Hawaii Packing List
What to pack for Hawaii. Island essentials for beaches, hiking, and the aloha lifestyle.
Aloha! Hawaii offers the best of tropical paradise - stunning beaches, dramatic volcanoes, lush rainforests, and rich culture. From snorkeling to hiking, this packing list prepares you for all the adventures the Hawaiian islands have to offer.
🌡️ Climate & Weather
Hawaii has two seasons: summer (May-October) averages 85°F and winter (November-April) averages 78°F. Trade winds keep it comfortable. The windward (east) sides of islands are wetter; leeward (west) sides are drier.
What to Pack for Hawaii, USA
🏝️ Beach Essentials
- Reef-safe sunscreen (required by law)
- Swimsuits (2-3)
- Rash guard
- Beach coverup
- Beach towel or mat
- Flip flops or sandals
- Waterproof phone case
- Snorkel gear (or rent)
- Cooler bag
🥾 Outdoor Activities
- Hiking shoes or trail runners
- Moisture-wicking hiking clothes
- Lightweight rain jacket
- Daypack
- Reusable water bottle
- Trekking poles (for volcano hikes)
- Binoculars
- Camera
🌺 Clothing
- Lightweight shorts and tops
- Sundresses
- Light cardigan (for evenings/AC)
- Aloha shirt (embrace it!)
- Light pants for nice dinners
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Water shoes (for rocky beaches)
☀️ Sun Protection
- Reef-safe sunscreen SPF 50
- Wide-brim hat
- Polarized sunglasses
- UV protection clothing
- Aloe vera gel
- Lip balm with SPF
🤿 Water Activities
- Snorkel and mask (prescription if needed)
- Fins
- Underwater camera
- Dry bag
- Reef-safe sunscreen
- Motion sickness bands (for boats)
📱 Documents & Tech
- Driver's license (for rental car)
- Credit cards
- Phone and charger
- Portable charger
- Camera and memory cards
- Offline maps
- Beach read or e-reader
Packing by Region
oahu
Mix of city (Honolulu) and nature. Pack for both beach and nicer restaurants in Waikiki.
maui
Diverse landscapes from beaches to Haleakala volcano. Pack layers for the summit (freezing at sunrise!).
kauai
The Garden Isle is lush and rainy. Waterproof layers essential. Best hiking.
big island
Largest and most diverse. Pack for multiple climates from tropical to alpine.
🎌 Cultural Tips & Etiquette
- Reef-safe sunscreen is law - Avoid oxybenzone and octinoxate; check labels
- Respect sacred sites - Some areas are kapu (forbidden); observe signs
- Learn basic Hawaiian words - Aloha (hello/goodbye), mahalo (thank you)
- Don't turn your back on the ocean - Waves can be dangerous and unpredictable
- Leave nothing behind - Malama ʻāina (care for the land) is sacred
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