What You Should Pack For Your Next Trip To Hawaii
So, you're off to Hawaii. Fantastic news! Now all you have to do is pack. Since Hawaii has a variety of climates and diverse ecosystems, it's best to prepare for all types of weather. In general, you should pack for hot and humid conditions, which means light, breathable clothing is a must. You'll also have to decide what type of adventures you're hoping to enjoy on your Hawaiian holiday. Hiking up a volcano will require a different set of items to pack than snorkeling, for instance. And each island has its own requirements.
You'll definitely want to bring insect repellant when visiting Kauai, while good hiking shoes and a warm jacket are a must for those planning to visit the Big Island's volcanoes. The next step in checking off your packing list for Hawaii is to determine the length of your trip. If you're only traveling for a few days, a carry-on will easily fit the minimal things you'll need, while a weeklong family vacation in Hawaii calls for a full-size suitcase. That said, there are many items that are better to buy than pack, including sunblock (which has to be reef-safe and mineral-based for use in Hawaii) and digital versions of guidebooks to cut down on space. Use this list to determine what you should pack for your next trip to Hawaii.
Essential Hawaii packing tips
Before you go, use these essential Hawaii packing tips:
- Don't overpack. Overpacking is easy to do, especially when you're in charge of filling suitcases for an entire family. Bringing too much on vacation can result in pricey fees and extra weight to haul around, not to mention the additional risk of losing or delaying a checked bag. According to Sita, an aviation data company, the "proportion of bags delayed at transfer increased to 42%" in 2022. Do you really want your trip hindered by a suitcase issue?
- Make a list. There are plenty of helpful tips for packing light, one of which is to make a list and stick to it. Print out the lists mentioned below or create your own to ensure you only pack essentials. Collections of Waikiki recommends choosing the top 15 categories of things you need to bring, like travel documents (i.e. a passport and driver's license), appropriate clothing (i.e. swimwear, raingear, and layers for hiking), medications, toiletries, and shoes.
- Wear bulky items. Heavy sweaters and coats take up space. Consider wearing them instead of stuffing them in your suitcase.
- Use packing cubes. Once you've used packing cubes, you won't want to go back. These organizational wonder bags are lightweight and fabulous, helping to divide your suitcase into efficient sections like electronics, underwear, daily outfits, etc. They also compress your items.
- Protect your documents. An RFID-blocking passport holder protects passports, credit cards, and possibly your phone from being hacked during travel.
Important travel items
The goal while packing is to maximize space. While it's important to stick to the list you made earlier, there are many essentials you don't want to leave behind, and they should definitely be packed in your carry-on. Traveler extraordinaire Rick Steves recommends including the following with your must-have items but says to avoid putting them in a fanny pack, which he calls "magnets for pickpockets". Instead, use a money belt or neck wallet if you're worried about theft. These are kept close to your body in a flat, hidden pouch. Here are the important travel items to include when you pack for your next trip to Hawaii:
- Passport. Have a photocopy or digital version accessible to make getting a new one easier if your passport is lost or stolen.
- Driver's license
- Health insurance information
- Plane, train, and rental car documents. Keep electronic versions and a print-out for backup.
- Money. A debit card, credit card, and cash are important to pack. You'll want cash in easy-to-tip amounts, as well as a few $20s to have on hand in case of emergency.
- Hotel confirmations
- Prescription medications. Always keep these in your carry-on, and leave them in the original bottles with clear labels, if possible.
- First-aid kit. While you won't want to pack scissors in your carry-on, you should be equipped with things like hydrocortisone cream (for bug bites), band-aids, antibiotic cream (for cuts), and over-the-counter pain medications.
Clothes to bring
While some clothes you should pack for your next trip to Hawaii may seem like no-brainers (hello, swimsuit and sunhat), there are a few items (like a warm coat, shawl, or sweater) that you may not think to bring along. Yes, Hawaii is known for its mild temperatures and moderate humidity, but its climate can change dramatically depending on where you are staying, hiking, and exploring. Hawaii's highest peaks, for instance, see snow, ice, and even blizzards. Pack layers, and even a hat, to ensure you'll be warm enough if you choose to hike up a mountain to watch the sunrise or sunset. As for swimwear, be sure you're well prepared. At least two swimsuits are recommended to allow time for one of them to dry. While sea temperature varies depending on when you visit, it rarely drops below 75 degrees, with highs reaching 81.5 degrees. That means you're going to want to spend a lot of time in the water.
Here are some clothes you should add to your Hawaii packing list:
- Shorts
- T-shirts
- Tank tops
- Sundresses
- Pajamas
- Nice shirt for dinner
- Nice pants for dinner
- Swimsuit coverups
- UV shirt/rash guard
- Sandals
- Athletic or hiking shoes
- Nice shoes for dinner
- Sweatpants or athletic pants for hiking
- Undergarments, including sports bras
- Socks for hiking boots
- Sun hat
- Swimsuits
- Water shoes
- Light raincoat
- Light sweater or shawl
- Warm sweatshirt or coat
- Warm hat for hiking
Toiletries to pack
If you're staying at one of Hawaii's fabulous resorts, you won't need to bring toiletries like shampoo, conditioner, or soap, unless there's a brand you just can't live without. Most hotels provide the essentials, and they often smell divine. As for sunblock, it's an essential item to add to any Hawaiian packing list, but if you can't ensure that it's reef-safe, don't bring it. As of January 1, 2021, the state's government deemed it illegal for any Hawaiian to sell sunscreen containing avobenzone and octocrylene. Ensure your products don't contain either ingredient or buy a mineral-only sunscreen once you arrive. Whatever toiletries you pack in your carry-on must adhere to TSA guidelines -– all items must fit in one quart-sized plastic bag, and each item must be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). Anything bigger will have to be checked in a separate suitcase. The toiletries you should pack for your next trip to Hawaii include:
- Toothpaste
- Toothbrush
- Dental floss (use vacation as an opportunity to start flossing!)
- Moisturizing cream
- Makeup
- Makeup remover
- Shaving necessities
- Mineral-based sunscreen
- After-sun lotion
- Aloe lotion or gel
- Lip balm
- Deodorant
- Hairbrush and elastics, clips, etc.
- Deet-containing insect repellant (especially if you're planning on hiking in Kauai)
- Leave-in conditioner (the humidity here is no joke)
Miscellaneous things to remember
Don't forget the miscellaneous items that can transform your vacation from "argh" to "ahhh." Whether it's a book to enjoy while rocking in an oceanfront hammock, water wings for your toddler who's learning to swim, or a waterproof camera to capture pics of the stunning marine life on your Scuba tour, here are a few miscellaneous things to add to your Hawaii packing list:
- Sunglasses
- Small purse or waist bag
- Reusable shopping bags (Hawaii banned single-use plastic bags in 2014)
- Beach bag
- Wet bag (to hold your wet swimsuits on the way home)
- Dry bag (to keep your electronics and book sand-free and dry)
- Small backpack to hold hiking gear
- Multiple chargers (in case one breaks or gets lost)
- At least one book
- Toys and inflatable water wings (for those traveling with kids)
- Waterproof camera (for recording those amazingly gorgeous underwater moments)
- Waterproof phone pouch (no one wants their smartphone destroyed on vacation)
- Reusable water bottle
- Snorkel equipment(if you don't want to borrow or rent the gear)
- Small LED flashlight for hiking
- Nightlight (so it is easy to find the bathroom in the middle of the night)
- Small umbrella
- Car seat or booster seat (if you have young kids)
- Healthy snacks (like roasted nuts, granola bars, or dried fruit)
What to pack for the Big Island
There's a lot of rugged terrain to be explored on the Big Island. From soft sand to sticky mud to lava rocks, you should be prepared to traverse it all, unless you're planning to stay on a sun lounger all day. If that's your plan, head to Kahaluu Beach Park, the best beach on Hawaii's Big Island for swimming and snorkeling. If adventure is more your thing, Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park includes two of the world's most active volcanoes and over 123,000 acres of backcountry to hike. It is one of the most popular attractions in this natural wonderland. The park is both a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a designated Biosphere Reserve, which means it's a pretty spectacular place to visit, so don't forget a camera. Here are a few other things you'll need to pack for your trip to the Big Island:
Hiking gear
- Comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots that can handle off-roading
- Reusable water bottle
- Flashlight or headlight (if you're planning to head out on a stargazing or sunset expedition)
- Warm jacket or warm sweatshirt
- Pants
- A long-sleeved shirt
- Collapsible hiking poles
- Warm hat
- Sun hat
- Mineral-based sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- First aid kit
- Insect repellant
- Rain jacket
- Snacks
- Mineral-based sunscreen
- Backpack
Beachwear
- Swimsuits
- Rash guards
- Swimsuit coverup
- Nice clothes for dinner
- Nice shoes for dinner
- Sandals
- Shorts
- T-shirts
- Sundresses
- Light sweater
- Beach bag
- Dry bag
- Sunglasses
- Waterproof phone case or bag
What to pack for O'ahu
The third largest Hawaiian island, O'ahu offers tourists a variety of fun things to do on vacation. From digging your feet in the sand of Waimea Bay and Waikiki's beaches to surfing the waves, and from biking to snorkeling to golfing, there's no limit to the activities on offer. If you're thinking about going to O'ahu, you'll want to pack accordingly. Unlike Maui and the Big Island, O'ahu isn't home to massive volcanoes, but you can still do a long hike to experience incredible views. For that reason, you'll want to pack comfy shoes, but you won't need the warm layers you'd need to climb up mountains. Here are a few things you'll need to pack for your trip to O'ahu:
Hiking gear
- Light raincoat (the east, or windward coast, is generally wetter than the west, leeward coast)
- Comfortable hiking shoes
- Mineral-based sunscreen
- Reusable water bottle
- Sunglasses
- Sunhat
- Sunscreen
- Backpack
- Snorkel equipment (if you don't want to buy or rent)
- Swimsuits
- Rash guards
- Swimsuit coverups
- An underwater camera
- Beach bag
- Dry bag
- Waterproof phone case or bag
- Shorts
- T-shirts
- Sundresses
- Light sweater
- Nice clothes for dinner
- Nice shoes for dinner
- Sandals
- Reusable bag (to carry purchases from shopping excursions)
What to pack for Maui
One of Maui's most popular attractions is Haleakalā National Park. It's here that you'll find over 30 miles of fabulous hiking trails. Some paths will take only 10 minutes to traverse while others could take days –- you'll have to camp overnight if you're planning to do those. Maui boasts some pretty spectacular spots to watch the sunrise, one of which involves driving up to the summit of Mount Haleakalā (Haleakalā translates to "House of the Sun"), which stands over 10,000 feet above sea level. One of the highest points to view the sunrise in this vast park, it's important to dress warmly for your visit. It is cold up here, sometimes below freezing, so wear layers. Here are some things to pack for your trip to Maui:
Hiking gear
- Comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots
- Warm jacket or warm sweatshirt
- Pants
- Long-sleeved shirt
- Raincoat
- Sun hat
- Flashlight or headlight (if you're planning to head out on a stargazing or sunset expedition)
- Tent, sleeping bag, and camping supplies (if planning to do a multi-day hike that involves camping)
- Reusable water bottle
- Food (if you're planning to visit Haleakalā National Park as there's nothing available for purchase there)
- Warm hat
- Gloves
- Blanket
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Backpack
- Collapsible hiking pole
Beachwear
- Snorkel equipment (if you don't want to buy or rent)
- Swimsuits
- Rash guards
- Swimsuit coverups
- An underwater camera
- Beach bag
- Dry bag
- Waterproof phone case or bag
- Shorts
- T-shirts
- Sundresses
- Light sweater
- Nice clothes for dinner
- Sandals
- Reusable bag
What to pack for Kauai
Kauai is one of the most beautiful and ancient of the Hawaiian islands. Its stunning landscape includes lush rainforest, mucky swamps, deep valleys, cascading waterfalls, and soft, sandy beaches. That means there are plenty of fun things to do, like hiking through Waimea Canyon, a.k.a. "The Grand Canyon of the Pacific". Running 14 miles in length, there's a lot of ground to cover in this natural beauty, some of which is quite rugged, so bring good shoes. Don't forget a camera because the views are fantastic. With temperatures ranging from comfortable 67-degree lows in January to 84-degree highs in August, you won't need a heavy coat, but a light sweater might be a helpful addition to your packing list. Also, bring a light raincoat as there's at least a small bit of rain expected every month. Here are a few things you'll want to pack for your trip to Kauai:
Hiking gear
- Insect repellant with DEET
- Long-sleeved shirt and pants to protect you from bugs while hiking in the rainforest
- Comfortable hiking shoes
- Light raincoat
- Reusable water bottle
- Sun hat
- Sunglasses
- Mineral-based sunscreen
- Backpack
Beachwear
- Snorkel equipment (if you don't want to buy or rent)
- Swimsuits
- Rash guards
- Swimsuit coverups
- An underwater camera
- Beach bag
- Dry bag
- Waterproof phone case or bag
- Shorts
- T-shirts
- Sundresses
- Light sweater
- Nice clothes for dinner
- Sandals
- Reusable bag
Complete list of things to bring
Here is a quick and easy list of the most important things to pack for your next trip to Hawaii. Feel free to print it out and check off each item as you're packing to make sure you don't forget anything.
Essential items
- Passport
- Driver's license
- Health insurance information
- Plane, train, and rental car documents
- Money
- Hotel confirmations
- Prescription medications
- First-aid kit
Toiletries
- Toothpaste
- Toothbrush
- Dental floss
- Moisturizing cream
- Makeup
- Makeup remover
- Shaving necessities
- Mineral-based sunscreen
- After sun lotion
- Aloe lotion or gel
- Lip balm
- Deodorant
- Hairbrush and elastics, clips, etc.
- Deet-containing insect repellant
- Leave-in conditioner
Miscellaneous
- Sunglasses
- Small purse or waist bag
- Reusable shopping bags
- Beach bag
- Wet bag
- Dry bag
- Small backpack to hold hiking gear
- Multiple chargers
- At least one book
- Toys and inflatable water wings (if traveling with kids)
- Car seat or booster seat (if traveling with kids)
- Waterproof camera
- Waterproof phone pouch
- Reusable water bottle
- Snorkel equipment
- Small, LED flashlight for hiking
- Nightlight
- Small umbrella
- Healthy snacks
Beach and resort wear
- Shorts
- T-shirts
- Tank tops
- Sun dresses
- Pajamas
- Nice shirt for dinner
- Nice pants for dinner
- Swimsuit coverups
- UV shirt/rash guard
- Sandals
- Nice shoes for dinner
- Sweatpants or athletic pants for hiking
- Undergarments, including sports bras
- Sun hat
- Swimsuits (at least two)
- Water shoes
- Light raincoat
- Light sweater or shawl
Hiking gear
- Athletic or hiking shoes
- Socks for hiking boots
- Warm sweatshirt or coat
- Warm hat
- Collapsible hiking poles
Things to leave at home
Underpacking can be a pain. Not only can overthinking what to leave at home be a time-consuming process, but there's also a risk you'll leave something behind that you really wish you had — like an extra swimsuit or that new book you wanted to start. On the other hand, overpacking can be costly and potentially cause delays if your checked bag is damaged or lost. Whittle down your suitcase by leaving these non-essential, and some forbidden, things at home:
- Sunblock. As mentioned earlier, only reef-safe, mineral-based sunblock should be used in Hawaii.
- High heels. Yes, they look nice, but sandals are comfier and take much less space to pack.
- Jeans. If you're planning to walk or hike, choose a more flexible material like athletic wear.
- Snorkel and Scuba Gear. It's easy to rent snorkel and scuba equipment in Hawaii. That said, if you're an avid water explorer who's picky about your gear or you need a prescription lens, bring your own mask and snorkel and rent the fins onsite.
- Surfboards. Unless you're a professional surfer who can't hang ten without your own board, it's best to leave cumbersome objects like this at home. There are plenty of rentals available, and many companies offer free delivery.
- Beach chairs and toys. Who wants to take up valuable suitcase space with bulky items that are readily available from most resorts?
- Pets. The Hawaiian government has strict rules about importing animals. It's best to leave Fido at home.