Hawaii is considered as the tropical paradise of US and every year millions of people visit this place. If you are travelling to any Island of Hawaii, this Hawaii packing list will help you get best out of your trip, so let’s explore!
Hawaii Packing List: Essentials
Here, I have included the very basic and essential items that you need to pack for Hawaii, keep this list with you when you are packing, especially at the last moment.
Water bottle: this is an essential item for every trip, so keep a reusable water bottle with you.
Reef safe sunscreen: you cannot take the normal sunscreen to the beaches in Hawaii because it is dangerous for coral reefs so, do not forget to pack reef-safe sunscreen.
Sand-resilient towel for beach: you will definitely visit beaches in Hawaii so a small, easily foldable, soft and sand resistant towel is what you require the most.
Dry bag: the waterproof bag is highly required for Hawaii tour because as you already know that most people visit Hawaii only for beaches so waterproof bag will save your belongings specially electronics.
Snorkel set: if you like snorkeling then keep a snorkel set with you because there are various places in Hawaii where you can snorkel.
Reef safe goggle anti-fog: you need an anti-fog goggle while snorkeling and it is hard to find from everywhere so, keep one with you.
A pair of sunglasses: sunglasses are must for the beach tour so keep a pair or two with you.
A good book/kindle: if you are travelling alone make sure to keep a good book or kindle with you so you can sit, relax and enjoy a good read.
Beach bag: for your beach trip, take a beach bag with you in order to pack your essentials.
Day pack: a good backpack makes your journey easy so must keep a day pack with you for the Hawaii tour.
Portable charger: portable charger is one of the essential things in Hawaii packing list. Keep it with you to avoid the battery downs for your mobile and camera.
Bug spray: you do not need a bug spray at all places in Hawaii but it is essential at certain places so, keep it with you.
Collapsible cooler bag: this bag is good if you are travelling with family or a group of friends and have your own food. It is foldable and easy to carry.
Water shoes: always carry the water shoes if you intend to swim or snorkel in the water, it will protect your feet from rocks and stones.
Electronic Devices: Hawaii Packing List
Cell phone and chargers: I know it is a must thing and you might be thinking how can I forget my charger but believe me, most people forget the charger at the last moment although they do not forget their cell phones.
Car charger and aux cord: most cars have charging facility available so, pack your car charger and aux cord with you.
GoPro: although it is an expensive thing and you should only buy it if you can easily afford it but it is very good for taking under water pictures and saving memories.
Waterproof phone case for iPhones: it is a less expensive alternative of the GoPro and saves your phone from the water and helps taking good photos under water. So, keep it, take good photos and post it with beautiful Hawaii captions.
Camera: professional camera is very important for Hawaii trip and if you are planning to buy one then I would recommend Sony A7RIII and Sigma 24-70mm.
Corded headphones for the flight: these are important for long flights because Airpods do not work with the screens on airplane seats.
Other devices: if you are fond of gaming you can bring your tablet or other devices for gaming moreover, do not forget to pack your favorite gadgets.
Toiletries: Hawaii Packing List
Shampoo, body wash, and conditioner: although free shampoos are available at hotels but if you are specific about your choices then must pack your shampoo, conditioner, and body wash. You can also use bars instead of liquids for convenience.
Good conditioner is essential because salty sea water and sunlight can damage your hair.
Face sunscreen: face sunscreen is good to avoid the UV rays at beach so pack it along with the reef save sunscreen.
Razor and shave cream: keep a good shaving cream and razor with you during your tour.
Pure aloe Vera: pure aloe Vera is very good to moisturize your skin so pack it one because you will not be able to find the pure form from everywhere.
Lip balm: the salty water and air can leave your lips dry so carry a good lip balm with you.
What to Wear in Hawaii (for Females): Hawaii Packing List
Hawaii is a diverse island and weather can be very different from one place to another so carefully choose your wardrobe for Hawaii. This list will help you to organize you Hawaii packing list.
Beachwear: Hawaii is mostly about beaches so first of all I will describe about the beachwears.
Bathing suits: if you are going for one week then pack at least three bathing suits. One of your suits should be one piece and one, two pieces. One piece is required because sometimes tides are high and rough so it will cover you up.
You should also bring coverups for the bathing suits that can be rough t shirt or some other clothes that you can throw after swimming or snorkeling.
Sandals or flip flops: water proof flipflops or sandals are required for the beach visit to move comfortably all day.
Hiking wear: if you like hiking and plan to go for it then also pack some suits according to it.
Hiking shoes: hiking is difficult in Hawaii and especially without good hiking shoes. You cannot do it comfortably with normal joggers so you need the trail runners for this purpose. Do not forget to carry these shoes if you love hiking at difficult trails. And also carry good quality socks with you.
Sun protectant shirt: sun protectant shirts are important because most of the hiking places in Hawaii are without shades so please keep these with you.
Athletic shorts and sun hat: pack athletic shorts and sun hat in order to protect yourself from scorching heat.
Mini first aid kit and insect repellent: it is highly recommended that you may get small bruises and cuts during hiking or sometimes you may fell down and feel dizzy so it is important to keep one with you.
Insect repellent is also a good option to keep the mosquitos away.
Jackets/sweaters: if you plan to hike at elevated places like Haleakalā then carry some sweater or jacket to keep yourself warm.
Resort Wear: Hawaii Packing List
You need comfortable clothing during your stay at the hotel or resort so also bring some simple floral dresses with you to stay clam and comfortable. These dresses could be jump suits, tee shirts and trousers and anything else of your choice.
Travel Documents for Hawaii
There are few travel documents that you need to carry along while visiting Hawaii either you are a foreigner or a US citizen.
US citizens
You do not need a passport but require following documents;
- Government issued ID: driver’s license, Passport, state ID, etc.
- Proof of car insurance, if you’re renting a car in Hawaii
- Student ID (if applicable) for discounts
- Travel insurance
International Visitors
Passport is must for international visitors. Other documents include;
- Valid Passport
- Travel insurance (buy yours here)
- Valid US visa or ESTA
Proof of car insurance, if you’re renting a car in Hawaii.
FAQs
What do people wear in Hawaii?
People usually wear casual dresses in Hawaii and sandals and flip flops are normal. Tourists usually wear formal dress in Hawaii such as females wear proper dress and males wear bottom up shirts and pants.
Do you need any special clothing for visiting temples in Hawaii?
There is no specific dress for temples but people dress up modestly and respectfully.
What is not allowed on a plane to Hawaii?
Sprays that are used for self-defense, shocking appliances and tasers are not allowed on a plane.
What is the 3-1-1 rule?
Small sized bag of pastes, gels and liquids are allowed in plane but each item should be less than a 100 ml.
Is it OK to wear jeans in Hawaii?
Yes, it is ok but it may not be suitable in sunny weather so you can choose shorts or sun dresses accordingly.