Here's Everything You Need To Pack For A Fun, Stress-Free Hawaii Vacation
By Megan Shute|Published February 13, 2024
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Megan Shute
Author
With more than 10 years of experience as a professional writer, Megan holds a degree in Mass Media from her home state of Minnesota. After college, she chose to trade in her winter boots for slippahs and moved to the beautiful island of Oahu, where she has been living for more than five years. She lives on the west side but is constantly taking mini-road trips across the island and visits the neighboring islands whenever she can getaway. She loves hiking, snorkeling, locally-grown coffee, and finding the best acai bowl on Oahu.
Looking for what to pack for Hawaii? Packing for vacation can be daunting, especially if you’ve never visited the destination before and especially if that destination is the most isolated population center on earth, Hawaii. With so much to see and do, packing for a trip to Hawaii is a science. As a former resident of the Aloha State, I feel like a bit of an expert when it comes to packing for a Hawaii vacation – with countless island hopping trips myself and hosting groups of friends and family throughout the years.
Whether you plan on hanging out on the beach or embracing adventurous excursions, here’s everything you’ll want to pack for a Hawaii vacation in 2024.
Beach Must-Haves To Pack For Hawaii
With 750 miles of unforgettable shoreline, there are endless incredible beaches across the Hawaiian islands (some of my personal favorites are along the Road To Hana and Oahu’s North Shore), and we wouldn’t blame you if you never left the beach during your Aloha State vacation. Regardless of how long you plan to spend on the beach in Hawaii, here is your beach packing checklist:
Swimwear: If there is one thing you don’t want to forget to pack for your beach vacation, it is a bathing suit — or two. We always bring two swimsuits so we can wear one while the other dries.
Reef-Safe Sunscreen: SPF is key on a beach vacation, but you can only use reef-safe sun protection in Hawaii. In 2021, Hawaii banned sunscreens containing oxybenzone and octinoxate because studies show these chemicals harm Hawaii’s marine ecosystems, including its coral reefs.
Rash Guard: The Hawaiian sun is intense if you aren’t used to it, so we also suggest packing — or buying — a rash guard for your Hawaii trip, which cuts down on your need to reapply reef-safe sunscreen and typically results in less sunburn.
Sand Cloud Beach Towel: Though most hotels, resorts, and vacation rentals will supply beach towels, we prefer bringing our own. Editor Sarah M. raves about these towels: "I LOVE these beach towels. They pack well, are a breeze to wash, and repel sand while being incredibly soft. They also work well as car blankets or makeshift sarongs!"
Beach Bag: Of course, you’ll also need something to stash all your beach gear and snacks in. When choosing the best beach bag, we recommend a waterproof option or something that dries quickly.
Snorkel Gear: If you’re planning to go snorkeling more than once or twice, you can bring your snorkel gear if you have a quality set and space in your luggage, but renting is just as easy at most beginner-friendly snorkeling locations.
Dry Bag: If you’re planning to spend significant time on the water, either snorkeling or kayaking, a dry bag you can stash your stuff in and bring along for the journey is key. Bonus: most dry bags are bright, which will help you be spotted in the water!
Waterproof Phone Case or Pouch: While not a necessity, a waterproof pouch where you can stash your phone and a credit card is a great way to not only keep your valuables on your person but also take photographs while enjoying the breathtaking Pacific Ocean.
Water Shoes: Some visitors and residents enjoy water shoes on beaches and while hiking, though I think a pair of flip flops — or slippahs, as the locals call them — works just fine.
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What To Pack For Hawaii Hiking Trips
If you’re planning to do any hiking while in Hawaii, you want to be prepared.
Hiking Shoes: Whether you’re planning to hike only Diamond Head or hope to tackle a new trail every day, we suggest hiking shoes with solid traction and ankle support — hiking in flip-flops is a dangerous idea, especially given Hawaii’s intense elevation gains. While you can bring your trusty hiking boots, hiking sandals are another great option for Hawaii’s often muddy hiking trails – I’m obsessed with my Keen hiking sandals.
Light Rain Jacket: It often rains in Hawaii with little to no warning, especially in the mountains, so we suggest storing a lightweight, easily packable rain jacket in your daypack for use while hiking. Rain often passes quickly in Hawaii, but if you’re on a trail, you’ll be left soaking wet without a waterproof jacket.
Bug Spray: When hiking deep in Hawaii’s tropical rainforests, bug repellent can make your journey more enjoyable. Just make sure you select a natural option!
If you’re planning to hike in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park or Haleakala National Park during your trip, you might also want to purchase a National Parks Pass.
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Clothing To Pack For A Hawaii Vacation
Our ultimate Hawaii packing list for clothes includes enough t-shirts or tank tops and shorts for each day of your trip as well as swimwear, sandals, hiking clothes, and a few key pieces. This list applies year-round, but in the winter months, you might like to bring a light layer for cooler evenings or inside AC.
Megan Shute/OnlyInYourState.com
Sun Protection: Sunscreen is crucial, but to protect yourself from UV rays, investing in a sun hat and a few sunshirts is one of our top Hawaii travel tips.
Sundresses: For women, sundresses are key. You can throw them over a swimsuit as a beach coverup or dress them up for a luau. OnlyInYourState Editor Meg A. was excited to recommend this Jersey swing dress from Quince. "I ordered this dress literally a week before I visited Hawaii, and I wore it practically every day. It's the perfect weight to keep you cool and is incredibly comfortable. Plus, I could wear it as a coverup on the beach, then toss on a jacket and wear it to dinner without feeling underdressed. So glad I found this one!"
If you’re planning to visit Haleakala National Park on Maui or Mauna Kea on the Big Island, you’ll want to bring warmer clothes for the journey, especially if you plan to visit for sunrise or sunset. I found myself most comfortable in leggings, a sweatshirt, and a rain jacket — though in the winter, you might want to add an extra layer.
Toiletries: While you’ll want to bring your standard toiletries like shampoo and conditioner, we suggest adding a few things to the list: Aloe Vera for those days you get a little too much sun, waterproof bandaids for potential blisters, and, if you’re prone to chafing, this anti-chafe product from First Aid Beauty comes in clutch.
Reusable Shopping Bag: Hawaii banned single-use plastic bags more than a decade ago, so you’ll want to pack a reusable tote for when you grab snacks or souvenirs. The Aloha Collective totes are my favorites for everything from grocery runs to beach days.
Sunglasses: This one’s obvious, but sunglasses are crucial for enjoying those Hawaii views. Everyone needs a stylish pair of shades; it doesn't get more classic than a pair of aviators. This pair from Quay has polarized, glare-reducing lenses to protect your peepers from intense sun rays.
Camera: Whether you plan to use your cell phone in a waterproof phone case or an underwater camera like a GoPro, you’ll want to document Hawaii’s stunning vistas. Don’t forget your charger!
Reusable Water Bottle: Staying hydrated in a tropical climate is of the utmost importance, and the best way to do this is to keep a reusable water bottle — preferably something that keeps water cold — in your hotel or rental car at all times. When I lived in Hawaii, it seemed like everyone had a Hydroflask.
Backpack/Handbag: While any waterproof backpack will do, we love a small backpack or belt bag.
What Not To Pack For Hawaii
Megan Shute/OnlyInYourState.com
Hawaii is fairly laid-back, so you won’t get much use out of dressy clothes or high heels; you won’t see dinner jackets, suits, or formal dresses at dinner, and high heels are simply impractical for island walking, though we love a pair of wedge sandals.
You also can leave the jeans and jackets at home – while there are a few locations you’ll want a light jacket, jeans are not practical in most scenarios, and a bulky jacket will just take up valuable suitcase space. The only time I really needed jeans was on the horseback tour pictured above, though I think leggings would have been acceptable, too.
If I could leave you with one piece of advice: don’t overpack, especially if you’re planning to do any island hopping while on vacation. Hawaii is full of convenience and grocery stores as well as Costco, Target, and shops to purchase anything you may have forgotten. While Hawaii might seem like a faraway locale, you will be able to purchase anything you need fairly easily – though you might spend a bit more money doing so, especially if you shop at an ABC Store.
If you’re still in the planning stage of your Hawaii vacation, might I recommend flying with Hawaiian Airlines and staying at the Kauai Shores Hotel if the Garden Island is on your itinerary? I have never had a bad experience flying on Hawaiian, and the Kauai Shores Hotel is hands down one of my favorite “budget” hotels I’ve stayed at in Hawaii, though you can also stay in an Airbnb if that’s more your style (just be aware that there are strict Airbnb laws in Hawaii.)
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