear for warm weather with lots of passing showers. Do I need some kind of sweatshirt and/or a jacket? What about a portable umbrella?

I don't think I would need jeans for anything. I really prefer shorts. I hope I won't be too cold.

Hi MaiTaiMary, another item you should probably pack is somekind of a sweater or something as I often had a problem with restaurants (when eating inside) being too cold because of the airconditioning. I have never taken an umbrella. I agree, you do not need jeans. If you want something besides shorts and a sundress you might consider a couple of pairs of capri's that go with the tshirts you are bringing.

Have a beautiful trip!

You may need jeans or long pants if you are taking a horseback riding tour, as they required long pants and closed toe shoes.

Or you may need a pair of jean if you take an ATV tour...they don't require long pants, but you may want to wear them to keep from burning your leg on the exhaust..and, I think probably tennis shoes for that also

Plus, MTM, it seems that I wore jeans for the no doors helicopter adventure.

You'll probably want something warmer for on the plane anyway. I usually wear a lightweight cardigan sweater (black silk knit) and black cotton knit capri pants. They do double duty if things are breezy or cool on the trip.

I never bother with an umbrella and you can buy a cheap plastic rain poncho if the need arises.

Shorts!!! I'm bringing lots of shorts and one pair of slacks which I will wear only under duress.

Is there anywhere on Kauai or Oahu where you must wear slacks/no shorts??? ((b))

No jeans but I usually take a light hooded jacket/windbreaker to Kauai even though the rain storms are pretty warm, even on the north shore. I usually pack a few shorts/causual sundresses and a "nicer" sundress for dinner (and end up wearing the same favorite shorts and sundress the entire time) :) One other thing, are you planning to do any sort of hiking/trail walking, etc? If so, keep in mind that the trails (especially the Napali coast trails on the north shore that are must do's in my mind) have lots of Kauai red mud that stains so I always bring either a pair of hiking/tennis shoes that I don't care about being red and/or a good sturdy pair of hiking sandels (like Keenes or Teva's, etc)...

ditto on the cardigan. Also, once you're there you may want to get a sarong, it's nice if you're going to do beach hopping and want a quick and easy cover up.

Or....pack just the essentials in an oversized suitcase and go shopping and buy all the cute dresses and shorts you see!!!

Don't make the mistake I made and overpack. Depending on what you have planned you probably won't need much clothing. I wore a bathing suit with shorts and a long sleeve terry hooded jacket every day. When we went out to dinner I wore capris and a shirt. Don't worry about the passing showers. We never needed an umbrella and it was never cold when it rained. The only time you might get chilled is at some of the indoor restaurants with A/C. If you're planning an ATV tour bring some old tennis shoes, long pants and a shirt.

annahead, I'm going to copy/paste this and send it to my wife -- I just know I'll be lugging the "kitchen sink" along with me to Kauai. ((a)) ((b))

That's funny Budman, my husband refused to help me with my luggage. Which was good because I learned my lesson. I barely passed the 50 lb limit with my suitcase last year, so you know I was struggling. Next week when I pack for Maui I'm only bringing my carry-on case and a backpack!

I have to laugh when the airlines instituted the 50 pound rule -- we were at the Continental ticket counter moving "stuff" from her suitcase to mine. ((a)) ((b))

Budman, copy the entire post instead of just the stuff about overpacking!

Especially copy the one from Mary2Go, I like her suggestion of just buying cute things once you get there.

I have been putting my Hawaii clothing in and out of my suitcase for a month now. I will invariably overpack even tho I know better and won't use half of what I take.

Plus, Budman, that was nice of you to help her change suitcases at the airport. The last time my suitcase was over and the real icee's was way under, he just rolled his eyes all the way to the top of his head, gave me the look and handed the Amex card to the ticket agent! I guess he was afraid of what might be on top for everyone to see!!!!

And, MTM and Budman's better half, there is a neat shop called Tropical Tantrum. They have 2 locations on Kauai. Budman, bring your wife early to the GTG and I will show her exactly where it is..Within walking distance of the condos we are staying in!!!!!:D:D:D

It's only 17 more days now until ((r))((r))((r))s

Don't bring "lots of shorts and T-shirts" for one week!!!!

As suggested above, wear longer pants and a light sweater or fleece on the plane. Don't bring any more than 2 of anything- better one pair shorts, 2 T's, 2 swimsuits. If you need any more stuff, there are tons of shops selling great casual clothes and swimsuits.

Now, we don't want to give her any ideas, do we?? ((a))

28 days and a wake up. ((r)) Save some fun for me. ((b))

My suitcase was 24" and weighed 26 lbs. last trip to Oahu in February. I used everything I took and it was a very generous wardrobe. This included 3 bathing suits, 3 sarongs, 2-3 each shorts, t-shirts, tank tops, sleeveless blouses, capri pants, and 4 pair or shoes/sandals (i'm not a sundress type), even a beach towel and straw hat. I just can't imagine needing TWICE that much stuff (i.e., a 50 lb. suitcase)!!!!

Smile mandatory...clothing optional. :-"

We're going for two weeks, and while I am generally a very light packer, I still need a lot of stuff for 2 weeks! I don't think that either of our hotels have laundry facilities, but I guess we can always visit the laundromat.

Thanks for all of the suggestions.

We're going to be gone over 2 weeks, so I think I need to pack accordingly.

Probably long pants on the airplane, but noooo sweater for me. I'm always roasting on the airplane!

Shopping is a chore for me .. . not something I want to spend a fun vacation doing.

No ATV or horseback riding this trip, so I'll leave the jeans at home.

Sounds like I need to find a cute sundress and I'll be set! :D