The Perfect Hawaii Packing List: What to Wear and Bring (2023)

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Putting together your packing list for Hawaii?

Let’s be honest, packing for Hawaii isn’t as straight forward as it might seem. While we all think of Hawaii as a beach vacation, the truth is that depending on what you are doing, you might need different items for different things.

In this post, I’ve put together several packing lists so you can find out what items you need to bring for which activities you plan on doing while in the Hawaiian Islands. Once you know this, it can narrow down your Hawaii packing list a lot!

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Quick Hawaii packing list

Here’s a quick packing list for Hawaii if you are short on time and need to get to the good stuff!

Hawaii essentials

Beach vacation

Hiking

Snorkeling, kayaking, or surfing

Boat tours

Comfortable clothing
Sweatshirt
Camera (with optional telephoto lens)
Day bag

What you need to know when putting together your Hawaii packing list

Here are some of the basics you need to know so you have an easier time putting together the ultimate Hawaii packing list.

Weather in Hawaii

That’s the reason we’re all going, right? With its tropical climate, you’ll be treated to warm temperatures, gentle breezes, and plenty of sunshine all year round. The mercury consistently stays between the mid-70s and mid-80s Fahrenheit (24-30°C), so you can count on ideal weather for your beach days and outdoor adventures.

Plus, those refreshing northeast trade winds coming from the Pacific Ocean make sure the islands remain comfortable and inviting. Hawaii does see some rain, but that’s what keeps everything lush and vibrant. With a mix of sunny days and the occasional rain shower, you’ll find Hawaii to be the perfect destination for a memorable vacation!

Hawaii residents are most often found in t-shirts and shorts, so if you want to pack light, then know you don’t need a ton of stuff in order to enjoy your Hawaii vacation.

Packing for different islands

You might have slight variations for each one of the Hawaiian Islands, but overall when you pack for Hawaii, there will be some similarities. Again, much of this will come down to the activities you plan on doing while there.

Packing for the Big Island

When packing for your Big Island adventure, you’ll want to be prepared for the incredible diversity this island has to offer. Start with light, breezy clothing like shorts, T-shirts, and sundresses for those warm coastal vibes, and of course, a swim suit for soaking up the sun on the beach.

Keep in mind that temperatures can get quite chilly at higher elevations, such as Mauna Kea or Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, so a light jacket or sweater and long pants are essential. For hiking through lava fields and lush rainforests, make sure you have some sturdy footwear!

Don’t forget your reef-safe sunscreen, sunglasses, and a sunhat to protect yourself from the sun, and bring along a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated during your explorations. A small backpack or daypack is perfect for carrying your must-haves during island excursions.

Packing for Maui

When gearing up for your Maui getaway, packing the right essentials will ensure you’re ready for everything this tropical paradise has to offer. Start with lightweight and breezy clothing, like shorts, T-shirts, and sundresses, as well as a swimsuit for lounging on Maui’s world-famous beaches. A light jacket or sweater is a smart addition for cooler evenings or venturing up to Haleakala National Park for the Haleakala sunset.

To explore the island’s stunning landscapes, such as lush rainforests, waterfalls, and volcanic terrain, pack comfortable and sturdy footwear like walking sandals or sneakers. Don’t forget your sun protection–reef-safe sunscreen, sunglasses, and a sunhat are must-haves.

Of course, pack a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated on your adventures, while reducing your environmental impact. A versatile backpack or beach bag will come in handy for carrying your essentials during day trips.

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Packing for Kauai

When packing for your Kauaʻi adventure, you’ll want to be ready for the island’s lush landscapes and relaxed vibes. Start with lightweight, casual clothing like shorts, T-shirts, and sundresses, and don’t forget your swimsuit for enjoying the island’s beautiful beaches. A light jacket or sweater is a great idea for cooler evenings or when exploring Kauaʻi’s cooler regions, like Waimea Canyon or Kōkeʻe State Park.

Comfortable and sturdy footwear, such as hiking sandals or sneakers, is essential for navigating the island’s diverse terrain, whether it’s hiking along the stunning Nā Pali Coast or strolling through charming towns. Sun protection is crucial, so pack your reef-safe sunscreen, sunglasses, and a sunhat.

Packing for Oahu

When packing for your Oʻahu vacation, you’ll want to be prepared for the exciting blend of city life, stunning beaches, and lush landscapes the island offers. Start with lightweight, casual clothing like shorts, T-shirts, and sundresses, and a swimsuit is a must for soaking up the sun on iconic Waikiki Beach or the pristine North Shore. A light jacket or sweater comes in handy for cooler evenings or venturing into the island’s lush interior.

For exploring Oʻahu’s diverse attractions, such as hiking to the top of Diamond Head or wandering through vibrant neighborhoods, pack comfortable and sturdy footwear like walking sandals or sneakers. Sun protection is key, so don’t forget your reef-safe sunscreen, sunglasses, and a sunhat.

Activities in Hawaii

Much of your Hawaii packing list will depend on what you plan on doing while you are there. Once you know what you will be doing there, you can make decisions about packing for Hawaii.

Here are some of the activities you might want to consider when packing for Hawaii:

Surfing
Snorkeling
Hiking
Boat tours
Fishing
Exploring the cities

Tips for packing for Hawaii

Putting together your Hawaii packing list is a lot easier when you can be prepared! Here are some travel tips to help you when you pack for Hawaii.

Have your itinerary planned. This can help you when going about choosing which items you need beforehand and so you aren’t rushing your Hawaii packing list at the last moment.
Pack light layers and sun protection. Hawaii’s weather can be warm and sunny, so bring lightweight, breathable clothing like shorts, T-shirts, and sundresses. Don’t forget a hat, sunglasses, and plenty of sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun’s rays. A light, water-resistant jacket is also a good idea for unexpected showers.
Bring versatile shoes. The diverse terrain in Hawaii calls for a variety of footwear. Pack a pair of comfortable walking shoes or sneakers for hiking and exploring, as well as water shoes or sandals for beach days. A stylish yet comfortable pair of sandals or flats is perfect for evening outings.
Snorkeling and beach essentials. Hawaii’s crystal-clear waters are a snorkeler’s paradise. Consider bringing your own snorkeling gear to save on rental fees. Additionally, pack a reusable water bottle, a beach towel, and a reusable tote bag to help keep the beautiful beaches clean and plastic-free.
Prepare for adventure: If you plan on some of the Haleakala hikes or to explore the islands’ natural beauty, pack some essential gear like a small backpack, insect repellent, a portable phone charger, and a reusable water bottle. Don’t forget a map or guidebook to help you navigate the trails and discover hidden gems.
Respect local customs and culture. As a visitor, it’s important to be mindful of the local customs and traditions when you pack for Hawaii. Bring modest clothing for visits to sacred sites or cultural events. A sarong or light scarf can be a versatile and stylish accessory, doubling as a cover-up when needed. When in doubt, follow the lead of the locals and embrace the spirit of aloha!

Hawaii essentials for any trip

There are some things you need for every Hawaii packing list!

Bathing suit

This seems like an obvious one, but you will need a bathing suit for multiple activities. I’m a huge fan of Jack’s Surfboards and the styles they offer. They’re also super functional and affordable and designed for those who are active. So win-win-win all the way around.

⭐RECOMMENDED BATHING SUITS⭐

Beach bag

Having a bag is absolutely necessary when heading to the best beaches in the Hawaiian Islands. If you plan on sticking one in your carry on luggage, then you want to make sure it rolls up so you can save space for other items on your Hawaii packing list. Personally, I love a good tote since they fold up so easily in your carry on suitcase, but they have enough space for beach toys and other items if need be.

⭐RECOMMENDED BEACH BAG⭐

Reef safe sunscreen

One essential you will need when you pack for Hawaii is sunscreen. Since the rays of the sun are so much stronger than they are in other destinations, having a higher SPF sunscreen is super important. You don’t want to waste precious vacation time sitting in the hotel room because you are burned!

I also recommend using reef safe sunscreen since the chemicals in regular sunscreen can harm the ocean life.

⭐RECOMMENDED SUNSCREEN⭐

Sand resistant beach towel

I swear by having a microfiber towel on all of my trips, and since beach towels can be super bulky in a carry on size suitcase, this solves the problem of having to find a beach towel at vacation rentals or your hotel room. These types of beach towels are also usually resistant to sand so you won’t be bringing that back with you as a souvenir after you visit Hawaii.

⭐RECOMMENDED BEACH TOWEL⭐

Water bottle

One of my biggest travel tips is bringing a reusable water bottle with me wherever I go (I even carry it with me at home). Because whichever Hawaiian island you visit is likely to be humid, you’re likely to need to hydrate often–especially if you plan on any active adventures.

⭐RECOMMENDED WATER BOTTLE⭐

Portable phone charger

I can’t tell you how many times we used a portable phone charger on our Hawaii vacation. Since we did a lot of camping, we didn’t always have access to an electrical outlet, and this saved us when we needed a GPS to get around the Big Island and Maui in our rental car.

Waterproof phone case

When taking the sunset cruise or whale watching boat tour, your phone will likely get wet. I really recommend getting a waterproof phone case to protect it so you don’t have to worry about your phone going bust while on your dream vacation. These are usually fairly inexpensive and are well-worth having to protect your most important way to capture your Hawaii trip.

⭐RECOMMENDED WATERPROOF PHONE CASE⭐

Dry bag

Whether you’re on a sunset beach or boat tour, you want to protect valuables. A dry bag is a great investment for this trip or any other type of water activity you might do in the future. While these can be a little expensive depending on the type you get, if you plan on doing any kayaking, snorkeling, or going on tropical vacation in the future, then it might be worth looking into.

⭐RECOMMENDED DRY BAG⭐

Rain jacket

Hawaii does get occasional rain showers, especially on the Big Island. Since you will be spending a ton of time outside, a light rain jacket is one of the top Hawaii essentials that you will need for your trip.

⭐RECOMMENDED RAIN JACKET⭐

Underwater camera

How else are you going to capture that sea turtle to show your friends back home? There are several options for an underwater camera on the market, but GoPro tends to be my go-to when I want to get shots of wildlife in the sea. In my opinion, you might be only heading to Hawaii once or twice since it’s so far away, so investing in an underwater camera for this and future trips is the way to go.

⭐RECOMMENDED UNDERWATER CAMERA⭐

Sunglasses

Because the sun is so strong, when you pack for Hawaii, sunglasses should absolutely be on your list. You’ll want ones that will protect your eyes from UVA and UVB rays. It’s up to you whether or not you would like to spend money on a pair–depends on your budget and if you will use them often in the future.

Also keep in mind that grocery stores in Hawaii often have cheap options available, so if you lose your sunglasses or forget them, it shouldn’t be too difficult to find a replacement.

⭐RECOMMENDED SUNGLASSES⭐

Packing cubes

With so many different types of items for your packing list for Hawaii, keeping it all organized can be a challenge. I use packing cubes even in my Osprey backpack just so I know where things are and I don’t have to dig through my bag every time I want something.

⭐RECOMMENDED PACKING CUBES⭐

Resort wear

While we would also love to just live on the beach, sometimes you might want to head out to dinner or check out things to do in Hawaii that require actual clothes. Anything light and comfortable should be perfect for your night out.

Hawaii packing list for a beach vacation

Here are my recommended items for your Hawaii vacation and what you should add to your packing list!

Water shoes

I usually include water shoes when I have a beach vacation because you never know when you’re headed for a swim and you’ll run into some coral reefs. You don’t have to have the most expensive water shoes when you pack for Hawaii! Some basic ones should work just fine.

⭐RECOMMENDED WATER SHOES⭐

Sun hat

Even with sunscreen, you can get burned super easily. I’m not one for a traditional sun hat with a huge brim, but that’s great if you are! I often choose to sport a cap at the beach, but it all comes down to personal style and what you can fit in your carry-on.

⭐RECOMMENDED SUN HAT⭐

Flip flops

I brought both flip flops and Chacos with me while visiting Hawaii, and it was nice to have a pair of flip flops for when we needed to walk on the sand. A cheap pair should more than be fine for this purpose, but if you plan on going out or walking some distances, then it might be worth it to upgrade to a fancier pair.

⭐RECOMMENDED FLIP FLOPS⭐

Swim suit cover up

When you pack for Hawaii, a swim suit cover up is an easy item you can stick in your bag. Again, doesn’t need to be anything fancy unless you are planning on staying at a high-end resort, but it can be nice to have an extra layer after a day on the beach.

⭐RECOMMENDED SWIM SUIT COVER UP⭐

Hawaii packing list for hiking

If you haven’t chosen some hiking trails for your Hawaii vacation, then you absolutely should if you love the outdoors! Between Haleakala National Park and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, you’ve got some amazing options. Whether you plan on hiking on the Big Island, Kauai, or while visiting Maui, make sure to add these items to your list when packing for Hawaii.

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_cta h2=”Hiking essentials”]Recommended hiking boots: Salomon Quest 4 Gore-tex 🥾

Recommended jacket: The North Face Antora Jacket 🧥

Recommended hiking poles: Black Diamond Trail Cork Trekking Poles 🌲

Recommended day pack: Osprey Daylite Pack 🎒

Hike like a pro: Get an AllTrails Pro membership! 🗺

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Hiking boots

If you want to hit the hiking trails in Hawaii, then having a solid pair of hiking boots with ankle support can be a necessity. Because you’ll be walking on old lava flows, it’s easy to twist an ankle. While this can add some weight to your bag, I am really glad I brought mine for our hikes.

Alternatively, you might want to consider some hiking shoes. These are lighter and while they don’t offer the same support, they might be better depending on which hikes you are taking on.

⭐RECOMMENDED HIKING BOOTS⭐

⭐RECOMMENDED HIKING SHOES⭐

Hiking pants

Having light hiking pants made a world of difference for me when we were hitting up the national parks in Hawaii. While hiking in shorts is totally an option, I liked having a bit more coverage from the sun and weeds–especially in Haleakala National Park.

⭐RECOMMENDED HIKING PANTS⭐

Day pack

You’ll need a day pack to carry your water bottle, snacks, portable phone charger, and other items for your hike. I love Cotopaxi for this reason since their day packs roll up super small and can fit in a carry-on with no issue. I also love this recommended option for the hidden zipper pocket so if you need to take your passport with you for some reason, you know it’s safe.

If you don’t feel like carrying a full day pack with you, a fanny pack is another option and can also be used when you head into town, as well.

⭐RECOMMENDED DAY PACK⭐

Moisture-wicking t-shirts

It doesn’t need to be said, but Hawaii can be hot and humid. When you’re hiking, this can make you pretty miserable. I also pack moisture-wicking hiking shirts on every trip I take, but it was super important when we hiked in Hawaii.

⭐RECOMMENDED HIKING SHIRT⭐

Hat

I tend to just use a cap for both the beach and hiking, and those rays from the sun can be strong! Make sure a hat is on your Hawaii checklist no matter what you choose to do while you’re there.

⭐RECOMMENDED HAT⭐

Hawaii packing list for snorkeling, kayaking, or surfing

Adding snorkeling gear to your Hawaii packing list adds a whole bunch of new factors, but it can be nice to have your own stuff. Daniel and I purchased our own snorkel gear for our trip to the Galapagos, and we’ve brought it with us on every trip we’ve taken where we know there will be snorkeling.

This has actually saved us quite a bit of money in the long run since we don’t need to rent snorkel gear every time we decide to go out. Also, living in Florida it makes sense–but feel free to rent if that works better for you! Also, make sure to check that the snorkeling tour you’ve booked includes rentals if you don’t plan on bringing your own gear.

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_cta h2=”Snorkeling essentials”]Recommended snorkel set: Aqualung Vita Snorkeling Set 🐠

Recommended towel: REI Co-op Multi Towel Lite 🌊

Recommended underwater camera: GoPro HERO10 Black 📷

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Snorkeling gear

You can get individual items when it comes to picking out your snorkeling gear for your packing list, but I’ve found it’s easier to get a set than choosing each piece of gear that you will need.

⭐RECOMMENDED SNORKELING GEAR⭐

Water shoes

In order to protect your feet from coral reefs, mesh water shoes are ideal and should be on your list of Hawaii essentials if you plan on spending any time in the water. It also doesn’t take much room to pack water shoes, so it’s an easy item to throw in your bag.

⭐RECOMMENDED WATER SHOES⭐

Rash guard

For those who plan on surfing or boogie boarding, a rash guard might be worth investing in. If you’re on a family vacation, this can be really true for kids since they’re likely to get burns from whatever boards they are on. You don’t have to choose anything fancy–one that protects your skin should be just right for your packing list.

⭐RECOMMENDED RASH GUARD⭐

Hawaii packing list for boat tours

Whether you are planning on whale watching on the Big Island or a cruise, there will be a few Hawaii essentials you will need in order to make the most of it!

Comfortable clothing

Leggings and a loose top are my go-to when I pack for Hawaii in general, but they are especially important on any boat tour. Depending on the type of adventure you go on, these items should be more than adequate for your adventure.

Sweatshirt

Even though Hawaii is warm, it might be a bit chilly being out on the water. I recommend sticking a sweatshirt on your packing list regardless for cooler nights, but you’ll definitely want to stick on in your day bag for this type of adventure.

⭐RECOMMENDED SWEATSHIRTS⭐

Camera

If you want something a little more advanced than a cell phone and waterproof phone case, then investing in a quality camera can be a great way to capture your vacation and all future trips that you might take.

If you plan on whale watching in Hawaii, then a telephoto lens can also help you to get those up close, National Geographic-type photos of humpback whales to take home.

⭐RECOMMENDED CAMERA⭐

⭐RECOMMENDED TELEPHOTO LENS⭐

Day bag

I personally use my day pack for hiking as my day bag in order to save space, but a small backpack or drawstring bag can also work for this purpose.

⭐RECOMMENDED DAY BAG⭐

Having any questions about this complete packing list for Hawaii? Let me know in the comments!

Final thoughts: packing for Hawaii

Packing for your Hawaiian adventure doesn’t have to be a daunting task. By keeping these tips in mind, you’ll be well-prepared to enjoy everything the beautiful islands have to offer. Remember to pack light, versatile clothing and shoes, bring along beach and adventure essentials, and be respectful of the local customs and culture. Embrace the spirit of aloha, and you’ll be all set to create lasting memories in this tropical paradise.

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_cta h2=”Do you have these items for your trip?”]Flights: I recommend CheapOAir ✈️

Car rental: I recommend Rentalcars.com 🚗

Travel insurance: I recommend SafetyWing 🤒

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