Get passport and visa stuff done ASAP!
Because some areas are located on other islands and missionaries are transported by small planes or boats, they may only bring one checked bag and one carry-on and need to leave one suitcase at the mission office until they are done with that transfer.
Wear light-weight, breathable clothing. You sit on the floor all the time, so it is helpful for Elders to have stretch in their pants as well. Elders can also wear Sulus and often like them in the heat.
Bring some extra shorts and t-shirts for pday and sleeping in.
Sisters bring light flowy dresses. Culturally, don't buy fancy dresses. There are also cheap dresses that can be thrifted there. It is a very relaxed environment. Hair is air dryed and pulled into a pony tail or bun most of the time.
Garments are cheaper there.
You take off shoes before entering homes, so bring shoes that are easy to slip on and off. The missionaries wear Jandals or Crocs without socks (The MTC does not like Jandals, so they will need their current Sunday shoes and socks for the MTC only), and bring 3-4 pair of the sandals.
A light-weight rain jacket with a hood and a waterproof bag (a solid shoulder bag) is very important.
A hat is also a good idea.
Bring quick-drying towels (2) like Turkish towels or microfiber. Regular towels just don't dry out and start to smell.
Also bring ibuprofen, pepto, and some good vitamins.
Some helpful things to have:
A multitool
Headlamp (rechargeable)
Flashlight
A filtered water bottle with extra filters. The mission does give the missionaries one, but it is often not great quality.
Mosquito Net
A rechargeable fan
Plastic hangers (5-6) for hanging clothes for drying
Deodorant and toothpaste (you can purchase it there, but it is different than what most missionaries are used to)
Floss (There is no floss there)
3-4 Tubes of Neosporin (cuts don't heal quickly in the humidity)
A couple wall plug adaptors
Work gloves for service
Hand sanitzer wipes
Sunscreen
Spices are wonderful. They don't have much more than salt and pepper.
Everyone loves the missionaries, even people that are not members and take care of them.
Have a suggestion or correction for the Marshall Islands /Kiribati Mission? Submit it here.
Serve shirts have a ventilation panel in the side of the shirt making them noticeably more breathable. Missionaries serving in hot or humid places absolutely RAVE about this feature. The most popular shirt for hot-climate missions, for sure.