Non-obvious packing for Hawaii

[Anonymous]

I wear glasses so bring a prescription-strength snorkel mask since I can't always count on the hotel or boat having one. This makes a huge difference in my enjoyment of snorkeling.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP here. Thanks all! Will add all these things to our list. We are staying on Kauai and Maui, both at Hyatts. I'm surprised so many are saying we don't need water shoes as that was something I saw mentioned in many blogs/reviews I read. We don't have Keens but the teens do have crocs. They don't like to wear them into the water though.

What would you use water shoes for?

For hikes, I wear sneakers. For going in the ocean, I go barefoot obviously. If you have them, by all means bring them, but no need to buy something you may not even use. My 2 cents.

OP here. Many reviews I read said that entering the ocean from the beach can be rocky or sharp. I read this many times so I’m confused why so many are saying this isn’t an issue. Are the beaches all soft sand when you walk into the water?

Many of the areas with good snorkeling are rocky. Keens worked great for me and are great for kayaking and just walking around in the summer.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP here. Thanks all! Will add all these things to our list. We are staying on Kauai and Maui, both at Hyatts. I'm surprised so many are saying we don't need water shoes as that was something I saw mentioned in many blogs/reviews I read. We don't have Keens but the teens do have crocs. They don't like to wear them into the water though.

What would you use water shoes for?

For hikes, I wear sneakers. For going in the ocean, I go barefoot obviously. If you have them, by all means bring them, but no need to buy something you may not even use. My 2 cents.

OP here. Many reviews I read said that entering the ocean from the beach can be rocky or sharp. I read this many times so I’m confused why so many are saying this isn’t an issue. Are the beaches all soft sand when you walk into the water?

Many of the areas with good snorkeling are rocky. Keens worked great for me and are great for kayaking and just walking around in the summer.

but you wear fins into the water when snorkeling.

We've been to Maui and Kaui and never worn shoes in the water.

When we surfed in Maui they gave us surfing booties with our board rental.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here. Thanks all! Will add all these things to our list. We are staying on Kauai and Maui, both at Hyatts. I'm surprised so many are saying we don't need water shoes as that was something I saw mentioned in many blogs/reviews I read. We don't have Keens but the teens do have crocs. They don't like to wear them into the water though.

I think it depends on the beach. Some are more rocky than others, and the volcanic rock will tear up your feet.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP here. Thanks all! Will add all these things to our list. We are staying on Kauai and Maui, both at Hyatts. I'm surprised so many are saying we don't need water shoes as that was something I saw mentioned in many blogs/reviews I read. We don't have Keens but the teens do have crocs. They don't like to wear them into the water though.

What would you use water shoes for?

For hikes, I wear sneakers. For going in the ocean, I go barefoot obviously. If you have them, by all means bring them, but no need to buy something you may not even use. My 2 cents.

OP here. Many reviews I read said that entering the ocean from the beach can be rocky or sharp. I read this many times so I’m confused why so many are saying this isn’t an issue. Are the beaches all soft sand when you walk into the water?

The beaches have beautiful soft sand. And you can snorkel right off the shore line, or even do a snorkeling boat trip. You’ll be wearing fins.

I suppose for hiking on rocky outcroppings you can wear water shoes. Again, it’s your preference. Most people don’t, and I wouldn’t want to hike on slippery rocks personally.

[Anonymous]

These posters are fighting hard to get you to leave water shoes behind, OP - ridiculous! Just bring them, and, given our experiences in Kauai and Maui, I bet you will be glad you did!

[Anonymous]

What beaches do you want to visit OP?

I have never needed swim shoes on Oahu or Maui. I have needed them on the Big Island. Haven’t been to Kauai so can’t comment.

[Anonymous]

Bug spray. There are mosquitos.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP here. Thanks all! Will add all these things to our list. We are staying on Kauai and Maui, both at Hyatts. I'm surprised so many are saying we don't need water shoes as that was something I saw mentioned in many blogs/reviews I read. We don't have Keens but the teens do have crocs. They don't like to wear them into the water though.

What would you use water shoes for?

For hikes, I wear sneakers. For going in the ocean, I go barefoot obviously. If you have them, by all means bring them, but no need to buy something you may not even use. My 2 cents.

OP here. Many reviews I read said that entering the ocean from the beach can be rocky or sharp. I read this many times so I’m confused why so many are saying this isn’t an issue. Are the beaches all soft sand when you walk into the water?

Many of the areas with good snorkeling are rocky. Keens worked great for me and are great for kayaking and just walking around in the summer.

I agree, great for kayaking.

[Anonymous]

I wish I was wearing shoes when I stepped on a sea urchin in Kaanapali. Had to go to urgent care to get the spines removed.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I wish I was wearing shoes when I stepped on a sea urchin in Kaanapali. Had to go to urgent care to get the spines removed.

OP here. Our hotel in Maui is right in Kaanapali. Our hotel in Kauai is in Poipu. I am going to bring them. My kids have them from their sleepaway camp already. Just need some for DH and I. They are much lighter/less bulky than wearing Keens in the water.

[Anonymous]

Decades ago, they had prescription snorkel goggles in Hawaii snorkeling place-I think Hanauma(sp?) bay. I could not believe it! My prescription was very bad. I was practically blind without my glasses. I am sure they still have that now. Prices I'm sure have changed.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here. Thanks all! Will add all these things to our list. We are staying on Kauai and Maui, both at Hyatts. I'm surprised so many are saying we don't need water shoes as that was something I saw mentioned in many blogs/reviews I read. We don't have Keens but the teens do have crocs. They don't like to wear them into the water though.

If you get Tevas those will work fine.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Decades ago, they had prescription snorkel goggles in Hawaii snorkeling place-I think Hanauma(sp?) bay. I could not believe it! My prescription was very bad. I was practically blind without my glasses. I am sure they still have that now. Prices I'm sure have changed.

They still had them last year.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We're bringing snorkel gear as we found a set we really like. Also bringing Keens as our water shoes since we can use them on hikes too. Just got our reef safe sunscreen and have water lanyard phone cases for all of us.

It might be easier to wear long sleeve rashguards and better for the fish.