One of the hardest parts of preparing for any trip is deciding what to pack. You want to make sure you have everything that you'll need and still leave room for all of those souvenirs that you'll bring home. We offer our thoughts on packing for Hawaii and the South Pacific, or for any extended vacation.
1. Pierre Cardin Expandable Luggage Set
It all begins with a good set of luggage. Don't be fooled by the brand name. These great sets of luggage are very affordable. The bags are lightweight, have wheels and collapsible internal handles with recessed housing. All expand an extra 2 inches. The 4-piece set is a best buy (and the set we own). All pieces in the 4-piece set nest for easy storage when you reach your destination. 
2. Eastpack Gleam Backpack
Having a backpack makes those daytrips or long hikes much easier. They're great for carrying cameras, binoculars, film, batteries, food and water. We use Eastpack backpacks. This one comes with extra thick and wide padded shoulder straps, an extra thick quilted padded back, reflective zipper pulls and a front zippered pocket.
3. Olympus C-720 Ultra Zoom Digital Camera
This is the latest in digital cameras from Olympus and the only 3.3 Megapixel compact camera with an 8x optical and 3x digital zoom lens for a seamless 24x zoom. It takes pictures in TIFF, EXIF JPEG, DCF formats with resolutions of 1984x1488, 1600x1200, 1280x960, 1024x768 or 640x480. Obtaining prints from digital images has never been easier both online and at your local camera store.4. Nikon N80 35mm SLR Autofocus Camera
If digital is not for you, then you won't do any better than the latest in the N model series of 33mm cameras from Nikon. The N80 has all the conveniences of an autofocus camera with the option to set all stops and apertures on your own. Add a zoom lens and several filters (a polarizing filter for sure) and you'll be all set.5. Compact Binoculars
A good pair of compact, lightweight binoculars is a must when you travel. Everytime I forget my pair, I find several instances where I could have used them to get that close-up view of a distant object. In Hawaii they're great for whale watching from the shoreline.6. Space Bags
You've probably seen the infomercials on TV and wondered if these really work. The answer is yes, they do. The travel spacebags don't require a vacuum cleaner. You merely roll them to expel the air. They're great for packing bulky items like beach towels, sweaters and those wet bathing suits when you're heading home. These really save lots of space in your luggage.7. London Fog Mini Umbrella
This is by far the best travel umbrella that we have found and use on all of our trips. It's so compact that it almost fits in the palm of your hand. It's perfect to put in your backpack to protect you from those frequent showers that keep Hawaii so beautiful.8. L.L. Bean Travel Hair Dryer
Many hotels and almost no condominiums provide hair dryers. Lightweight but powerful Folds to fit in accompanying zipper pouch Dual 120/240V, 1,100 watts Lightweight but powerful.9. Oreck Travel Iron/Steamer
I hate having my clothes look like they were packed in a suitcase. The Oreck Travel Iron/Steamer Pack is a two-in-one iron/steamer and you'll always look your best. Fast and easy to use, it warms up in less than a minute and gently removes wrinkles from clothing and accessories. Great to have on hand for business travel or special events. Includes zippered storage pouch, temperature indicator/control and detachable lint remover. Dual voltage. 3"H x 7"W x 3"D. 1 lb. 11 oz. Imported.