• Packing for Hawaii should include gear for the sand and surf.giant breaking wave in hawaii image by NorthShoreSurfPhotos from Fotolia.com
  
  Island residents wear shorts, shirts and flip-flops much of the time, because Hawaii's humid, tropical weather renders superfluous clothing such as socks, long-sleeved shirts and long pants. There are a few items you'll want in the islands that might not be immediately obvious, however, and the last thing you want to do is have to pay Hawaii prices for something you need during your trip. So make a list and check it twice before you head off to the airport.
  
  

Clothing

• No Hawaii vacation is complete without time spent on the beach and in the ocean, so a swimsuit should be Number one on your packing list, and since they don't take up much room in your luggage, bring a second one along to wear while the first one is drying. After that, shorts and T-shirts should suffice, considering temperatures rarely stray from the 70s. Still, it's not a bad idea to bring along a light jacket or pullover, in case the breeze gets a bit chilly at night. Even the fancy restaurants in Hawaii don't require fancy clothes, so unless you've got a formal function planned, leave the suits, ties and formal dresses at home. Think instead of light, airy and comfortable outfits, such as the popular Aloha collared shirts with shorts for guys and sun dresses for girls.
  
  

Footwear

• You might think that a pair of flip-flops or sandals will be enough in Hawaii, and most of the time, it will be. However, if you do plan to get out and about beyond the sand and surf, you might want to consider packing a pair of athletic shoes and/or hiking boots, as well. Hawaii's islands have ample opportunities to stroll through markets and shopping centers, and comfortable shoes might come in handy for such outings. The islands also have miles of hiking trails with a variety of surfaces that will allow you to explore waterfalls, pools and stunning views of the tropics, and for many of these treks, athletic shoes or hiking boots could be ideal.
  
  

Miscellaneous

• You'll want a variety of items besides clothing and footwear, including sunscreen and sunglasses for that ever-present sunshine, a camera and/or video camera for all of Hawaii's picturesque views, a book or magazine to read while lounging on the beach and a water bottle. However, make sure to leave some space in your luggage to bring back island souvenirs, such as T-shirts, kona coffee and macadamia nuts.