Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Travel
  3. Evergreens

Here’s your Hawaii packing list (essentials for every island adventure)

What to bring on your trip to Hawaii

By
hawaii shoreline with buildings in background
Hawaii Tyler Lastovich / Pexels

Hawaii’s tropical paradise promises adventure, relaxation, and unforgettable beauty no matter what time of year you visit. But to make the most of your time on the islands, packing the right essentials is key. From beachwear and hiking gear to sun protection and tech must-haves, this guide covers everything you’ll need to enjoy every moment in Hawaii stress-free.

1. Lightweight, breathable clothing

clothes packed in an open suitcase
Kindel Media / Pexels
  • Shorts and t-shirts: Opt for breathable fabrics like cotton or linen to keep you cool in Hawaii’s tropical heat.
  • Casual outfits: Hawaii’s relaxed vibe means you can leave formalwear at home. A few casual outfits will have you covered for dinners, sightseeing, and walking around town.
  • Swimwear: This one is a no-brainer. Bring swimwear if you’ll be hitting the beach or pool daily. For those planning to surf or snorkel, a rash guard is ideal for extra sun protection.

2. Footwear

feet with sandals on sand
Luis Quintero / Pexels
  • Flip-flops or sandals: A comfortable pair of flip-flops or slip-on sandals are your best friends on the islands. They’re easy to take on and off when moving from the beach to paved paths.
  • Water shoes: If you plan on exploring tide pools, going snorkeling, or doing some waterfall hikes, water shoes are a smart addition. They’ll help protect your feet from coral and rocks.
  • Hiking shoes or sneakers: Hawaii offers some incredible hiking trails with breathtaking views. Bring supportive hiking shoes or trail-running sneakers if you’re planning on tackling some of the island’s famous trails.

3. Beach essentials

beach towel with seashells on top on the sand
Scott Young / Unsplash
  • Beach towel or blanket: A lightweight, quick-dry towel or beach blanket is ideal for lounging on the sand.
  • Snorkeling gear: While you can rent snorkeling equipment on most islands, bringing your own mask and snorkel gives you the freedom to dive in any time you spot a reef.
  • Reusable water bottle: Staying hydrated is essential under Hawaii’s tropical sun. A reusable water bottle with insulation will keep your drinks cool all day.
  • Dry bag: Perfect for keeping your phone, camera, and other valuables safe and dry, especially if you’re kayaking, paddleboarding, or on a boat tour.

4. Sun protection

sunglasses on a towel
Alexandra Tran / Unsplash
  • Reef-safe sunscreen: Hawaii’s marine life is protected by state laws that require reef-safe sunscreen. Avoid formulas with oxybenzone and octinoxate, and instead look for mineral-based options.
  • Hat: A wide-brimmed hat is ideal for added sun protection while you’re at the beach or hiking.
  • Sunglasses: Polarized sunglasses are a must, as the Hawaiian sun can be intense. Polarized lenses help reduce glare, making it easier to enjoy the views.
  • Aloe vera gel: Even with sunscreen, sunburns can happen. Aloe vera gel provides quick relief and helps with skin recovery.

5. Toiletries and personal items

toiletries in bag
Supply / Unsplash
  • Shampoo, conditioner, and body wash: If you have sensitive skin or prefer a specific brand, bring travel-sized versions of your toiletries.
  • Bug spray: In some areas of Hawaii, especially during hikes or near waterfalls, mosquitoes can be pesky. A small bottle of insect repellent will be handy.
  • Moisturizer and lip balm with SPF: The sun and saltwater can be drying, so pack a good facial moisturizer and SPF lip balm to keep your skin hydrated and protected.
  • Hand sanitizer: Keep a small bottle of sanitizer for convenience, especially if you’re traveling between crowded spots.

6. Tech and accessories

camera and accessories scattered around backpack
Brevitē / Unsplash
  • Waterproof phone case: You’ll want to capture all the beach moments, waterfall swims, and snorkeling excursions without risking your phone. A waterproof phone case lets you snap photos without worry.
  • Camera: Hawaii’s landscapes are photogenic to the extreme, so if you have a good camera, bring it along. GoPros or other waterproof cameras are perfect for underwater shots.
  • Portable charger: Keep your devices powered up during day trips with a portable charger, especially if you’re relying on your phone for navigation and photos.

7. Adventure gear

man in forest with backpack on
Jack Plant / Unsplash
  • Light jacket or rain poncho: While Hawaii’s weather is generally warm, rain showers can pop up unexpectedly. A light jacket or poncho is useful, especially in lush areas like Hana on Maui or the Na Pali Coast on Kauai.
  • Backpack or daypack: A small, comfortable daypack is ideal for keeping your hands free while exploring. Look for one with a water-resistant feature to handle sudden rain showers.
  • Binoculars: Hawaii is a fantastic place for whale watching (in winter months) and bird-watching. A lightweight pair of binoculars will enhance these experiences.

8. Documents and essentials

brown reusable shopping bag
Kelly Sikkema / Unsplash
  • ID, passport, and credit cards: While you don’t need a passport if you’re traveling from the U.S., international travelers will need one.
  • Copies of important documents: Having digital or physical copies of your important documents can save time if anything gets misplaced.
  • Reusable shopping bag: Hawaii has strict regulations on plastic bags, so a reusable shopping bag can be helpful for groceries or souvenirs.
Kelly Baker
Kelly Baker
Kelly is a writer who loves good books, baking homemade bread, playing the piano, and spending time with her family. Read Full Bio
Topics
Travel
5 Tips If You’re Traveling With Cigars: I Learned No. 2 the Hard Way
Wood, Hardwood, Accessories

Traveling with cigars can be challenging if you’re not prepared. The lack of preparation can lead to your favorite cigars getting smashed from inadequate storage, or they can peel because they weren’t kept at the proper temperature, among other issues. Sometimes you do all the right things, and still come away shaking your head.

I’ve been smoking cigars for two decades now, and it’s not beneath me to admit that I’ve made plenty of cigar travel mistakes in that span, and as recently as two weeks ago. You live, you learn, and hope you don’t waste a stogie on the next trip. My most recent cigar travel mistake is what inspired me to share these tips. Sure, there are plenty of articles out there offering similar advice. But this list comes from a cigar smoker and writer who has visited six countries and about a dozen states in the last year alone. And in that time, mistakes were made, and lessons were learned.

Read more
Travel
The art of adventure packing: packing light but effective
Clothing, Coat, Jacket

If you are like me, you grew up with stories of adventure. Whether you were fans of fictional adventure like Indiana Jones and Alan Quartermain, or you loved the true-life accounts of Ernest Shackleton and David Livingstone, there is a deep pull to venture into the unknown. The desire to abandon the Mon-Fri 9-5 in search of something deeper. You could spend your time thinking about hopping a boat and sailing the seven seas like the pirates of old. You could look up at the elusive peak of a mountain and believe it begs to be summited. You could stare into the depths of a jungle and wonder what treasures it hides beneath its canopy. No matter what kind of adventurer you are, you need to be prepared for whatever the world throws at you. I have climbed Salkantay Peak and explored the jungles of Peru. I have scanned the plains of Africa in search of a giant cat (the prospect of which was much more comforting than the actual sighting and wondering if I was far enough away). And I have disappeared into the secluded areas of Svalbard. One thing that remained constant was the need for the right pack.

Here is what I learned when packing for my adventures.

Read more
Travel
Savannah Beyond the Postcard
Architecture, Building, Spire

Savannah is one of those cities that seems almost too easy to like. The live oaks are dramatic. The Spanish moss does exactly what it is supposed to do. The brick sidewalks buckle in all the right places. The houses look like they were designed by people who understood proportion, shade, and the value of a proper front step. Even the light seems to arrive with better manners than it does in most places.

I have a built-in advantage when it comes to Savannah. We have family there, so we have been back several times, not just once for the checklist version of the city. I have also done a photography workshop there, which is a terrific way to learn any city. You get up early, stay out late, and pay attention to alleys, doorways, ironwork, reflections, and the way a city changes when the tourists are still asleep.

Read more