A full Hawaii packing guide. Vacationing in the Hawaiian Islands is always a good idea - but there are some random, unexpected items that will make your trip so much better. It doesn't matter which island or islands you're going to, this is everything you need (and what you don't) for the Hawaii trip of a lifetime.
From the unexpected (including the little things that make a beach day easier), to the often overlooked, to the clothes you'll wear more or less often than you think you will, everything you possibly need for a stylish and adventurous week or two in Hawaii is listed here. Or cut straight to my Amazon Shopping List here.
Related reading: Oahu beach guide.
6 Must-Pack Items You Probably Haven't Thought Of:
Through 10+ trips to Hawaii, these are the items that we have most often been so grateful that we have brought with us, regretted not having, and have found to be so incredibly useful for every kind of Hawaiian vacation - from the relaxing to the adventurous. Make sure to include these ones in your suitcase above all else!
1. Water Shoes
Water Shoes are one of the items that I often forget to bring and always regret not having with me. Hawaii has so much coarse and sharp lava rock everywhere that shoes you can wear into the water can be essential for some activities, like cliff jumping and kayak tours to nearby islands (our last time, I lost one of my flip-flops when our kayak got splashed over by a wave and had to hobble around the Mokulua Islands with only one shoe). I always remember water shoes/water socks from my childhood as super dorky, but the new styles available now look much more like cute sneakers! This pair from Amazon is definitely the coolest pair I've seen yet.
Classic Teva sandals can also work great as an option here!
2. Foldable Cooler Bag
Having a cooler is key - for both cold drinks and to take your poké to go - and I have purchased and left so many coolers in Hawaii after not bringing one over the years. A big, foldable tote is great to buy ahead and bring with you - they're easy to shove into a suitcase or even a carry-on, can fit TONS, and can easily be used over and over again. We started packing one of these with us, not just for Hawaii, but on any trip where we will be on the road or in a car often.
For a current foldable option, the LHZK insulated cooler tote is worth a look. Check its dimensions against what you plan to pack, and use ice packs for beach days.
3. Dry Bag Backpack
Our dry bag is another item that I always regret not bringing with us on every trip. These bags work great as a hiking or day backpack, and help protect belongings from splashes and rain when closed correctly - something that is essential for Hawaii, even if you are planning on not going in the water, as rainstorms come on unexpectedly almost daily. I cannot emphasize how much these bags have saved us and kept all of our camera gear from getting soaked. A dry bag is also great for taking on a kayak or any hike around water. If you don't have one, you need one - it's really that simple.
This orange, 40L model is the exact bag that we have taken with us on dozens of trips. We have used it around water with our camera gear, but that experience is not a guarantee against leaks or submersion; use a properly rated protective case for expensive electronics.
4. Proper Hiking Boots
Adidas Terrex boots pictured (older style)
I went on countless hikes all over Hawaii with just my regular running shoes, but I finally bought a pair of proper Adidas hiking shoes before our most recent trip - and the added grip was LIFE CHANGING, especially for precipitous ridgelines and muddy trails. If you're planning on doing a lot of hiking or like more adventurous hikes, definitely opt for proper hiking shoes over your standard running or training shoes - the difference is really worth it.
I personally love the Adidas Terrex boots I wore on that trip. For a current alternative, look at the Merrell Moab 3 Mid Waterproof boots; choose a fit you can comfortably break in before your trip.
More options for walking and hiking
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5. A Beach Blanket
This is one that I STILL forget sometimes regrettably. While hotels or vacation rentals will often have towels, if you're going to be moving around a lot or want to spend your days out exploring beaches, bringing a lightweight towel that can be used as a picnic blanket, mobile changing room, towel, or blanket for a cold breeze after sunset always comes in handy.
I love a Turkish towel for a lightweight, easily packable, and forever stylish option. The WETCAT Turkish towel is a current option to compare.
Towels for the beach and shower
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6. Sunscreen and Sun Protection
Sunscreen is a must for beach days. Choose broad-spectrum, water-resistant SPF 30 or higher, follow the label’s reapplication instructions, and use shade and sun-protective clothing too. “Reef safe” is not a standardized guarantee, so check the ingredients and the current rules for your destination rather than relying on that label alone.
I like Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen under makeup. For beach days, compare the current formula, active ingredients, and water-resistance instructions before buying, especially where local sunscreen restrictions apply.
Mineral sunscreen options
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What To Wear in Hawaii:
Shop my Complete Hawaii Style List Here!
1. Bikinis and One-Piece Swimsuits
Bring more swimsuits than you think you'll need! The most important styles you need are:
I end up wearing my bathing suits almost everywhere - with denim shorts for hiking, under a wrap top for going out to eat or exploring, and always at the hotel pool or beach. You want to make sure you never have to put on a wet one, and have enough to always be able to mix up your looks! I love dressing up a cute one-piece in place of a shirt and will just wear a sportier style instead of a sports bra for getting active. Not sure where to start looking? My favorite places to shop for unique and high-quality swimwear are:
- Everything But Water has long been one of my go-to shops for bikinis and vacation clothing. My favorites have included WeWoreWhat and Hunza G. For a currently available option, compare the Hunza G Tyra one-piece below.
- REVOLVE has everything from bold prints to understated one-pieces. Current options include the Tularosa Flirty one-piece, LSPACE Nadia one-piece, and Agua Bendita Russet floral one-piece.
- I also love the beachy, bohemian feel of Free People for vacation clothes. If you are looking for a cover-up rather than another suit, the Frankies Bikinis Sunshine crochet mini dress is a current option.
- Amazon: Shopping on a budget? Compare the current options on my Hawaii Amazon Shopping List, and check the selected size, seller, price, and return policy before ordering.
- Nordstrom is another longtime staple for vacation shopping. For the current swim edit, I have included both one-pieces and separate bikini tops and bottoms below so you can compare styles and coverage.
Smaller chested? Check out my guide on the best bikini styles here!
Looking for even more unique swimwear designers?
Acacia Swimwear - A local Hawaiian brand
Swimwear options to mix and match
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2. Denim and Linen Shorts
Levi's Ribcage shorts pictured (older style)
I didn't realize just how much I wear shorts in Hawaii until I was trying to find photos from our many trips where I was wearing anything else. Denim cut-offs are the uniform here - bring more pairs than you think you need, I would recommend at least 3 pairs, as they can tend to get muddy on hikes and other adventures.
The shorts brands that I find fit my curvier body best and last forever are by far One Teaspoon and Levi's. The Levi's Ribcage shorts are some of the best high-waisted shorts I've ever had, and pair amazingly with a bikini. That older style is no longer available through my original link; the Levi's 501 Original Shorts are a current alternative.
Denim and linen shorts to compare
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3. Easy, Breezy Maxi Dresses
Sleeveless maxi dresses are one of my go-tos for vacation and tropical places - I tend to wear one every night for sunset and dinner. They're just so breezy and easy and still feel chic in simple flat sandals. This is one thing I always say to pack more of than you think you'll need if you're heading to a tropical resort - there's nothing quite like a flowy skirt against your legs after a shower after a long day in the sea and the sun. For evenings where you want something a little more elevated, a resort cocktail hour, or a fancier night out, I love Miss Circle's sculpted dresses for a polished, night-out vibe without losing the fun of vacation style.
Revolve has an unbeatable selection of mid-range and designer dresses, and Amazon has more maxi dress options.
Dinner and resort dress options
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4. Shorts instead of leggings for hikes
I personally like to hike most often in denim shorts (something I found out recently isn't that common?) - but if you're more comfortable in athleisure, definitely opt for bike shorts over leggings. The hikes here can get really hot and sweaty - and often muddy and full of water, and you won't want to be confined to full-length leggings.
I'm not huge on bike shorts, but the most flattering and comfortable pair I've ever had are definitely the Lululemon Align Shorts in 6 inches. Check the current colors, sizes, and inseam options before ordering.
More shorts for active days
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5. Kimonos and Overshirts
What do hot and humid places all have in common? Aggressive air conditioning. Don't forget to bring a sweater and a cute cover-up for times when you'll be inside for a while, like meals. I never leave without a few layers because I always get freezing when I sit still for a while. A current option is the Agua Bendita Soleil shirt, and here's a roundup of more cover-ups.
Cover-ups for the beach and pool
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6. Mini Dresses
For everything else... mini dresses have you covered! Pack styles that don't wrinkle easily and you can throw on effortlessly - sleeveless tends to be best for the hot days here. Make it extra fun with a playful print.
Easy mini dress options
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7. Sun Accessories
Round out your suitcase with fun but practical accessories - hats and a visor to keep the sun off your face and because everything looks better with a hat, some classic flip flops to wear on the sand, and a beachy tote bag big enough to fit your blanket, water bottle, and everything you need for the day. For Jewelry, stackable Chericherilady Italian charm bracelets are perfect travel additions: lightweight, customizable, and Y2K-vibe for beach outfits.
Beach bags to compare
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What to Bring to Hawaii:
1. Day Pack Backpack
Planning on doing a lot of hiking? Don't forget a daypack, since you most likely don't want to take your laptop or flight backpack out and get it dirty. I always pack an easy, foldable, lightweight backpack to pull out for hikes or a day excursion.
Travel backpack options
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2. If you're going to Haleakalā, WARM Clothes
Maui's Haleakalā National Park is stunning, and watching the sunrise or sunset above the clouds is definitely an experience worth having, but if you want to see it, make sure to bring warmer clothes than you think you will need - it can be up to 50 degrees cooler than the temperatures down on the beach. Even in the above photo we were all freezing. Make sure to pack a warm sweatshirt and probably a lightweight Patagonia puffer jacket to fully enjoy the experience.
Layers for cool mornings
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3. Snorkel and Mask Set
If you're planning on snorkeling, buying your own snorkel and mask before you go will save you time, hassle, and money on rentals, especially if you want to go more than once. Having one with you will make it easy to just pop in anytime you're at a cove and give you freedom - plus for the price of renting a snorkel kit once, you can have one to use for years to come.
4. Travel Tripod
If you want to get photos of your entire party together, or play around with a variety of photography techniques, a lightweight tripod is always a great addition. There are flimsy, $20 tripods of course, but I don't recommend them - you want to make sure to protect your camera. This is the exact one that I use and have packed with me on every trip for the last few years, and it has never failed me!
Not sure what camera gear to take for your trip? Read my Photography Gear Guide here.
5. More Underwear than you think you need
This one took me a while to learn - you need to pack more pairs of underwear than there are days in your trip. Why? Because changing in and out of bathing suits and clothes back and forth means you go through them much faster than 1 pair per day - and since they're so light and easy to pack, I always bring about 2 pairs per day of my trip, just in case! I go with the Victoria's Secret No Show Thong because they are seamless, comfortable, and don't show no matter how sheer my dresses are - check the current multipack price (honestly I have 50 or so pairs of these in my drawer, I wear them every single day so I never have to worry about my panties showing.)
Choose an underwear shade close to your skin tone for wearing under light fabrics, and check the current color range before ordering.
6. Skin So Soft
Skin So Soft body oil from our past trips
We tried Skin So Soft on a past trip and felt like we got fewer bites, especially Brandon. That is our personal experience, not a substitute for proven mosquito protection. For travel now, pack an EPA-registered insect repellent and follow its label instructions; ordinary body oil is not the same as a registered repellent.
For choosing a repellent and preventing bites, follow the CDC’s mosquito-bite prevention guidance.
7. Bluetooth Waterproof Speaker
I have been talking about how much I love this speaker for years now - and I am still using the same one I bought way back in 2017. This speaker is only 4" wide, packs a powerful sound, is waterproof and shockproof, has a strap on the back to attach to a bike handle, backpack, or kayak, and the battery lasts for hours and hours. I've shared this on almost every travel product round-up I've posted because I honestly take it with me on every single trip I go on. If you need a portable speaker for home, activities and travel, this is the one!
Best Beauty Products for Hawaii:
These 5 beauty products I take with me EVERYWHERE. I've gone through thousands of dollars in skincare, haircare, and makeup to find which items last the longest, and just work the best, and these 5 are by far the winners - especially for long adventures, sweaty days, and tropical travel.
1. Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen
Hands down, Supergoop is my favorite face sunscreen under makeup. I love the clear finish and primer-like feel. I wear sunscreen under my makeup every day, especially when I'm out in the sun. The current Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen is available at REVOLVE; check the current formula and local sunscreen rules before packing it.
More for your beauty travel kit
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2. Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray
Urban Decay is by far my favorite setting spray! When I'm doing my makeup, I spray this directly over my foundation, let it dry for a minute, then spray it again after I have added the rest of my makeup as a final touch. It has held up so well for me in heat and humidity. Shop the current All Nighter setting spray at Sephora, and follow the directions on the bottle.
More setting spray options
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3. OLAPLEX No. 3PLUS Hair Treatment
The current OLAPLEX No. 3PLUS is a pre-shampoo hair treatment, not a leave-in mask or swimming protectant. Follow the directions on your bottle, then rinse, shampoo, and condition. I still like packing hair care for trips with lots of sun and salt water, but this one belongs in the wash-day routine.
Check OLAPLEX’s directions for your specific formula before use.
Hair care for wash days
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4. Maybelline Super Stay Matte Ink Lipstick
I have been wearing this exact lipstick every day for the past 4 years - it is fully waterproof, doesn't rub off of anything, and lasts all day. I have posted about this damn lipstick over and over and over again because I'm so obsessed - DailyMail even wrote an article about my love for Maybelline. The color I always wear is Heroine.
This has been one of my favorite budget beauty finds. My original favorite shade is Heroine; the current Ulta link opens Entertainer, a different shade, so check the swatches before ordering.
More lip color options
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5. KVD Beauty Tattoo Liner
The best waterproof eyeliner of all time. If you want to wear makeup in the water, this is the one you need.
More eyeliner options
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What you Probably Don't Need in Hawaii:
1. More than 1 pair of heels
I would say don't pack any at all, but I do love to dress up - but you will likely dress up for less than you think you will on island time. For nice dinners, I tend to wear a low cut maxi dress and just pair it with a pair of flat sandals. Unless you are attending a wedding or other specific event where you know you need to be dressing up, or you are someone that wears heels no matter what, I would highly suggest taking all but one pair of heels out of your luggage - the chances of wearing them are very slim.
2. Tons of clothes in general
I love clothes, and I love dressing up when I travel but the reality in tropical places is that even someone as extra as me tends to dress up a lot less than I think I will. One of the items that gets the least amount of wear tends to be tank tops and simple tops - since I typically just wear a bathing suit or bikini top with an overshirt instead at least half the time. If you need to pare down your clothes to fit into a carry on or your luggage is just too heavy, cut out tops first.
Shop my entire Hawaii Packing List on Amazon Here!
Flat sandals for dinners and exploring
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