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What to pack for Honolulu in May
Typical May, built from ten years of weather
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Typical for your dates
Highs 81°F, lows 72°F, rain 10 of 31 days
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Sunset lands around 7:00pm. Wind averages 14 mph. No border paperwork on this one.
0 of 51 packed
Packing for
56 things on this list are on sale today
Essentials
11 items
UV index of 11.1 burns skin in minutes.
Some islands fine you for the regular stuff.
Water reflects intense sun and glare.
Mosquitoes breed in island humidity and warm water.
Check ankles and, if there's a dog, paws and ears every night.
Reef cuts and sea urchin spines happen fast here.
Thirteen-hour days drain phones quickly.
Overhead bins fit carry-on needs here.
Snorkel trips and day hikes need separate gear.
Fits the overhead on every airline that matters. Skip the checked-bag line entirely.
For the passport, the chargers, and the one dry pair of socks.
Before you go
2 to sort
Recommended
15 items
Heat and humidity make cotton cling and dry slow.
UV hits 11.1 here. Long sleeves beat reapplying sunscreen every hour.
Water temperature stays above 72°F year-round.
Reef and rocky shores need foot protection.
Thirteen hours of daylight means sustained exposure.
Treat the clothes once and it lasts weeks.
Ten rain days mean refilling from taps matters.
One brick charges the laptop, phone, and camera.
Island airports and ferries move bags through many hands.
Humidity swells clothes in shared guesthouse closets.
Ocean time means phones get soaked.
Ten rain days trap you indoors for laundry.
Plane noise and airport crowds run constant.
Reefs and calm water make snorkeling the main activity.
Rain and reef access mean wet gear daily.
Nice to have
9 items you could skip
Highs near 81°F mean legs stay bare most days.
Doubles as a towel, a scarf, and a cover-up where one's expected.
Lips burn as fast as skin in this UV.
Saltwater and sand carry bacteria.
Sunburned skin swells around insect bites.
Multiple devices need charging in one outlet.
Domestic travel still requires bag security.
Damp air ruins toiletries left loose.
Long flights here start overnight.
Basics
16 things you probably own already