Would it be crazy to pack a suitcase of food for Hawaii?

[CrzyforPiglet]

Okay so we just got back from an amazing week at Disney - great weather, great times, couldn't ask for anything better. I also learned that doing a little cooking while on vacation isn't so bad. Definitely saved some money by doing it and it was so nice not to have to schlep two little kids into a restaurant all the time. So it just got me thinking - we have a trip to Hawaii planned next April and will be renting a condo. Initially I thought I'd just cook for the kids and get take out for me and hubby but now I'm thinking of cooking most of our meals and that it might be cheaper to pack a small suitcase of the non-perishable stuff which would also leave room for some souvies at the end. We're flying delta and unless something changes we don't pay for our first checked bag since we have their CC so it wouldn't cost anything to do it I just didn't know if TSA would have an issue with it or think I had completely lost my mind like DH thinks. I guess I'm thinking I can get some food cheaper here b/c I heard food (and everything else) in Hawaii is crazy expensive. Any thoughts?

 

[Tuffcookie]

About the only food items I think I would consider packing might be a couple boxes of cereal. Packing a mini grocery store is not my idea of going on vacation, but that is just me!

TC

 

[Julylady]

On several past Disney trips I have taken a piece of luggage totally filled with non-perishable food items. Most times there was a notice from TSA saying the luggage had been searched, but nothing was ever missing. Since we now have to pay $25 for the luggage, I order from Garden Grocer.

In Hawaii we rented a car so a trip to the grocery store was easy to make. The prices are more expensive, but not that much more. It was interesting to see the different types of foods available there that are not sold in my supermarket in Michigan. We got some great deals on fruit!

 

[dismom2]

I only pack snacks, like granola bars, fruit roll-up's, those individual packs of trail mix, etc... I would not take any 'meals'. Yes, the grocery stores in Hawaii are expensive, but depending on which island you are going to, you could stop at Costco---the prices seemed similar to Costco mainland stores. Milk is outrageous, so keep that in mind. Also find out if the place you are staying has all the cooking gear you will need. It really does save a lot of time cooking your own food. We also brought a smallish collapsable cooler with us to take on hikes and have picnics.

Just wanted to mention, the airport in Hawaii searched our bags thoroghly, so I'd definately check which types of food are allowed. They are picky about some things.

 

[MrsJackSparrow4Life]

We did it when we went to Hawaii in 2005. We were there for 10 days and there were 12 of us. The condo had a full kitchen and we didn't want to pay restaurant prices for 30 meals for all of us. Since there was so many of us we assigned cooking duties to a couple of people each day so one person didn't have to worry about cooking the whole time we were there.

I don't know about now but at the time TSA didn't even blink when we brought the suitcase of food.

 

[wvjules]

Would it be crazy to pack a suitcase of food for Hawaii?

Yes!

They do have grocery stores there so you can shop once you get there.

 

[daughtersrus]

You can't bring in any fruits or veggies. You can eat them on the plane, you just can't bring them onto the island.

 

[Mrs. Charming]

I'd just shop there.

 

[Handbag Lady]

Yes!

They do have grocery stores there so you can shop once you get there.

This. Plus, Hawaii has some awesome food stores and you might find different things to cook. We found a few breads we loved just by visiting the local store.

 

[wvjules]

This. Plus, Hawaii has some awesome food stores and you might find different things to cook. We found a few breads we loved just by visiting the local store.

Was it Hawai'ian bread?

I think there are more restictions on importing/exporting stuff from Hawai'i than other countries.

 

[jsmith]

I would just buy my stuff over there-then you arent hassling with extra luggage-and risking violating agricultural rules-which are quiet strict in hawaii. Also they have alot of unique things in the groceries over there so you might find some new favorites.

 

[punkin]

Fresh fruit of any sort will be a problem.

I did not find the prices in Hawaii to be so outrageous as to warrant packing from home. Yes, they were more expensive, but assuming you have a car and can go beyond tourist areas, the difference is not so terrible. As far as take-out, your best friend is the "plate lunch". These were cheap and they were delicious. We also cooked in the condo, but mostly breakfasts. There is just so much great (and inexpensive) food on the Islands.

 

[merrily]

I wouldn't bother. Sign up for the store card for the local grocery store (the condo we stayed at actually had a card there available to use) so you get the "special" prices. Food is a bit more expensive but you go to Hawaii knowing that and plan accordingly. It is cheaper to buy food there and cook it then eat out all the time!

 

[Deb in IA]

How much money would you save, compared to the total cost of the trip (airfare, lodging, etc)?