Flying to Kauai Hawaii what to expect and what gear to bring.

I am flying to Kauai in a week on Hawaiian airlines. Its been 20 years since I have flown and don't really know what to expect. I am also trying to figure out what gear to bring. I thin I will bring my Think Tank Backlight back pack as its not too big as a carryon. I plan on bringing my R6 and RF 24-105 and Peak Design Tripod for sure. I am undecided on what would be better between my 100-400 II or my 70-200 2.8 III. Also, Should I bring my 35mm ART or my 16-35mm F4 L. All my gear is in my signature. I do not want to bring to much equipment and I don't want to bring too little. I enjoy shooting landscapes and I am hoping to shoot some Landscapes consisting of waterfalls, and Seascapes and general walk around photography. I dont anticipate much lowlight shooting, but my wife and I would like to go to a Luau and shooting the dancers would probably make for great photos. I also am considering doing an open door Helicopter ride and shooting the Napali coast. I will most likely bring my shoulder bag in my checked bag for more casual walking around and when I dont want carry all the equipment I bring.

I would really appreciate any and all thoughts with regards to gear to bring and the trip in general. Also any recommendations for insurance for my equipment. I haven't found much info on protecting my gear with regards to insurance.

Thank you all for any help.

My opinion is the 70-200 should work as well as the 16-35, but there are much more knowledgeable photographers in this forum than I.

Haven't flown in 20 years?
Get to the airport an hour prior to boarding. Sometimes, the TSA lines are long. Leave your pocket knife at home, or put it in your checked luggage. Have your driver's license and boarding pass ready for review. Put the stuff in your pockets in your carry-on and put it back in your pockets after screening; I have a travel vest with zipped pockets that I use so I don't leave anything behind. Putting the things in the carry-on does the same thing. No drinks thought the checkpoint, empty your water bottle. If you have protein/granola bars, put them in a bin with your laptop (if your are bringing it). Some scanners confuse the snack bars with explosives as they have a similar "density" on the x-ray machine. Putting them outside lets the TSA person see them without looking through your luggage. Wear comfortable shoes that are easy to remove and put back on. Stay polite to the TSA people- they are sometimes a pain, but also don't let them rush you lest you forget something in the bin. Keep smiling at them even though they may not deserve it.

Your camera gear will be OK, it's been years since they've looked at mine, your camera bag will be your "small item". Be nice to other passengers and put it under the seat in front of you, unless you have a bulkhead seat. Then it needs to go in the overhead bins. Overhead space is limited, and the flights I just flew this week were full. They may take your "roller board", the carry-on with wheels, and check it for free to your destination if they run out of overhead space.

Here's some links....
https://www.tsa.gov/tr​avel/security-screening
https://www.tsa.gov …reening/whatcan​ibring/all

My credentials for travel: It's only March, and I've already Gold status for next year

Can't be too helpful, but there's plenty of diversity there.
Magnificent island

Following are my experiences.
The north coast around Kilauea Lighthouse has magnificent coast and birds.
Long reach there would be useful as well as shorter.

Waimea Canyon is a place of beauty and long and short, wide even lenses could be used to advantage. It was hazy when we were there.

We stayed at Wailua.
The sunrises weren't really special then so can't comment but evening's were often colourful and water beautiful.

There's some lovely old buildings, with colour and character so if that attracts you'd have that covered.

I'd chose 100-400 if it was me for the reach, but fully appreciate the 70-200 could be more versatile.
Suppose the difference between 70 and 100 maybe deciding factor or is image quality superior on one of them?

Enjoy your trip. Camera or not it's a very peaceful and beautiful place

I've used 100-400 and 16-35 there, with the canyon, you will need that 16mm.

Also comment, but coming from Australia
We were questioned on coming from a farm, their ranch.
We live on one so maybe extra interested as we had to declare it.
But, keep your shoes clean. No dirt on them including in the treads.

As Capn says. We had to take our shoes off for inspection.

Personaly I was encouraged by their diligence as biosecurity is so important.

R6, 16-35 and 100-400. They're a little particular about bag size/weight going to the island; or at least they were when we went. I had most of my, similar, kit with me and I only really used the 100-400 and my 17-55 at the time...my 24-105 and 70-200 were just extra weight. I'd recommend a decent tripod, though.

I am just curious, do you not think the peak designs tripod is not a good tripod? I have the Gitzo and BH55 combo but I wanted to bring something lighter for traveling. I have read nothing but positives on the peak design so I am surprised by your statement. So I am curious about your thoughts.

Definitely bring a polarizer and realize that if any of that Kauai mud gets on anything white, its permanent

Make sure to check out the Kalalau trail (below) and of course the Canyon. and Na'apali Coast view

If you can swing the Heli Tour, its really worth it here for places you can't hike or drive to.

SeattleSpeedster wrote in post #19360507
realize that if any of that Kauai mud gets on anything white, its permanent

They actually make clothing died with that stuff
Beautiful earthy colour
I've a T Shirt with appropriate logo.
On September 11, 1992, Hurricane Iniki hit the island of Kauai, causing nearly 2 billion dollars in damage. Among the businesses affected was a small screenprint shop. All of the white shirts waiting to be printed were drenched with water and stained with the red dirt blown in from the storm. In order to save the business, the resulting t-shirts, stained with the ultra iron-rich soil, were sold as "souvenirs" of the hurricane, and a dirt dyeing process was born.
I've an appropriate one "Older than dirt"
They are comfortable and wear well. That's my plug for the local trade