The Ultimate Hawaii Packing List: What to Pack in 2022

When planning a trip to Hawaii, it’s important to bring the right things to help you feel comfortable and prepared. Don’t worry because we’re here to help you complete your Hawaii packing list.

The Hawaiian islands located on the southwestern Pacific Ocean are home to some of the most beautiful scenery, amazing resorts, and the best food in the world. If you’re looking for adventure or just want to get away from it all, this is the ideal destination. From skiing to surfing to enjoying the beach, there’s something for everyone!

You’ll find in this list the essentials you’ll need for your adventure in Hawaii. From Waterproof Phone Cases to UV-Protected Sunglasses. Surely, you can’t go to the Aloha State without them.

What to Pack for Hawaii: The Essentials

Packing for a Hawaii adventure can be a real challenge. You need to think outside the box to ensure you have enough clothes, luggage, and other essentials to make the trip as comfortable as possible.

Not sure what you’ll need to pack for a trip to Hawaii? No worries because we’ve got you covered! You can use this guide as a handy reference for your next vacation.

1. Universal Waterproof Phone Case

Going to Hawaii would not be complete if you didn’t take photos of its lovely beaches. Secure your phones and make sure they’re safe and dry by putting them in a universal waterproof phone case. 

When you have this essential, you can safely bring your phones to the beach, waterfalls, on boats, or anywhere in Hawaii where you can get wet. This waterproof phone case allows you also to take underwater photos and videos.

2. Mesh Water Shoes

Mesh water shoes are the perfect pair of footwear for hiking and enjoying a day at the beach. These water shoes have a good grip and are lightweight. 

It’s better to bring a pair of these than heavy-duty hiking shoes that can take up so much space in your bags. They also offer good breathability giving comfort to your fee, and they’re easy to clean.

3. Cooling Towel

Cooling towels are useful in sunbathing, hiking, and any other outdoor adventure you will try out in Hawaii. They commonly remain 20 to 30 degrees cooler than the air temperature outside, and you can just hang them around your neck for an instant cooling effect.

If the cooling effect runs out, all you have to do is dip the towel in water, and you’re good to go. This makes sure that you’re comfortable even when it’s too hot outdoors.

4. Waterproof Dry Bag

A waterproof dry bag is a perfect holdall for all the essentials you need for a day at the beach. This can keep your belongings safe and dry even if they get submerged underwater. 

Choose a waterproof dry bag that’s easy to clean and convenient to bring. We also recommend choosing a lightweight one so that you’re comfortable carrying it.

5. Packing Cubes

Packing cubes are the perfect travel essentials to make sure all your belongings are organized in your luggage. These cubes ensure that all spaces are used effectively; they also help you better decide what to bring to fit in your suitcases.

When you need something from your luggage, all you have to do is open the packing cube where it is. That being said, you don’t create a mess out of all your belongings.

6. Windproof Travel Umbrella

The Hawaiian Islands can get very wet and windy, especially when you reach the rainforests, and a windproof travel umbrella will certainly become handy. 

With this product, you are protected from the rain as well as strong winds. You can still enjoy the beauty of Hawaiian nature without getting drenched or your outfits getting ruined by strong winds.

7. Mosquito Repellents Wristbands

Always staying outdoors increases the chance of getting bit by mosquitoes. Wear mosquito-repelling wristbands to ensure that you are safe from their bites, especially when you will have an outdoor adventure the entire day.

8. Beach Blanket

With several beaches in Hawaii, bringing a beach blanket with you is a must. You would need one that’s sand resistant and heavy-duty so that it won’t easily be blown away by strong winds. This will ensure that it will last you the entire Hawaii trip. A lightweight and compact beach blanket with easy storage is also recommended.

9. Reef-safe Sunscreen

Going to Hawaii means having to spend most of your day under the sun. Ensure that your skin’s protected from the sun’s exposure by applying a reef-safe sunscreen. These sunscreens are also safe for corals.

10. Neck Wallet

A neck wallet is a perfect pouch for all your necessary documents — money, passport, credit cards, and other travel documents. What’s even better is that you can conveniently hang this around your neck, so you wouldn’t feel the hassle of bringing this with you. This is handy, especially when you’re tired from your flight.

In selecting the best neck wallet, choose one with RFID blocking for the safety of your documents. This will ensure that e-thieves won’t be able to steal the details on your credit cards.

11. Underwater Camera

Owning an underwater camera gives you the leisure to take as many photos as you want on land and underwater. You certainly want to take home memories of your beach trips to Hawaii.

An underwater camera ensures that you have the chance to take photos of the beautiful wildlife underwater and the coral reefs, and the amazing ecosystem underneath.

12. Long Sleeved Rash Guard

The sun in Hawaii is very bright, even during the winter season. If you don’t want to get sunburned or if it’s your first time heading to the beach, long-sleeved rash guards should certainly be on your packing list. Rash Guards protect your skin from the intense heat of the sun; it’s the perfect top to wear when you’re out for a day of island hopping with your family. 

13. Beach Bag

A beach bag holds all your travel essentials and snacks when heading to the beach. Choose one with multiple compartments so that all your things will fit into your beach bag. It also has to be lightweight, so it’s comfortable to bring all day without straining your shoulders or arms.

14. UV-Protected Sunglasses

An entire day out under the sun means you also have to protect your eyes from its harmful UV rays. Always bring your sunglasses with you so that your eyes are safe under the sun.

Other Hawaii Packing List Items Not to Forget

Aside from the travel essentials you should remember to bring, there are other items that a woman over 50 might find useful. These items will help make your Hawaii vacation more convenient and comfortable. Check out our list below.

• Hawaii Guidebooks
• Slippers
• Facial Cleansing Wipes
• Mini Hairbrush
• Toothbrush Set
• Wet Wipes
• Hand Sanitizer
• Alcohol
• First-Aid Kit
• Toiletry Bag
• Travel Pillow
• Flashlight
• Sun Hats
• Memory Card
• Camera Batteries
• Waterproof Speaker
• Headphones
• Scarf
• Swimwear
• Electronic Chargers

What to Wear in Hawaii

The outfits you plan to bring to your Hawaii trip depend mainly on the activities you intend to try out when you get there. Generally, the weather is warm and casual, so It’s best to bring light and thin clothes made of lightweight and breathable material.

Clothes made with linen, silk, and lightweight cotton are some of the most common outfits that will never go out of style regardless of where exactly in Hawaii you’re going. If you plan to visit higher elevations in Hawaii, it can get chilly there, so you better bring a lightweight fleece with you.

Women Clothing Essentials

Beach attire is ideal for all types of occasions in Hawaii. For women, prepare these outfits to go with you when you book a stay in Hawaii:

• T-shirts
• Sandals
• Swimsuits
• Sundresses
• Maxi Dresses
• Swimsuit cover-ups

Bring one or two elegant outfit choices and strappy heels to dine in fancy restaurants if you plan to eat out with your loved one in Hawaii.

Men Clothing Essentials

Wearing lightweight and thin t-shirts and shorts is ideal for men looking to spend the entire day under the Hawaiian sun. It’s also nice to bring one or two nice polos, especially when you have a date night with your loved one. Also, bring a warm fleece or scarf with you when you head to Hawaii’s volcanic summits.

What to Pack for Each Season

Generally, there are only two seasons in Hawaii — the warm and the cool season. The activities and the weather are different for each. What you pack may vary depending on when you want to visit Hawaii. Let’s dive deeper into the essentials and other things you need to pack for each of the two seasons. 

Warm Season – May, June, July, August, September, October

Summer in Hawaii can get really warm and dry, especially when you are near beaches and tourist resorts. When you plan to go to Hawaii during this time, pack clothes ideal for hot and dry weather. However, remember that Hawaii is still a tropical country, so expect scattered little rain showers. With this, it’s also safe to pack lightweight rain jackets with you. 

Other travel essentials during the warm season include:

• Sun hats
• Hiking shoes
• Travel umbrella
• Mosquito repellent
• Sunglasses and sunscreen

Cool Season – November, December, January, February, March, April

During the cool season in Hawaii, it can get windy and very chilling. Rain jackets and light sweaters are essential when you plan to head to Hawaii from November to April. Bring a fleece jacket if you plan to visit higher elevations in Maui, Hawaii. Other travel essentials you can bring during Hawaii’s cool season include:

• Hat
• Hand gloves
• Windproof umbrella
• Waterproof hiking shoes

What Not to Bring to Hawaii

Traveling light and practical is the best way for you to stay comfortable on your trip. Here are our tips on what not to bring to Hawaii to save you the hassle of loading them in your luggage. 

Don’t overpack clothes

When you bring too many clothes, they can make your luggage heavy. Going to Hawaii doesn’t require you to bring too many outfits. Most hotels in Hawaii offer laundry services, so you can just bring your used clothes to the laundry when you run out of clothes. 

Leave unnecessary things

When you bring too many things you don’t need, you might end up losing them while you’re in Hawaii. Bring only stuff you think you’ll need in Hawaii to save up more luggage space.

Don’t bring thick jackets and coats

Hawaii is a tropical country, it can get cooler in higher elevations, but a light fleece jacket or sweater will be enough to warm you. Thick jackets will only occupy more luggage space. We recommend you only bring one sweater or jacket, and then you’re good to go.

Don’t bring heavy books

If you love reading books during your free time, we suggest you use a Kindle instead. Heavy books will occupy excessive luggage space. A Kindle is a thin and lightweight gadget where you can download all the ebooks you intend to read while enjoying a day out on the Hawaiian beaches.

Don’t bring too many electronic gadgets

Only bring the gadgets you think you’ll use. One camera that can also work underwater is enough. Just bring extra camera batteries. You can also leave your laptops behind as they can get heavy and occupy too much luggage space.

Don’t bring swimming and diving equipment

Packing your swimming and diving equipment will just make your luggage bulky. There are many rental shops near beaches, so you don’t have to bring them with you. 

Be Ready for your Hawaiian Getaway!

The Hawaiian Islands are a place of beauty and diversity, full of spectacular islands and gorgeous sunsets. Here, you can discover the best spots to go for a relaxing vacation, whether it’s an island getaway or just a weekend away at the beach. Hawaii offers so much more than just rainforests and ocean views. 

If you’re planning a trip to this luxurious paradise, we hope our Hawaii packing list has helped you decide what to bring and what not to bring for your next Hawaiian getaway.

---

Support the Team!

If we helped you plan your travels in any way and you want to support us, here are several companies we’re affiliated with. We receive a small commission at no extra cost to you when you click on the links below so feel free to click away! 🙂