What To Pack: The Big Island
Hawai’i is a favorite place to vacation—with lots of sunshine, clear waters, and sandy beaches, it’s a true haven of relaxation. Here are some things you must not forget to pack if you are going on vacation to Hawai’i Island, or Big Island, which is—you guessed it!—the biggest island in Hawai’i. Remember that you don’t need to pack too much—the weather on Big Island is usually warm, so you won’t need lots of layers.
Mosquito spray
Unfortunately, although mosquitoes are not native to the Hawai’ian islands, they are now present in quite significant numbers and have caused outbreaks of Zika, dengue, and Chikungunya in the past. To stave off the danger of being bitten by a mosquito, always carry mosquito-repellent spray with you and wear long sleeves and long pants if you are planning to be near a body of still water.
The good news is that mosquitoes are not usually found near the coast, so if you spend all your time at the beach, you’ll be fine!
A Diving Torch
One of the best things about Kona—the largest part of Big Island and where you will probably fly to and from—is that at night, giant manta rays come to feed very close to the shore. Some Kona hotels sit right near the coastline and will organize for you to go snorkeling or scuba diving with the manta rays. Since these imposing animals only come to shore to feed at night, don’t forget to pack a good-quality diving torch to make your experience better!
Hiking shoes
Although Big Island is probably best known for its beaches, there are also plenty of epic hiking trails for all levels, which will take you through the rainforest, along sandy beaches, to majestic waterfalls, and even in and out of volcanic craters! Given the heat and the humidity that you will encounter on many of these hikes, don’t forget to pack a pair of hiking shoes that are breathable and lightweight but still waterproof. If you would like to tackle the cliffs and volcanoes but are unsure how well you will do hiking uphill, consider packing a pair of lightweight hiking poles, which will make both your ascent and your descent much more manageable.
Water shoes
One of the best features of Big Island is that you can easily access beautiful coral reefs. However, this does come with the downside that there will be sharp pieces of coral on the seabed. To avoid painful scratches, pack a pair of tough water shoes. Choose ones that dry quickly so you never have to be without, and make sure they have enough grip on the sole that you won’t slip on the rocks or on a wet deck.
Bonus tip: water shoes are also great for surfing. If you have never surfed before, your Big Island vacation might be the perfect occasion to try a new sport out! Kahaluʻu in Kona is a great spot for beginners.
