Packing tips for bringing your Family to Volcano
When you think of Hawaii, you may picture white beaches with beautiful blue water and palm trees hanging overhead. While some of Hawaii is like this, our chain of islands has many different ecosystems. The Big Island is home to some of the most magnificent volcanoes in the world. The higher in elevation you go, the more different your surroundings look.
When your family stays with us at our Volcano bed and breakfast, you will be surrounded by a high elevation rainforest. To make your trip as successful as possible, we want to give you tips on what to wear in Hawaii, outside of your swimsuit of course. Read on to learn about how your family can be prepared.
What to wear in Hawaii: Understanding Hawaii’s Climate
Located at 3,750 feet above sea level, Volcano experiences distinct weather patterns influenced by its elevation. The higher altitude brings cooler temperatures compared to coastal areas, with frequent shifts throughout the day. Volcano’s microclimates create diverse zones, from lush rainforests to barren volcanic landscapes. Travelers should dress accordingly to navigate these variations comfortably. At the 14,000 foot summit of Mauna Loa, winter temperatures and even snow can occur at any point during the year.
In lower elevations, expect warmer temperatures and higher humidity, necessitating breathable clothing. As you ascend, temperatures drop, requiring layers for insulation. By packing strategically with adaptable clothing options, visitors can enjoy the full spectrum of Volcano’s landscapes while staying comfortable and prepared for sudden weather changes. This ensures a memorable and enjoyable experience amidst the unique beauty of Hawaii’s volcanic terrain.
Essential Packing List for Volcano, HI
To make it easy for your family, we’ve provided an extensive list of essential items to pack on your next trip to Volcano.
What to wear in Hawaii: Clothing
Knowing what to wear in Hawaii is important. Lightweight and breathable fabrics are best. Dressing in and bringing layers on your hikes will make it a successful trip.
- Rain jacket
- Light fleece sweater or jacket
- Long sleeve breathable hiking shirt (to protect from bugs and the sun)
- Hiking pants (ideally those that zip off into shorts)
- Moisture wicking socks (pack and extra pair on your hike in case your feet get wet)
- Knit cap for volcano summits
What to wear in Hawaii: Footwear
When hiking in Volcanoes National Park, the lava rocks are very hard and sometimes sharp. We advise bringing protective footwear that will keep you upright.
- Hiking boots or running shoes – no flip flops on your hikes!
- House slippers/shoes
In Hawaii, it is traditional for folks to take their shoes off whenever they return home. Not only is it a cultural practice, but it helps minimize sand and dirt in the homes. Slippers can be a good option to wear indoors.
The rainforest has lots of bugs. In grassy areas, it may be tempting to run or walk barefoot, but centipedes are known to frequent these areas. So, avoid being barefoot outdoors.
Sun Protection
- Sun hat
- Polarized sunglasses
- Reef-friendly sun block
Practical Gear
- Day pack for hiking (between 20-30L is a good size)
- Hiking poles
- Bug repellent
- Reusable water bottles or a bladder
- Snacks for energy!
- Maps of the area (download on your phone or pick up at the nearest Visitor Center)
First Aid Kit
There are really no dangers in Hawaii, except for certain sea creatures like jellyfish and sharks. The extent of damage may be as simple as tripping over a root in the rainforest or a bug bite. A first aid kit should include all these essentials:
- Band-Aids
- Antiseptic wipes
- Medications (NSAIDs, Benadryl, anti-nausea)
- Gauze
- Hand sanitizer
- Tape
- Anti-itch cream
Family-Friendly Items
When traveling with kids, it’s important to keep them entertained! The beautiful surroundings of our rainforest should keep them mostly occupied, but when there’s down time, consider these things:
- Books
- Coloring books
- Journals
- Games (cards pack the best)
- Small toys or stuffed animals
Baby Items
- Diapers
- Wipes
- Portable changing mat
- Baby carrier backpack
To make the trip just as enjoyable for new parents, our Volcano bed and breakfast offers baby packs and play sets for babies and toddlers available upon request. There are also local businesses, like Baby Quip, that rent items like strollers, highchairs, and car seats for your trip overseas. No need to fret about trekking bulky items!
Packing Strategies
Packing smartly for a Big Island vacation is crucial depending on all that you want to take part in. A rental car is very convenient (and necessary) to have to move freely around the island. Sometimes, due to limited space in rental cars, you may not have all the space you’d like to fit everyone’s luggage, bag, beach and hiking essentials, etc.
For some, packing can be stressful. Whether this is your first vacation or you’re an expert traveler, everyone wants to easily tote around their luggage. Now that you know what to wear in Hawaii and what to pack, now we’ll explain how to pack.
Packing Cubes
Lightweight, zippered fabric cubes or pouches are great for keeping your family organized. Cubes can help categorize items like clothing, accessories, and toiletries, and can be color coordinated. They are stackable and compact.
Roll vs. Fold
There are different methods of packing clothes. Rolling clothes can help reduce wrinkles and save a lot of space in your luggage. Rolled clothes can also be fit into packing cubes or even the insides of your shoes!
Folding clothes is a better choice if you intend to wear more formal clothing. When folding, make sure to begin on a flat, clean surface and fold in sleeves. Be careful to not crease the clothing where you don’t want wrinkles.
Sharing the Load
For shared items like sun block, first aid kit, and toys, it would be wise to split up gear amongst all family members. Maybe someone packs lighter than another – they may have space for more of the shared gear.
Engaging kids in the packing process can be a wonderful learning experience for them. Giving them guidance on what to bring is key. But allow them to make their own decisions about what to bring as well. After all, it’s a vacation for them, too!
Other Travel Tips
Create a Travel Journal
An excellent way to hold onto the memories of your trip is with a travel journal. Encourage everyone in your family to write down each day’s events and to document their experience. This can be done through words or illustrations.
Dietary Needs
The local cuisine on the southern part of the Big Island is excellent with many options to choose from. If anyone in your family has dietary preferences or restrictions, make sure to research and contact restaurants to get the scoop of what is or isn’t available. Here at our Big Island bed and breakfast, we will happily accommodate specific diets including gluten free and vegan.
Be Flexible
And lastly, the best advice we can give before your vacation is to be flexible! The ability to adapt is an important skill; not everything will go according to plan, and that’s okay. Having a plan to begin your trip is crucial so your family can land on both feet once you arrive. However, things can change due to weather, illness, or simply based on interest. If a different activity seems more fitting for your family, go for it! Embrace the adventure of Volcano, HI and all its unexpected moments.
Now, you are ready for your Big Island getaway. Stay with us at the Volcano Village Lodge and we will ensure a successful trip. Give your family the vacation of a lifetime. Book now!