Hawaii is the ultimate tropical paradise and one of my go-to escapes from California. After exploring several of its stunning islands, I’ve perfected the art of packing for a Hawaiian vacation. Whether you’re heading for beach days, scenic hikes, or festive luaus, this packing list is crafted from my personal experiences and tips from seasoned travelers.
Hawaii Packing Tips
What to Wear in Hawaii
Hawaii is casual and laid-back, with most people wearing beachwear during the day. Comfortable sundresses, shorts, and sandals work well for most activities. If you’re dining at a nice restaurant or attending a luau, consider packing a tropical-print dress or a casual but stylish outfit. Flip flops (or “slippers”) are a staple in Hawaii, but make sure to have closed-toe walking shoes for hikes and adventure activities.
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Me hiking Haleakala Volcano on Maui to get to the summit before sunset. Once I got to the top, I whipped out some warmer layers since it was very cold up there.
Spring
70 – 85°F
(21 – 29°C
)
Summer
75 – 88°F
(24 – 31°C
)
Fall
70 – 85°F
(21 – 29°C
)
Winter
65 – 80°F
(18 – 27°C
)
Spring: Warm and sunny, with occasional rain showers.
Summer: Hot and humid.
Fall: Warm, with less rainfall and pleasant breezes.
Winter: Mild, with more rainfall and cooler nights.
Spring
2.5 inches of rain
Summer
1.8 inches of rain
Fall
2.7 inches of rain
Winter
3.9 inches of rain
Casual Day Wear
1. Lightweight Tanks & Shirts: A mix of breathable tanks and short-sleeve tops will be your go-to in Hawaii. I like to bring more than just tanks for extra sun protection, especially since I burn easily. My favorites are the Capilene and Swiftly Tech shirts, which work for both hiking and casual wear. While I mostly pack basics, I always include one fun print to mix things up.
2. Shorts/Skorts: I mostly pack lightweight, breathable shorts for Hawaii, plus one form-fitting corduroy pair for mixing it up and dining out. I also love a cute skort for active days—this tropical option is perfect.
3. Flip Flops: Flip-flops, or ‘slippers’ as locals say, are essential for beach days and casual outings in Hawaii. While I like bringing strappy sandals as well, nothing beats slipping on flip-flops while running out the door for that true island vibe. My favorites are Olukai’s ‘Ohanas because they’re actually supportive (and still pretty stylish).
4. Dresses: Along with a maxi dress for luaus and nights out, I like packing 1-2 casual dresses for the daytime. I usually bring one flowy dress with a fun print that doubles as a beach coverup and one that has a sporty, athleisure vibe—perfect for staying cute on active days.
5. Loose Pants: You might be wondering why pants are on a Hawaii packing list, but trust me! A pair of loose, lightweight pants is a lifesaver—for the plane ride, breezy evenings, or slipping on over your swimsuit after the beach.
6. Romper/Jumpsuit: If you’re bringing a romper or jumpsuit, swap out the loose pants or one of your pairs of shorts—you won’t need both. These two options are super comfy and great for Hawaii.
7. Comfortable Walking/Water/Hiking Shoes: Lots of people suggest water shoes for Hawaii, but I prefer packing more versatile items. Instead of single-use water shoes, go for something that works on both land and water—quick-drying and submersible. Make sure they have good traction for hikes, water sports, or slippery rocks and volcanoes. Tropicfeel’s All-Terrain sneakers are perfect for everything from swimming and hiking to casual strolls for shaved ice.
8. Daypack: For another multi-use item, I recommend a daypack that doubles as a hiking backpack, dry bag, and your airplane personal item. The 22-liter Matador Equipment option is waterproof and packs down small when not in use.
9. Belt Bag: My Lululemon Belt Bag is a travel must, especially in Hawaii. It’s perfect for carrying essentials like your wallet, phone, and hotel key, and you can wear it as a shoulder bag, crossbody, or fanny pack. Made with water-repellent fabric, it’s great for quick downpours. I’d just go for a darker color to avoid sunscreen stains. I have a black one, and it works with every outfit.
Pool, Beach Days & Boat Tours
1. Rash Guard: If you’re prone to sunburns like me and plan to spend a lot of time on the beach, a rash guard is a must for Hawaii. This one from Prana is a fitted crop with a cute design, or you can go for a looser option.
2. Swimsuits: A must for beach and pool days—I always like to bring at least two swimsuits if I’m going on a beach vacation. I’m a fan of the quality and sustainability of Carve Design’s bikinis and Summersalt’s one-pieces. The Ruffle Backflip is one of my go-to travel swimsuits.
3. Reef-Safe Sunscreen [IMPORTANT]: Hawaii has very strict rules when it comes to reef-safe sunscreen. You can get fined if you bring the wrong sunscreen [oxybenzone and octinoxate are prohibited]. Because of this, some people recommend just buying sunscreen once you’re in Hawaii since only reef-safe sunscreen can be sold there, but as long as you do your research and look at the officially approved sunscreens, it’s totally fine (and cheaper) to bring your own sunscreen. Just note that some brands say they’re “reef-safe” when they’re not, like Sun Bum, so make sure to check the official guide of allowed sunscreens. One other thing to note is that the Big Island and Maui now only allow mineral-based sunscreen. My favorite brand that’s approved in all of Hawaii (Reef-safe and Mineral) is ThinkSport; they have a good face and body sunscreen.
4. After Sun Cream: This is always something you can buy in Hawaii if you’ve had a particularly bad burn, but it’s sometimes nice to have as a balm to soothe skin that has been in the sun all day, even if you avoided getting burned. This one is made in Maui and has natural ingredients.
5. Wide-Brimmed Hat With Chin Strap: A wide-brimmed hat is a must for sunny days in Hawaii to protect your face from the sun. Go for one with a chin strap, so you can also wear it on boat trips or windy days at the beach. Bonus points if it has UPF protection, like this one.
6. Polarized Sunglasses: Another item to protect you from the strong Hawaiian sun. Go for polarized sunglasses and go with any outfit. These are a good budget option, or I’m a big fan of Ray-Bans if you’re willing to splurge on a good-quality pair.
7. Beach Coverup: This is by no means necessary; on many trips, I just make sure I bring a sun dress that can double as a beach coverup. But it’s sometimes ideal to bring a beach coverup that you’ll solely use at the beach if you plan to spend a lot of time near the water because it’s an item that’ll likely get sandy and sweaty more quickly. I prefer this one because it’s made with Tencel, which is a more breathable fabric, but this one is also a good budget option from H&M.
8. Zippered Beach Bag: By far the best beach bag I’ve come across is the Aloha Tote Bag. This bag is water-resistant and, most importantly, has a zippered top so sand doesn’t get in. I also like to use it as a reusable grocery bag when I’m in Hawaii since they charge you for plastic bags, and in general, Hawaii is trying to reduce plastic use. Another use? For taking all your souvenirs home.
9. Collapsible Cooler: This is another nice item to have if you plan to spend a lot of time at the beach or have a bunch of road trips planned and want to pack your own snacks and cold drinks. I personally haven’t brought a cooler to Hawaii yet, but I could see it being nice if I’m traveling as a family with young kids. I also wouldn’t bring both this cooler and the beach bag above, so choose the one that fits with your needs and you can have the same versatile use for either.
10. Go Pro + Memory Card & Stick: I rarely travel without my GoPro if I’m going on a beach vacation or a trip where I’ll be doing a lot of adventure activities. I love having my GoPro as my main underwater camera for stunning footage, whether it’s videos, photos, or selfies. Just make sure to get a memory card with lots of space and a floating waterproof stick that has a wrist strap so you don’t have to worry about losing it.
11. Underwater Phone Case: You might think it’s a bit overkill to bring both a GoPro and underwater phone case but hear me out. I like to put my ID and credit cards in with my phone so I can leave my stuff at the beach and not worry about anything important being stolen. I also like to get some photos on my phone in addition to my GoPro since I can more easily upload those immediately to social media. This Pelican phone case is heavy-duty and the best option I’ve found to really protect my phone and not constantly fog up as the cheaper ones do. And if you don’t want to splurge on a GoPro, you can just use your phone as your main underwater camera.
12. Sarong: I bring a sarong with me on pretty much every beach trip I take because it’s such a versatile item that packs up small. You can use it as a beach coverup or as a towel (I usually use it for both). If you don’t want to buy one ahead of time, there are beautiful ones you can snag in Hawaii. Actually, the sarong I bring on almost all of my trips is one that my dad and step-mom brought back for me when they went to Hawaii over 20 years ago (it’s still going strong!). You can easily just bring this and forego that beach coverup above.
13. Kindle: It took me a while to get on the Kindle train since I love holding physical books so much, but it has completely changed my reading game when I travel now. I can take so many more books with me, and I particularly love taking my Kindle to the beach since it’s waterproof and you can adjust brightness to work well in direct sunlight.
14. Travel First Aid Kit: You should bring a travel first aid kit with you regardless of the type of trip, but I put this in the beach section for Hawaii because of the sharp coral reefs that often cause pretty nasty cuts for travelers (myself included). The first time I went in the water in Hawaii I accidentally sliced my foot on a coral reef and didn’t have any band-aids. Big mistake! (and another reason to have good shoes that can work in water). So make sure you have a first aid kit that includes bandages for deep cuts and Neosporin for cleaning them out.
15. Snorkel & Mask: This is by no means a must-pack, but I like carrying my own snorkel and mask for a couple of reasons. One is that I’ve found the snorkels and masks they provide you on most snorkel boat trips are pretty crappy and not as comfortable for me. And there are often good snorkel spots, especially more local ones, that don’t have a rental place nearby. So if you have room in your suitcase and snorkeling is important to you, this is a nice item to include.
Hiking & Volcanoes
1. Bike Shorts: Bike shorts have become trendy to hike in recently and I can’t deny that they’re pretty damn comfortable. I’d only bring bike shorts if you’re doing easy trails on Oahu or Maui, but you’d be better off with pants for somewhere like Kauai that has a lot more bugs. The nice thing about bike shorts is they can also double as anti-chafing protection under dresses and skirts on hot days.
2. Hiking Pants: If you’re planning to do any jungle or volcano hikes, visiting Kauai, or simply want more sun protection, I’d definitely recommend bringing a pair of hiking pants. I like the Kuhl Trekr Pants because they’re lightweight, easy to cinch up on hot days, and have UPF protection. The Baleaf Pants are also a good dupe of these on Amazon and have similar features. Otherwise, for a more casual hiking pant that’s more versatile for non-hiking activities and a bit more breathable, I’d recommend the Zephyr Pant by Outdoor Voices.
3. Hiking Poles: These are by no means a must-pack, but it can be nice to have hiking poles if you want more support for your knees while hiking, plan to do longer treks, or you’re planning hikes that have a lot of elevation gain. Just note that hiking poles can’t be in your carry-on, so you’d have to check a bag if you bring them.
4. Rain Jacket or Waterproof Poncho: This is especially good to have if you’ll be hiking on Kauai, the Big Island, the windward side of any island or if you’re visiting during rainy season. A lightweight rain jacket or waterproof poncho doesn’t take up much space and goes a long way to keep you dry.
5. Hiking Hat: A hiking hat is a must for the strong Hawaiian sun. If you care more about sun protection than style or you’re planning longer hikes, the Bora Bora Booney Hat is a breathable option that has UPF 50 protection. Otherwise, my go-to hiking hat for casual, short hikes is the Lululemon Running Hat.
6. Eco-Friendly Bug-Spray: Bug Spray is a nice just-in-case item to bring for any trip, but especially if you’ll be on Kauai, pack bug spray! It’s the buggiest of the Hawaiian islands. Make sure it’s eco-friendly as well to protect the islands’ ecosystem and environment. I’d also pack bug spray if you’re planning to be in the jungle on any of the islands. For coastal hikes it’s not as needed.
7. AllTrails Plus Phone App: Cell service can be spotty in some parts of Hawaii, and that’s especially the case for hiking trails. I’d recommend getting AllTrails Plus (my favorite hiking app) so you can download hiking maps ahead of time and keep track of where you are on the trail offline.
8. Hydration Bladder: Another great item to bring to stay hydrated on hikes. I always drink way more water when I have a hydration bladder instead of only a reusable water bottle with me. And Hawaii is hot, you’ll want lots of water if you’re working up a sweat. You could use this in the Matador Daypack I listed above, or if you plan to do more hiking than beach time, you might want to bring the Osprey Hikelite as your daypack instead.
9. Hoodie & Jacket (volcanoes): Watching the sunrise or sunset on top of a volcano in Hawaii is one of those bucket list activities that is just as amazing as it sounds. But it’s also the coldest place you’ll experience in Hawaii. If you’re planning to explore any of Hawaii’s volcanoes, bring layers like one of the hiking pants I listed above, a hoodie, and either the rain jacket I mentioned above or a packable puffy jacket. The hoodie is also nice as a layer for plane rides and cooler nights.
10. Beanie (volcanoes): Similar to above, you’ll also want a beanie to keep your head and ears warm at high altitudes.
Evening Wear & Luaus
1. Maxi Dresses: A flowy maxi dress is a wardrobe stable for nice dinners or luaus in Hawaii. I usually like to bring a couple with tropical prints to lean into the Hawaiian vibes and because they’re fun [here are some of my favorite options on Amazon: 1, 2, 3].
2. Nice Sandals: Your flip flops might be your daytime wear (and really it’s fine if you wear them at night too), but a nicer pair of strappy sandals always makes me feel a bit more “dressed up”. These ones from Olukai pair nice with the flowy dresses I listed above.
3. Crossbody Purse: Again, if you want to pack light, you can always just bring the more casual belt bag I listed above. But if you want a dressier vibe for your evenings, one of my favorite travel purses is the Lo & Sons Waverly 2. I mean, who doesn’t love a purse that you can wear four different ways? Or, if you’re looking for a cheaper option, this Quince purse is a good alternative.
4. Long-Sleeve Shirt (as a layer): For breezier nights on the islands, it can be nice to have a light layer that works with dressier outfits. My go-to is usually a long-sleeve white shirt that I can tie at the waist to keep my shoulders and arms warmer. You could also easily use this on boat trips when you need a lightweight cover too.
Luggage & Accessories
1. Carry-On Suitcase: I’ve been traveling with my Monos Carry-On for a couple of years now, and I love the size and feel of this suitcase. It’s still small enough to easily take island hopping, and it has a durable set of wheels that glide smoothly on most terrain. My only regret is not getting a darker color (mine is the Blue Haze color) because marks show up more easily.
2. Packing Cubes: A good set of packing cubes helps make it easier to grab things quickly from your suitcase and to be more organized on a trip. I particularly like these cute paint splatter ones from CalPak, not only because of the design but also because they have a mesh see-through panel, and you can label each cube with what’s inside.
3. Tech Organizer: Another organizer I like having since I always carry some sort of tech, and there have been too many trips where I’ve had to tear apart my suitcase to find that one charging cord at the bottom. And in general, it’s a great way to organize all the random bits and pieces you end up taking with you on a trip. This polka dot one is also from CalPak. I like it in a different design from my packing cubes, so I can easily tell it apart at first glance.
4. Hanging Toiletry Bag: I used to travel with multiple toiletry bags to fit all my products, but moving to a hanging toiletry bag was a game changer for me. I like how you can just hang it up in the bathroom (out of the way so it doesn’t take up counter space) and see all your toiletries organized in one place.
5. TSA-Approved Toiletry Bags: These clear toiletry bags are nice to have for going through TSA since they’re the exact size allowed to go through security. The US is much more lax with this than Europe, but it doesn’t hurt to have them in case you get a stickler at the X-ray machine. I don’t use these as much anymore since I have TSA Precheck, and I don’t have to take out my toiletries.
6. Pajamas – This is my favorite lightweight pajama set, perfect for warm evenings in Hawaii.
7. Underwear & Socks – Obviously a must-have. My favorite travel underwear and socks right now are from Boody. Their bamboo underwear is sustainable, super comfortable, and breathable–perfect for a warm destination like Hawaii.
8. Hawaii Guide Book: Yes, you can find all the information you need online these days, but I still almost always carry a physical guidebook with me on trips. There’s something about being able to reference recommendations without having to take out my phone that I like. And the feeling that it’s written by an expert, whereas online, you’re not always sure.
9. Reusable Water Bottle: I always carry a reusable water bottle with me, no matter the trip, but especially in Hawaii, it’s a good idea with their focus on the environment. Hawaiian tap water is safe to drink, so you can easily fill up your water bottle wherever you go and reduce the need for plastic. Hydroflask bottles are my go-to since they keep my water cold and they’re the best quality water bottles I’ve come across.
10. Reusable Coffee Cup: This is something that’s nice to have in Hawaii, again, because the state focuses so much on reducing single-use products. If you’re a coffee drinker, a reusable coffee cup is an easy way to reduce waste.
11. Metal Utensils: In the same vein as the two products above, metal utensils are great to bring for any takeout to reduce the need for plastic. In fact, a lot of places in Hawaii don’t serve plastic utensils anymore, only wooden ones or chopsticks.
12. USB Phone Charger: Of course, you’ll probably be bringing a USB phone charger anyway, but this is especially good to have for road trips in your rental car (like the Road to Hana) when you want some Hawaiian tunes for the drive.
13. Travel Journal: I love bringing my Moleskin with me on trips so I can jot down my notes at the beginning or end of the day. It makes the trip more memorable for me to look back on.
14. Ballpoint Pen: Not only for the journal above, but a pen is also good to bring for filling out the agriculture form on your flight to Hawaii.
Travel Essentials
- Sleep Mask: An eye mask is a game changer for helping you get quality sleep each night on a trip.
- White Noise Machine: Same as above. White noise machines have helped me get better sleep when I travel.
- Ear Plugs: Much better than the generic foam ones that never stay in my ears.
- Jewelry Case: Especially nice for organizing necklaces and not getting them all tangled.
- Deck of Cards / Fox in the Forest: I love playing card games while traveling. It’s a fun way to pass the time.
- Portable Charger: It’s surprising how often you don’t have an outlet when you need one, and your phone is essential for everything from directions to your mobile boarding pass.
- Universal Travel Adapter [For international travelers]: This universal adapter works in 200+ countries. Great for airports too.
- E-sim [For international travelers]: I’ve used Airalo in four different countries now, and it’s the best solution for using data abroad.
- Phone: I currently travel with an iPhone 13 Pro, which also works as my camera for most trips.
- Tablet: I use my iPad mainly for watching shows and movies and checking emails while traveling.
- Headphone Splitter: I use this one with my iPad Air so I can watch shows with my husband on flights.
- Noise-Canceling Headphones: These wraparound ones are a must for plane rides. I also bring Airpods for on-the-go travel when I want to carry something smaller.
- Air Tags: Great if you’re checking luggage in case it gets lost or stolen.
- Chargers: Don’t forget all the chargers you’ll need for the electronics listed above!
- Reusable Containers for Toiletries: I use reusable containers, so I don’t need to buy expensive travel-sized products that only last for 1-2 trips.
- Electric Toothbrush: I’ve tried those tiny travel toothbrushes, and they just don’t work for me.
- Toothpaste: These are the perfect travel size that lasts about a month or so for two people.
- Floss: Any floss will do.
- Natural Deodorant: I finally discovered a good natural deodorant. Plus, it’s small, so it’s perfect for travel.
- Shampoo: I get the large size and then just put it in my mini travel containers.
- Conditioner: Same as above. I don’t worry about bringing body wash since I’m okay using whatever’s provided.
- Panty Liners: For when you want some extra protection. Also great for sweaty travel days to keep you more dry.
- Tampons: I like that these are made without plastic, and they’re easy to put into small purses and travel with.
- Tide to Go Pen: Surprisingly handy for getting out those random stains or spills.
- Hairbrush: I don’t use a travel-size version because it’s not worth it for me. I’d rather have a full-size brush.
- Hair Ties: Any brand works, but I also make sure to have plenty on hand in my bags.
- Face Cleanser: I usually get a regular-size bottle and then put it into my refillable travel containers.
- Moisturizer: I’ve tried many fancy moisturizers, and I’ve realized that the simplest ones often work best for me.
- Overnight Face Mask: I use this in daily life as well, but during travel it’s especially good because it’s so hydrating.
- Makeup: The three essentials I always bring are lip gloss/lipstick, my Clinique CC Cream + makeup brush, and mascara. Everything else is added on depending on the vibes of the trip.
- SPF Lip Balm – This is great to have in Hawaii when you’re out in the sun all day. I hate getting sunburned lips.
- Travel Razor: I love this size and how easy it is to change the razor heads once a week.
- Razor Replacements: I usually bring enough to replace the razor head once per week while traveling.
- Hydrating Face Sheets: I pack a couple of these to use after plane rides, great for hydrating your face.
- Travel Mirror: This is a luxury item, but it’s surprising how often I use it when there’s only one bathroom.
- Tylenol: The best remedy when a headache strikes.
- Motion Sickness Pills: You never know when you might get motion sickness, especially for boat trips.
- Tums: Handy for dealing with indigestion or heartburn when eating foods different than you’re used to.
- Pepto Bismol: Another item to help soothe an upset stomach.
- Other Personal Medications: Make sure to bring your usual medications if needed.
- Electrolyte Powder: Great for staying hydrated, especially after a day in the sun or a flight.
- Anti-Septic Wipes: Keeps wounds clean and prevents infection.
- Unisom SleepMelts: Obviously optional, but these are the only way I’m able to sleep on planes.
- Melatonin: Helps with sleep, especially if you’re adjusting to a new time zone.
- Hand Sanitizer: Essential for keeping your hands clean while on the go.
- Passport
- Travel Visas (if needed)
- Travel Documents, Tickets, Boarding Passes & Booking Confirmations
- Driver’s License / International Driving Permit (if needed)
- Photocopy of Passport (hidden in your pack)
- Emergency Cash – I usually bring US $200 and hide it in 1-2 packs/purses I have with me on travel days in case of an emergency. I make sure it’s separate from my wallet.
- Credit / Debit Cards
- Travel Insurance – Nice to have in case of any medical or travel emergencies.
Hawaii Travel FAQs
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT HAWAII?
April-May and Sep-Oct are some of the best months to visit Hawaii because the weather is warm, there’s less rainfall, and there are fewer crowds.
WHAT FESTIVALS & EVENTS ARE THERE IN HAWAII?
Merrie Monarch Festival (April): A major tourist attraction celebrating Hawaiian culture and hula dance, perfect for families and solo travelers.
Hawaii Food and Wine Festival (October): An exciting event showcasing Hawaiian cuisine, great for couples and foodies.
Aloha Festivals (September): A state-wide celebration of Hawaiian culture and traditions, ideal for solo travelers, couples, or groups.
WHERE SHOULD I GO IN HAWAII?
One of my favorite spots in Hawaii is the Napali Coast in Kauai, known for its stunning cliffs and hiking trails. Other beautiful places to visit are Oahu’s Waikiki Beach for iconic views and Hanauma Bay for snorkeling, and the scenic Road to Hana drive on Maui. And don’t forget a visit to Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island to see lava flows!
HOW MANY DAYS DO I NEED TO VISIT HAWAII?
I recommend spending at least 7-10 days in Hawaii to explore multiple islands and enjoy the diverse activities each has to offer. For just one island, 4-5 days is ideal.
Suggested Itineraries:
2 Days: For day one, explore Waikiki Beach (and maybe take a surf lesson) and hike Diamond Head. On day two, snorkel at Hanauma Bay and visit the Pearl Harbor Memorial.
5 Days: Copy the 2-day itinerary and add: On day 3, drive along the North Shore of Oahu, stopping at food trucks and snorkeling at Shark’s Cove. On Day 4, visit the Dole Plantation and go ziplining. On day 5, take a tour of Kualoa Ranch, tackle another hike like Koko Head Crater or Pink Pillbox, and/or visit the Polynesian Cultural Center (a good place to experience a Luau too).
1 Week: Copy the 5-day itinerary and add: On day six, fly to Maui and relax on Ka’anapali Beach, and watch the sunset at Haleakalā Crater. Day 7, do a road trip on the Road to Hana and spend the day exploring waterfalls and beaches. If you’re visiting in December or April, you could also change out one of these activities with a whale watching tour (Maui is the best island for this). Maui is also a great place to experience a Luau.
10 Days: Copy the 1-week itinerary and add: On day eight, fly to Kauai and take a boat tour or helicopter tour of the Napali Coast. On day nine, explore Waimea Canyon and visit the Kauai Coffee Plantation. Day 10, Go for a hike at Ha’ena State Park and relax or snorkel at Poipu Beach.
2 Weeks: Copy the 10-day itinerary and add: On day eleven, fly to the Big Island and visit Volcanoes National Park. Day 12, relax at Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach and snorkel with manta rays at night. On Day 13, go on a coffee farm tour to taste some Kona coffee or do a snorkel tour of Kealakekua Bay. Day 14, relax on the beach and prepare for your flight home.
WHAT SHOULD I PACK FOR 2 DAYS, 5 DAYS, 1 WEEK, 10 DAYS, AND 2 WEEKS IN HAWAII?
This depends on the what, where, and when of your trip itinerary, but the 5,4,3,2,1 packing method (created by Jen Bosen) is a good place to start when you’re trying to pack light for a trip.
The general rule of thumb is 5 tops, 4 bottoms, 3 pairs of shoes, 2 layers, and 1 dress, but you can switch that around as needed.
For Hawaii, you might want another dress or to add a swimsuit or two, for example, so you would maybe have something more like 5 tops, 4 bottoms, 3 pairs of shoes, 2 maxi dresses, 1 swimsuit, 1 layer. And you can reduce this or add to it as needed.
Keep in mind that the examples below are just for clothing, not for the additional items and accessories I also recommend packing above.
2 Days
- 2 shirts
- 2 bottoms (1 pair of shorts, 1 pair of lightweight pants)
- 2 pairs of shoes (1 pair of flip flops, 1 pair of sneakers)
- 1 maxi dress for the evening
- 1 swimsuit
- 1 layer
- 1 pair of pajamas
- 3 pairs of underwear
- 2 pairs of socks
5 Days
- 4 tops
- 3 bottoms (1 pair of shorts, 1 pair of lightweight pants, 1 daytime dress, romper, or skirt)
- 1 maxi dress for the evening
- 1 swimsuit
- 1 layer
- 3 pairs of shoes (1 pair of flip flops, 1 pair of sneakers, 1 pair of sandals)
- 1 pair of pajamas
- 7 pairs of underwear
- 3 pairs of socks
1 Week
- 5 tops
- 4 bottoms (2 pairs of shorts, 1 pair of lightweight pants, 1 daytime dress, romper, or skirt)
- 3 pairs of shoes (1 pair of flip flops, 1 pair of sneakers, 1 pair of sandals)
- 2 maxi dresses for the evening
- 2 swimsuits
- 1 layer
- 1 pair of pajamas
- 10 pairs of underwear
- 4 pairs of socks
10 Days-2 Weeks
- 5 tops
- 4 bottoms (2 pairs of shorts, 1 pair of lightweight pants, 1 daytime dress, romper, or skirt)
- 3 pairs of shoes (1 pair of flip flops, 1 pair of sneakers, 1 pair of sandals)
- 2 maxi dresses for the evening
- 2 swimsuits
- 1 layer
- 1 pair of pajamas
- 10 pairs of underwear
- 5 pairs of socks
*probably need to do laundry once on the trip
WHAT SHOULD I NOT PACK FOR HAWAII?
Heavy coats or lots of layers: Hawaii’s climate is warm year-round, and you won’t need heavy outerwear or too many layers.
High heels: With Hawaii’s casual style and beaches, you’ll likely opt for sandals and flip flops instead.
Beach towels: Most resorts and hotels provide beach towels for guests. I still like bringing a sarong to double as a coverup, but you definitely don’t need to bring a bulky towel.
WHAT SHOULD I BUDGET FOR A TRIP TO HAWAII?
Airfare: $200-$800 depending on season and starting location.
Accommodation: $150-$500 per night, with higher prices in resorts.
Transportation: $30-$100 per day for rental cars and gas.
Meals: $50-$100 per day for moderate dining.
Activities: $50-$150 per day for excursions like snorkeling and tours.
IS THERE A TIPPING CULTURE IN HAWAII? WHAT IS APPROPRIATE TO TIP?
Yes, tipping is standard in Hawaii. It’s customary to tip 20% at restaurants and $1-3 per drink. Housekeeping, bellhops, and hotel services usually receive $1-2 per bag and $2-5 per night for housekeeping.
WHAT ARE SOME LOCAL TIPS I SHOULD KNOW ABOUT HAWAII BEFORE I VISIT?
- Reef-safe sunscreen: Read my notes above, but Hawaii is super strict about this, and you can get fined for bringing in the wrong kind of sunscreen.
- Public transportation: Oahu’s bus system is reliable and can save you on rental costs. They have a $35 4-day unlimited pass for visitors that you can pick up at The Bus Pass Office at Ala Moana Shopping Center or any ABC store.
- Book activities in advance: Popular tours, such as the Road to Hana or Haleakalā Volcano sunset tour, fill up quickly.