There’s a ton to plan for a trip to Hawaii, with flights, hotels, and attractions, but have you considered what to actually pack? Here’s a packing list with everything you’ll need in Hawaii!
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If you’re looking at your empty suitcase and your full closet without the slightest idea of where to start, this list is for you. Packing for a long trip requires a bit more than just the clothes, and it’s helpful to have a guide so you can check you’re not leaving anything important behind. Maybe you’re already a pro at packing and just need half an hour to fill your luggage with all you’ll need, but even in that case, Hawaii has some unique characteristics you might want to consider first.
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What to Keep in Mind for Your Hawaii Packing List
Hawaiian Climate & Culture
To ensure you have a comfortable and respectful stay, you have to learn a bit about the climate and the culture of any place you go to. In the case of Hawaii, you’ll find a tropical climate year-round with occasional rain. The only exceptions are high up in the mountains, where it can be a bit chilly. If you want to learn more you can read our article about the best time to visit Hawaii.
As for the Hawaiian culture, in general, they are pretty chill. For going to luaus and restaurants is fine wearing “resort casual”, especially with aloha shirts and flowy dresses. But for visiting sacred sites, you should dress modestly.
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Customize your Packing List for Hawaii
This list we offer you is quite extensive since it tries to cover all the main areas you might need. But that doesn’t mean you have to pack every little thing there. If you’re staying for only two days and don’t plan to visit any volcanoes, you’ll probably do with light and casual clothes, no need for hiking gear or formal attire. So keep in mind which island you are staying on, how long your trip is, and what activities you have in your itinerary.
The Hawaii Packing List for a Perfect Vacation
Must-Have Travel Documents
The very first thing you should pack is your documents, preferably in your handbag. This way you can be sure that you’re not leaving them accidentally and that you have them at hand when you need them.
Documents you need to pack for your travel:
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IDs: If you’re a US citizen, you can use your driver’s license, but for international travelers, you need your passport, and if it applies, a visa.
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Plane tickets: You can’t go to Hawaii riding your car, can you? And it’s to keep both digital and printed copies on you.
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Hotel and excursion reservations: In general, for anything you already reserve, keep a copy of the confirmation, better if it’s a printed one.
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Health and Safety Documents: If you have travel insurance, medical insurance or if you’re taking any prescription medication, keep a copy on you just in case.
Clothing and Footwear
You might be asking yourself this question, what should you wear in Hawaii? Well, it depends on the activities you have planned. Here’s a more exhaustive breakdown of the essentials in each category.
Casual Everyday Wear
Probably the one you’ll use the most. Remember that Hawaii has a tropical and humid climate, so you better use breathable and comfortable clothes. So pack your shorts, tank tops and light t-shirts. You can also use your cute sundresses and the aloha shirts if you want to look a bit more formal.
Beachwear and Swim Gear
First, your swimsuits of course, and even if you’re going for a short period you should pack at least two. If you’re planning on doing some snorkeling or surfing, a rash guard is essential, so you don’t expose your skin to too much UV radiation. And finally, you should add some sarong, a dress, or a T-shirt, so you can cover up when you leave the beach area. Please don’t walk the streets on swimwear, it’s not proper.
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Evening and Luau Attire
As we already said, you don’t have to dress extremely formal. With some casual dresses or linen pants paired with a polo shirt you’ll be perfectly dressed. And don’t even think of going in heels. Sandals or slip-ons are more comfortable and suit the Hawaiian vibe.
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Activewear and Hiking Gear
If you plan to go exploring into the wilderness, it’s a good idea to pack your trusty hiking boots or your sturdy sneakers, bonus points if they’re waterproof. For the higher hikes you’ll appreciate having a moisture-wicking t-shirt, and of course, get your most comfortable and durable athletic shorts and leggings.
Another good addition would be a rain jacket or a poncho, and for the advanced trails some collapsible hiking poles. Also, if you’re traveling to a considerable height, then pack some warm layers.
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Beach and Outdoor Essentials
Now that you have all your swimwear, let’s talk about what else you’ll need to spend the whole day relaxing at the beach. A nice beach bag should be on the top of your list. There you can fit your beach towel, your reusable water bottle, and a dry bag for your electronics. If you feel a bit extra, you can take a collapsible cooler to have a picnic on the beach, a waterproof phone pouch for some fun photos, and your snorkel gear if you don’t like renting it.
Sun Protection and Skincare
We already mentioned some sun protection, with the rash guard you packed earlier. But you should add a few more items in this category. For example, how about the biggest hat you have paired with your favorite sunglasses? You can protect your skin and be fashionable! Of course, there’s also your sunscreen, SPF makeup, and it would be wise to add some after-sun lotion like aloe gel. Just to be on the safer side.
Toiletries and Personal Care
You already have part of your toiletries, but there are some more to add to your pack. For example, there’s shampoo, conditioner, and soap, even if hotels normally provide it. You probably like more the ones you use daily and already have at home. Just be sure to put them in travel size containers, and label them so you don’t mix them. Aside from that, you’ll want your toothbrush with toothpaste, deodorant, some hair accessories and tools, and a shaving kit. If you’re going for a hike, then here’s where to add the bug spray.
A little tip, if you don’t want to lose a lot of little containers inside your luggage, it’s a good idea to have a small pouch or two. That way you can divide them by “toiletries” and “makeup”, for example.
Electronics and Accessories
We’re almost over with the list. Now onto the electronics. What are you supposed to pack for a vacation in Hawaii? Well, unless you’re working on the go, probably not your laptop.
The most basic would be just your phone with its charger and maybe some headphones. If you want to read during the flight, then add your e-reader to your handbag. Aside from that, well, you can take a portable power bank if you expect to use your phone a lot, and a waterproof camera won’t be a bad addition.
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But since you’re definitely taking your phone with you, do you already have a SIM that works well in Hawaii? If that’s not your case then don’t worry. Yoho Mobile is here to help you solve that problem and save you from the exorbitant roaming costs! You can have a reliable connection no matter where you’re staying in Hawaii. You even get a discount for reading this article! Use our promo code YOHO12 for a 12% discount and let’s finish your Hawaii packing list.
Travel Extras and Safety Items
This is not essential per se, but it’s better to be safe than sorry, right? In this category you can add a small first-aid kit, with a few basics. Nothing fancy, but it can contribute to a smoother trip. You can also add a small flashlight just because, and a multi-tool like a Swiss knife. Finally, a TSA-approved lock for your luggage might be handy if you tend to worry about your stuff.
What NOT to Pack for Hawaii
You already read the whole Hawaii packing list, but here’s a bit extra for you. A list of the things that you probably won’t use and the things you definitely shouldn’t take to Hawaii.
Firstly, just be logical. You don’t need heavy or bulky clothing. The heat and humidity of Hawaii will make you feel miserable in them, and they just take too much space in your luggage. Also, talking about things you wear, specifically shoes now. Stick to versatile pairs so you don’t have to carry a pair for each activity.
And as a final note, check the label in your sunscreen products before you pack it. It needs to be reef-safe for you to use it in Hawaii. Since you’ll likely be swimming in the Ocean with it and most wash in water, it mustn’t contain toxic substances for the reefs. If you’re not sure just read the ingredients. Chemicals like oxybenzone and octinoxate are not safe, while zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are perfectly safe for the reefs. Please, be a conscious traveler if you want to preserve the natural beauty and biodiversity of Hawaii.
Last-Minute Packing Tips
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If you want efficiency, maybe consider printing this list or the one you adapted for yourself. That way you can mark every item in pen while you’re packing.
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Roll your clothes, this way you’ll save some space and you’ll even have less wrinkles! You can also use packing cubes to make it easier and organized, and don’t forget to fill the inside of your shoes with little items like socks.
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Leave room for your purchases. Don’t fill your luggage to the brim, that way you won’t have space to bring home all the souvenirs you got and that cute aloha shirt you bought.