Are you planning a Hawaii vacation and want to know what to pack? Find out everything you need to add to your Hawaii packing list that you are probably forgetting. Scroll to see them all!
This Hawaii packing list post was written by Hawaii travel expert Marcie Cheung and contains affiliate links, which means if you purchase something from one of my affiliate links, I may earn a small commission that goes back into maintaining this blog.
When you tell someone you are heading on a Hawaiian vacation and are trying to come up with your Hawaii packing list, they probably tell you that you only need to bring your swimsuit.
Unfortunately, that’s not exactly true.
While you can definitely keep your Hawaii packing list to a minimum (it’s easy to overpack), some items can save you stress if you can fit them in your bag.
I’ve been traveling to Hawaii for the past 25 years, and I still forget to pack something.
So, I’ve come up with a list of items that you’re probably forgetting on your Hawaii packing list. It includes things for your carry-on luggage and things to pack in your checked baggage.
If you’re looking for a detailed guide, this is the ultimate Hawaii packing list that covers essential gear, family-friendly items, and space-saving tips.
Whether you’re staying on Oahu, Maui, Kauai, or the Big Island, all the Hawaiian islands offer unique climates and terrain—so it’s smart to pack accordingly.
Find out the best zero-waste travel essentials and what I always pack in my carry-on bag for Hawaii!
Want to skip all the planning and just access my detailed Hawaii Itineraries, complete with daily schedules, kid-friendly activities, and travel hacks? Click the button below.
Hawaii Packing List FAQs
The weather in Hawaii is quite warm and humid, so breathable clothing is best. Many women wear a lot of sundresses, maxi dresses, and flowy skirts. Shorts and t-shirts are another popular option. Adding a few pieces of resort wear to your wardrobe makes it easy to dress up for dinner while staying comfortable in Hawaii’s tropical climate.
It can get quite chilly on the airplane. It’s best to dress in layers so you can stay comfortable the entire flight. If you’re traveling light, make sure to wear your heaviest shoes on the plane, long pants, and any outerwear you’ll need.
Like most tropical places, Hawaii does have mosquitoes. While it’s not as big of a problem as other areas, if you usually get bitten by mosquitoes, you’ll want to be prepared. Bring some long-sleeved shirts and bug spray, especially if you plan to do any hiking or be near ponds or rivers.
17 Things You Are Probably Forgetting on Your Hawaii Packing List
1. A Pen in Your Carry On Bag
During the last part of your flight to Hawaii, flight attendants will hand out paper declaration forms that you must fill out and return before you land.
It has questions about where you’re staying, whether you’re there for business or pleasure, and things like that. Check out the latest prices and more details.
However, they do not provide you with a pen. I have no idea why, but they just don’t.
I only remember to pack a pen about 25% of the time, so I usually end up asking someone near me if I can borrow a pen. It’s super annoying, and I hate feeling like I’m bothering people.
So, make sure to pack one in your carry-on bag.
2. Sweater for Flight
Another thing to add to your carry-on bag is a light sweater or jacket to put on during the flight. Check out the latest prices and more details.
I’m usually pretty warm when I’m trying to get on the plane, hauling kids and luggage, and getting situated in our seats.
However, once we take off, most of our flights are freezing cold. And most airlines don’t hand out blankets like they used to.
So, be sure to have one so you aren’t shivering on the flight. Plus, it’s handy to wear in the evenings or when exploring Haleakala on Maui or Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island.
A light jacket or light rain jacket can double as weather protection and an extra layer when hiking or exploring higher elevations on the Hawaiian islands.
3. Hair Clips
Do you envision yourself walking along the beach with your hair gently flowing in the breeze, like you see in commercials? Check out the latest prices and more details.
The wind in Hawaii is super strong, and realistically, your hair will start flying in your face, and you’ll be so focused on constantly tucking it behind your ear that you will miss out on just soaking in the gorgeous sites.
So, I recommend packing hair clips, ponytail holders, hair bands, scrunchies, and any other hair accessories that will help keep your hair out of your face.
I know it’s not always the cutest look, but just go with it.
4. Leave Your Curling Iron and Straightener at Home
It’s taken me years to finally leave my hair tools at home when I go to Hawaii.
The humidity there is strong, and my thick, wavy hair usually starts getting a bit frizzy (and big) about 20 minutes after I finish styling it.
Unless you plan on using a TON of product to keep your hair in place, it’s just not worth it.
Plus, you’re not going to want to spend a bunch of time each morning doing your hair. Instead, pull your hair up in an easy updo or embrace some beachy waves.
There are some great hair products that will enhance your beachy waves and keep them looking great all day long. Check out the latest prices and more details.
5. Shoes and Socks
When I’m packing for Hawaii and my suitcase is overstuffed, the first thing I remove is shoes. There’s really no reason to bring a ton of shoes to Hawaii.
However, if you are planning on hiking, going horseback riding, doing an ATV tour, renting a bike, or doing another awesome Hawaii adventure, you’re going to need more than flip-flops.
Don’t forget to pack durable hiking boots if you’re visiting the lush trails or volcanic landscapes of the Hawaiian islands.
I suggest bringing sturdy hiking shoes if you are doing multiple hikes or extensive hiking in Hawaii. Check out the latest prices and more details.
However, if you’re only planning on doing one, it’s best to pack an old pair of shoes that you can discard at the end of your trip. This is especially true on Kauai, where their famous red dirt will permanently stain your shoes.
And don’t forget to pack socks!
6. Water Shoes
I know I said to limit the amount of shoes you bring, but water shoes can be super helpful if you are doing a whale watching tour, going kayaking, or just exploring some Hawaii tide pools. Check out the latest prices and more details.
And if you’re going to a beach with lava rock, you’ll definitely want to bring water shoes. The lava rock is painfully sharp, and you’ll end up with cut toes.
If you’re heading to Hawaii with kids, make sure to pack each of them a pair of water shoes that fits. Kids don’t always watch where they are going, and wearing water shoes is an easy way to limit injuries on the beach.
They’re especially useful if you’re planning to explore coral reefs, since they protect your feet from sharp rocks and delicate marine life.
7. Reusable Bags
A few years ago, Hawaii banned the use of plastic bags. That means everyone needs to bring a reusable bag if they are shopping in Hawaii. Check out the latest prices and more details.
I usually bring a handful of these little nylon bags because they hardly take up any space, and they are perfect for carrying groceries and cute clothes I buy in Hawaii.
Now, some tourist shops will provide you with a paper bag, but most won’t. So, it’s better to come prepared.
However, you can also buy some super cute reusable bags in Hawaii with fun tropical prints. They vary in price, but they do make a fun Hawaii souvenir!
8. Jacket and Long Pants
While I previously mentioned bringing a sweater for the plane ride, if you plan on seeing the sunrise at Haleakala on Maui, it’s literally freezing up there.
You’ll want a whole lot more than a sweater.
I recommend packing an insulated jacket and a pair of pants to stay warm. In addition, you’ll probably also want to borrow a blanket from your hotel or vacation rental to wrap yourself in. Check out the latest prices and more details.
The jacket and pants will also come in handy if you are hiking at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island, Haleakala on Maui, or Kokee State Park on Kauai. It can get super chilly at that altitude, and you’re going to want to wear an extra layer.
Families traveling with kids should consider packing sun protective clothing and a sun hat to keep little ones safe in changing weather conditions.
9. Microfiber Towels
In the past, we’ve always just grabbed beach towels from our vacation rental or bought some in Hawaii anytime we wanted to hang out at the beach.
We tend to haul a lot of things to the beach when traveling to Hawaii with kids, so it’s par for the course.
However, as the kids get older, we’re doing a bit more hiking down to the beaches. The last thing I want to do is carry more than absolutely necessary.
That’s why we’ve started using these little microfiber towels that roll up pretty small. They are basically the size of a water bottle, and they are easy to stick in our hiking backpack. Check out the latest prices and more details.
These are also super helpful when doing the Road to Hana because there are tons of cute waterfall hikes where you’ll get wet.
10. Reef-Safe Sunscreen
You have to use reef-safe sunscreen in Hawaii. It’s been a law since 2018, and it’s there to protect Hawaii’s amazing sea life.
I’m pretty picky about sunscreen, so I always bring a bottle of Babyganics spray sunscreen. It’s mineral-based, reef-safe, and it’s one of the few sunscreens that soaks in without leaving a white, chalky residue. Check out the latest prices and more details.
If you are worried about choosing the wrong sunscreen, just wait until you get to Hawaii. All the sunscreens they sell are reef-safe.
11. Waterproof Camera
If you are planning on doing any Hawaii water activities like kayaking, snorkeling, scuba diving, canal tubing, stand-up paddling, surfing, or just floating around in the water, you’ll want a waterproof camera.
You’ll want to take photos as soon as you get out on the water, and you’ll be kicking yourself for not having a waterproof camera. I mean, those are some great Hawaiian vacation memories in the making!
My husband actually bought a waterproof GoPro on our last trip to Hawaii, specifically for taking photos while doing a snorkeling tour. Check out the latest prices and more details.
He was so glad he had it because he got some cool photos of tropical fish, and he was able to take photos and video of our kids snorkeling.
12. Waterproof Phone Case
Another alternative to a waterproof camera is a waterproof case for your cell phone. They make clear sleeves that protect your phone while also letting you take some photos and videos.
Most of the waterproof phone cases are also lanyards, so you can stick your phone and ID in the sleeve and wear it around your neck. Check out the latest prices and more details.
These are especially helpful when you’re snorkeling with kids or navigating rocky tide pools with your snorkel gear, giving you peace of mind and great photos.
It’s also a great safety measure in case of an emergency.
13. Baby Powder
One of the biggest Hawaii travel hacks I’ve learned throughout the years is to always bring along a bottle of baby powder when we go to the beach. Check out the latest prices and more details.
It can be super annoying trying to get all the sand off your feet after a day at the beach before getting into your car. It’s so gross to drag in a bunch of sand.
But, if you sit in the car with your legs outside, you can sprinkle baby powder on your sandy legs and feet, and it will help knock off a bunch of sand. Then, you can just wipe the rest away with a small towel, and you’re all set.
This is also super helpful when traveling to Hawaii with kids because they will complain about sand in their toe,s and this is an easy and quick way to take care of that.
14. Chaffing Stick
Probably the least sexy item to pack to Hawaii is a chaffing stick, but it can seriously make or break your Hawaiian vacation if you have thicker thighs. Check out the latest prices and more details.
It looks like a stick of deodorant, and you can rub it on your inner thighs to avoid getting chaffed as you explore Hawaii.
And, you’ll definitely want to put some on before heading to the beach. The salt water, sweat, and sand just add to the chaffing sensation, and you will be so uncomfortable.
Pack it along and you can even share it with others on your trip and be a true hero!
15. Expandable Suitcase
I always go back and forth between hard-shell suitcases and soft luggage when traveling with our family. However, when it comes to Hawaii, we always bring an expandable suitcase.
Hawaii has so many fun things to buy, like cute Hawaiian clothing, toys for the kids, and tons of Hawaiian snacks, and it usually doesn’t all fit comfortably in our suitcase.
I like bringing a soft-shell suitcase that expands. When I’m packing for Hawaii, I keep the expandable part zipped shut. When we’re heading home, I unzip that section to create a few more inches of room. It saves us a lot of stress. Check out the latest prices and more details.
Or, if we do end up bringing a hard-shell suitcase, I pack a foldable duffel bag with me. I either use it as a carry-on bag or as one of our free checked bags through Alaska Airlines’ frequent flyer program.
16. Non-Perishable Food
While I’m all about eating tons of food in Hawaii, like poke and shave ice, we also tend to cook to save money in Hawaii.
We usually stop by Costco when we land, but I also like to pack a few things from home. Usually, this includes small bags of pre-measured spices, condiments, boxed macaroni and cheese, rice, and more.
I think about what we’ll be cooking (like Pineapple Chicken Stir Fry, Huli Huli Chicken, or Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp) and then bring along just what we need. That way, we aren’t wasting food items after our trip.
And if you are traveling to Hawaii with a baby, make sure to bring your own formula, baby food pouches, and baby snacks. These items are SO expensive in Hawaii, and you’ll save a ton of money. Plus, it can be hard to find your favorite brands.
It’s also worth noting that not all grocery stores on the Hawaiian islands carry specialty brands, so bring what you know your kids will eat.
And the extra bonus is that with all the extra space in your suitcase (after eating your packed food), you can bring more stuff home!
17. Clothespins
The final Hawaii travel hack I’ve figured out over the years is to bring a bag of clothespins.
We tend to hang up our wet swimsuits, and they dry much faster if we pin them from a clothesline (rather than just hanging over.) Check out the latest prices and more details.
And they can come in handy to clip beach towels to pool chairs to keep them from blowing around.
But, if I’m being completely honest, we mainly use them to keep our potato chips nice and crispy! The humidity can make chips get soggy pretty quickly, and the clothespins can help prolong their crispness!
Ultimate Hawaii Packing List Wrap-Up
Packing for a beach vacation in Hawaii sounds easy, but there’s always something families forget—especially when traveling with kids! Hopefully, this post gave you some helpful reminders and new ideas to make your trip smoother and a lot more fun.
Whether you’re snorkeling in the Pacific Ocean, hiking to waterfalls, or just relaxing in the sand, having the right gear makes all the difference. Don’t forget sturdy hiking boots if you’re heading to any scenic trails across the Hawaiian Islands—trust me, your feet will thank you!
If you’re still unsure what to pack for Hawaii with kids, just think through your days: beach time, pool hangs, adventures, and chill nights. That will help narrow down the things to pack for Hawaii with kids without overloading your bags.
The best advice? Start early, double-check your list, and keep this post handy. You’ve got this!