Your Ultimate Hawaii Packing List: 21+ Must-Haves!
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Planning a trip to paradise? Let’s talk about the essentials you’ll need for your Hawaii packing list! Whether you’re dreaming of lounging on the beach with a Mai Tai in hand, hiking lush trails to breathtaking waterfalls, or snorkeling with vibrant marine life, Hawaii has it all—and you’ll want to pack smart to make the most of your adventure. From must-have essentials to a few “why didn’t I think of that” items, I’ve got you covered so you can focus on soaking up those island vibes!
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Ultimate Hawaii Packing List
Clothing
You’ll want to bring clothing that is lightweight, breathable, and comfortable.
- Swimsuits: You’ll likely be spending a lot of time at the beach or pool, so make sure to bring at least two swimsuits (my personal Hawaii packing list has at least 7 haha).
- Cover-ups: A lightweight cover-up is great for throwing on when you’re walking around town or grabbing lunch after a day at the beach. You can go casual or cute!
- Shorts and skirts: Pack a few pairs of shorts or skirts to wear during the day when you’re exploring the island.
- T-shirts and tank tops: Lightweight t-shirts and tank tops are perfect for keeping cool during the day.
- Sundresses: A sundress is a great option for a night out or a fancier dinner.
- Light jacket or sweater: Even though Hawaii is warm, it can get chilly at night, so bring a light jacket or sweater to stay warm.
- Light rain jacket: You never know when Hawaii rain showers may roll through! Best to be prepared.
Footwear
You’ll be doing a lot of walking and spending time in the water, so it’s important to pack the right footwear!
- Flip-flops: A must-have for any beach vacation, bring a comfortable pair of flip-flops to wear during the day.
- Sneakers or hiking shoes: If you plan on doing any hiking or exploring, bring a pair of sneakers or hiking shoes. These are my absolute favorite pair of hiking boots I’ve ever owned! I also really like these sports sandals for less treacherous hikes.
- Water shoes: If you plan on going snorkeling or spending a lot of time in the water, water shoes can protect your feet from rocks and other hazards.
Accessories + Extras
In addition to clothing and footwear, there are a few accessories and extras you should consider adding to your Hawaii packing list:
- Sunscreen: With Hawaii’s strong sun, it’s important to bring plenty of sunscreens to protect your skin. Make sure it’s reef-safe sunscreen!
- Sunglasses
- Hat: Not necessary, but a wide-brimmed hat or a cute ballcap can provide extra protection from the sun!
- Beach bag: A beach bag can hold all your essentials, including sunscreen, towels, and snacks. I love this one because it’s easily compactable and the lower part doubles as a cooler!
- Snorkeling gear: If you plan on snorkeling, bring your own gear to save money and ensure a comfortable fit. This isn’t necessary, but somehow we were able to fit ours so we did take it, but ended up leaving it behind.
- Water/sand-resistant beach towel: I take this lightweight towel with me on all of my beach vacations and it’s perfect for beach days with a crew.
- Camera: Hawaii is a beautiful place, so don’t forget to bring a camera to capture all the amazing sights. This is the one I am holding below!
- GoPro: This is great for capturing underwater footage or if you plan on doing any cliff jumping or cage diving with sharks 😉
Miscellaneous
Finally, here are a few miscellaneous Hawaii packing list items to consider:
- Phone charger: Don’t forget to bring a phone charger so you can stay connected during your trip.
- Waterproof phone case: In case you don’t want to spend money on a waterproof camera or GoPro, a waterproof phone case is an affordable alternative. The quality may not be as good, but can get the job done!
- Insect repellent: I would suggest keeping this in your bag for hikes.
- Water bottle: Stay hydrated by bringing a reusable water bottle that you can refill throughout the day.
- Headlamp: If you plan on doing any sunrise hikes this will come in handy! We always do the Lani Kai Pillbox Hike (one of the best free things to do on Oahu) when we visit Oahu and these are necessary!
Wondering what to pack all of your Hawaii necessities in? Check out my Level8 Luggage is my personal fave, and this travel backpack that counts as a personal item really changed the game for me! It opens up like a suitcase and I can fit so much in it!
Are you ready for an epic time in Hawaii?!
And there you have it—your ultimate packing list for Hawaii! With these essentials in tow, you’ll be all set to explore lush rainforests, bask on pristine beaches, and embrace the aloha spirit without a worry in the world. Remember, Hawaii is all about laid-back vibes, so pack light, keep it breezy, and leave room in your suitcase for those island souvenirs!
Before you go, be sure to follow me on Insta @guidedbydestiny and check out some of my other Hawaii blog posts:
How to spend 2 weeks in Hawaii
