Kauai is my happy place. We’ve been traveling to Kauai every other year since 2019 as a family.
More specifically, Hanalei, Kauai is my true happy place. But put me on the island and I am usually happy as a sea turtle sun bathing on Poipu Beach.
For our family of four, the preparation for traveling to Kauai can feel a bit tedious. Though it’s no secret to enjoy paradise it takes just a bit of work.
We stay at the Bali Hai Princeville, which allows us to have a three-suite condo with a full kitchen, washer and dryer, and great lanai which makes the overall costs a bit more reasonable.
Planning for meals, activities and a week’s worth of fun takes a bit of planning because if you’re trying to save some money you’re planning on taking quite a few things with you.
We booked a day pass to the Royal Sonesta Kauai, you should too
What To Bring When Traveling to Kauai?
Our third and most recent trip was in May of 2023. It was a triple bonus as we celebrated Mother’s Day, our son’s 7th birthday and my dad’s (well he’d rather not say) birthday. Ha!
In the lead up to leaving, we hit Amazon for some much needed items that no doubt help make the trip better. If you’ve ever been to Kauai, or Hawaii in general, you know things are spendy!
So everything from water shoes, to sunscreen (Hawaii compliant), to bug spray and cooler backpacks were on our list to purchase in advance. Everything I listed below is exactly what we purchased and took with us. It all held up great and we’re still using them long since we’ve been back home.
Flip Flops – Why do I take two pairs of flip flops? Locals are amazing for the beach and anywhere where they could get wet. They are fast drying and made with a rubber sole that allows them be durable but made for a variety of surfaces. When Rainbow’s get wet they can start bleed the sandal color onto your feet and over time with more water can make them not as flexible. So both travel to Kauai with me.
- Rainbow Sandals Men’s Leather Double Layer with Arch Wide Strap
- Locals Original Style Flip Flop Sandals
Water Shoes – Hiking to special beaches like Hideaways Beach or doing some kayaking or even visiting Queen’s Bath, having water shoes is key. Durable to protect your feet but made to get wet, these shoes are exactly what you need the more active you plan to be.
Backpack Cooler – Want to bring your own picnic or beverages on your excursions? The Tourit backpack cooler is the perfect way to keep your items cold and ready to eat. Fits well, stays insulated and can also carry a few other items, we found it to be incredibly helpful. Quick recommendation, don’t use ice, use ice packs. You’ll be happier that way. We’ve used multiple times since returning home as well!
Sunglasses – I’ve long been a fan of RayBan’s New Wayfarer sunglasses. I’ve owned multiple pairs in different colors because they are the shades that most compliment my face. I somehow held onto one pair for over nine years! That is until I lost them riding the waves in the Pacific Ocean on this most recent trip to Hanalei Bay.
Sunscreen/Bug Spray – Sun and bugs are two givens in Kauai. Mosquitoes are prevalent, especially at dusk. You know, the perfect time to be outside on the lanai watching the sunset and enjoying dinner. Bug spray is a big help and will help keep you bite free.
Also, sunscreen is a must. The worst sunburn I’ve ever had came from a cloudy day on the Big Island of Hawaii. I thought I’d be fine but boy was I wrong. It was a miserable experience and now when I’m out in the sun, I’m covered at all times. Due to the tropical waters and important sea life, Hawaii passed a law banning sunscreens with coral-harming chemicals. This means any sunscreen you buy in Kauai will be compliant but if you bring some over (which is cheaper) make sure you get one that is Reef Act safe.
- Sun Bum Original SPF 50 Sunscreen| Vegan and Hawaii 104 Reef Act Compliant Broad Spectrum Moisturizing UVA/UVB
- OFF! FamilyCare Insect & Mosquito Repellent Spritz, Unscented Bug spray with Aloe-Vera, 7% Deet
Rash Guard – Speaking of staying out of the sun, I am always wearing a rash guard. I’ve worn a variety of different brands, and have even purchased a few in Hawaii. Comfort and fit are key as they all seem to be just slightly different from each other. I usually always wear a long sleeve one for maximum protection.
Getting It All to Kauai
We typically fly Alaska Airlines or Hawaiian Airlines since they have the most direct routes for us in the Pacific Northwest. But because of luggage fees, we typically try to squeeze everything into just two suitcases. Amazingly we can pack a family of four into two large suitcases and stay under the 50lb limit. We also capitalize on carry-ons and everyone has their own backpack stuffed with extras.
As our boys have grown, we need to take fewer things and the place we stay has a washer and dryer so we can use that to our advantage. Still taking a few key items will be a big cost saver than buying at an ABC store or anywhere else on the island.
The Hawaii Trip Essentials
When traveling to Kauai, planning ahead and making a few key purchases in advance will go a long way to keeping your budget in line and knowing that you’re getting what you want.
No matter if you’re staying at a hotel resort, an Airbnb, time share or with family, for the most part these essentials will serve you well on your trip.
Plan ahead, save some money and be ready for an amazing time in paradise. You’ll be planning your next trip before you leave.
Click the links below to go straight to our Kauai (or any Hawaiian island) essentials.
This is not a sponsored post, all opinions are my own. I may receive compensation from advertisements when you click on links to those products on this page.
