The Ultimate Hawaii Packing Guide
Packing can be one of the most stressful parts of planning a trip. Therefore, I have made a comprehensive guide to everything you should consider bringing along with you to your vacation to Hawaii. Take a look at the Hawaii Packing Guide below.
This Hawaii Packing guide is separated in to 3 categories:
- Accessories/ Equipment
- Clothing
- Footwear
The Hawaii packing guide details every item on the list and also explains why you should consider bringing it along.
Note: You don’t have to bring everything on the Hawaii packing guide. It is just suggestions on what you should bring. What you will need to bring will also depend on the types of activities you will be doing.
Accessories/Equipment
GoPro
Take great pictures and videos without having to worry about water damage! The GoPro is an essential travel item because of its versatility. Take it snorkeling or cliff jumping. It can take high resolutions photos and 4K videos. GoPros are extremely durable and are sure to capture all of your epic moments. Be sure to also get the floating hand grip accessory in case you lose hold of it in the water!
Dry Bag
Get a waterproof dry bag for adventures like canoeing/kayaking where you need to keep some of your items dry. It is extremely important when you are carrying food, cameras, chargers, books, etc. Take it hiking, kayaking, and jet skiing. All of your valuables will stay dry.
Insulated Water Bottle
Bring an insulated water bottle to keep your water/liquid cold all day long. Staying hydrated is very important in Hawaii’s hot/humid weather. I like the brand Hydroflask because the mouth is wide, which makes it easy to clean. Hydroflasks also keep your liquids cold for 24+ hours!
Portable Charger
If your phone’s battery is anything like mine, you will need a portable changer to charge your phone while on the go. You will likely be using a lot of your phone’s battery on navigation, yelp, photos, and videos. This can drain your battery fast. Get the Anker portable charger for a reliable way to charge your device.
Mosquito Repellant
Mosquito repellant is a MUST in Hawaii. Mosquitos can be found anywhere on the island, but they are most abundant near bodies on fresh water and in lush vegetation. Be sure to buy a mosquito spray with a higher DEET percentage. If you do buy the mosquito spray before your trip make sure to pack it in your check in luggage.
This can also be purchased once your get to Hawaii to avoid having to check a luggage in.
Sunscreen
Sunscreen, like mosquito spray, is a MUST when traveling to Hawaii. You will be spending a lot of time outdoors in the the sun. Getting a painful sunburn on your trip will make the experience less enjoyable. If you burn easily, be sure to also pack some aloe vera gel to help sooth your sunburn.
Sunscreen and aloe vera gel are very pricey in Waikiki, so if you do buy in when you get to Hawaii, be sure to go to other districts to pick them up.
Clothing
Tank Tops, T-Shirts, Shorts, Jeans, Socks, Swimsuit
The rule of thumb is “pack athletic” when you are coming to Hawaii. Pack clothes with breathable and moisture-wicking fabric. The shorts you pack should also be quick-drying. Feel free to pack a pair of jean shorts for days you will just be doing some sightseeing.
One pair of long pants/jeans will be enough for Hawaii’s cooler nights or a nicer dinner. Most of the locals on the islands don’t wear jeans all that often in day-to-day wear.
When packing socks, any socks will do if they are light and athletic. Leave the wool socks at home.
Pack any kind of swimsuit you want, but be sure to pack multiple swimsuits! You will likely be in or around water for the majority of your trip. You don’t want to have to do laundry everyday.
Long Sleeve Shirts/Sweater
On winter nights especially, you will need a light sweater or a long sleeve shirt. If you are by the ocean at night (any time of the year), it is likely to get a bit chilly. You don’t need to pack your heavy winter jacket, but one light sweater or a long sleeve shirt will do.
Windbreaker/Rain Jacket
Some days and nights can be very windy, especially if you are near the ocean or in the mountains. Some hikes can also get very windy and rainy depending on the elevation and location of the hike. It is best to pack a rain jacket/wind breaker to keep yourself warm and protected.
Sunglasses and A Hat
The sun can be very brutal during the summer months and during the afternoon. Sunglasses and a hat are essential packing items in Hawaii. Your sunglasses should have UV protection to protect your eyes against the harmful rays. Polarized sunglasses are also better since you will be near the ocean a lot.
Any hat you pack will help you stay cool under the sun. A baseball cap is great for outdoor activities like hiking. However, you may prefer a sun hat for outdoor activities and beach going. It is all a matter of preference.
Footwear
Rubber Slippers
Don’t forget to pack your rubber slippers (aka flip flops) with you when you come to Hawaii. Rubber slippers are an essential packing item! They are great for walking around the hotel, taking to the beach, and for casual days/nights out.
Hiking Shoes/Athletic Shoes
A good pair of shoes are a must when traveling to Hawaii, especially if you will be doing a lot of walking and hiking. While full on hiking boots are not necessary for the majority of the trails on Oahu, I would recommend wearing a good fitting pair of athletic shoes at the bare minimum. However, some of the trails you want to do may require you to cross a stream or other body of water. Keep that in mind when deciding which pair of shoes to bring.
Also note that your shoes will likely get dirty. Don’t bring your nicest pair of shoes to hike in.
Water Shoes
Because you will be doing a lot of water activities, it is a good idea to invest in a pair of water shoes. You will be able to walk on reefs and on coral and not have to worry about damaging your feet. Climbing up to cliff jumping locations just got a whole lot easier!
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