Hawaii, USA
Light, breathable fabrics like cotton, linen, or moisture-wicking synthetics are ideal for comfort in warm, humid conditions. These materials dry quickly, a benefit after swimming or if caught in a brief shower.
Hawaii generally is a relaxed dress code; swimwear suits beaches and pools. Resorts and finer dining establishments may have a "resort casual" dress code for dinner. This usually means collared shirts or neat t-shirts for men, and tasteful dresses, skirts, or slacks for women. Swimsuits, bare chests, and overly revealing clothing are generally not permitted in dining areas.
Flip-flops or sandals suit lounging and short walks to the water. Comfortable walking sandals or Sneakers are ideal for Lanai City and resort wear.
Sturdy closed-toe shoes or hiking sandals (e.g., Keen Newport H2 Sandals) are necessary for unpaved roads and trails like Munro Trail or Garden of the Gods. Ankle support helps on uneven ground.
Water shoes (e.g., Quick-Dry Water Shoes) are useful for rocky beaches or exploring tide pools, shielding feet from sharp coral or rocks and providing traction.
Maintain both physical and digital copies of all your important documents.
Hawaii follows the same electrical standards as the rest of the United States: Type A and B sockets, 120 V, 60 Hz. International travelers need a Universal travel adapter (e.g., Universal Travel Adapter) to plug in devices. If devices are not dual-voltage, a Voltage converter will protect from damage.
A reliable camera (e.g., Mirrorless Camera Kit) is great for capturing Lanai's diverse landscapes. A Wide-angle lens works well for expansive landscapes, while a Telephoto lens helps with wildlife observations. A Waterproof camera (e.g., GoPro HERO12 Black) excels for snorkeling or other beach activities.
Google Maps or Apple Maps. Download offline maps for Lanai before your trip, as cell service can be unreliable in many areas.
NOAA Weather Radar or local Hawaiian weather apps. Airline apps for flight status and mobile boarding passes.
Resort apps for amenities. Google Translate (download offline languages). Yelp for local business reviews. Note: Uber/Lyft do not operate on Lanai.
Preparation for health matters, especially given Lanai's limited local medical resources. A well-stocked personal health kit addresses common travel ailments and minor injuries.
Sun protection is paramount given Hawaii's high UV index. Insect repellent is also useful, especially if hiking or spending time in vegetated areas.
A Lightweight hiking daypack (e.g., Osprey Daylite Plus Backpack) for water, snacks, and layers. A Water bladder for your Backpack (e.g., Water Bladder for Backpack Hydration) or a reusable water bottle.
Mask, snorkel, fins (e.g., Cressi Snorkel Set). A Dry bag (e.g., Waterproof Dry Bag) safeguards electronics, towels, and valuables at the beach or on boat trips.
Golf attire, golf shoes. Clubs are available for rent at the courses. High-quality golf clubs are available for rent at The Challenge at Manele and The Experience at Koele golf courses. The Four Seasons resorts offer beach chairs/umbrellas for guests at Hulopoe Bay.
Small, often overlooked items significantly improve comfort, convenience, and security during your trip.
Opt for reusable items to reduce waste and stay hydrated on the go.
A detailed, printed map of Lanai's roads and trails due to spotty cell service in remote areas.
For exploring unlit areas or nighttime emergencies; streetlights are absent in many areas.
For scrapes/cuts, especially from jagged kiawe thorns prevalent off-road.
Even on dry Lanai, mosquitoes appear after rain or in vegetated areas.
Pack light to avoid unexpected fees. Mokulele Airlines flights, which connect to Lanai, have strict baggage weight limits due to the small size of their aircraft.
Overpacking can lead to additional charges or the need to leave items behind, so plan your packing strategy carefully.
