Hawaii Packing List-30 Items You Need to Pack
This post is all about the Hawaii Packing List – 30 Items You Need to Pack
When planning a trip to Hawaii it’s essential to pack the right items. That’s why it is so important to have a hawaii packing list!! It is not commonly known but Hawaii has 10 of the 14 climate zones. While the average temperature year-round ranges from 76-85 degrees. As you drive up the mountains the temperatures can drastically drop. So, to make the most of your time, I have curated a list of 30 must-have items to pack for Hawaii. If you follow this list you will be prepared for everything on your Hawaiian vacation. I have even included a free printable packing list pdf and some details on what not to bring to Hawaii.
If you are looking for what to pack for Hawaii for a week? or 10 days in Hawaii packing list then this post is for you. Keep reading. This post encompasses Maui, Kauai, Ohau, and the Big Island packing list. Also, with all 30 items on my list, packing for Hawaii in a carry-on is possible. I recently just fit everything in a duffle bag and a backpack, so you can do it too.
PSA: If you are wondering what to bring to Hawaii to save money follow this list. Food and drinks are expensive in Hawaii and we cannot change that but if you follow this list it will help you cut down on buying overpriced items you wished you would have packed while you are there.
1) Reef Safe Sun Screen
Reef-safe sunscreen is important because it helps protect coral reefs and other marine ecosystems. Conventional sunscreens contain chemicals such as oxybenzone and octinoxate that can be harmful to coral reefs and other marine life. These chemicals can cause coral bleaching and disrupt the development and reproduction of marine organisms. By using reef-safe sunscreen, individuals can help reduce the impact of sun protection products on the ocean and its inhabitants.
If you are looking for a good reef safe sun-screen All Good is my favorite brand! And they sell a 3-pack in travel size! ,Click to buy here.
2) Hat
Bringing a Hat to Hawaii is a good idea for several reasons. It will protect your face from harmful UV rays, helps to keep your body temperature cooler, and will allow you to cover up your messy beach hair. I usually pack two hats when I travel to Hawaii a roll-up sun hat for the beach and pool lounging and a baseball cap for hiking.
This is my favorite foldable sun hat!
3) Sunglasses
I would invest in polarized sunglasses if you have not already. The Hawaiian sun is strong and eye protection is important. It’s also important your sunglasses are comfortable since this will be an item you are wearing every day. I could not imagine being in Hawaii and not having a pair of good sunglasses. This is an item you do not want to forget. If you do getting a decent pair of sunglasses in Hawaii could cost you a pretty penny. TIP: DO NOT WEAR YOUR SUNGLASSES IN THE OCEAN.
If you need a good pair of polarized sunglasses, check out these!
4) Swimwear for Your Hawaii Packing List
I typically wear a bathing suit every day when I am in Hawaii. I do not believe there is such a thing as packing too many bathing suits. I ensure I always have 3 types of swimwear: a tube top bathing suit solely for tanning and swimming in calm waters, a bathing suit with secure bottoms and a secure top for the days you are swimming in the waves, and a few one-pieces for the days or nights after dinner where I am feeling a little bloated. If you are in Kona on the Big Island be sure to check out the local Magic Sands Beach!
5) Swim Cover Up
You can basically live in your bathing suit and swim cover-up in Hawaii. I consider this one of the most important items of the Hawaii packing list. I think I pack more bathing suits and cover-ups than anything else. I like to pack casual comfy coverups and a few that are chicer I could wear to grab a bite to eat. Having beach a cover-up is also needed when your skin needs a reprieve from the sun. For my favorites read 25 Stylish Beach Cover Ups.
6) Sandals
In Hawaii, Sandals are worn 98% of the time. You do not need to pack heels for Hawaii!! I like to bring two pairs of sandals comfy casual everyday sandals, this is important especially if you are going to do a lot of walking. I really recommend Croc Sandals especially because I don’t mind if they get wet or sandy. I would also pack one nicer pair of sandals for going out to dinner.
Find my favorite Croc Sandals Here!
7) Hiking Shoes
Even if you are not planning on Hiking in Hawaii I would pack hiking shoes because you may change your mind when you get there. Hawaii has some of the most beautiful and fun hikes in the world!! Some hikes can get pretty steep with rocky terrain. Therefore, having hiking shoes is important. They will provide protection, traction, support, comfort, and durability for your feet, making your hiking experience safer and more enjoyable. I also make sure my hiking shoes can be worn as tennis shoes for working out, this way they are dual purpose and you do not have to pack as much. If you are looking for a great hike on the Big Island try Green Sand Beach!
If you need a recommendation on hiking shoes, click here! They can pass as tennis shoes too!
8) Hiking Traction Cleats
Traction cleats are attachments that can be easily added to hiking shoes to provide additional traction and stability. These have come in handy so many times. HIkes in Hawaii can be known to get slippery and wet due to rain and waterfalls. If you are planning any mountain hikes these are a must-have and will save you from having a muddy but.
Click to find what Traction Cleats I Use.
9) Rain Jacket for Your Hawaii Packing List
It can be beautiful and sunny one minute and downpouring the next. The good thing is it usually passes quickly. However, to stay dry it’s always nice to have a lightweight compressible rainjacket. I like to throw my rain jacket in my backpack while hiking. Whether rain is on the forecast It is nice to have it if it gets windy or the sun is too intense. Or if you get stuck with rain it is the perfect excuse for a spa day. Check on my post for the 3 Best Massages on The Big Island.
This is my favorite travel rain jacket. It comes in its own little bag and has so many fun color options. Click to View it Here!
10) Sundresses
Everywhere you go in Hawaii is pretty casual. Even if you go to a nice restaurant you will find the most dressed up person is wearing a sundress. I usually bring 3-4 sundresses for a week’s stay. I like to pack sundresses with fun bright colors you are in a tropical paradise after all. You can also never go wrong with one little black dress. Plus dresses take the thinking out of getting ready!
11) Shorts
For a week I usually bring 2-3 pairs of my favorite jean shorts and rotate them. Jean shorts are great because they never go out of style and they match literally everything. When you’re not at the ocean or the pool, during the day since it’s hot shorts and a tank top are what you will be most comfortable in. I find shorts are better than skirts in Hawaii as well since it is such an active place it is nice to have freedom of movement.
12) Tank Tops
I will just be honest, I hate wearing T-shirts in Hawaii. Nobody wants sweat marks on their shirts and trust me you will get sweaty in Hawaii. It is best to have shirts with no sleeves, that are lightweight, and breezy. A fun tank top and shorts are perfect to stroll around town in. Or a cute tank and jeans are perfect for a casual dinner on the island.
13) Lightweight Pajamas
Lightweight Pajamas are usually all you need in Hawaii unless you are staying the night up in the mountains. Then you may want to pack one pair of sweatpants. Otherwise, lightweight pajamas are the way to go. Many places in Hawaii do not use heavy ac and if you are staying in an Air Bnb you may want to check because a lot of homes either go without ac or just have a window unit.
14) Light Jacket/Sweater
A light jacket is good for days when it may stay a little cooler or for dinners in the evening when the temperature drops. Most dining in Hawaii is open-air dining. So whatever, it feels like outside, expect that is what it is going to feel like at the restaurant. I recommend a jean jacket or a lightweight cardigan that will match your sundresses. PSA if you are like me and hate being cold this is another important item from the Hawaii packing list you want to ensure you don’t forget!
15) Heavy Sweater/Warm Jacket
During winter months it’s rare but you could have a few cooler days. Just in case it’s always good to pack a heavy sweater or warmer jacket. You will also need this if you are doing any mountain activities, like sunrise hikes, sunset stargazing, etc. Due to the elevation, it can get very chilly in the mountains
16) Pair of Jeans for Your Hawaii Packing List
Again it is rare but in the winter months, you could have a few cooler days. I always bring my favorite pair of jeans just in case. Plus jeans and a tank top is a great casual outfit for dinner in town.
17) Pants for Hiking
Pants for Hiking are great for several reasons in Hawaii. Since some of the hiking trails can be thick with foilage and branches pants can be a good way to protect the legs from mosquito bites and scrapes. Plus if you are hiking early in the morning in high elevation it is nice to have something a little warmer as well. I recommend packing black as some of the hikes can get muddy.
18) Athletic Shorts
I always pack 3-4 pairs of athletic shorts when traveling to Hawaii, they are great to have if you are going to hit your resort’s gym, go for an easy hike, or to lounge around in. Trying to work out in Hawaii or go for a low-elevation hike when it is hot will while wearing leggings will not be fun. Again I recommend packing black as some of the hikes can get muddy.
19) Athletic Tops
Along with Athletic shorts, I always pack a mix of athletic tank tops and sports bras. If you want to stay active on your Hawaiian vacation having activewear is a must. Even if you do not think you will be exercising. Pack athletic wear. Hawaii is a great place to go for long walks in the morning and if you have it it may motivate you.
20) Backpack
I always have a backpack when traveling not only does it make the perfect carry-on. It is good to have if you are going to be out all day and want to bring a few items. It is also important to have if you are going on long hikes so you have a place to throw in water bottles, sunscreen, snacks, a camera, and a rain jacket.
21) Beach Bag
This will be an item you will be thankful you packed. I have gone on vacations without packing beach bags and every time wish I had one. Since you will be spending a lot of time at the beach you need a bag to put all your beach things in. It is nice to have a place for sunscreen, sunglasses, a towel, a beach blanket, a water bottle, and anything thing else you may want to throw in there.
For a beach bag recommendation, Click Here!
22) Reusable Water Bottle for Your Hawaii Packing List
I always travel with a reusable water bottle. I love them for many reasons! One is because it is dumb to spend so much money on water bottles at the airport, two because it helps the environment, and lastly you will want to carry water with you everywhere in Hawaii. It is especially important to stay hydrated in the heat.
I do not travel without this water bottle! It’s also perfect since it has a clip it’s always accessible. Just clip it to your backpack when traveling or hiking. Click to buy now.
23) Leave-in Hair Conditioner
I love love bringing leave-in conditioner to the beach! If you have not tried this yet you should. The sun and salt wreak havoc on your locks. Putting in a leave-in conditioner when you get out of the ocean will make your hair more manageable, moisturized, and less frizzy.
Sun Bum’s leave-in conditioner comes in travel size and a 3-pack. This is my go-to. Click to buy!
24) Sand-Resistant Beach Blanket
Sand-resistant beach blankets are great. Since they are super thin and lightweight they are much easier to travel with than bulky beach towels. Even if you have a beach a the resort you are staying at you should explore other areas. There are so many different beaches in Hawaii all with such different and magnificent views. Having a beach blanket is a must if you go to explore other beaches. Once you leave the resort they do not have chair service, the beaches are natural and untouched so don’t forget this Hawaii packing list item.
This is the beach blanket I use when traveling and at home. It is huge and folds into a tiny little bag! Click to get the beach blanket here.
25) Quick Dry Towels
Quick dry towels fold into a tiny square making them great to travel with and again are much less bulky than traditional beach towels. Quick dry towels are a great thing to have if you are going to do any snorkeling, diving, waterfall hikes, or visiting different beaches.
Click here, for the quick dry towels I use.
26) Motion Sickness Pills for Your Hawaii Packing List
There are so many beautiful sites to see in Hawaii and so many scenic drives. Depending on what sites you are going to see you could be going on an hour drive or longer. Plus the roads are usually full of twists and turns. So if you are prone to motion sickness I would back some Bonine. I have found this works the best for me and does not leave you drowsy. Also, this is a great thing to take if you are doing any boat tours and you are not sure if you get seasick or not, it is better not to risk it.
Bonine is my favorite, it does work!!! Click to get it here.
27) Waterproof Phone Case
A waterproof phone case is fun to have if you want to get any fun underwater snorkeling pictures or marine life photographs. I would recommend getting a waterproof case with a wrist strap as well so you do not lose your phone to the ocean.
28) Camera
If you have a nice camera pack it! Or if you do not maybe now is the time to invest in one. Hawaii is one of the most naturally beautiful places on the planet. There will be a ton of chances for good photo ops, and views you will want to remember. Phone cameras are great nowadays yet it still does not give you the same quality, especially if you are looking to get any of your photos printed.
29) Toiletries
Can not forget the toiletries. I bring all my normal everyday items, plus a comb for my beach bag. What you may want to leave behind is heavy makeup. You will find locals do not wear makeup typically. They have embraced natural beauty but also if you wear heavy makeup chances are you will just sweat it off or it will get washed off in the ocean or pool. I do like to pack good waterproof mascara and chapstick with SPF. However, the less makeup the better. Since I go for a more natural look to boost my confidence I always self-tan before and while on vacation.
To get my self tanning recommendations click here!
30) Wet/Dry Bag
Lastly a little wet/dry bag. This is especially nice to have when you are traveling home to put any wet bathing suits in. While I am in Hawaii I like to keep this in my beach bag. Nobody likes walking around in a wet bathing suit and a lot of times it is nice to go straight from the beach to town or lunch. Since most beaches have public restrooms it is nice to just change out of your bathing suit, and throw it in your waterproof bag so it does not get everything else all wet.
Click here for a recommendation!
I hope you have found the Hawaii Packing List Female Edition helpful! By keeping these items in mind as you pack for your trip, you’ll be well-prepared for your time in Hawaii and can focus on enjoying all that the islands have to offer! Also, don’t forget to check out the other recommended posts below to make the best out of your vacation.
Hawaii Packing List Free Printable PDF
Why Is It Important to Follow a Hawaii Packing List
Ever gone on a Vacation and wished you would’ve packed differently? I have and it’s not fun. No one likes being uncomfortable because they don’t have the right clothes or items for the climate or activities they are doing. Following the Hawaii packing list will prevent this from happening. Also, a packing list can help you avoid unexpected expenses and keep your budget on track by ensuring you don’t forget any essentials. Overall, taking the time to create a packing list can help ensure that your trip to Hawaii is stress-free and memorable.
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