When it comes to packing for a vacation, you want to make sure that you have everything you need but you still travel light. This is especially important for everyone who prefers to travel around a bit.
But what to pack for Hawaii? If you are planning to go to Hawaii, then there are a few essentials you will need, including T-shirts, shorts, comfortable shoes and plenty of sunscreen.
In this guide, we share our full packing list for Hawaii and all the things you need to fully enjoy your vacation (see also “Do You Need Passport For Hawaii?“).
Full Packing List For Your Hawaii Vacation
Whether you are going on a weekend trip to Hawaii or you want to enjoy the islands for a long vacation, here is a packing list with all the essentials you need for a fun trip.
T-shirts
Shorts
Light sweatshirt or jacket (including a rain jacket)
Backpack or beach bag
Handbag
Toiletries
Socks and underwear
Warmer clothes (for Maui and a tour of the volcanos)
Sun-protective clothing, including hat and sunglasses
Sunscreen
Comfortable footwear (including hiking shoes)
Swimwear (including swimsuit or bikini)
Collapsible hiking poles (for avid hikers)
Insect repellent spray
Waterproof waist pouch (for your phone)
Reusable water bottle
Camera or underwater camera (with a flotation strap or underwater protection case)
Always remember that Hawaii also has large convenience stores and grocery stores, so you can buy anything you forgot.
Clothes To Pack For Hawaii
Island attire has its own style but you can wear whatever you feel comfortable with. There are no specific rules in Hawaii when it comes to fashion.
Just keep in mind that some clothes are more practical and suitable for Hawaii’s milder weather conditions.
It’s a good idea to pack only according to the number of days you are on the island and what you want to do.
If you want to spend more time hiking, then make sure to pack your hiking gear, several pairs of socks, tops and shorts to change.
Here is our clothes packing list for Hawaii.
T-Shirts And Shorts
Shorts and T-shirts are a must-have when you want to enjoy your time on Hawaii. The weather is warm and sunny, so you don’t need thick clothing.
Comfortable Shoes
Unless you want to spend plenty of time on the beach, you will need comfortable footwear to explore the island.
One Formal Outfit
Whether you are staying just for a weekend or a couple of weeks on Hawaii, you want to have at least some formal attire to go out for a night or two and explore Hawaii’s nightlife.
Handbag Or Beach Bag
Take a handy beach bag or handbag that you don’t have to worry about when it ends up in the sun or the sand.
Packing List For Your Hawaii Beach Vacation
Hawaii has some of the best beaches in the United States and the rest of the world. You will find showers, toilet facilities and lifeguards on duty.
This means that you won’t need much to take with you when you set out for your island beach vacation. Here is a beach packing list with all the essentials for water lovers and sun worshipers.
Mineral-Based Sunscreen
Hawaii banned sales of certain types of sunscreen because it damages the reefs around the island. The best safe-reef sunscreen you can use is mineral-based sunscreen.
But don’t worry, if you forget your sunscreen at home, you can also buy it cheaply in one of the many grocery stores on Hawai’i.
Swimsuit
Make sure that you pack a swimsuit, swimming trunks or a bikini. If you want to go snorkeling, you will need a fully body swimsuit but you can usually hire them on the island.
Beach Bag
You will need a backpack, handbag or a beach bag to keep your valuables and carry all the things you need for a fun beach trip.
Sun Hat Or Sunglasses
Make sure you have sunglasses or a large sun hat with you to protect your eyes and face from the glaring sunlight.
Underwater Camera And Camera Accessories
If you love diving or snorkeling, then Hawaii is the best place with clear water, colorful reefs and a great variety of wildlife.
Pack your underwater camera, a waterproof case and a flotation strap to fit to your camera.
What You Can Leave At Home When Going To Hawaii
There are a number of different items that you don’t need to pack for your Hawaii trip. After all, you just want to take essential things that you really need for your vacation.
Beach Towels
Beach towels are large and bulky. They take up a lot of space in your luggage. Plus, resorts and hotels usually provide beach towels for their guests.
Jeans
Hawaii weather is usually warm and mild, so you don’t need thick jeans. We recommend light cotton or linen that feels comfortable.
Water Shoes
Hawaii has plenty of sandy beaches, so you won’t need water shoes that are designed to protect your feet from sharp rocks.
Umbrella
While it does rain occasionally in Hawaii, you won’t need an umbrella frequently. If you feel like you can’t be without one, then a compact travel umbrella is ideal.
Formal Clothing
While Hawaii has quite a few fine-dining restaurants, you may want to pack only one set of dress clothes. If you are enjoying a Hawaiian vacation, then you don’t need formal dresses, suits or diner jackets.
High Heels
Similar to formal attire, high heels may be pretty but they are not practical on an island.
Heavy Jackets Or Sweatshirts
Thanks to the mild weather on Hawaii, you won’t need a heavy sweatshirt or jacket. A light sweatshirt is perfect for the cooler evenings.
Snorkel Equipment
Unless you are planning to swim and snorkel every day, you don’t need to bring your own snorkel gear. There are plenty of establishments where you can rent high-quality equipment for a good price.
Final Thoughts
From a beach vacation to a hiking trip, Hawaii offers something for everyone. You just have to ensure that you pack items you need for all the things you want to do on the island.
Hello, it’s great to have you here. My name is Julia and I am a travel blogger! I have been writing all of my life, and previously worked for a travel agency where I would recommend the best places to visit in the states.
If you are ready to take on the world, explore the sights, and see some of the most incredible places on offer, then take a look at some of my articles!
