Updated on June 14th, 2023 by Okinawa Hai
Hawaii is an incredible destination that offers so much variety. From the iconic beaches to the jagged mountain ranges, there are seemingly endless experiences to be had on this tropical archipelago.
To get the most out of your Hawaiian vacation, it’s important to be prepared for all that Hawaii has to offer and pack accordingly. Below you will find a packing list of must-have items for Hawaii, as well as how to dress for the weather, what NOT to pack, and FAQs.
What to Pack for Hawaii Vacations
Beach / Pool
A trip to Hawaii isn’t complete without plenty of time spent relaxing on the beach or by the pool. You’ll likely enjoy your hotel’s pool or the nearby pristine beach on a daily basis, so be sure that you pack everything you will need.
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1. Sand-Resistant Beach Blanket
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2. Waterproof Phone Case
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3. Beach Bag
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4. Swimsuit Cover-Up
Hiking
Hawaii’s beaches are probably what first comes to mind when picturing a Hawaiian vacation. However, the lush mountains are equally magnificent. To hike high on the mountain ridges that overlook the pacific ocean is one of the most incredible and unique experiences waiting for you in Hawaii. Don’t forget about the volcano hikes, either!
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5. Cooling Towel
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6. LifeStraw Water Bottle
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7. Bug Spray
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8. Lipstick-Sized Portable Charger
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9. Day Pack
Ocean Excursions
There are so many different ocean activities that await you in Hawaii. You can go sailing, kayaking, snorkeling, or diving, just to name a few. Our family is a big fan of water activities, and below are some of our must-bring items.
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10. Quick-Dry Travel Towel
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11. Affordable Action Camera
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12. Flotation Strap
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13. Rash Guard
Packing hacks
These clever products make packing and traveling even more enjoyable. You can bet these items are coming with me no matter where I’m traveling to.
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14. Packing Cubes
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15. Windproof Travel Umbrella
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16. Personal Item Bag
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17. Luggage Strap
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18. Hanging Toiletry Bag
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19. Travel Sized Toiletry Bottles (TSA Approved)
Travel Safety Essentials
Safety is always number one, especially when traveling someplace new. Below are some of our favorite items that we always take on trips to make sure we travel as safely as possible.
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20. Neck Wallet
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21. VPN
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22. Luggage Locks
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23. Travel Insurance
Other Hawaii Packing List Items Not to Leave at Home
- Sarong
- Insulated Water Bottle
- Sunglasses
- Sunglasses Case
- Mesh Slip-On Water Shoes: Women’s & Men’s
- Binoculars
- TSA-Approved Plastic Bag
- Solid Shampoo
- Shampoo Bar Case
- Stain Remover Wipes
- Lip Balm
- Aloe Vera
- After Bite
- Insect Repellent
- Toothbrush Cover
- Loofah Glove
- Mini Hairbrush
- First-Aid Kit
- Flashlight
- GoPro
- Selfie Stick
- Memory Card
- Flash Drive
- Kindle
- Kindle Cover
- Headphones
- Sleep Mask
- Earplugs
- Travel Pillow
- Face Wipes
What to Pack for the Weather & Different Seasons
Summer – May, June, July, August, September, October
Summer is warm and dry, especially close to the coast. Further inland, the weather will be more tropical and rainy, so you might still want to pack a raincoat and good hiking boots. Waters tend to be calmer during the summer, and big waves are less common. Summertime is great for snorkeling and diving since the water is at its warmest. Air temperatures range between 80 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit during the day, and water temperatures are close to 80 degrees.
Winter – November, December, January, February, March
Winter in Hawaii is cooler and rainier than in the summertime months. Still pack your favorite beach wear, but you’ll also want to bring warm layers like a fleece jacket for chilly evenings. Be sure to bring a rain jacket or umbrella and a pair of waterproof hiking boots if you plan on going hiking. Even in the winter, Hawaii has great weather. Temperatures range from 70-80 degrees Fahrenheit, and the water temperature average is 77 degrees Fahrenheit which still isn’t too cold for swimming.
What to wear
No matter what time of year you visit Hawaii, pack for warm weather. Clothes like shorts, tank tops, and t-shirts will be your daily staples. Ladies will get a lot of use out of skirts and sundresses too. For dinners out, be sure to pack a couple of more elegant outfits if you like to dress up. However, Hawaii’s dress code is pretty casual so don’t feel pressured to wear overly formal attire. Don’t forget to bring your favorite beachwear and consider packing activewear for hiking. A fleece jacket will come in handy on chilly nights, especially during the winter. Lastly, pack rain gear for hiking or at least a travel umbrella for the rainier winter months.
Women
- Raincoat
- Sweater
- Sandals
- Hiking Pants
- Fleece Jacket
- Hiking Shoes
- Flip-Flops
- Bikini
- Beach Cover Up
- Sun Hat
- Maxi Dress
- Tank Top
- Denim Shorts
- Walking Shoes
- Sunglasses
- T-shirt
Men
- Board Shorts
- Swim Trunks
- Khaki Pants
- Linen Shorts
- Button Up Shirt
- T-Shirt
- Walking Shoes
- Fleece Jacket
- Sun Hat
- Flip-Flops
- Hiking Shoes
- Fishing Shirt
- Rain Jacket
- Active Shorts
- Sunglasses
What NOT to Bring to Hawaii
- Bulky Clothes
Hawaii is a warm destination year-round. The most you’ll ever need is a light sweater during the winter. Leave thick, heavy fabrics at home and instead pack breathable ones. - Beach Towels
Your hotel usually provides beach or pool towels. Don’t waste valuable packing space bringing these bulky towels. Instead, you can pack a travel towel that is compact and quick-drying. - Expensive Jewelry
With the amount of time you’ll be in the water and doing activities, it could be easy for jewelry to slip off. If you don’t want to lose any valuable jewelry, do not bring it in the first place. - Power Adapter
If you are coming from North America, then you won’t need a power adapter as Hawaii uses the same outlets as the United States and Canada. - Hair Dryer
A hairdryer takes up a lot of space, and most hotels provide one. Leave the hair styling accessories at home and instead go for that beachy wind-swept look.
FAQs About What to Pack for Hawaii
- Can I bring a drone?
Yes, you can bring a drone to Hawaii, but there are state rules and regulations that limit their use. You probably won’t be able to use it in as many places as you’d hope. For instance, they aren’t allowed in any national parks or monuments. Consider if it’s really worth bringing along or if you’re better off leaving it at home. - Should I bring my own snorkeling/diving gear?
Snorkeling and diving gear takes up a lot of space. You can rent any water sports gear you can think of on the islands, so it’s not necessary to bring your own. If you plan on taking a tour, then all the gear you’ll need is usually included in the tour price. There are some useful items like water shoes or a wetsuit jacket that you might consider bringing along since they usually aren’t included with the other tour gear. - Do I need to bring warm clothes?
Warm layers are useful for chilly winter evenings and are a necessity if you plan on hiking Mt. Haleakala or other high-altitude peaks. A fleece jacket will be enough for a vacation by the beach, but for high elevation hiking, you’ll likely need a hat and even gloves in addition to a warm jacket and base layers. - Should I pack a raincoat?
For most people that are vacationing in Hawaii just for the beach, a travel umbrella will be sufficient. However, if you plan on seeking out adventurous activities like zip-lining or hiking, then a raincoat will be really useful, especially if you visit in the rainier winter months. - What should I pack if I want to learn to surf?
Surfing is a wonderful sport because all you really need is a bathing suit and a board. There are plenty of surf schools in Hawaii to choose from, and they have a wide variety of surfboards for all levels and ages. Besides a swimsuit, you may consider bringing your own rash guard or wetsuit jacket if you tend to get cold in the water.