A full Hawaii packing guide. Vacationing in the Hawaiian Islands is always a good idea – but there are some random, unexpected items that will make your trip so much better. It doesn’t matter which island or islands you’re going to, this is everything you need (and what you don’t) for the Hawaii trip of a lifetime.
From the unexpected (did you know that a certain body oil is the best mosquito repellant?), to the often overlooked, to the clothes you’ll wear more and less than of than you think you will, everything you possibly need for a stylish and adventurous week or two in Hawaii is listed here.
6 Must-Pack Items You Probably Haven’t Thought Of:
Through 10+ trips to Hawaii, these are the items that we have most often been so grateful that we have brought with us, regretted not having, and have found to be so incredibly useful for every kind of Hawaiian vacation – from the relaxing to the adventurous. Make sure not to include these ones in your suitcase above all else!
1.Water Shoes
Water Shoes are one of the items that I often forget to bring and always regret not having with me. Hawaii has so much course and sharp lava rock everywhere, that shoes you can wear into the water can be essential for some activities – like cliff jumping and kayak tours to nearby islands (our last time, I lost one of my flipflops when our kayak got splashed over by a wave and had to hobble around the mokes with only one shoe). I always remember water shoes / water socks from my childhood as super dorky, but the new styles available now look much more like cute sneakers!
2.Foldable Cooler Bag
Having a cooler is key – for both cold drinks and to take your poké to go – and I have purchased and left so many coolers in Hawaii after not bringing one over the years. A big, foldable tote is great to buy ahead and bring with you – they’re easy to shove into a suitcase or even a carry-on, can fit TONS, and can easily be used over and over again. We started packing one of these with us not just for Hawaii but on any trip where we will be on the road or in a car often.
3.Dry Bag Backpack
Our dry bag is another item that I always regret not bringing with us on every trip. These bags work great as a hiking or day backpack, and are designed to be 100% waterproof – something that is essential for Hawaii even if you are planning on not going in the water – as rain storms come on unexpectedly almost daily. I cannot emphasize how much these bags have saved us and kept all of our camera gear from getting soaked. A dry bag is also great for taking on a kayak, or any hike around water. If you don’t have one, you need one – it’s really that simple.
This orange, 40L model is the exact bag that we have and have taken with us on dozens of trips – and have often taking all of our camera gear swimming in.
4.Proper Hiking Boots
I went on countless hikes all over Hawaii with just my regular running shoes, but I finally bought a pair of proper Adidas hiking shoes before our most recent trip – and the added grip was LIFE CHANGING. Especially for precipitous ridgelines and muddy trails. If you’re planning on doing a lot of hiking or like more adventurous hikes, definitely opt for proper hiking shoes over your standard running or training shoes – the difference is really worth it.
5.A Beach Blanket
This is one that I STILL forget sometimes regrettably. While hotels or airbnbs will often have towels, if you’re going to be moving around a lot or want to spend your days out exploring beaches, bringing a lightweight towel that can be used as a picnic blanket, mobile changing room, towel, or blanket for a cold breeze after sunset always comes in handy.
I love a Turkish towel for a lightweight, easily packable, and forever stylish option.
6.Reef Safe Sunscreen
We all know that sunscreen is #1 – especially if you’re going on a winter or spring escape and haven’t seen the sun in a while. However, the ingredients in many traditional sunscreens can damage the delicate tropical reefs, and its important to only bring reef-safe brands. Buying ahead of time and bringing this with you will often save quite a bit compared to buying them on the islands.
Easy, Breezy Maxi Dresses
Sleeveless maxi dresses are one of my go-tos for vacation and tropical places – I tend to wear one every night for sunset and dinner. They’re just so breezy and easy and still feel chic in simple flat sandals. This is one thing I always say to pack more of than you think you’ll need if you’re heading to a tropical resort – there’s nothing quite like a flowy skirt against your legs after a shower after a long day in the sea and the sun.
Shorts instead of leggings for hikes
I personally like to hike most often in denim shorts (something I found out recently isn’t that common?) – but if you’re more comfortable in athleisure – definitely opt for bike shorts over leggings. The hikes here can get really hot and sweaty – and often muddy and full of water, and you won’t want to be confined to full-length leggings.
I’m not huge on bike shorts – but the most flattering and comfortable pair I’ve ever had are definitely the Lululemon Align Shorts in 6″.
Kimonos and Over Shirts
What do hot and humid places all have in common? Aggressive Air Conditioning. Don’t forget to bring a sweater and cute kimono cover ups for times when you’ll be inside for a while – like meals. I love this $24 one on Amazon! I never leave without a few of these because I always get freezing when I sit still for a while.
Mini Dresses
For everything else… mini dresses have you covered! Pack styles that don’t wrinkle easily and you can throw on effortlessly – sleeveless tends to be best for the hot days here. Make it extra fun with a tropical print.
Sun Accessories
Round out your suitcase with fun but practical accessories – hats and a visor to keep the sun off your face and because everything looks better with a hat, some classic flip flops to wear on the sand, and a beachy tote bag big enough to fit your blanket, water bottle, and everything you need for the day.
