Your Essential Hawaiʻi Vacation Packing List

Planning a Hawaiʻi vacation soon—or maybe next year?

And stressing out about what to pack?

We got you.

Here’s everything you need to bring—and not bring—on the plane with you.

First Things First

Before you even think about what you’re packing, you need to think about what you’re planning to do while in Hawaiʻi, when you’re coming, what island (or islands) you’re visiting and how long you’re staying.

Winter, summer and mid-spring are the busiest times in Hawaiʻi—and it’s also when airfare and hotel prices are at their highest. While the weather tends to be nice all year long, the winter months tend to be the wettest, which can affect what you do outdoors.

What you pack will depend on what your vacation goals are. For example, if you’re planning to unwind and relax by the ocean or pool, you may want to pack beachwear, slippers (flip flops), sunscreen and your e-reader and skip the collared shirts and heels. If you want to hit the trails, you’ll need to bring sturdy shoes, lightweight jackets, bug spray and a packable backpack.

Also, don’t worry about forgetting something. Hawaiʻi has everything you could possible need—including Costcos, Targets and Walmarts on most islands. If you forget your toothbrush or poncho, you can pick one up here.

Here’s What You Need

Travel documents

You don’t need a passport to travel to Hawaiʻi—hey, people ask!—but you will need government-issued identifications to get on a plane, travel between islands and confirm your accommodations. If you’re renting a car, you will need a valid driver’s license. It’s always a good idea to have your hotel and car rental reservations handy, and any tickets for pre-booked activities or events.

Casual clothing

Even in the winter, the temperature rarely drops below 65 degrees—and that’s at night. Except sunny, sometimes humid weather throughout the year.

If you’re planning to visit the high-elevation summits of Haleakalā on Maui or Mauna Kea on Hawaiʻi Island—especially at night to stargaze or watch the sunrise—you will want to pack a warm jacket and pants.

Most hotels and restaurants don’t have dress codes—some do, like Michel’s in Waikīkī, which doesn’t allow tank tops or swimwear—so call ahead. In general, though, people in Hawaiʻi dress pretty casually. Jeans, shorts, rompers, resort wear and, of course, slippers. You can don aloha attire, if you want, but most locals save their aloha shirts and dresses for work or special occasions.

Beach wear

Unless you’re planning to avoid the beach and hotel pool—which I wouldn’t recommend—you’ll need to pack swim and/or beach wear. That includes beach cover-ups or sarongs that you can easily throw on to grab drinks at the nearest pool bar. For kids, you may want to bring—or buy—a swim vest and rashguard. If you want to wear something that’s more, well, local, shop for swimwear at Pakaloha Bikinis, Acacia or Fighting Eel.

Your hotel should provide you with beach towels, and many beaches in visitor areas have kiosks where you can rent or buy beach gear such as snorkels and goggles.

Bring sturdy shoes to hike in Hawaiʻi. (This is the Kaʻiwi Ridge Trail on Oʻahu.)
Photo: Getty Images/AscentXmedia

Hiking gear

If you’re planning to hit the trails, you’ll have to bring sturdy shoes and socks. (Crocs won’t cut it.) You may also want to pack a lightweight rain jacket, as weather can change pretty quickly in the Islands. For more tips on hiking in Hawaiʻi, read this.

Lūʻau attire

Lūʻau shows are most often held outdoors in the early evening, so you’ll want to wear something comfortable and casual—and ditch the heels. A safe bet is resort or aloha attire, which you can find online or buy while in the Islands.

Backpack or bag

You’ll want to bring a backpack, fanny pack or bag that you can carry around and tote necessities like your wallet, cell phone, lip balm and snacks. If you’re planning to hike, you may want to consider a backpack that can fit water bottles and jackets. You may also want to bring—or buy!—a beach bag, something lightweight and breathable, for sandy towels and wet clothes. (Some hotels provide beach bags for guests.) And bring your own reusable bags for shopping might be useful; Hawaiʻi has banned plastic bags and many shops and grocery stores charge for shopping bags.

Sun protection is a must!
Photo: Getty Images

Sun protection

Bring or buy reef-safe sunscreen only; certain chemicals in sunscreen are banned in Hawaiʻi because they damage our fragile reefs. You may always want to pack a wide-brimmed hat—or any hat—and sunglasses.

BONUS: Waterproof pouch for your phone

Most convenience stores and hotel shops sell waterproof pouches for your smartphones—here’s a list of ones great for travelers—and you’ll be grateful you got one. I’ve used this in pools and in the ocean, and it keeps your phone handy (for photos!) and dry.