For most of us, packing for a trip often involves turning our bedrooms into a tornado of outfit options, charging cords and lost passports; such was not the scene at surfer and model Mahina Garcia’s peaceful home in the North Shore Oahu town of Haleiwa. This frequent flyer’s process was one of pre-planned and rolled garments, considered chaos and enough time pre-flight for an afternoon surf and açai bowl. We recently had the pleasure of waking up on Oahu with Mahina while she prepped for an upcoming journey; a routine that this Hawaiian has nailed thanks to many years of happy practice. We were in town to soak up some sun and ask her to share her Well Packed wisdom. Read on to spend an idyllic day on the North Shore, and hopefully learn a thing or two about being #WellPacked.
“I believe travelling is what we were made to do on this Earth. Falling in love with all of the different ways people live, then returning home with a new outlook and an expanded mind – that’s what it’s all about.”
Even a day in paradise is better when kicked off with a jolt of caffeine. Mahina wakes up early and heads to her local Coffee Gallery café in Haleiwa town for a coffee and some journaling to get inspiration flowing for her upcoming trip.
An evening departure time means Mahina has time to get her packing done early, leaving the rest of the day open to enjoy the sunshine and beauty of home.
“Packing my bag for my next adventure means leaving lots of room for souvenirs.”
“My number one packing tip is to always roll your clothes, leaving room for those ‘gotta have it’ outfits. I am also a fan of doing the bag ‘slim down’ – start by packing everything you think you need, then go back and pull out any unnecessary items.”
Bags packed and ready to go means Mahina has time for a quick lunch at the locally owned and internationally known Haleiwa Bowls. A classic açai bowl with all the best toppings set this athlete up for success to hit the beach for a quick paddle before her flight.
No day on the North Shore would be complete without a quick surf break at Ali’i Beach Park – Mahina got out for a paddle and a few waves before heading back home to meet her ride to the airport. She may be off to Miami later today, but spending time in her local waters is always a pre-travel priority.
“I never travel without a bikini – because you never know when there will be a waterfall, a steam room or a pool and as an island girl I always gravitate towards activities that involve water.”
