Hawaii is comprised of eight islands with four being the most popular (Oahu, Maui, Big Island and Kauai), but whichever island you go too, this list will tell you everything you need to pack before your trip. Obviously Hawaii is a very tropical climate with a nice island breeze, so light loose clothes will always be a safe bet. Weather changes depending on where you are on the islands so make sure to do a little bit of planning ahead if you intend on doing some hiking or camping.
As someone who is from Hawaii and travels back to see family every year, I have nailed down the best things to pack when going on Hawaii adventures. To make things easier, here is a packing list with everything mentioned below (affiliate link).
Hawaii is an island that offers chill laid back vibes with amazing natural scenery. Here is EVERYTHING you will need to pack if you’re visiting any of the Hawaiian Islands. Make sure to read these tips before you go to ensure you are traveling to Hawaii responsibly. The best thing you can do for yourself is pack multipurpose clothes so you can interchange outfits easily (like bringing a black tank top that will go with multiple outfits).
Table of Contents
ESSENTIALS:
- reusable water bottle
- microfiber towel- this is the one i have, it is big enough to also be used as a blanket, sustainably made and dries quickly since it is microfiber
- reusable utensils– for takeout or any food on the go
- reusable bag for farmers markets and groceries- Hawaii has banned plastic bags
- reef safe sunscreen– make sure any sunscreen you bring doesn’t have these 7 harmful ingredients
- goggles for snorkeling– there is so much to see in the underwater world, save money and bring your own goggles
- portable charger to keep your phone alive throughout the day, if you plan on camping try this portable solar charger
- day pack to bring everything you need on your adventures
- waterproof hat– bucket hats are cute but will fly off in the wind, so make sure to bring one that is secure on your head or one with straps
- polarized sunglasses– to see the true colors of the world around you and keep those eyes safe
- if you have the funds- i suggest getting a GoPro– there are so many outdoor activities to do both on land and in the water and the best camera for both is the GoPro to capture all of your adventures (a waterproof phone case like this also works too!)
CLOTHES:
Unless you plan on going to fancy dinner, skip the fancy clothing. No one in Hawaii actually cares what designer brands you’re wearing, and people dress more for comfort- so you should too! This is what you’ll need for beach days, hiking, and adventure tours:
- sweatshirt + sweatpants/leggings (incase it gets cold, on top of hikes/mountains, etc)
- long sleeve shirt/ flannel/ light jacket – to protect yourself from the sun or use as a layer
- swimsuits – make sure to pack functional bathing suits if you plan on doing any surfing, cliff jumping, or snorkeling to ensure everything stays in place during activites
- sandals with straps or water shoes- so you can walk through waterfalls or easily slip on for beach days
- hiking shoes/ athletic shoes if you plan on being active. Most hikes don’t require hiking boots, but if it makes you more comfortable bring the boots! *in most cases, going barefoot will provide better traction support in the mud*
- shorts- jean shorts + light/ loose fitting ones
- tank tops- i usually bring basic tanks that will go with many outfits
- men: aloha shirts are totally acceptable but you should know its more of a tourist thing than a local thing (unless going somewhere nice)
- ladies: dresses + romper- dresses are super easy to slip on and light and loose (you don’t need a fancy one, just a casual beach dress will work) & big t shirts- for sleeping, use as portable changing room, or something to wear after the beach
I can honestly say, everytime I pack jeans, I never end up wearing them so if aren’t planning on going out that much I would skip the jeans. If you plan on visiting the volcanoes on Maui or the Big Island, bring a beanie and warm layers as it does get pretty cold up there (50F sometimes).
EXTRAS/ MISCELLANEOUS:
- mosquito repellent
- dry bag
- hammock
- headlamp for sunrise hikes!
- neosporin- just good to have just incase you get cut and keep your cut clean
WHAT NOT TO BRING TO HAWAII:
- any spray sunscreen
- high heels
- fancy clothes
- expensive jewelry or designer anything
That is everything I can think of! Let me know if there is anything you ended up bringing that I didn’t mention here. I hope this list helps and always make sure to be respectful and leave no trace when traveling.
