Packing essentials for your Hawaii trip
So, you’ve made your flight arrangements, booked your accommodations, and arranged your transportation? That’s great news, all you need to do is pack, and you’re ready to go. Oh let me guess…you’re now staring at an empty suitcase and have no idea where to begin. Let me give you some tips on packing for your Hawaii trip.
A few questions you need to ask yourself before packing are:
- How long will I be in Hawaii?
- Where will I be staying?
- ex: hotel, Airbnb, hostel, condo
- What activities will I be participating in?
- ex: water-related, hiking, formal
- What island(s) will I be visiting? And what climate(s)?
- *check ahead for average weather
- How many pieces of luggage will I need?
- ex: carry-on’s only, checked luggage
- What is my method of transportation?
- ex: renting a vehicle, hotel shuttle, taxi
- What is my travel type?
- ex: honeymoon, girl’s trip, family, budget
Once you answer these questions, you will have somewhere to start. If some of your clothes and/or accessories do not apply to the answers to these questions-put them back in your closet. If you haven’t decided on which island to visit, you can read Hawaii: A brief introduction to the Hawaiian islands. There are some general items that should be automatically included on your packing list, so let’s begin there.
General Items to Pack (other than clothes)
Image created with Canva by Shalysse Kidd
- COVID-19 vaccine card
- For now, visitors are asked to upload their vaccination card to Hawaii Safe Travels. But, because this pandemic is ever-changing, having it on hand is probably the best thing to do right now.
- Slippers (flip-flops)
- Locals call it slippers, though across the globe it is sometimes referred to as flip-flops, thongs, or sandals. Bring along a comfortable pair and your feet will thank you. This will be your go-to for beach outings, and casual walking.
- Fanny pack or small backpack
- Having a fanny pack for hikes-to keep your phone, keys and other small items dry. If you prefer a backpack, it would come in handy to hold towels, water bottles, extra clothes, portable battery pack, snacks and your camera.
- Toiletries
- This is a no-brainer. Make sure to bring your essentials in a toiletry bag (i.e. facial, hair and body care, toothbrush & toothpaste). Try not to overpack, just bring what you need.
- Hat
- The sun in Hawaii is strong, and if you come from an area away from the equator you will probably be very sensitive (I’m not trying to be mean, I just want everyone to be well informed). Bring a hat or two to wear while at the beach, on long hikes, or when walking outdoors. Trust me, you’ll be happy you did.
- Reef-safe Sunscreen
- There are many sunscreens in the state of Hawaii that are banned. The reason for this is to preserve our natural coral reefs.. So, PLEASE do your research and purchase only reef-safe sunscreens. My favorite is TropicSport Sunscreen.
- Portable Battery Pack
- You can find a portable battery pack at most retailers. If not, you can look for on on Amazon.com. When you’re out all day, and ran your phone battery down because you were listening to music, this will be your lifesaver.
- Sunglasses
- This is another no-brainer, be sure to bring a good pair of sunglasses. It doesn’t have to be expensive, just something to protect your eyes while driving, hiking, strolling on the beach, etc.
- Small First Aid kit
- While many travelers do not bring a first aid kit along, I am urging you to do so. If you plan on going hiking or evening going to the beach-having a first aid kit will come in handy. From stepping on something sharp to scraping your knee on a hike-you’ll be happy you have it with you.
- Reusable bag
- In the state of Hawaii the use of plastic bags are banned. So, bring with you a couple of reusable bags for shopping. Otherwise, don’t be surprised if a retailer or grocer charges you a small fee for paper or recyclable bags with your purchase.
- Refillable water bottle
- To build off the plastic bag ban, try to limit the consumption of plastics when in Hawaii. You will notice many public areas to fill up your water bottle throughout the islands.
- Travel umbrella
- This isn’t a must-pack item, but for those who don’t like being caught in the rain-this item is for you. Just make sure it’s an umbrella that is compact and east to carry around.
- Camera
- This also isn’t a must-pack item, since most of us rely on our smart phones. However, if you are into photography or videography, bring your camera to capture memories made in the islands.
- Cash money
- This is important if you want to stop along the road and buy some fresh coconut water, banana bread, or homemade lilikoi jam-you will need cash to make your purchases with locals. And you’ll find some “honor system” fruit stands where you grab what fresh island fruits you want, and leave some cash in return through a slot box. Many locals make a living off of tourism, so it is always a great gesture to tip in cash whenever possible.
- Waterproof bag, or equivalent
- I always bring a waterproof bag for my wet items and liquids. The last thing you want is to open your luggage at your Hawaii getaway just to find half your clothes soaked in perfume or a burst bottle of sunscreen. On the other hand, if you’re doing a number of different activities in one day, having a waterproof bag for your wet clothes will make all the difference when throwing everything together.
- Waterproof Phone Case
- There are so many to choose from, but having a waterproof phone case will do you wonders on your ocean excursions. You will be able to capture memories while snorkeling, diving, or lounging on the beach. A good waterproof case will protect your device from water damage and sand.
Clothing to Pack
It goes without saying that you’re gonna need clothes for your trip…Hawaii is not a “clothing optional” destination. But, if you are into that sort of thing there are a few hideaway nude beaches for the adventurous ones. I will organize this section by outfits best suited for the type of outing/setting.
Resort Casual or Casual Evening
Resort casual refers to a laid back style of formal wear, or plainly semi-formal wear. Just remember that you DO NOT need to dress super fancy when you visit the islands. It’s an island after all, and even locals don’t “dress up” that much when going to a celebratory dinner or event.
- Resort Casual would be perfect for a fancier dinner outing, resort restaurant, sunset dinner cruise, or going to a lu’au show
- Men: Slacks or dress shorts paired with an Aloha shirt or a collared shirt. Footwear would include a nice pair of casual shoes.
- Women: A flowy maxi dress or a cocktail dress would be sufficient paired with nice sandals or a pair of wedges.
Pro tip: Women you will only need 2 dresses, and the men will only need 2 outfits also. If you want to have options, pack one extra outfit-but only if necessary.
Casual Day
Casual day wear refers to laid-back comfortable clothes. Clothes you will be comfortable in all day long, that is what you need to keep in mind when selecting each piece. While most of the clothes you pack will fall into this category, be mindful of over packing. Try to plan out your outfits by the day-this way you know you’ll have enough clothes, and not too much either.
- Casual day wear is perfect for activities involving walking, shopping, driving, sight-seeing, and day-time land-based activities.
- Men: Comfortable shorts (i.e. cargo, basketball, board shorts), a breathable t-shirt (moisture-wicking or cotton is best), hat, sunglasses, and comfortable shoes.
- Women: Comfortable shorts or leggings, breathable shirt or tank, hat, sunglasses, and comfortable shoes.
Pro tip: Pack 4-5 bottoms (shorts and/or long pants) and pick out 5-7 tops to mix-n-match for different outfit combinations.
Active Wear or Hiking Attire
Active wear refers to both clothes you will wear for a workout and hikes or outdoor activities. You will probably not be wearing this set of clothes all day long, so I would bring along an extra change of clothes if you’re out all day. I’m sure you don’t want to be in your sweaty clothes all day long.
- Active wear is perfect for outdoor activities (i.e. hiking, zip-lining, etc.), workouts, or anything that you will break a sweat doing.
- Men: Workout clothes, basketball shorts, tank top or light t-shirt (moisture-wicking is best), athletic shoes or hiking boots
- Women: Workout clothes, leggings, tank top, t-shirt, loose fitting top, athletic shoes or hiking boots.
Pro tip: Use bikini tops as bras for hiking & beach day combos. Wear the athletic shoes and hat on your plane ride to save room in your luggage.
Swimwear
When selecting swimwear, make sure to bring items that you feel comfortable in. You don’t have to be the most athletic, or skinny, or muscular person at the beach to fit in. Wear what makes you feel comfortable. You can also pack a pareo (sarong, or cover-up) to wear over your swimsuit for an easy transition from the beach to ordering food at a nearby food truck.
- Swimwear would include bikinis, one-pieces, board shorts or men’s swimming trunks, slippers or flip-flops, and a cover-up/shirt to throw on over your suit. You can also bring a rash guard or a long sleeve UV shirt, hat and sunglasses.
- Men: Board shorts, swimming trunks, men’s bikini bottoms (speedo), rash guard or t-shirt, slippers, hat and sunglasses
- Women: Bikini, one-piece suit, board shorts, cover-up, hat, and sunglasses
Pro tip: Depending on how many days you plan on spending at the pool or beach, I recommend packing 2-3 options. If you have one suit hang-drying, you will have another to use the next day. I would rotate between the two or three. You can also use the swimsuit under your active wear or hiking clothes, for the days you plan on doing both.
Lounge or Sleepwear
Sleepwear obviously refers to whatever clothes (or lack thereof) and loungewear refers to comfy clothes to wear around the hotel, or accommodations of your choosing. You will only need 1 or 2 outfits since you can use the same lounge outfit a few times.
- Examples of Lounge or Sleepwear include sweat pants with an oversized t-shirt or hoodie, shorts and a tank, or anything you consider comfortable and easy to throw on.