Hawaii is one of the most popular vacation destinations in the world, with beaches, volcanoes, rainforests, and some of the best snorkeling anywhere. Packing for it is easy once you know what to expect: warm days, tropical showers, and chilly mountain summits. Here's the ultimate Hawaii packing list, so you have everything you need and nothing you don't.
Travel Essentials
- Passport or government ID (international visitors also need an ESTA or US visa)
- Boarding passes, hotel and rental car bookings, and activity reservations
- Travel insurance details
- Credit cards and some cash for tips and small vendors
- Prescription medication in its original packaging
- Driver's license for renting a car
Clothing
- Lightweight, breathable clothes: T-shirts, tank tops, shorts, and sundresses.
- Swimsuits: At least two, so one can dry.
- Cover-ups for walking to the beach and lunch spots.
- A rash guard: Protects your skin from the sun while snorkeling and surfing.
- A light rain jacket: Tropical showers are common, especially on the windward sides of the islands.
- Warm layers: A fleece, long pants, and a hat if you plan to watch the sunrise at Haleakalā or visit Maunakea, where it can be near freezing.
- One smart-casual outfit for a nice dinner or a luau. "Aloha attire," such as a Hawaiian shirt or sundress, is fine almost everywhere.
Shoes
- Sandals or flip-flops (called "slippers" in Hawaii).
- Hiking shoes or sturdy sneakers for trails such as Diamond Head and the Kalalau Trail. Trails can be muddy.
- Water or reef shoes for rocky beaches and tide pools.
- Socks for hiking and cooler days.
Beach and Sun Protection
- Reef-safe mineral sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher). Hawaii bans sunscreens containing oxybenzone and octinoxate to protect its coral reefs.
- A wide-brimmed sun hat or cap
- Polarized sunglasses
- After-sun lotion or aloe vera
- A quick-dry beach towel (many hotels provide them)
- A dry bag for boat trips and beach days
Outdoor Gear
- A daypack for hikes and beach days
- A reusable water bottle
- Your own snorkel mask, if you snorkel a lot (rentals are easy to find)
- Binoculars for whale watching from December to April
- Insect repellent for rainforest hikes
- A headlamp for early sunrise hikes
Tech
- Phone and charger
- A portable power bank
- A waterproof phone case or pouch
- A camera or GoPro for underwater photos
- An adapter if you're coming from outside North America. Hawaii uses Type A and B plugs at 120 V.
- An eSIM. An egoViet USA eSIM works in Hawaii, so you can get online as soon as you land. Compare options in our guide to SIM cards and eSIMs for USA travel.
Toiletries and Health
- Travel-size toiletries
- Moisturizer and lip balm with SPF
- A small first-aid kit with bandages, antiseptic, and pain relief
- Motion sickness tablets for boat trips and winding roads, such as the Road to Hana
What Not to Pack
- Heavy clothes: Apart from a warm layer for the mountains, you won't need them.
- Lots of formal wear: Hawaii is casual.
- Non-reef-safe sunscreen: Buy mineral sunscreen locally if needed.
- Too many beach toys: You can buy or rent them on the islands.
For more packing ideas, see our Europe packing list, which covers general travel essentials. Then plan your trip with our Hawaii travel guide and the best time to visit Hawaii.
FAQs: Hawaii Packing List
What should I wear in Hawaii?
Light, breathable clothes, swimwear, and sandals for most days, plus a rain jacket and a warm layer for the mountains.
Do I need reef-safe sunscreen in Hawaii?
Yes. Hawaii bans the sale of sunscreens containing oxybenzone and octinoxate. Choose a mineral sunscreen with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide.
Do I need a jacket in Hawaii?
A light rain jacket is useful all year. If you're visiting Haleakalā or Maunakea, bring a warm jacket, as temperatures can drop near freezing.
Do I need an adapter in Hawaii?
Only if you're coming from outside North America. Hawaii uses US Type A and B plugs at 120 V.