Aloha! Hawaii is one of the most beautiful places to visit, and no matter what island you choose to go to we’ve got you covered. With multiple climates, lots of outdoor activities, and unpredictable weather, packing for Hawaii can be a daunting task if you don’t know what to expect. This complete packing list will make you feel prepared for your first trip to any of the wonderous Hawaiian islands.

From travel necessities to clothing essentials, shoes, accessories, and a few random items, we’ve thought about everything so you don’t have to! Here’s everything you need to pack for your trip to Hawaii:

Clothing Essentials

1. Shorts and T-shirts: This is the backbone of any Hawaii packing list. You’ll be spending most of your time in the sun, so make sure you pack plenty of comfortable, lightweight clothing.
2. Swimsuits: If you’re anything like us, you’ll be spending a lot of time at the beach. We recommend a minimum of at least two swimsuits, so you can rotate them while one dries. If you plan on doing any water activities, like snorkeling or surfing, you’ll also need a rash guard or wetsuit.
3. Cover-ups: Especially important for transitioning from the pool/beach to somewhere inside, a cover-up, like this one, are super convenient.
4. Dresses and skirts: If you plan on going out to dinner or to a nice event, you’ll want to pack a few dresses or skirts. It’s also a lot easier to throw on, and can be used multiple times throughout your trip!
5. Jeans: Jeans aren’t essential for a trip to Hawaii, but they can be a good option if you plan on doing any hiking or exploring.
6. Jacket: Even though Hawaii is warm year-round, it can get chilly at night, especially in the mountains. Pack a light jacket or sweater just in case!

Shoes

1. Sandals: Sandals are a must-have for any trip to Hawaii. They’re comfortable, easy to wear, and they’re perfect for the beach. Think about bringing a few, especially sandals specific for sand.
2. Hiking shoes: If you plan on doing any hiking, you’ll need a good pair of hiking shoes. There are some hikes and trails you can do in normal gym shoes, but having a pair of hiking shoes will prepare you for the harder hikes.
3. Water shoes: Water shoes are a good option if you plan on doing any water activities, like snorkeling or kayaking. They do a good job of protecting your feet in case there are any sharp rocks/objects.

Accessories

1. Hat: A hat is essential for protecting yourself from the sun (and keeping your hair out of the way.)
2. Sunglasses: Sunglasses are also essential for protecting your eyes from the sun, and they’re stylish too!
3. Sunscreen: Sunscreen is a must-have for any trip to Hawaii. Make sure you pack a reef-safe sunscreen, like SunBum, as Hawaii has strict laws about sunscreen that can harm the coral reefs.
4. Towel: A towel is essential for the beach. I don’t think you need to bring one personally from home with you, but this is more-so a reminder to make sure you bring one from your hotel if you’re taking a trip to the beach.
5. Beach Bag: You’ll need a bag to carry all of your belongings. A backpack is a good option, as it’s comfortable to wear and it has plenty of space, but we personally prefer totes like this one!

Miscellaneous

1. First-aid kit: A first-aid kit is always a good idea to have on hand, especially if you’re planning on doing any hiking or exploring.
2. Bug spray: Bug spray is a good idea to pack, especially if you plan on spending time in the forest or near the water. If you can’t pack any because of how big the product is, they do sell them everywhere on the island (it might just be a tad bit more expensive than on the mainland).
3. Portable charger: This saved our butts countless times in Hawaii! Trust us, you’ll lose track of time when you’re out exploring for more than 12 hours without heading back to the hotel. From grabbing grub to hitting up a beach, sometimes time slips away from you. Don’t forget to pack a portable charger like this one that can give you multiple charges and keep your devices alive. It’s a total lifesaver!
4. Fabric refresher: This is the secret weapon against smells that might cling to your clothes after a long day of exploring, especially since you’ll likely find yourself rewearing clothes often. Just a quick spritz and you’ll feel as good as new!
5. An extra carry on: Be prepared for souvenir shopping sprees and extra goodies by packing an extra carry-on bag. This was our life saver on our way back home! You really don’t realize how many things you realize you accumulate throughout your trip. It’s your ticket to bringing back all those travel treasures without stressing about space. You can also buy one while in Hawaii at places like the ABC stores or get one ahead of time (like this one on Amazon)!

Portable Charger with Cables

Travel Sized Fabric Refresher

Packable Carry-on Bag

We know that the planning process can feel overwhelming, so we hope this guide of what to pack on your trip to Hawaii helps! Check out our other blog for additional packing essentials and insider tips to make your journey even more incredible.

Save our Hawaii packing checklist below to prepare for your upcoming trip!

Affiliate Disclosure: Some of the links on this blog are affiliate links, meaning that if you click on the link and make a purchase, I may receive a commission. This commission is at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products that I have personally used and loved, and I only use affiliate links for products that I believe will be helpful to my readers!