The good news is that deciding what to pack for your Kauai vacation is going to be far easier than you thought, especially when it comes to clothing. Kauai is typically low-key and relaxed with shorts, tanks and t-shirts the order of the day.
Guests at Ali’i Kai Resort have washer/dryers in their condos making it much easier to pack lightly. Which is great if you don’t want to check bags. If you’re staying elsewhere, find out what laundry options are available.
Clothing (for her and him)
- Two bathing suits – based on the wear one and wash one principle.
- Shoes – flip-flops, smarter sandals and closed-toe sneakers or shoes that you don’t mind getting covered in Kauai’s red mud. If you are planning to hike, bring your trail shoes with you. You can leave your high heels and dress shoes at home. You might also consider a pair of mesh water shoes.
- Shorts/t-shirts and tanks – make sure they are in breathable, natural fabrics such as cotton, linen or rayon.
- Hat – keep your head protected.
- Windbreaker rain jacket – always have this to hand and when the showers come, and they will, you’ll be prepared.
- Long, light-weight pants – these will be helpful if you’re going into more jungle-like country.
- Sunglasses – consider bringing two pairs with you.
- A dress or two – choose ones that will work as a beach cover-up during the day and as a dressier outfit during the evening.
- Sarong – if dresses aren’t your thing, a sarong can be a life-saver.
Additional items to pack for your Kauai vacation
- Motion sickness tablets – to really discover Kauai at some point you are either going to be on or in the water, or flying above it. Be prepared and don’t let motion sickness ruin your day or stop you doing something.
- Reef-friendly sunscreen – it might be cloudy and rainy, but that sun packs a punch. Make sure you apply it before you leave your condo or hotel, and keep applying it during the day.
- Water bottle – dehydration can ruin your vacation so make sure you carry a water bottle with you at all times. It’s also much more environmentally friendly and cost effective than buying plastic bottles.
- Mask and snorkel – there are some great opportunities to snorkel during your vacation so bring your own with you.
- Waterproof case – perfect for protecting your phone.
- Backpack – whether you use it for a trip to the beach or filled with essentials for a hike, a simple backpack will make life much easier.
- Mosquito repellent – if you can bear it, try to use one with DEET. Or maybe purchase a mosquito wristband if you want to avoid chemical sprays.
- Portable charger – make sure your phone doesn’t run out of power at the end of the day and take a portable charger with you.
- Kindle – relaxing on the beach or around the swimming pool is just one of those things you have to do on your Kauai vacation. Bring your Kindle and catch up on all that reading you’ve promised to do.
- Guidebook – yes, we know everything is available online these days, but a good old-fashioned guidebook with maps everyone can scrutinize is still a great idea. If you don’t want to go down the book route, check out some of the apps.
What not to pack
- Heeled shoes and dressy outfits.
- Towels – you can buy cheap beach towels when you arrive. They are included with your Ali’i Kai Resort condo rental.
- Valuables.
- Cold-weather clothes – although you might want to bring a light jacket and a pair of jeans in case you feel the cold.
- Golf clubs – you can hire these when you arrive. Just ask your concierge or check online.
If you’d like more advice on what to pack for your vacation, whatever the destination, check out Her Packing List for some great tips and ideas.
Photo by Arnel Hasanovic on Unsplash
