What to Pack for Hawaii: An Ultimate Packing List 

If you’ve ever visited Hawaii, you know that once you experience its breathtaking beauty, vibrant culture, and serene beaches, you’ll be dreaming of your next trip back before you even leave. The allure of a beach vacation in Hawaii is undeniable, and preparing for your trip is key to making the most of every moment. Picture yourself in light, breathable fabrics perfect for the warm breeze, packing comfortable activewear for those stunning hikes, and, of course, plenty of swimsuits to soak up the island sunshine.

To help you make the most of your Hawaiian adventure, I’ve crafted the ultimate “What to Pack for Hawaii” guide. This comprehensive packing list covers all the essentials you’ll need, from must-have items to those you can leave at home, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable experience in the Hawaiian islands. Before any trip, knowing what to pack is crucial so I’ve created this “What to Pack for Hawaii: a Packing List” of things I highly recommend bringing (and not bringing) to the Hawaiian islands. Don’t forget to include Hawaii travel essentials to enhance your overall vacation experience.

Pre-Trip Planning

Best Time to Visit Hawaii

Hawaii is a year-round paradise, but the best time to visit depends on what you want to do. If you’re dreaming of escaping the winter chill, the peak tourist season from mid-December to mid-April is perfect, especially for whale watching and surfing the big waves. However, this is also when prices are highest and crowds are thickest.

For a more relaxed vibe and better deals, consider the shoulder seasons—April to June and September to November. During these times, the weather is still fantastic, and you’ll find fewer tourists. Summer (June to August) is ideal for beach lovers and families, with warm temperatures perfect for swimming and snorkeling. No matter when you go, Hawaii’s beauty and charm are always in season.

How Much to Pack for a Week-Long Hawaii Trip

Packing for a week-long Hawaii trip can be a bit of a balancing act. You want to bring enough to be comfortable but not so much that you’re lugging around a heavy suitcase. A good rule of thumb is to pack three to four tops, two to three bottoms, and one to two dresses or jumpsuits. This mix allows you to create multiple outfits without overpacking.

Don’t forget the essentials: a couple of bathing suits, a beach towel, and plenty of reef-safe sunscreen. If you plan on hiking or engaging in other outdoor activities, make sure to pack the appropriate gear like hiking boots and a reusable water bottle. Versatility is key, so choose items that can be easily mixed and matched. This way, you’ll be prepared for anything your Hawaii trip throws your way.

What to Bring to Hawaii

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For traveling to Hawaii, since the weather is always humid, you should plan on bringing lighter clothing. You’ll want to pack for the beach and casual dinners mostly. However, there are tons of beautiful hikes in Hawaii, so make sure to pack smartly. When traveling to Hawaii, you’ll want to pack smartly for its warm, humid climate. Lightweight, breathable clothing is essential, as it keeps you comfortable whether you’re lounging on the beach or exploring local shops and casual dining spots. Beachwear is a must, along with relaxed outfits for evenings out.

Hawaii’s stunning landscapes also offer countless hiking opportunities, so be sure to bring plenty of activewear. Since many trails can be muddy, don’t expect to reuse your hiking gear—packing extra sets will come in handy! To stay organized, consider bringing a wet bag for any damp or muddy clothing, making repacking a breeze. as well. Furthermore, the hikes can be pretty muddy so don’t count on re-using any activewear! A great rule of thumb is to bring a wet bag for all your clothing items that are too wet to re-pack.

Best Clothing to Pack for Hawaii

I’ve crafted this packing list specifically for a 5-night Hawaiian vacation. If your trip is longer or shorter, feel free to adjust the number of items accordingly. One key tip: leave your fancy clothes at home. Hawaii’s charm lies in its outdoor adventures and laid-back vibe, so you’ll mostly be wearing casual, comfortable outfits. Save the dressier attire for just a few dinner outings or special evenings. When visiting Hawaii, it’s essential to pack light and practical clothing to fully enjoy the relaxed vacation vibe and outdoor activities.

• 5-6 swimsuits: If you overpack anything in your suitcase let it be this. Being that Hawaii is full of beautiful beaches, ocean activities, and multiple waterfalls you’ll always want to have bathing suits handy! I always find great-fitting suits at Summersalt.
• 2-3 swim cover-ups: I always like mine to be flowy so I’m the most comfortable. Linking my favorites here.
• 2-3 flowy dresses: These come in handy when the temperatures are high in the spring/summer. I always love to pack different styles of white dresses because they are easy to mix and match. Consider a maxi dress, a mini dress that doubles as a cover-up, and a chic wrap dress.
• 2-3 sundresses/rompers
• 2 pairs of denim shorts: my favorite shorts are the vintage shorts from Madewell, they’re great for all sizes. I also love my AGOLDE they’re so classic and never go out of style. Furthermore, they don’t dig into your thighs as most jean shorts do.
• 2 pairs of linen shorts: for the warm and humid days you’ll want to pack lightweight shorts. I love this pair that comes in multiple colors and keeps me nice and cool during those hot Hawaiian days!
• 1-2 blouses (a white button-down is so versatile! And an easy way to spruce up a denim short look)
• 3-4 activewear shorts + tops: I love getting mine from Lululemon because they last forever.
• 3-4 tank tops/tees: I always find the best basics at either Free People & Abercrombie. It’s nice to have some neutral tees and tanks handy during your stay.

For easy and affordable basics check out: Abercrombie and Free People. Bathing suits are always so hard to find but I’ve found that Summersalt and Revolve have the best-fitting swimsuits. Finally, I’ve found amazing Lululemon dupes on my Amazon shop that are just as good for a fraction of the price, check it out here!

Best Shoes for Hawaii Activities

Choosing the right footwear for your Hawaii vacation can make all the difference in your comfort and enjoyment. Here are some top picks for various activities:

• Hiking Boots: For those planning to explore Hawaii’s stunning trails, a good pair of hiking boots is essential. Look for waterproof and breathable options with excellent traction and ankle support. Brands like Merrell and Keen offer reliable choices that can handle the island’s diverse terrain.
• Water Shoes: Whether you’re snorkeling, kayaking, or exploring tide pools, water shoes are a must. They provide protection and comfort, especially on rocky surfaces. Opt for shoes with a good grip and drainage system to keep your feet dry and secure.
• Flip Flops: No Hawaii packing list is complete without flip flops. They’re perfect for the beach and casual strolls. Choose a pair that offers good arch support and comfort for extended wear. Havaianas and Birkenstock are popular choices that combine style and functionality.
• Sandals: For a versatile option that can transition from beach to dinner, pack a pair of chic sandals. Look for ones with adjustable straps and a good grip. They can be dressed up or down, making them perfect for any occasion.
• Sneakers: Comfortable sneakers are great for casual outings and light activities. Choose breathable and supportive options to keep your feet happy during your adventures and also add a bit of style to your outfit. They can also double as a backup for your hiking boots if needed.

By packing the right footwear, you’ll be ready to tackle any activity Hawaii has to offer, from hiking lush trails to lounging on pristine beaches.

Accessories to Pack for Hawaii

• Raffia Tote Beach Bag
• A wide-brim sun hat: I own this one from Lack of Color is a favorite since it goes with everything! Or this classic Brixton Hat that is so affordable!
• A visor (this visor is great because it’s machine washable and has a large brim to protect that face from the sun!) or a baseball cap for hiking.
• 2-3 sunglasses
• A Raffia Tote for the beach/pool.
• Simple jewelry
• Beach towels: Essential for beach activities. Consider bringing sand-resistant towels if your accommodation doesn’t provide them.

Outdoor Gear to Pack for Hawaii

• snorkeling masks
  • Snorkeling is a huge part of Hawaii, so buy your snorkeling mask before you go. So you don’t have to worry about high rental costs and germs!
• water shoes
  • If you buy anything for Hawaii, it should be water shoes. We utilized these shoes almost every day for our hikes and rocky water adventures. These Teva Sandals are incredible.
• warm layers and rain jackets
  • When visiting Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, it’s crucial to pack warm layers and rain jackets due to the varying weather conditions at higher elevations.
• waterproof phone case
  • For all the snorkeling in Hawaii, it’s best to capture those moments in the underwater world. This pack comes with two cases that work very well!

Miscellaneous Items to Bring to Hawaii

• Sunscreen, sunscreen, sunscreen
  • I cannot recommend this enough! My husband and I went through two bottles alone. Sunscreen is more expensive on the Hawaiian islands so it’s best to pack reef-safe sunscreen in your checked luggage.
  • This GOOP FACE SUNSCREEN BRUSH is perfect for traveling because it adds SPF to your face all while not messing up your makeup. It’s my new holy grail product so add it to your packing list immediately!
  • Finally, my daily moisturizer with SPF is incredible for traveling + every day.
• Lotion
  • Being in the sun all day will really dry out your skin. Plan on moisturizing daily.
• Bug spray
  • Since Hawaii is high in humidity, the mosquitos are no joke. My best travel tip is to use bug spray at night and during your hiking adventures!
• Packing cubes
  • I love these cubes from Amazon and I never travel without them. It’s the perfect way to organize your clothing for vacation and you can easily pop them into a drawer when you’re checking into your hotel.
• Rain Coat
  • although most times the rain comes and goes if you want to be extra prepared bring a light raincoat or poncho.
• Water Bottle
• A trash bag
  • Because of the treacherous and sometimes muddy hikes, your shoes/clothes will most definitely get dirty. It’s best to pack a trash bag to throw your muddy clothes and shoes at the end of the trip.

CHECK OUT MORE OF MY HAWAII GUIDES FOR FREE RESOURCES TO HELP PLAN YOUR TRIP!

What Not to Bring to Hawaii

When you get to Hawaii you’ll instantly notice the laid-back feel so there is no need to bring the following items to Hawaii and you can leave them off your Hawaii packing list:

• High heels
• Winter jackets
• Bulky sweaters
• Expensive dresses and jewelry

I hope you enjoyed this Ultimate Hawaii Packing List. So since you now know what to bring to Hawaii, it’s time to start planning your trip! And don’t forget to check out the “32 Travel Essentials: to pack for your next trip“!

Aloha,

Courtney

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