What to Pack For Your Hawaii Travel Assignment

Congrats you did it!  You landed a travel nursing or therapy assignment in Hawaii and are about to take off. Now, you may be wondering “what do I pack for a Hawaii travel assignment?”

I’m here to help! I’m Julia, a travel speech-language pathologist, who worked in Hawaii on and off for 7 years. I’ve been there year-round and have packing for your Hawaii travel assignment down to a science. Here are some tips I have to help you bring what you need (and not what you don’t) to Hawaii in a cost-effective way.

Find a Fully Furnished Unit

Since Hawaii is such a largely trafficked vacation destination, it is very easy to find apartments and rentals that come “fully furnished/all-inclusive” with furniture and home good including towels, kitchen wear, etc.  Even if you do not find a rental with full furniture and home goods, you can always buy what you need once you get to the islands.

I recommend looking for units on Furnished Finder or via word of mouth from your coworkers. You can find more tips to find Hawaii housing here.

Luggage

You can pack for Hawaii in 3 bags. 2 checked bags and 1 carry-on. I’ve seen some travelers pack in less, only 1 checked bag. However you do it, remember LESS IS MORE. And you absolutely don’t need more than 2 checked bags. Leave the stuff you don’t absolutely need in Hawaii at your home, with a friend, or even consider renting a small storage unit if you need to. It’s costly and tiresome to drag a lot of stuff to and from Hawaii. Trust me.

I recommend that your carry-on can double as an adventure pack to take on hikes and weekend trips.

What to Pack for Work

• Enough scrubs for a week’s worth of work (or work uniform as stated in the contract)
• Work Shoes
• Clip Board – Easy and inexpensive to buy if you do not have room to pack

Clothes to Pack for Your Hawaii Travel Assignment

Hawaii is very very casual. More casual than any other place you have ever lived, I guarantee it.

If I had to describe the official uniform of Hawaii it would be shorts, a tank top, and flip-flops (called “slippers” in Hawaii).  Packing lightweight, comfortable clothes will be perfect for this climate. I have suggested some items here, as always pack what is important to you and what you have room for in your luggage.

• Underwear/socks
• Shorts  & Tank Tops
• For Ladies: 3-4 dresses or rompers/skirts
• Beach cover-up
• 1 -2 pairs of flip flops/slippers
• Swimsuits/Swim trunks
• Work out attire
• 1 hoodie or light sweater for colder nights if you’re there between October to March
• 1 pair of jeans if you’re there in the winter (you can wear these on the plane, may not wear them on the islands)
• Hat/Sunglasses
• 1 Pair Sneakers and or hiking boots
• 1 pair of nicer sandals/shoes

Toiletries

Toiletries are easy to buy on the islands. If you take a Hawaii travel assignment you can definitely buy toiletries on the islands.  Here is a basic rundown of the necessities, if you want to pack them. If not, consider packing only travel-sized toiletries and buying what you need once you get here.

• Shampoo/Conditioner/Soaps/Face Soap/Razors
• Toothpaste/Toothbrush/Floss
• Hair Brush
• Deodorant
• Contact Lenses/Glasses
• Makeup
• Bug Spray
• Sunscreen
• Medications as prescribed
• First Aid Kit

Tech

• Computer
• Phone and chargers
• Tablet
• External Hard Drive
• Cords/Cables/Chargers
• Camera
• Go Pro for those underwater shots!
• Waterproof phone case: LifeProof Waterproof Case

Miscellaneous:

• Copy of work licenses
• ID and or passport
• Credit Cards/Check Book
• Copy of car insurance (if applicable)
• Water Bottle
• Day pack for hiking
• Sports/Activity gear as needed

What I learned about packing for a Hawaii travel assignment is that less is more.  If you forgot to pack something, you can buy it here, so bring the necessities.  Pack the bikinis, slippers, and shades and you will be good to go!  (Oh yeah and the scrubs!)