I really chose Hawaii because it was just so darn cheap with Southwest releasing their new flights to the islands. $50 inter-island plane tickets also were a helping deciding factor: a cheap way to see more of the state.

Here’s some things I’m so glad I had on hand:

• My PackTowel brand travel towel-it packs down to about 6 inches long and sand didn’t stick to it. Just some good shakes and off it came! Dried super fast so I could bounce from beach to beach.
• Aloe vera gel-it was soooo useful when I underestimated the strong Hawaiian sun.
• my North Face rain jacket-it rains a lot there and this kept the rain off me so well.
• my Osprey backpack-as a hiking pack, nothing beats it in room and holding my 2 L water bladder in total comfort.
• my New Outlander day pack-its small enough to explore the city but held everything I need. I am looking into a waterproof travel pack instead.
• Eye drops-these worked especially on the plane after very little sleep.

And if you don’t have naturally straight hair, you must bring some good hair gel and embrace the curly look. Or just wear it pinned up with a flower pin like everyone else does there. 😊

If you like the outdoors, learning about a different culture and different languages, beaches and adventure, Hawaii is the place for you.