Your Complete Hawaii Packing List (+ Free Printable)
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Your dream vacation is weeks (or maybe even days!?) away and you're wondering what to pack for a Hawaiian vacation. With trips to Kauai, Maui, and the Big Island under my belt, I've packed (and over-packed, and re-packed) for just about every kind of Hawaii trip — this list is what I've landed on after trial and error, so you don't have to learn the hard way.
Packing for Hawaii is a little different than packing for your average beach vacation. Between reef-safe sunscreen rules and varying microclimates (ranging from arid deserts to rainy, humid rainforests), it's easy to overpack or forget something essential. I've put together this ultimate Hawaii packing list from personal experience packing for Kauai, Maui, and the Big Island, so you can spend less time repacking your suitcase and more time on the beach.
Grab the free printable version at the bottom of this post so you can check items off as you pack.
Clothing for Hawaii
Resort wear — Pack at least one or two elevated outfits for dinner. Dress codes are not common on the islands but it's worth checking ahead of time for any must-visit restaurants on your itinerary — think collared shirts for men or no beachwear after a certain hour. There's nothing more awkward than being told you "cannot be accommodated."
Bathing suit — Bring two so you always have a dry one on hand. Between beach days, pool days, and impromptu waterfall swims, you'll be glad to have an extra.
Cover up — Most resorts require clothing in lobby areas — no running around in your bikini.
Sun hat — A wide-brim hat protects your face, neck, and ears. Look for one that packs flat in your suitcase without taking up real space.
Sun shirt / UPF rash guard — A game-changer for long beach days when you don't want to reapply sunscreen every hour. I'm a pasty girl of English and Scots-Irish descent who easily burns and will gladly toss on a sun shirt in the mid-afternoon sun to avoid reapplying for the 10th time.
Light rain jacket — Essential if you're visiting Kauai's North Shore, Hanalei, or any rainforest hikes. Hawaii's tropical showers tend to pass quickly, but they're frequent enough that you'll be glad to have something packable on hand.
Flip-flops and/or sandals — Your everyday footwear for the beach, pool deck, and casual dinners.
Water shoes — A must for lava rock beaches and tide pools, where bare feet just can't handle the terrain. I opt for a pair of Chacos or Tevas which can double as hiking shoes, but if you're just using them at the beach, water socks work too.
Trail shoes — Bring these if a hike like Diamond Head or the Kalalau Trail is on your itinerary. Flip-flops won't cut it on the rocky and muddy terrain.
Warm clothing — Like pants, long sleeves, and a mid-weight coat. I know this sounds odd for a tropical destination, but you'll want them for places at higher elevations like Haleakala and Mauna Kea. We resorted to wrapping up in beach towels on Haleakala and it was not enough. Don't be like us.
Personally, I never wear high heels, so you won't find me packing them for this trip — or honestly, any trip. But even if heels are your everyday go-to, I'd skip them for Hawaii. With Hawaii's laid-back vibes, they just don't earn their suitcase space.
Personal Care Essentials
Reef-safe sunscreen — Hawaii law restricts the sale of sunscreens containing oxybenzone and octinoxate to protect marine life and the delicate coral reefs. Be sure to pack reef-safe sunscreen to stay compliant.
SPF lip balm — Lips burn just as easily as the rest of your face, and it's one of the most commonly forgotten items on a packing list.
Toothpaste & floss — A travel size version is generally enough for a full-week stay.
Contact solution — Pack more than you think you'll need; between sunscreen, saltwater, and sand, your eyes will thank you for extra rinses.
Makeup — Keep it minimal. Between humidity, sweat, and pool time, heavy makeup tends not to last, and a simpler routine means less to pack.
Haircare — This one looks a little different for everyone. For me, that means a shampoo & conditioner paired with a good curl gel. There's no point fighting the humidity with a blowout. I embrace the natural curls on vacation.
Medications — Bring enough for the full trip plus a few extra days, and keep them in your carry-on rather than checked luggage in case bags are delayed.
→ Check out my guide to Hawaii-compliant reef-safe sunscreens for my top picks.
Adventure & Beach Essentials
Beach bag — Something to carry your sunscreen, a book, and your phone down to the pool or beach. I love this one that packs flat in my checked bag, paired with this clear bag for wrangling loose sunscreen bottles.
Sunglasses — Essential in any beach bag! These Maui Jims are my favorite pair, but for a more affordable option with polarization, I always reach for a pair of goodrs.
Waterproof phone case — Worth having any time you're near water, whether that's a boat excursion, a waterfall hike, or just walking the beach with your phone in hand for photos. These Pelican cases are my favorites.
Underwater camera — A dedicated underwater camera captures snorkeling and swimming moments far better than a phone in a waterproof case, especially if you're hoping to catch sea turtles or reef fish up close. We love our GoPro Hero and Insta360 for capturing underwater moments.
Packable towel — Most resorts offer complimentary beach towels, but you don't want to lug bulky towels along for a boat or snorkeling excursion. A packable microfiber towel like this one is a great space-saver. A Turkish towel is another good option — it doubles as a wrap for cool evenings or restaurants blasting the AC.
Dry bag — Keeps your phone, wallet, and other essentials safe and dry on boat trips, waterfall hikes, or any time you're near the water.
Day pack — Stock it with the essentials above, plus a compact first aid kit. What else you pack in it will depend on the day — a hiking day calls for extra water and snacks, while a boat day calls for extra sun protection and a dry bag for your phone.
Bug spray — Mosquitoes tend to show up in the evenings and near any lush, green areas, so this is worth packing even if you're mostly sticking to the beach.
Snorkel gear — Renting is easy on every island, and gear is often provided on tours, but if you snorkel often, packing your own mask and snorkel means a better fit and one less thing to coordinate.
For the Plane
Reusable water bottle — Most flights to Hawaii are at least 5 hours, and staying hydrated makes a real difference in how you feel once you land. Fill it up after security to skip the cost of bottled water at the gate. Bonus: it reduces your use of single-use plastic throughout your trip! Most resort pools have water refill stations or, oftentimes, bartenders are more than happy to refill your bottle for you.
Neck pillow — A neck pillow is worth the space if you're hoping to actually sleep on the plane.
Eye mask & ear plugs — Every return flight we've been on has been a red-eye, and these have been an absolute lifesaver to help me get any sleep.
Packing Organization Essentials
Packing cubes — These keep your suitcase organized by category (clothing, swimwear), can help wrangle small items, and make unpacking at your rental or hotel much faster. I'll also use them in my day pack for a change of clothes after boat days. The set from Thule is my all-time favorite.
Electronics cable organizer — Between phone chargers, camera cables, and headphones, cords add up fast. A dedicated organizer keeps them untangled and easy to find.
→ Check out my guide to my favorite packing organization tools for more ideas.
Packing Differences by Island
The basics above will get you through any Hawaii trip, but each island has its own quirks worth planning around.
Kauai — Known as the Garden Isle, Kauai is lush, green, and rainy, especially on the North Shore. Lean into the light rain jacket and pack a dry bag if you're planning to hike the Kalalau Trail or explore Waimea Canyon, where trails can get muddy. Trail shoes with real grip are worth the suitcase space here.
→ Top 10 Things to Do on Kauai
Maui — Maui balances resort polish with rugged adventure, so pack for both. Resort wear covers you for dinner in Wailea or Lahaina, but if the Road to Hana or a sunrise trip up Haleakala is on your itinerary, bring a warmer layer — it can dip into the 40s near the summit, which surprises a lot of visitors expecting tropical heat.
Big Island — This is the island where you'll want your full packing list on hand. With 13+ microclimates, the weather can shift just by driving 10 minutes in a given direction. Volcanic landscapes call for sturdy trail shoes (lava rock is unforgiving on flip-flops), while a trip up to Mauna Kea for stargazing means packing real cold-weather layers on top of your beach gear.
→ Check out my First Timer's Guide to the Big Island
What Not to Pack
Big, bulky beach towels — Most resorts and rentals provide them, and you don't want to be hauling oversized towels onto a boat for a snorkel trip. Stick with a packable towel instead.
Boogie boards — Cheap ones are easy to pick up once you land — check thrift stores or Facebook Marketplace for secondhand boards, or grab a new one at Walmart.
High heels — Between sand, lava rock, and Hawaii's laid-back vibe, they just don't earn their suitcase space.
A full makeup bag — Between humidity, sweat, and pool time, heavy makeup won't last anyway. Pack the minimal version instead.
An umbrella — Tropical showers move through fast, and a light rain jacket handles them better than an umbrella that's clumsy to carry on a hike or through wind.
A week's worth of outfits — Most resorts and rentals have laundry access, so you can pack for about half your trip length and do a load partway through.
How I Pack
My Luggage:
For a 1-week trip to Hawaii, I will use the below luggage combo:
Beis Medium Check-In Roller — measures 26"
Calpak 26-liter Backpack
Calpak Terra Hanging Toiletry Bag
Why I picked these pieces:
These all have one thing in common. Durability. I'm not worried about damaged luggage.
My Packing Strategy:
I mix and match rolling and folding depending on the packing cube size and contents. Shorts and tee shirts fold flat. Socks, underwear, sports bras, and swim all roll. Once those are all zipped up, I prefer to pack them in the side of the bag with the solid zipper cover. My toiletry kit, shoes, and other miscellaneous items like snorkel gear go on the open side of the suitcase.
In my backpack, you'll find my iPad, charging cable organizer, travel documents, a change of clothes, glasses, medication, and a swimsuit.
FAQs
What if I forget something?
No need to stress — every Hawaiian island has grocery stores and ABC Stores where you can pick up travel essentials like sunscreen, contact solution, toothpaste, and more.
What is an ABC Store?
In Hawaii, an ABC Store is not somewhere to exclusively purchase alcohol — which is how I'm used to the term as a North Carolina native. Here, they are a chain of convenience stores offering a mix of light groceries alongside tourist oriented items like sunglasses, sunscreen, and souvenir tchotchkes.
Do I need different gear for each island?
The basics on this list work for any island, but a few extras are worth packing depending on where you're headed. See the Packing Differences by Island section above for specifics on Kauai, Maui, and the Big Island.
How many days of clothing should I pack for a Hawaii trip?
You don't need to pack a fresh outfit for every single day. Most resorts and vacation rentals have laundry access, so packing for about half your trip length and doing a load partway through usually works well, especially for beach days when you're mostly in a swimsuit anyway.
Is it hard to find sunscreen and other essentials once you're in Hawaii?
Not usually. Grocery stores, ABC Stores, and pharmacies are easy to find on every island, though prices tend to run higher than what you'd pay at home. It's worth packing reef-safe sunscreen ahead of time so you know exactly what you're getting.
What should I pack in my carry-on versus checked luggage?
Keep medications, a swimsuit, and one change of clothes in your carry-on in case checked bags are delayed. It's a small step that can save your first day of vacation if luggage doesn't arrive on schedule.
Explore Hawaii Lodging Options
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Hi, I’m Jess
I’m here to help you plan epic adventures. If you’re looking for authentic travel guides that mix luxe lodging and incredible dining with out of this world hikes and adventures, you’re in the right place.
