hawaiimoon05

Hi everyone,

Is it important to only have carry on luggage for a trip to Hawaii? We are flying from NY and then are taking two island jumper flights, and I'm trying to jam 2 weeks of honeymoon stuff into a little stewardess-size bag to avoid checking luggage.

Also, for formal dinners (at 4 Seasons BI), Nick's Fishmarket, Princeville) should I wear a sundress, or is "Hawaii formal" even more casual then that?

Thank you!

Tiff

Hi H.moon,

I think the carry on luggage thing only you can answer. IMO, if you can get everything in a carry on, that is super, eliminates the risk of not getting your luggage. Not everyone can do that, but if you can, I'd say go that route.

As far as what to wear to dinner, I have always gone the sundress, or skirt and top route when in Hawaii. Be comfortable though, Hawaii is all about pleasure.

Have a wonderful time!

Aloha, T.

bonniebroad

hawaiimoon05, speaking for myself, I can't imagine taking only a carry-on for two weeks in Hawaii, but I know a couple of people who travel like that, and more power to them! I always take too much, only wear half of it, but in five trips to the islands, have never had any luggage problems that I can remember. I like to have all *my stuff*.... though I'm not nearly as bad as my sister who REALLY overpacks.

I wear muu-muus, sundresses or dressy slacks to ALL restaurants in Hawaii (it is VERY casual); you will see people wearing everything! Don't sweat it........ Have a wonderful trip!

turn_it_on

Okay, I swear by the $4 vacuum packing bags you can get at Target...they have a few different sizes...you fold your clothes, put them in the bag, seal it like a ziplock, then roll it up...there are vents at the bottom that the air escapes from, transforming a huge stack of clothes into a skinny little package! It's very cool, stuff ends up way less wrinkled than you would think, and you can get a shocking amount of stuff into a small bag this way.

Also, casual clothes are fine for even the fancy restaurants...the lighter you pack, the better, you'll feel more carefree...the first time we went, we looked at each other wondering why we thought we needed so much stuff. I've pared down greatly since then, just a few simple pieces, a few sarongs, tops, and light pants. And be a man and let go of the shoes, you don't need seven pairs in Hawaii!

love
roxy

iceeu2

Roxy...you need your tennis shoes, your hiking shoes, your sport sandals, your other sport sandals, your cute sandals, and your other walking shoes and your other cute sandals. That's exactly 7 pairs of necessary shoes!

moon05, if you can get 2 weeks of stuff into a small carry on, go for it..and good for you. I'm not that good of a packer, it takes me a small size carry on just for the make-up and medicines!!! You will understand one day when you have to cover up and medicate!

We packed a shared carry on with a short set each, a swim suit each and a pair of shoes each...our medicines and toiletries. The real icee will carry a back pack full of too much stuff..and we each have a suitcase...and then an extra bag for "stuff" to bring home.....

There are some great places to buy cute sundresses with matching shoes so you should be fine if you don't pack enough.

Wear what you want to dinner and are comfortable in...

Congratulations on your nups...

suze

I usually advocate packing light and personally take a 24" for 1-2 weeks in Hawaii (but I do check it thru not carry it on).

But heck it's your honeymoon... I'd want to take a bit more than my usual beach vacation stuff for dressing up in the evenings, etc.

The problem to my mind using the vacu-pack method mentioned above is your bag may be the same size and have more in it but it is way HEAVYIER! I prefer just packing the normal way. Fold neatly and layer into the suitcase.

turn_it_on

Yeah, that's true about the bag being heavier when you use the vacuum bags, but to me, not having to check a bag makes it worth it!

love
roxy

auntiemaria

We were surprised when, upon heading home to Kaua`i from Portland OR on Hawaiian Air just about a week ago, they were _weighing_ all carry-on bags. 25 lb max, per person.

This didn't happen when we departed from HNL, so we're kinda wondering if it's a very-recently implemented policy on Hawaiian Air now...

gyppielou

Happy Honeymoon! Unless I missed something here....I'm amazed no one has mentioned laundry. If your accomadations provide a washer/dryer then yes a jam packed carryon is doable. Otherwise, pack what you like and send your new husband to pick up the rental while you wait for luggage. You'll be out on the curb when he arrives! And you'll have all your shoes! Running shoes, hiking boots, flip flops, strappy evening sandals, walking sandals, reef shoes,,,,,,,,,,,

JenGT

Hi there! If you can pack for 2 weeks in a carry on bag do it! I could not even fit my shoes in a carry on bag, and I don't bring a ton of shoes. You can wear a sun dress or a cute top and pants to most restaurants. On my honeymoon I had one suitcase full of all my dresses and "nightware" that I got from my shower. I am always afraid of loosing my luggage also, this is our third trip from NJ and we have never had a problem. I have also had it suggested that I ship my stuff via fed ex to the hotel to be sure it gets there. You are my hero if you can get two weeks in to a carry on, have a great time!!

Marci_77

We went on our honeymoon to Hawaii in 01. Although I am doing carry on only on our trip to Europe, I didn't even consider it (or need to) on our Hawaii trip.
As for a sundress for dinner--definitely! We didn't dine at restaurants as formal as you mention and I always wore a sundress and most other women were as well.

hawaiimoon05

Thank you all so much - I tried it out last night - NO WAY can I fit everything. I must have been crazy to think I could. Checked luggage it is! I barely fit everything in the larger bag!

suze

Good move/decision!! And happy honeymooning. One tip I found for Hawaii (that is different than when I vacation in Mexico) ... if you have 2-3 swim suits, take 'em all! They don't dry as quickly as I'm used to and I hate shimmy-ing into damp suits!

enjoylife

Don't try to cram everything into one bag. It will cause you to spend more time ironing than waiting for your luggage. I actually take an extra empty bag to either put wet clothes in if I was swimming the day I left or for items I buy on the trip.

bonniebroad

enjoylife, you're cracking me up with your comment about ironing..... "It will cause you to spend more time ironing than waiting for your luggage." You couldn't pay me enough to iron when I'm on a trip in Hawaii ....... it will never happen! I would either not wear the clothes or wear them a little wrinkled!

justme22

just remember about what you can and can't carry on an airplane. one of the reasons i tend to check luggage now a days is because i like to use a metal nail file, if something like that is in your carry on, they can take it away and hastle you.

i also travel with hiking sticks, which would pass the test....

sharp manacure scissors in your bag. just do the "safety" check before you go and be prepared to have to open your suitcase more than once for an inspection it's random but it happens, even on interisland flights.

when i went to hawaii i ended up where only 2 or 3 of the same outfits because they fit the weather, comfort, etc. i just did the laundry and figured hey i'm on a new island, this outfit is new to these folks!!! enjoy

starrsville

Don't try to limit yourself to just a carry-on bag to Hawaii. It's your honeymoon. You're going to be gone for two weeks. You may end up wearing the same two casual outfits and two dressier outfits over and over again - but you'd probably be happier with more choices.

Casual is fine for the dinners but take your sundresses in case you want to dress up a bit. Your honeymoon IS a special occasion!

Do plan to buy something as a memento of your trip. I bought a Tommy Bahama handbag at the 4S gift shop (next to the tennis courts) that I probably wouldn't have splurged on at home. Every time I carry it I have a smile on my face. Great memory of a great trip.

Aloha and enjoy!

jacketwatch

Pretty hard to imagine two weeks of clothes in carry aboard. Hve you considered what you will need to return? I assume yo will be getting some trinkets. Congratulations!

girlonthego

I am very good at getting a week's worth of clothes in a carry on, but two weeks would be tough. My suggestion is to take your favorite things and swimsuits in the carry on and have your husband do the same. Than take one big throw on for the back of the plane with extras like sneakers and stuff. This way,if it is delayed, no big deal.

suze

Good point from girlonthego. I tuck a bathing suit and flip flops rolled in a sarong in the bottom of my carry-on bag. So should my luggage be delayed I can be waiting for it sunning myself by the hotel pool!