What to Pack for a Summer School in Hawaii

Packing for summer camp in a new location can be stressful, but it needn’t be. If you’ve signed up for a summer school program in Hawaii, have a look at this packing checklist to make sure you’re not leaving anything behind as you embark on this adventure of a lifetime.

1. Casual School Clothes

You want to make sure you’re comfortable during your camp, so you can take full advantage of the academic, extracurricular, and social activities offered. Usually, summer school dress codes are casual, so you can bring whatever you would normally wear to relax and feel comfortable in warm weather. You can expect temperatures on summer days to rise to around 86°F (30°C) and to drop to 70°F (21°C) at night – however it can feel much colder in the wind!

2. Formal wear

Many students will also choose to dress up for their graduation ceremony, so be sure to come ready to get up on stage to receive your diploma and boogie with your friends afterwards!

3. Swimwear

You will likely be spending lots of time in and around the ocean and maybe a tropical waterfall or two, and perhaps a pool party, so if you want to get wet be sure to bring a swimsuit. You may also want to bring a rash guard to protect your upper body from the sun while you are in the water. Summer ocean temperatures in Hawaii average a comfortable 80°F (27°C), but our freshwater mountain streams can be quite refreshing!

4. Sun protection

Hawaii is located just inside the tropic of cancer, so the summertime sun is directly overhead and very powerful. Be sure to come prepared with a way to cover up on our daily excursions such as sunglasses, a long-sleeved anorak, and a wide-brimmed hat. We also recommend sunscreen for times when we go out in the middle of the day. We advise the use of non-toxic sunscreens for both your health and the environment.

5. Outdoor shoes

You maybe hiking in the rainforest and walking around historic towns during your lunch breaks and afternoons, so it’s really important to pack appropriate footwear. You may also have opportunities to play other sports throughout the summer school including basketball and soccer, so you may want to bring suitable shoes for that too. Be sure to check out the activities you could be doing in Hawaii to prepare beforehand!

6. Passport and travel documents

U.S. laws have tightened up over the past few years, so you’ll need to make sure all of your travel documents are in order before you set off for Hawaii. This includes making sure your passport has at least six months left before it expires, and getting a suitable visa if you need one. You may also need proof of any medical requirements. You can always contact your summer school to check what you will need. Ensure you pack your travel documents somewhere safe, and we recommend bringing photocopies of all essential documents just in case too.

7. Money

You’ll likely need some U.S. dollars for a few lunches and for when you go sightseeing in local towns or shopping for souvenirs. Although Hawaii is very safe, walking around with lots of cash can be stressful, so we’d recommend also bringing a bank debit card so you can withdraw money from local ATMs in smaller amounts.

8. Laptop / tablet + charger (and U.S. adapter if needed)

Whether you’re honing your debating skills or getting to grips with powerful economic theories, you’ll want to be be able to search the internet, prepare homework assignments, and possibly take notes on a computer. So don’t forget your laptop or tablet, as well as your charger, and if needed a U.S. electrical adapter. Typically computers do not need a converter (only a plug adapter) to deal with differences in electrical voltage and frequency.

9. Pen and paper

Although it can be great to do work on a laptop, you’ll probably also find yourself wanting to take notes or draw diagrams on paper too, so we would recommend packing a notepad and some pens – preferably several different colors.

10. Mobile phone + charger

We know that your cellphone is your lifeline to home, but bringing a cellphone is also essential for your summer school so that they can keep in touch with you. You can also replace a non-U.S. SIM card with a U.S. one so you don’t have to incur roaming charges. If you don’t bring a U.S. SIM card with you, it’s easy to purchase a cheap one upon arrival. Again, don’t forget to bring a U.S. electrical adapter for your phone too!.

Once you’ve got your packing checklist in order, you’re all set for your Hawaiian adventure. So sit back, relax, and get ready to make friends and memories that will last a lifetime!