Hawaii Packing List (33 Things You Should Bring)

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Wondering what to pack for your trip to the Aloha State? I’ve got your back! Whether you plan to spend your trip lounging at a resort or island hopping in search of adventure, I’ve compiled a list of everything you need to make the most out of your Hawaiian vacation. 

I’ve spent the past four years living on Oahu and island hop as much as possible. As such, I’m somewhat of an expert on everything you’ll want to pack for a trip to the islands. Because there’s nothing worse than forgetting essential items on vacation.

Use this article and my guides to where to stay on Oahu and where to stay in Honolulu to start planning your perfect Hawaiian vacation. Let’s get started!

Travel Essentials for Hawaii

🖨️ Get a free, printable version of this checklist here!

Reef Safe Sunscreen

The Hawaiian sun is strong and as such, sunscreen is a must during your visit to the islands. Hawaii was the first state in the U.S. to ban the sale of sunscreens containing oxybenzone and octinoxate, which are chemicals that are harmful to coral reefs. In their place, reef safe mineral sunscreens have become a staple. 

I’ve tried lots of mineral sunscreens and Raw Elements SPF 30 Face + Body is by far my favorite. Raw Elements utilizes sustainable packaging and is made from ingredients that are both gentle on your skin and the reef. A little goes a long way, so the SPF 30 Face + Body should last your entire trip. And, at 3.0 ounces, you can pack it into your carry-on bag. 

Beach Towel

Although most resorts have towels available, I always like to pack my own towel for day trips. Hawaii is home to tons of stunning beaches and an assortment of waterfall hikes, so you’ll likely want to venture away from your resort. When you do, you’ll be happy to have a towel in tow.

While any towel will do the trick, the Nomadix Ultralight Towel is my towel of choice. Made from post consumer recycled materials, the towel is soft, sand-resistant and it dries quickly. Plus, it packs down incredibly small, so you can easily throw it in your backpack for day trips around the island.

Hiking Backpack

In my opinion, a backpack is always a must when you’re traveling. But it’s especially essential when visiting Hawaii. Here, you’ll want a backpack that works as a carry-on item for your flight as well as for beach days and hikes. 

Available at an affordable price point, the Osprey Daylight Commuter Backpack is the perfect pack for all of your needs. The 13 liter pack has an interior sleeve that’s the ideal size for storing a laptop or a hydration bladder and a main compartment for stashing everything else. 

While any old backpack will do, the Osprey Daylight Commuter Backpack is my backpack of choice because it’s breathable enough for hikes but stylish enough for daily use. 

Polarized Sunglasses

Hawaii is known for a lot of things, but its pleasant weather and sunny days are high on the list. While some trips may be centered around visiting museums and time indoors, Hawaii is a trip where you’ll be spending the bulk of your time outdoors. Packing a good pair of sunglasses is critical. 

Because the Hawaiian islands are surrounded by water, you’ll want to opt for a pair of polarized sunglasses. Polarized glasses help reduce glare reflected off the water while simultaneously enhancing contrast. 

My go-to polarized sunglasses are the Goodr Falkor Fever Polarized Sunglasses. They’re comfortable, offer reliable sun protection, and are insanely affordable. I recommend traveling with two pairs just in case you lose one.

Eyewear Retainer

During your time in Hawaii, you’ll likely participate in a handful of water activities. If you like to wear sunglasses at all times, you’ll want a way to ensure you don’t lose them. Cue the eyewear retainer.

In my opinion, Croakies is the oldest and best eyewear retainer on the market. Plus, they have fun prints to suit every style. 

Snorkeling Kit

Regardless of which island you visit, snorkeling is a must during your time in Hawaii. Roughly 680 species of fish occupy the waters around Hawaii and if you’re lucky you’ll catch a glimpse of a sea turtle, manta ray, or spinner dolphin.

While you can obviously rent snorkeling gear when you arrive, I prefer to pack my own gear so I can snorkel wherever and whenever I please. Plus, if you find a mask that fits well, it’s nice to bring it. Deepzy Snorkeling Gear has a kit that includes everything you’ll need — a snorkel, face mask, and fins. Plus, it comes in six color options. 

Water Bottle

Because you’ll be spending lots of time in the sun during your visit to Hawaii, it’s a good idea to always have a water bottle on hand. Between the sunshine and the humidity it’s easy to get dehydrated, especially if you plan on indulging in tropical adult beverages. 

My go-to water bottle is the Hydroflask Trail Series Water Bottle. It comes in a few different sizes, but I’ve found that the 32 ounce bottle is the perfect size. Unlike traditional Hydroflasks, the Trail Series bottle is lightweight and fits perfectly in a backpack’s water bottle compartment or in your rental car’s cup holder. 

Electrolytes

It’s no secret that Hawaii is humid. Thanks to the sunny weather and moist air, you’ll likely find yourself sweating a fair amount during your trip (especially if you’re active). Because you’ll be losing water through perspiration, you’ll want to be sure you’re drinking plenty. 

Since moving to Hawaii, electrolytes have become a regular part of my regimen as they help rehydrate me quickly and keep me hydrated. I’ve tried a lot of different electrolytes, and my favorite is LMNT. They have zero sugar and come in individual packets, so it’s easy to always have one stashed away in your backpack or beach bag. The citrus flavor is my personal favorite. 

Waterproof Camera

Hawaii is home to countless aquatic adventures. Whether it’s surfing, a catamaran cruise, or a waterfall hike, you’ll definitely want a way to capture all of the action.

The GoPro Hero 13 is the perfect camera for capturing every moment. It’s compact, durable, and insanely waterproof, so you can rest easy knowing you won’t damage your camera. And if you plan to surf, you should definitely mount it to your board to get some fun shots!

Cooler

Traveling with a cooler may seem excessive, but hear me out. If you plan to spend your vacation at your resort, by all means, leave your cooler at home. But if you’re like me and you plan to roam the island, bringing a cooler is a game-changer. 

I use my backpack cooler as a carry-on bag and fill it with my things to save space. Then, when I reach my destination, I load up on drinks and snacks at the market to save a few bucks.

In my opinion, the cooler to beat all coolers is the YETI Hopper Series Backpack Cooler. I’ve tried lots of different coolers and this keeps things cold for days! Plus, it’s got backpack straps so it’s easy to carry through the airport and around the island.

Waterproof Phone Pouch

You’ll be doing lots of activities on or around the water in Hawaii. Because of this, there’s a good chance your phone might get wet, so it’s a good idea to pack a waterproof phone case to ensure your phone stays safe.

The Unbreakable Floating Waterproof Phone Pouch is a great option because it’s affordable and it floats, so you don’t have to worry even if you drop your phone in the water. The pouches sport a universal fit and two are included so should you lose one, you’ll have a backup. 

Fanny Pack

Once I started traveling with a fanny pack, I never stopped. I love wearing one on my hip as I go through the airport, so I can easily whip out my ID and boarding pass. They also are a great option for carrying your wallet and essentials when strolling through town.

At 1.5 L, the Cotopaxi Kapai Hip Pack is the perfect size to carry everything you need without being bulky. For short hikes, I love wearing my fanny pack so I can stash my phone for photo ops, which Hawaii has in spades. 

Hair Care Products

It’s no secret that sun and saltwater are hard on your hair. I spend a lot of time in the ocean, so using quality hair care products is a priority for me. Even when I travel.

When I’m heading out for a trip, I like to pack along the Sun Bum Travel Essentials Kit. It includes a compact conditioner, shampoo, and leave-in conditioner that packs into a cute travel pouch. 

👉 Pro Tip: Spray the leave-in conditioner in your hair before and after time in the ocean to keep it extra protected. 

Hair Brush

If you have long hair, getting it brushed out after a swim in the Pacific can be a challenge. To prevent damage, rinse your hair with fresh water after each swim, spritz in some detangler, and brush it out.

The Wet Brush is the best brush I have ever used for post swim and surf brush outs. It’s specifically designed for brushing out wet hair (but also works on dry hair) without pulling or snagging – perfect for the kiddos! 

After Sun Lotion

If you’re not used to spending a lot of time in the sun, there’s a good chance you’ll get sunburnt during your Hawaiian vacay. Obviously, it’s best to avoid a sunburn if you can, but should it happen, you’ll want to be prepared.

Kokua Sun Lotion is my favorite after-sun lotion for travel. It’s packaged in an eco-friendly glass bottle and is 100% plant-based. Plus, the compact size is perfect for travel. 

Bug Spray

As with any tropical destination, there are some bugs in Hawaii. Luckily, the mosquitoes aren’t too much of a problem, but if you’re hiking in the jungle, you’ll want to pack some bug spray.

Badger Bug Spray is my bug repellent of choice. It’s DEET-free and packed with essential oils, so it’s gentle on your skin. The convenient travel size is easy to pack along, too.

Suitcase

A good suitcase is a must for any type of travel. When I’m in the market for some new luggage, I want something that is durable and easy to transport. Bonus points if it’s easily identifiable.

I’m a big fan of the Delsey Helim Aero Hardside Expandable Luggage. The carry-on size is perfect for when you don’t have a lot to take with you, but they also have a medium-sized luggage that is super spacious. The spinner wheels make it easy to lug through the airport and the hard exterior keeps all of your things safe. Plus, it comes in lots of fun color options. 

Packing Pouches

Packing cubes have become super popular for travel. They’re a great way to keep all your gear organized and save space.

Although they’re technically not packing cubes, I opt for the Aloha Collection Pouches when traveling somewhere tropical. They come in lots of cute prints and work the same as a packing cube. But, they’re also splash-proof. Once I arrive at my destination, I empty out my clothes and use one of these pouches to store my phone, book, and other beach day essentials.

Beach Chair

When traveling, a chair isn’t a necessity, but it sure is a luxury. If you’re staying at a resort, you might not need to pack a chair, but many places do charge for the day use of beach chairs, so you may want to pack a beach chair anyway. Or, if you plan to tour the island, you’ll love having a chair with you for beach and park hangs.

Most beach chairs are too large to travel with, so I opt for the Helinox Chair Zero. It’s incredibly lightweight and compact, so you can easily throw it into a backpack.

Medicine Kit

Depending on where you stay in Hawaii, you should have easy access to drugstores and supermarkets, but it never hurts to be prepared. Especially if you don’t plan on renting a car in Hawaii. Needless to say, it can be helpful to have some basic medications on hand. 

This Travel Medicine Kit includes 70+ tablets of over-the-counter medications. Be it fever, pain, headache, traveler’s diarrhea, nausea, dizziness, motion sickness, insomnia, upset stomach, heartburn, allergies (antihistamine), or dehydration, this kit has got you covered.

Food Container

I’m a big advocate of packing food for your flight. It saves some money and you’ll likely have something healthier. Plus, you never know when that mid-flight hunger will strike – it’s good to be prepared.

The Thermos Funtainer Food Jar is my top pick for food containers. It comes in lots of colors and works for hot or cold food. I like to throw it in my purse when dining out as well to bring home any leftovers!

Checklist of Other Hawaii Essentials to Pack

• Electronic chargers
• Portable power banks
• Toiletries
• Book or Kindle
• Headphones
• Airplane pillow
• Driver’s license or passport
• Air tags

Clothing, Shoes, & Accessories to Pack for Hawaii

Hawaii is blessed by warm weather year round, with frequent rain showers that help keep the islands lush and green. As such, you’ll want lots of tropical and lightweight clothing. Hawaii is also home to tons of water sports and stunning hikes, so you’ll want to be prepared for aquatic adventures and treks through the jungle. 

Sun Shirt

Hawaii is sunny, so it’s important to have lots of different sun protection options. When I go on a lengthy tropical trip, my skin has a tough time wearing sunscreen 24/7, so I like to pack alternative choices to give my skin a breather. For me, a sun shirt is a must.

My favorite sunshirt is the Marmot Air Exchange UPF Hoody. It’s lightweight, breathable, and dries quickly, so it works well for hikes and water adventures. Plus, it’s rated UPF 50 and has a hood, so you can rest easy knowing you’re well protected. 

If you prefer short sleeves, it comes in a short sleeve crew option as well. 

Hat

As someone who spends a lot of time in the sun, hats are an essential packing item for me. I used to try and travel with a straw hat for maximum sun coverage, but it was always a challenge to get the hat to the destination without damaging it. A few years back, I discovered roll up visor style hats and it’s been a game changer. 

The San Diego Hat Co. Ultrabraid Visor is my go-to roll up visor. It offers full sun protection for your face, it’s stylish, and it packs down small. I’ve been using mine for beach days for years and it’s still as good as new. 

If you’re looking for a men’s option, the Kwai Braided Straw Hat is a great traditional straw hat. 

Hiking Shoes

Forgetting to pack hiking shoes for a Hawaii vacation is a major bummer. From the picturesque Na Pali coast to Volcanoes National Park, Hawaii is home to countless hikes that you won’t want to miss out on.

I typically hike in a pair of trail runners or hiking shoes that can double as walking shoes for strolls around town. The Hoka Anacapa Low GTX are grippy, comfortable, and breathable, making them a great pick for waterfall and ridge hikes alike. They come in a women’s version as well. 

Sandals

The footwear of choice in Hawaii is sandals. Or as the locals call them, slippers. Wear them to the beach, to dinner, strolling around town, or wherever you go.

As an Oahu transplant from California, I’m no stranger to sandals and have tried my fair share. I’m a big fan of the Birkenstock Women’s Thong. They’re incredibly well-made and have a nice grip on the bottom so you don’t slide out on slippery surfaces. And, they pair well with every outfit. 

Sarong

One of the best parts about Hawaii is you don’t need to pack too many clothes. Whether you’re spending your day at the beach or poolside, a sarong is a great option for a quick cover-up. Most shops and restaurants are pretty welcoming of swimwear but it’s still nice to throw on a little something.

Available in black and white, the Seafolly Beach Basics Sarong is a basic yet stylish sarong. It’s lightweight, breathable, and provides just enough coverage. Plus, it packs down small. 

Water Shoes

Back in the day, I used to always pack water shoes for tropical vacations. But water shoes only have one purpose and I like to pack versatile items for my trips to cut down on the bulk. 

These days, in lieu of water shoes, I always pack my pair of Teva Original Universal Sandals. They’re perfect for short hikes, navigating the airport, and walks around town, and they double nicely as water shoes. 

Swimsuit

When going to Hawaii, a swimsuit is quite possibly your most essential item. You’ll likely be wearing one all day, every day, so it’s important to pack a suit that you love.

As an avid water woman, I’ve tried tons of different swimsuits, but I’m a big fan of the Carve Designs Elba Top and Carve Designs Sanitas Reversible Bottoms. Reversible suits are awesome for travel as they give you more color options without taking up any extra room. 

If you prefer a little more coverage, the Carve Designs Standard Logan One Piece is a great pick as well. 

Boardshorts

Boardshorts are another essential item for a trip to Hawaii. For the men, they’ll serve as your swimsuit and double nicely as shorts. For women, they’re a great option to throw on over your bikini bottoms.

The Billabong Standard All Day Boardshort is a great boardshort for men. They’re basic and comfortable and they look cool to boot. For women, the Hurley Swim Board Shorts are a great option for surfing or just walking around. 

Other Clothing, Shoes, & Accessories to Pack for Hawaii

So what clothing, shoes, and accessories should you pack for Hawaii? Here is a quick clothing checklist for Hawaii: 

• 2-3 pairs of shorts
• 2-3 sundresses
• 1-2 swimsuits
• 1 ball cap or sunhat
• 1 pair of flip flops
• 1 pair of hiking shoes 
• 1 pair of water shoes
• 7 pairs of underwear
• 4-6 t-shirts
• 1-2 dressier shirts
• 5-6 pairs of socks
• 1 beach coverup

Seasonal Items to Pack for Hawaii

Hawaii is blessed with mild weather year round. Although the variation between seasons is minimal, the winter months tend to see more rainfall and the water temps drop a tad. That being said, it’s a good idea to pack some sort of rain gear in the winter months and you might want to bring some neoprene if you plan to spend a lot of time in the water. 

Here are recommendations for seasonal items or clothing you might need in Hawaii:

Rain Jacket

On average, the state of Hawaii experiences 225 days of rainfall a year. It’s the reason the islands are so lush and green. Typically, storms are short-lived but sometimes the rain will last all day. Because the weather in Hawaii is so mercurial, it’s a good idea to always be prepared and have a rain jacket handy.

The Arc’teryx Beta Jacket is a great pick because it’s reliably waterproof but packs down small, so you can easily throw it in your backpack or beach bag. Because it’s designed for hiking, it’s nice and breathable and incredibly durable. 

Wetsuit Jacket

Although you can get away with wearing a bikini or boardshorts year round in Hawaii, it can be nice to have a little added warmth in the winter. The water temps are lower in the winter months and on windy days, it can feel especially chilly.

At 1.5 mm thick, the O’Neill Reactor Long Sleeve Jacket is a great option. It’s just warm enough without restricting your movement. And if you get too warm, simply unzip the jacket to allow water to pass through.

Sweatshirt

A t-shirt and flip flops will cut it most days in Hawaii, but on occasion, you’ll want something a little warmer. Additionally, many of the restaurants blast their AC, so it’s a good idea to bring a sweatshirt with you so you don’t spend your entire meal shivering.

Evenings and windy days call for a cozy sweatshirt, and the Hurley Crewneck Sweatshirt is an option I’ve been loving. It’s soft, affordable, and pairs well with anything. 

Windbreaker

I’ve become a big fan of windbreakers since moving to Hawaii. It is windy often, so it’s nice to be prepared. And if you plan to hike to the top of a ridge, it often gets chilly at the top, so throwing a windbreaker in your pack is a great call.

There are lots of options on the market, but I love the Cotopaxi Teca Half-Zip. It comes in fun colorways and it packs down into its own pocket for easy storage. 

Other Seasonal Items to Pack for Hawaii

So what seasonal items should you pack for Hawaii? Here is a quick checklist for Hawaii: 

• Rain pants
• Umbrella
• Leggings
• Wetsuit
• Warm jacket

Hawaii Packing Tips

Prepare For Sun

During your time in Hawaii, you’ll spend lots of time in the sun. Plan accordingly with clothing and sunscreen to help you stay covered and protected. Think lightweight and breathable, bonus points if it has built in UPF protection. 

Be Ready for Water

The Hawaiian islands are surrounded by water and you’ll be missing out if you don’t plan some aquatic adventures. You’ll definitely want a couple bathing suits, but it’s also a good idea to pack a rashguard or wetsuit top for some added protection and/or warmth. 

Your daily clothes may get wet as well, so you’ll want something that won’t get ruined by saltwater – clothes that dry quickly will serve you well. 

Trade Winds Are Strong

If you’ve never been to Hawaii, you might not be expecting it to be windy but it often is. Although the temperatures may be warm, it can get chilly when 20 mph winds are ripping all day (especially when you’re wet). Having a windbreaker or a sweatshirt with you at all times is a good idea, just in case!

Plan for Adventure

Most tourists spend the majority of their Hawaiian vacation at the resorts. But, if you want to make the most out of your trip, it’s a good idea to venture away from your hotel and explore the island. Hawaii is home to stunning hikes, beaches, and sites, so it’s a good call to pack a pair of hiking shoes and water shoes so you can make the most out of everything the islands have to offer. 

Restaurants Are Chilly

The restaurants in Hawaii tend to blast their AC, which is a nice reprieve from the heat, but it gets cold. You might not think you’d need a jacket in Hawaii (especially during the summer months), but you’ll want to at least have a warm item or two for your time indoors. 

Rain Happens (Often)

Rain showers are frequent in Hawaii (it’s what makes the islands so beautiful), so you’ll want to plan accordingly. Showers typically pass quickly but it’s a good idea to always have a rain jacket or umbrella at the ready so you don’t have to abandon your day’s itinerary. 

Laundry is Accessible

Hawaii has a fair share of laundromats, and most hotels offer laundry services, so you don’t have to stress if your clothes get dirty. Ideally, you don’t want to spend your vacation at a laundromat, though. So, it’s a good call to pack enough clothes for your trip. But, if you find yourself covered in mud, don’t stress.

ABC Stores Abound

Depending on where you’re staying, most tourist areas have ABC stores. And lots of them. ABC stores have all of your essentials like snacks, toiletries, medicine, and even souvenirs. So, if you’re trying to fit everything into a carry-on or you forget something at home, ABC stores are your friend.

🖨️ Get a free, printable version of this checklist here!

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Hopefully this packing list was helpful and you feel ready and excited for your trip to Hawaii. I’m happy to answer any other questions you may have, so feel free to leave a comment below and I’ll get back to you ASAP!

Next, ready my guide to the best things to do on Oahu.