Hawaii Packing List: Everything You Need for Your Trip

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Planning a trip to paradise? Let’s talk about the essentials you’ll need for your Hawaii packing list! Between beach days, hiking adventures, snorkeling excursions, and dinners with an ocean view, you’ll want to pack for a variety of activities without overpacking your suitcase.

I’ve visited Hawaii several times over the years and even had the opportunity to live there for a summer, so I’ve learned through plenty of trial and error what you actually need to bring, and what can stay at home. (If you’re planning your trip, be sure to check out all of my Hawaii travel guides for even more tips and inspiration!)

In this guide, I’m sharing my complete Hawaii packing list, including clothing, beach essentials, hiking gear, toiletries, and a few items you might not think to pack but will be so happy you have once you arrive! Whether you’re island hopping or spending a week relaxing on one island, this list will help you pack with confidence.

Hawaii Packing List

Clothing

When it comes to packing for Hawaii, less is more. The islands have a very laid-back vibe, so you don’t need to overthink your outfits. Focus on lightweight, breathable pieces that you can mix and match throughout your trip.

• Bathing Suits: Pack 2-3 swimsuits so you always have a dry one ready to go. As a Florida girl with 50+ bathing suits, my favorite brands are Skatie and Cupshe.
  • Skatie has the best quality and is always my go-to
  • If you’re looking for something cute and affordable, you really can’t beat Cupshe. I didn’t think it was still possible to find a cute matching swimsuit set for under $40!
• Swimsuit Cover-Up: Whether you’re grabbing lunch after the beach or walking back to your hotel, a cute cover-up is something you’ll probably wear every day.
• Athletic Clothes: If you’re planning on hiking, pack 2-3 athletic outfits. My favorite places to shop for cute matching sets are Fabletics, Amazon, and TJ Maxx.
• Casual Outfits: My go-to Hawaii outfit is loose jeans or jean shorts paired with a cute tube top, tank top, or oversized t-shirt. I also love bringing a bucket hat for extra sun protection.
• Dinner Outfits: Pack a few dresses if you’re planning on enjoying a nicer dinner or attending a luau. I love shopping Lulus for vacation dresses, while TJ Maxx is my favorite place to find affordable options.
• Light Jacket or Sweatshirt: While Hawaii is warm year-round, mornings, evenings, and higher elevations can get surprisingly chilly. I was happy I packed a lightweight sweatshirt.
• Sleepwear, Undies, + Socks: Easy to forget until you’re packing the night before!

Shoes

You’ll be doing a lot of walking and spending time in the water, so it’s important to pack the right shoes!

• Flip Flops: A must for any Hawaii vacation! I love Archies because they have amazing arch support, and Crocs also has several cute, comfortable options.
• Tennis Shoes: If you’re planning on hiking, definitely pack a comfortable pair. I was so glad I brought my HOKAs because they handled the trails beautifully while still being comfortable enough for long sightseeing days.
• Sport Sandals: If you plan on doing waterfall hikes or exploring wet trails, I highly recommend Chaco sport sandals. They’re supportive, water-resistant, and much more versatile than packing a separate pair of water shoes.
  • If you aren’t planning on tackling any strenuous hikes, you could even skip packing tennis shoes altogether and wear sport sandals for most of your adventures, which is also a great way to save space in your suitcase.
• Cute Sandals: If you do a neutral color in the Crocs Miami sandals, you could honestly be fine with just those. But if you want something a little nicer, this pair is easy to fit in your suitcase and a little more elevated.

I wouldn’t bother packing heels, unless you really want to!

Beach Essentials

• Reef-Safe Sunscreen: Hawaii has strict laws to help protect its coral reefs, so make sure you’re using reef-safe sunscreen.
  • Since I almost always travel to Hawaii with just a carry-on, I usually buy my body sunscreen once I arrive, but I always pack my favorite face sunscreen so I know I’ll have it from day one.
• Sunglasses: A must! Hawaii’s sun is no joke. These are my absolute favorite sunglasses, but if you’re looking for a simple, affordable pair, these are another great option.
• Hat: Not a necessity, but definitely something I recommend. A cute hat adds extra sun protection and instantly completes any beach outfit. This one is my go-to for beach days.
• Beach Bag: You’ll want something to carry your sunscreen, water bottle, towel, snacks, and anything else you need for a beach day. I love these two beach bags because they are extremely compact, making them easy to pack in a suitcase. I’m linking both a classic neutral option and a colorful one if you want something a little more fun.
• Snorkeling Gear: This is definitely optional, but if you plan on snorkeling several times, bringing your own gear can save money and guarantee a comfortable fit. I bring my Honey Swim snorkel set on just about every tropical vacation because it’s compact, adorable, and fits easily in my suitcase.

Outdoor + Adventure Essentials

If you’re planning to get out and explore, these items are worth making room for.

• Reusable Water Bottle: Staying hydrated is so important, especially if you’re hiking or spending all day at the beach.
• Headlamp: If you’re planning a sunrise hike, don’t leave this behind. We do the Lanikai Pillbox Hike (one of the best free things to do on Oahu) almost every time we visit Oahu, and a headlamp is essential when you’re hiking before the sun comes up.
• Insect Repellent: I recommend tossing a small bottle in your day bag, especially if you’ll be hiking or spending time near waterfalls.
• Crossbody Bag: It’s the perfect size for carrying your phone, wallet, sunglasses, lip balm, and other daily essentials without feeling bulky if you’re hiking or exploring. This one is super cheap and has several color options!

Electronics + Camera Gear

Please don’t feel like you need to go out and buy a bunch of new gear for your Hawaii trip. These are simply the items I personally use and love after visiting Hawaii several times! Your phone is more than capable of capturing amazing memories, so think of these as recommendations if you’re already in the market for an upgrade or want to treat yourself.

• Camera: If you’re thinking about investing in a good camera, this is the camera I have had for years and love! It’s also the one you see me holding in the photo below.
• Waterproof Camera: If you’re snorkeling, cliff jumping, surfing, or even cage diving with sharks (one of my favorite things to do off of the North Shore of Oahu!), a GoPro or Insta360 is absolutely worth packing. Some of my favorite Hawaii memories were captured on mine.
  • Those are definitely more of an investment. While I haven’t personally used this waterproof action camera, it has excellent reviews and comes in at under $100, making it a great budget-friendly alternative!
• Phone Charger: Sounds obvious, but it’s surprisingly easy to forget.
• Portable Charger: Between using Google Maps, taking photos, and recording videos, your phone battery disappears quickly. I love this one, because it’s super compact and just attaches to the bottom of your phone.
• Extra Camera Batteries + Memory Cards: You’ll never regret bringing extras.

Toiletries

Most toiletries can be purchased once you arrive if you forget something, but these are the items I never travel without.

• Face Sunscreen
• Toothbrush + Toothpaste
• Shampoo + Conditioner (I pack these + my skincare in these travel containers)
• Body Wash
• Deodorant
• Razor
• Hair Brush
• Skincare + Makeup (check out my skincare faves + my makeup faves)

Are you ready to put this Hawaii packing list to use?!

Packing for Hawaii doesn’t have to be stressful. As long as you focus on lightweight clothing, comfortable shoes, and a few adventure essentials, you’ll be ready for just about anything the islands have to offer.

I hope this Hawaii packing list helps you feel prepared for your trip! And if you want to shop everything I personally use and recommend, don’t forget to check out my Hawaii favorites for all of my faves in one spot.

Before you go, be sure to follow me on Insta @guidedbydestiny and check out some of my other Hawaii blog posts:

How to Spend 2 Weeks in Hawaii

3 Days on Kauai

Best Coffee Shops in Honolulu