Travel
Packing List for Hawaii: Beaches, Hiking, and Island Life
Everything you need to pack for a Hawaii vacation covering beach gear, hiking essentials, sun protection, and island-appropriate clothing for all four major islands.
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Clothing Essentials
Pack lightweight shorts and t-shirts for daily wear
Cotton and linen breathe best in Hawaiian humidity. Bring 4-6 pairs of shorts and 5-7 t-shirts for a week-long trip. Floral prints and bright colors fit the local vibe. Leave jeans at home as they are too hot and take forever to dry.
Bring a light rain jacket or windbreaker
Brief tropical showers happen almost daily, especially on windward sides of the islands. A packable rain jacket weighing under 200 grams fits in any daypack. Waterproof rather than water-resistant is worth the small price difference.
Pack a lightweight hoodie or fleece for evenings
Temperatures drop to 18-22 degrees Celsius after sunset at sea level, and considerably colder at elevation. Summit trips to Haleakala or Mauna Kea require warm layers as temperatures can reach near freezing. A midweight fleece handles both scenarios.
Bring a few nicer outfits for dinners out
Hawaiian resort restaurants range from casual to smart casual. An aloha shirt or sundress covers most dinner situations. Upscale restaurants in Wailea and Waikiki may require closed-toe shoes for men. Pack 2-3 dinner outfits for a week.
Pack comfortable walking sandals and water shoes
Reef-safe water shoes protect feet on rocky shorelines and coral. Comfortable walking sandals handle most daily activities. Bring at least one pair of sturdy sneakers or hiking shoes if you plan any trail hikes.
Beach and Water Gear
Pack reef-safe sunscreen SPF 50 or higher
Hawaii law bans sunscreens containing oxybenzone and octinoxate to protect coral reefs. Buy reef-safe mineral sunscreen before you go as it costs 30-50% more in Hawaii. Reapply every 2 hours and after swimming.
Bring 2-3 swimsuits so one is always dry
Rotating swimsuits means you always have a dry one ready. Quick-dry fabric is worth the upgrade. Board shorts double as hiking shorts for men. A rash guard provides extra sun protection for snorkeling days.
Pack a snorkel set or plan to rent one
Bringing your own mask ensures a proper fit and no rental fees of 10-15 USD per day. A dry-top snorkel prevents water intake. Molokini Crater, Hanauma Bay, and Kealakekua Bay are among the best snorkeling spots.
Bring a quick-dry travel towel
Microfiber travel towels dry in an hour and pack down to the size of a paperback book. Hotels provide pool and beach towels, but a personal travel towel is essential for spontaneous beach stops and waterfall swims.
Pack a dry bag for electronics at the beach
A 10-liter dry bag keeps your phone, wallet, and car keys safe from sand and water. Waterproof phone pouches cost 10-15 USD and let you take underwater photos. Seal the bag before setting it on the sand.
Hiking and Outdoor Gear
Pack sturdy hiking shoes with ankle support
Trails like Kalalau on Kauai and Pipiwai on Maui have muddy, rocky terrain that requires proper footwear. Break in new hiking shoes at least 2 weeks before the trip. Waterproof boots handle the frequent mud on rainforest trails.
Bring a hydration pack or water bottles
Dehydration hits fast in tropical heat and humidity. Carry at least 2 liters of water per person for any hike over 2 hours. A hydration bladder in a daypack keeps hands free on technical terrain.
Pack insect repellent for trail hikes
Mosquitoes are common in rainforest areas and near standing water, especially on Kauai and the wet sides of each island. DEET-based repellent or picaridin works best. Apply before hitting the trailhead.
Bring trekking poles for steep trails
Collapsible trekking poles reduce knee strain on steep descents and improve balance on muddy trails. The Haiku Stairs, Diamond Head, and Sliding Sands trail all benefit from pole support. Pack them in checked luggage.
Sun Protection and Health
Pack a wide-brim hat for sun protection
The Hawaiian sun sits nearly directly overhead, making a wide-brim hat far more effective than a baseball cap. A hat with a chin strap stays put in trade winds. UPF 50+ fabric blocks 98% of UV rays.
Bring polarized sunglasses with a strap
Polarized lenses cut glare off the ocean and make it easier to see fish while snorkeling from above. A floating strap prevents losing them in the water. Bring a hard case to protect them in your daypack.
Pack aloe vera gel for sunburn relief
Even careful sunscreen users get caught by the intense tropical UV. A small tube of pure aloe vera gel soothes sunburn within hours. Hawaiian sun is strongest between 10 AM and 2 PM, when UV index regularly exceeds 11.
Bring motion sickness remedies for boat trips
Whale watching, snorkel tours, and Na Pali Coast boat trips involve 2-4 hours on open ocean. Dramamine or ginger chews taken 30 minutes before boarding prevent seasickness. Sit near the center of the boat and watch the horizon.
Electronics and Travel Items
Pack a waterproof camera or phone case for ocean activities
Saltwater damages electronics quickly. A waterproof phone case rated to 10 meters handles snorkeling photos. Action cameras capture high-quality underwater video. Rinse all gear with fresh water after ocean use.
Bring a portable charger for long days out
A 10,000 mAh power bank provides 2-3 full phone charges and fits in a daypack. Long beach days and hikes drain batteries fast from photos and GPS use. Charge the power bank overnight at your accommodation.
Pack a reusable water bottle to reduce plastic waste
Hawaii imports nearly everything by ship, making waste reduction important. Many parks and airports have refill stations. A 750 ml insulated bottle keeps water cold for 6-8 hours in the tropical heat.
Bring a headlamp for sunrise hikes and stargazing
Haleakala sunrise requires arriving in complete darkness at 3-4 AM. A headlamp with red light mode preserves night vision for stargazing on Mauna Kea. Compact LED headlamps weigh under 80 grams and last 20+ hours on a single charge.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I not pack for Hawaii?
Leave heavy jeans, formal wear, and bulky jackets at home. Skip non-reef-safe sunscreen as it is illegal in Hawaii. High heels are impractical for most island activities. You will not need an umbrella as a rain jacket is more practical in trade wind showers. Most visitors overpack. A week in Hawaii requires surprisingly little clothing.
Do I need hiking boots for Hawaii?
Sturdy hiking shoes with good traction are essential if you plan to hike trails like Kalalau, Pipiwai, or Diamond Head. Many trails are muddy, rocky, or both. Waterproof hiking shoes are the best option for rainforest trails. Sandals and flip-flops are fine for beach walks and casual exploring but dangerous on actual trails.
Should I pack snorkel gear or rent it in Hawaii?
Bringing your own mask guarantees a proper seal and saves 10-15 USD per day in rental fees. If you snorkel more than 3 days, owning a set pays for itself. Full snorkel sets start at 30-50 USD. Guided snorkel tours usually include gear in the price, so check before buying.
What is the dress code in Hawaii restaurants?
Most Hawaii restaurants are casual or smart casual. An aloha shirt or clean sundress covers nearly every dining situation. A few upscale restaurants in resort areas may require closed-toe shoes for men and no beachwear. Flip-flops are acceptable at casual beachside restaurants and food trucks.