Do we need tennis shoes, or can we get away with only flip flops?

[sasha]

Packing for our trip and wondering if I need to pack tennis shoes. We're going to spend most of our days at Aulani, but here's what else we have planned:
Pearl Harbor
Aloha Swapmeet
Kualoa Ranch Movie Tour
Chief's Luau
Northshore beaches
Dole Plantation
Waimea Falls Hike

I'm thinking flip flops for all of us will be fine. The only one I'm not sure about is the Waimea Falls Hike, but I heard it's pretty easy and paved.

Thoughts?

 

[Soccerluvinmama]

I bring tennis shoes because I like to walk the path that runs along the coves from Aulani down to the marina in the morning for a little "work-out". Otherwise, it's flip-flps and water shoes. If I'm being honest though...on a 10 day trip, by about day 6 my arches start to kill me from wearing flip flops all the time So, it's nice to have another option.

 

[BobNed]

Your list looks like you've got at least a full week's worth of activities planned without much time at the resort at all.

 

[sasha]

Your list looks like you've got at least a full week's worth of activities planned without much time at the resort at all.

Lol. You'd think so, but this will only take up 3 days of 8 full days there. We'll be spending most days sunning, swimming, and snorkeling at the resort.

 

[sasha]

on a 10 day trip, by about day 6 my arches start to kill me from wearing flip flops all the time So, it's nice to have another option.

Good point. Thanks!

 

[nkereina]

Depending on what you're doing at Kualoa Ranch, closed toed shoes may be required.

The Swap Meet and Waimea Valley were both a lot of walking, and the Swap Meet was on stones at some points. I wore sneakers there and was glad I did. At Waimea Valley, I had Toms canvas shoes on and my feet were hurting. It was uphill at one point, and it is considered a hike, so I wouldn't have wanted to do it in flip flops.

I wore my sneakers going to and coming from Hawaii, so I didn't have to pack them in my bag and take up the room.

 

[alohamom]

There are off the paved path trails that make Waimea valley much more interesting and you would need more than flip flops for them. I wore a rugged walking Teva sandal and was fine. I always make the family wear their sneakers on the plane so we have them if needed but truth be told, we never wear them in Hawaii. If you are in a real pinch and need a closed toe shoe, there is a Big K (kmart) and Target in Kapolei so you can always pick up cheapies if you dont want to pack or wear good sneakers.

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

I cannot believe anyone would take a trip and only bring flip flops! Definately bring a pair of normal shoes.

 

[newdeal]

We were glad we brought closed toed shoes for 1) Kualoa ranch since we did the horseback tour. Likely horseback and ATV and ziplines are the only ones you would want shoes for 2) Diamond head hike as the trail is uneven 3) Manoa falls as the trail is extremely uneven and extremely slippery

we didn't do the other falls. Other than these things it was flip flops all the way

 

[nkereina]

Agree on Diamond Head - you don't mention that as one of your activities, but it would be asinine to try and do Diamond Head in anything other than sneakers or hiking shoes.

 

[Elima2015]

Another vote for throwing in something a bit sturdier for your trip. Wear those on the plane and pack your flip flops and you don't take up too much suitcase space. We brought Keen sandals for our entire family to HI last time and they worked very well. They are closed toed for anything that requires it and have comfortable arch support and traction - plus they can go in the water and be washed. We used flip flops for the pool and beach.

 

[heaven2dc]

Another vote for throwing in something a bit sturdier for your trip. Wear those on the plane and pack your flip flops and you don't take up too much suitcase space. We brought Keen sandals for our entire family to HI last time and they worked very well. They are closed toed for anything that requires it and have comfortable arch support and traction - plus they can go in the water and be washed. We used flip flops for the pool and beach.

Great suggestion! I would only think of wearing flip flops at the beach or around the pool too. I am going to look into the Keen sandals for our visit next year as we definitely want support when hiking or walking on unsteady terrain. I've heard of visitors slipping on rocks or unsteady areas while on vacation which definitely not be the best way to start out or end your time there!

 

[buffettgirl]

I've done all those things in flip flops. Honestly - I wear sneakers for exercise, and that's it. You might like sneakers after a long day, I guarantee your kids are going to be in flip flops and won't care, the entire time.
And other than eating at some really dress up restaurants, flip flops are acceptable attire everywhere here, even for men. (like in church, you can wear flip flops and no one bats an eye)

 

[NanMar]

If you're use to flip flops then your feet will probably be fine.

 

[CateinPhoenix]

We live in a warm climate and wear flip flops year round and I mostly wore flip flops the whole time in HI. Others might not be able to fathom not wearing "normal" shoes but I think you will be fine. If you are doing Diamondhead though you will definitely want sneakers.

 

[sasha]

I cannot believe anyone would take a trip and only bring flip flops! Definately bring a pair of normal shoes.

It's Hawaii!!! I would never consider not bringing "normal" shoes on a trip to NYC, Europe, the Midwest, etc. This is a leisurely beach vacation, where we will be spending most of our time in the water. I had heard that Waimea Falls was an easy, paved hike. That's why I was wondering if flip flops would be fine since everyone wants to swim to the waterfall. We live in L.A. where flip flops are the norm pretty much year round.

 

[sasha]

Depending on what you're doing at Kualoa Ranch, closed toed shoes may be required.

We're only doing the 90 minute bus tour. But thanks for the tips on the Waimea Valley Hike.

 

[sasha]

Agree on Diamond Head - you don't mention that as one of your activities, but it would be asinine to try and do Diamond Head in anything other than sneakers or hiking shoes.

Nope. Not doing Diamond Head. I would never consider doing that in flip flops.

 

[sasha]

We live in a warm climate and wear flip flops year round and I mostly wore flip flops the whole time in HI. Others might not be able to fathom not wearing "normal" shoes but I think you will be fine.

Right???! Thank you.

 

[buffettgirl]

you'll definitely be fine in just flip flops then. No trouble at all.