You booked this beach vacation to get away from stress. Right? A little time in paradise to reset your batteries and refresh your attitude is just what you need. So why not start now Set the tone for your upcoming vacation to the Hawaiian Islands by packing the aloha way. Keep it simple, leave the fuss behind, and connect with the rhythms of the land and sea.
Not sure how to do that? We have you covered. Below is the ultimate Hawaii packing list, and a few travel tips, so you can relax and enjoy your tropical vacation. Within each essential category, we outline items you might need—or an idea or two you hadn’t thought about— for your unique dream vacation.
Your Vacation Itinerary Will Impact Your Packing List for Hawaii
What you pack for Hawaii will depend on several factors, including the activities you have planned, the islands you visit, the time of year, how long your are staying, and even which side of an island you are staying on.
Before packing, it is helpful to consider what you want to do on your vacation.
What Are Your Vacation Goals?
If your Hawaii vacation goal is to relax by the ocean and read a few good books, warm clothes, and beachwear should suffice. However, if you plan to take part in activities like hiking, water sports, or exploring the many cultural attractions, you’ll need a few more essentials.
For example, warmer clothes and mosquito protection will be important in the mountains and rainforests. A rain jacket is essential for the windward sides of the islands or if you stay on a rainier island like Kauai. And if you plan to hike in tropical forests, bug spray and hiking boots should be on your Hawaii packing list.
Don’t Worry About Forgetting Something
If something gets left behind, you can purchase anything you need when you visit Hawaii. There is even a Costco on Oahu, Maui, Kauai, and the Big Island, which has just about everything you could need—and more.
Below is a comprehensive list of everything from essentials to nice-to-haves to ensure you’re prepared to kick back and relax and enjoy your dream vacation.
1. Travel Documents: Keep Important Documents Together
Getting to the airport without the necessary travel documents can put a chink in your vacation—but it happens. Prevent mishaps by gathering documents in one easily accessible place, especially when traveling as a family.
- IDs: driver’s license or passport (TSA does not require IDs for children under 18 traveling domestically with an adult)
- Plane tickets (download the airline app on your smartphone to use electronic tickets)
- Resort or hotel reservations
- Hawaii vacation itineraries
- Tickets for any pre-booked excursions or events
- Transportation details (car rentals information or shuttle details)
Health Travel Requirements
Check the CDC website for any health documents required to enter the Hawaiian Islands within the U.S. or for international entry.
2. Comfortable Summer Clothes: Dress for Warm Weather
To stay cool and fit in with the relaxed island environment, pack comfortable clothing for your Hawaii vacation. Whether you’re shopping in Waikk or dining on Lahaina’s waterfront, casual clothing is a staple for both Hawaii residents and tourists.
Hawaii’s Endless Summer
There’s no bad time to vacation in Hawaii. The tropical climate means that temperatures vary little throughout the year.
Check the weather before you go, but you can expect temperatures in the upper 70s to low 80s during the summer months (June-October). However, some days can get hot, especially on the leeward sides of the islands where most hotels are located.
Wrinkle-Proof Fabrics Work Best for Vacation Travel
Choose easy-breezy and wrinkle-proof fabrics when packing for Hawaii. Nobody wants to spend their tropical vacation ironing clothes! When visiting Hawaii, your only job is to kick back, breathe in the sweet Pacific Ocean air, and take it easy.
Shorts, T-Shirts, and a Sarong
Shorts, t-shirts, and tank tops are perfect for the island’s relaxed vibe and should be the first items on your Hawaii packing list—along with a bathing suit, they are what you will wear most often.
If you’re heading from the beach to town, a light summer dress can go over your bathing suit. Plus, an aloha shirt will easily shake off the sand and dress up a pair of board shorts.
One handy piece of clothing to have on an island vacation is a sarong. It’s versatile and can be worn as a skirt, dress, or bathing suit cover-up. You can even use it as a beach blanket when you are lounging by the ocean. If you don’t have one, no worries! You can find plenty of beautiful prints to choose from in local stores.
Pack Underclothes
In addition to the usual undergarments, ladies might include a sports bra for the days they go hiking or want to work out in the resort gym. You are likely to spend most of your day in flip-flops but bring a few pairs of socks for hiking and exercise.
Do You Need Exercise Clothes on Vacation?
If you are a yoga or meditation enthusiast, pack clothes that fit your purpose. Retreats are scattered throughout the islands, but you can often find a local class to join while visiting.
Runners might enjoy an early jog on the beach as the sun rises. If that is your thing, bring the gear you need.
Sleepwear
Pack your summer pajamas to stay comfortable during warm summer nights. Remember, mountain air is cooler. So if you are staying inland and are a cold sleeper, it is a good idea to pack something a bit warmer to keep yourself cozy.
Understand Hawaii’s Microclimates Before You Pack
Hawaii is renowned for its warm weather year-round, but the islands are full of microclimates. Temperatures can vary from makai (ocean) to mauka (mountain) by up to 15 degrees.
If your hotel or resort is “up country” (another term for higher elevations), you’ll want to pack a few warmer pieces of clothing. But even if you stay near the ocean, you may want a jacket or shawl during the cooler months.
Pack for Volcano Viewing
Seeing an active volcano is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. You may have an opportunity to see Klauea in action when you visit the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on Big Island.
Check weather conditions before you go up in the mountain. If the viewing platform is open, it can be cold and windy, so you’ll want to dress for it.
Likewise, the weather can be chilly in Haleakal National Park on Maui. If you plan to view the stunning sunrise from the top, pack a light jacket and wear jeans. It will be worth the early morning wake-up call.
Wash Clothes in Hawaii
Most resorts or hotels will offer a laundry service, so there is no need to overpack. If you are island hopping, packing and repacking as well as transporting overpacked and heavy suitcases is a burden. Pack light and use packing cubes to maximize space.
3. Dress-Up Clothes
Resort wear in Hawaii still leans toward comfort— flip-flops, bathing suit cover-ups, and sun hats are common around the pool bar. However, you may be expected to sharpen up for dinner in the restaurant. So add a nice outfit to your Hawaii packing list for this purpose.
Restaurant Dress Code inHawaii
Restaurants in Hawaii tend to be informal, but the nicer the restaurant, the more you are expected to dress up.
Dinner jackets are rarely required. But even though Hawaii’s dress code is more relaxed than the mainland, you’ll want to look presentable. Consider pairing khakis with a nice Aloha shirt or polo shirt. For ladies, a simple dress or linen slacks will do.
What to Wear to a Luau?
When attending a luau, it’s customary to wear Hawaiian attire. You can pick up an Aloha dress or shirt at a local shop once you arrive. Otherwise, wear what you would to a restaurant, as it is not mandatory to wear Hawaiian prints.
Keep in mind that luaus are often held outside on the soft ground or at the beach, so flat sandals are recommended.
4. Beach Gear
Pack Your Bathing Suit
Water temperatures average around 70 degrees, making a dip in the ocean a daily activity. Pack at least one bathing suit or a pair of board shorts.
If you are bringing the keiki (children), double up on their suits. They tend to go through them more quickly.
It is not necessary, but pack water shoes for children to cut down on pool-side injuries like scrapes and stubbed toes.
Swimwear is Everywhere in Hawaii
Treat yourself to a new bathing suit after you arrive in Hawaii. Being an island, swimwear is a year-round staple, and our stores are stocked with all shapes and sizes.
Since you will likely cool off in the ocean more than once a day, it helps to have one suit at the ready, while the other is drying.
Should you Bring a Beach Towel?
Your resort or hotel will usually provide standard beach towels, so you don’t need to bring one. If you want a sand-resistant beach towel, add that to your packing list or pick one up in a local store.
Pack a Beach Bag to Carry the Essentials
If you’re spending most of your days at the beach, a beach bag is handy to have.
You can carry the essentials in a beach bag and avoid multiple trips back to your hotel room. You’ll need your room key, perhaps a good book, beach towel, and sun gear. If the beach is your only vacation goal, you might also consider packing a collapsible cooler for cold drinks.
You can buy a beach bag locally, but a lightweight, breathable cloth bag that can be easily folded is a good option—and can double as a grocery or shopping bag (which will definitely come in handy, since there is a state law that requires all bags at the grocery store to be purchased). You might also consider a waterproof tote with different compartments that can double as your carry-on.
If you have little ones who need frequent clothing changes, it’s worth considering including a dry bag to separate wet from dry items.
Pack for the Water Sports on Your Itinerary
No Hawaiian vacation is complete without experiencing a surfing lesson in the very place where the sport was born. Gentle waves on the leeward sides of the islands make learning a breeze, and it is easy to book lessons.
But if surfing is not your cup of tea, there are many water sports to choose from. Stand-up paddle boards, boogie boards, or snorkeling equipment is easy to rent.
You, however, may think a sunset boat tour is the best way to enjoy the ocean. Regardless, there is something for everyone. Check with the hotel or resort concierge for the best places to book activities.
Pack a Rash Guard and Protect Your Skin
If you are planning on participating in one of the island’s many water sports, pack a form-fitted UV rash guard to shield your skin from equipment chafing and rashes.
Rash guards are also an excellent idea for children, providing double protection from sunburn when combined with reef-safe sunscreen (Hawaii has banned most sunscreens, so buy yours after you arrive).
Rent Snorkel Gear
If you have snorkel gear, you could put it on your Hawaii packing list but it will take up a fair amount of space in your suitcase. We recommend renting while on vacation.
For the best snorkeling experience, book a guided snorkeling tour—especially if you visit Maui where the waters are strikingly clear. Local guides will know where you can see the most fish and they will help you snorkel responsibly.
Protect Endangered Coral Habitats When you Visit
Overfishing and pollution have taken a toll on Hawaii’s fish population and coral reefs, spurring an increase in conservation efforts and reef-safe sunscreen requirements. However, there are still many ways to enjoy Hawaii’s underwater residents responsibly.
5. Comfortable Shoes
Get Your Daily Steps in While Exploring
You won’t see a lot of high heels around the islands, except on special occasions. Keep your feet happy and pack low-heeled sandals or tennis shoes when you are out and about.
Exploring the historical and cultural attractions on the islands, such as the Polynesian Cultural Center or the Bishop Museum, can require a lot of walking. The wrong shoes will equal sore feet, and nobody wants that on vacation.
Steps can quickly add up even when you go (strolling) around town, so remember to give your feet some care and aloha.
Get a Pair of Flip-Flops After you Arrive
If you plan to spend time in the surf, it’s a good idea to purchase a pair of ‘slippahs’ or flip-flops once you arrive on the islands. These are a popular choice among locals and are perfect for the beach. You can usually find them in stock at most of the local ABC stores, which are ubiquitous throughout the islands
Hawaii Hiking Trails are Some of the World’s Best
Hawaii boasts some of the world’s best hiking trails, and with 9 national parks, there is something for everyone. If you’re a hiking enthusiast, make sure to pack your hiking boots and prepare to be amazed by the breathtaking scenery.
For those who dare to tackle the challenging 11.5-mile trail through the Haleakala Crater, it’s important to have sturdy shoes to protect your ankles on the sharp rocks and slippery paths.
Other trails throughout the islands will often lead you to ancient (petroglyphs), heiau (temple sites), or stunning waterfalls. However, these trails can be difficult to navigate, even for experienced hikers, so hiking poles may come in handy, especially on slippery rainforest trails. Keep in mind that TSA bans hiking poles as carry-on items, but a collapsible set will fit in your suitcase.
Don’t worry if you’re not an experienced hiker. Hawaii has trails suitable for all levels. You can look on All Trails for trail rankings, categorized as easy, moderate, and hard.