Need a little Aloha in your life? I feel you! Hawaii is one of my favorite go-to’s for more reasons that I can count.
I love the Hawaiian Islands, and especially Oahu with its famous Waikiki Beach. A Hawaii trip really has something for everyone from swimming, snorkelling, outrigger canoe riding and lazy beach days to museums, gardens, shopping and so much more!
You might like to read my 22 brilliant things to do in Waikiki post next for when your next Hawaii vacation beckons.
This ultimate Hawaiian packing list (including a free downloadable) will make sure you leave nothing behind – as well as help you find where to buy the things you don’t have.
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In the mean time we can dream of planning our trip to Hawaii to swim in gin clear water and picture-perfect beaches. But I’m also in love with the culture. The Hawaiian people take great pride in their state and are the embodiment of what true hospitality should look and function like.
So whether you’re craving luaus or waterfalls, shopping in Waikiki, heading out to Hawaii’s Big Island or visiting the best beaches on Oahu, this packing list for Hawaii will prep you for your much needed vacation!
Download my FREE Ultimate Packing List which is filled with check boxes for all your day clothes, beach clothes, evening wear, essentials and more, which you can cross out or check off as you add them.
Where to shop for Groceries in Waikiki
If you’re staying in a hotel with kitchen facilities or one of the rental homes and Air BnBs, and you don’t want to eat out every day and night, Waikiki has a few grocery stores. The Waikiki Market is a open seven days from 6am to 10pm and has prepreapred meals, as well as fresh produce, seafood, meat and a deli. Located near International Marketplace.
Also try Food Pantry Eaton Square, near the Hilton Hawaiian Village, and Waikiki Old Country Market.
*Note, this post contains affiliate links to products and places I like and think you might like too. If you make a purchase I will earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Let’s start with luggage for Hawaii!
My favorite luggage is hard shell rolling luggage. I’m not a backpacker, so my suitcases need to be able to easily roll through airport terminals and be light-weight so as not to encroach on how much stuff I can pack!
While they’re harder to find, I like the top opening styles. I’m over the butterfly style where the whole suitcase opens fully into two wings and if there’s two of you in a hotel room you can barely move – not to mention they don’t fit on the suitcase rack.
It’s much easier to find this style in soft-shell luggage, which is also fine and you can cram more shopping into the soft luggage, but I’ve sourced two hard-shell top opening suitcases on Amazon, plus a soft shell carry-on size – which would be perfect for Hawaii!
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If you’re reading this post in New Zealand, you’ll also find top-opening hard-shell luggage in my Travel Store.
1. Light, comfortable clothing
You don’t need to take your entire closet for an adventure in Hawaii. The warm weather makes it even possible to pack light, and let’s face it: you’ll be spending most of your time in the water or on the beach. Resort wear is the look! Pack a couple of nice dresses for dinner, but for the most part, you’ll be wearing tops, shorts, skirts, and swimsuits.
However, if you plan to visit the higher elevations of Mauna Kea, at 4000m (13,123 feet) or Mt Haleakala in Haleakala National Park, at 3000m (9,843 feet) on the Big Island of Hawaii, it could be below freezing and a jacket or jumper is most definitely required.
My personal easy-to-pack beachy look are cotton sundresses and 3/4 leggings/pants and a breezy top (that hide a multitude of sins!) with a sunhat that I can easily fold into my luggage.
Pro tip: if your sunhat doesn’t fold, carefully pack it in your suitcase first and fill it with clothes, then wedging more small items around it, taking care to retain its shape.
I also love a wrap/pashmina or poncho. They’re great to wear on the plane and easy to throw on of an evening.
I’m pretty ruthless when it comes to taking shoes on vacation and Hawaii is even easier. Take no more than three pairs of shoes. I usually only take two pairs on a beach vacation. Truly, you won’t need more than that!
I take a pair of sandals/flip flops for the beach and mine are so cute I can also wear them to the mall. And a pair of shoes to wear to dinner. Done. Unless you plan on outdoor activities like a hike, then pack hiking boots/trainers.
A light rain jacket is always a good idea. Hawaii is tropical, so rain is fairly common.
2. Waterproof phone case
If you’re like me, most of your Hawaii memories will be photos on your cell phone. A waterproof phone case is a must, especially if you want to capture those epic shots while kayaking, paddle boarding or jet skiing.
Add a flotation strap to your case, just in case your phone ends up in the water, or make sure you can wear it around your neck.
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3. Daytime Essentials
No one goes to Hawaii to sit indoors! Whether you stay in the water, on the golf course, or do extreme adventures, you’ll need this list of must-haves:
- UV-protective sunglasses, or Polarized glasses for on the water
- Reef-safe sunscreen
- Lip balm (with SPF)
- Sun hat
- Reusable water bottle. I like an insulated water bottle to keep my drinks cool for hours. I also empty it out (to go through screening) to take on the plane and like it skinny enough to fit in the seat pocket
- Small umbrella. I love my Blunt compact umbrella designed not to turn inside out like a martini glass!
- Bug spray/insect repellent
- Backpack or tote bag to take all your stuff for the day
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4. Mesh water shoes
Hawaii is surrounded by about 400,000 acres of coral reefs, and is a significant home to one of the highest concentrations of endemic marine species in the world.
Whether you plan to visit the reefs, do water sports, or just walk on rocky beaches, I highly recommend water shoes. These shoes are made for getting wet. They offer more grip than sandals and are more breathable than sneakers.
The best shoes are mesh ones that let the water out and dry quickly. I have a pair of Tropicfeel shoes that I recently wore in a water park in Mexico, and they are quick drying and look good wearing on land and sea!
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5. Dry bag
If you’re planning on any water activities, a dry bag/ waterproof bag can protect your belongings from waves or accidental drops in the water as well as being super handy for a day at the beach as a general hold all for all the essentials above.
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6. Sand-resistant beach towel
The magic is real, there really are sand-resistant beach towels. The fibers are woven in a way that doesn’t trap sand. Just shake it out and fold it up, they’re super lightweight and easy to pack. PS these make great gift ideas too!
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7. Underwater camera
If you have some extra money to put toward your trip, I highly recommend an underwater camera or Go Pro that you can take snorkelling or diving in the beautiful Pacific Ocean.
Hawaii is just as beautiful below the water as it is above, and the entire island chain is brimming with unique sea life.
Best of all, you don’t have to dive deep to get great shots. I’ve also added a kids underwater camera to this list of Amazon links, so they can have fun splashing around too and taking photos.
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8. Rash shirt
A rash guard with long sleeves can be a lifesaver under the brutal Hawaii sun, especially for the kids, and even in the winter months. These are ideal for anyone with fair skin as it reduces your chance of sunburn and doesn’t require you to lather up with sunscreen every 30 minutes.
Wear it as a swimsuit top or over your swimsuit. Get a long-sleeved shirt for maximum sun protection.
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9. Beach Cover Up
When it’s time to leave the beach and head into a restaurant, or soak up the vibes at a cool beach bar, you’ll want to throw a cover up or a sarong/pareo on. I love these swimsuit cover-ups, that you could also wear over a tank top or slip and skirt.
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10. Wrist/Waist wallet
If you’re like me and spend most of your day outside, the last thing you want to do is carry a heavy purse or bag on your sun kissed shoulders. Wear a wrist wallet or a waist belt if you only need your phone, key card and some cash.
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11. Inflatable boogie board!
These inflatable boogie boards are perfect for traveling as they fold into your luggage so you can just inflate and go!
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12. Beach bag
I actually use a beach bag as a travel bag on the plane, as I can fit all my things I need for a flight in it. Then it doubles as a my beach bag to stash my book, suntan lotion, sunglasses, towel, water bottle, snacks and any other little necessities. It makes time at the pool or beach a breeze. Here are some cute ones I found for you to look at.
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13. Packing Cubes
Packing cubes have been game changers for my travels around the world. They’ve not only freed up space in my suitcase, but also make me more mindful (or should I say picky?) about what I pack.
Get the double-zip compression ones and they take up less room. I also make sure they have a mesh top so I can see at a glance what’s in there.
I assign a cube to each “category” of items (e.g. one for daytime clothes, one for bathroom stuff, etc.). If it doesn’t fit in the cube, it doesn’t go. It also keeps my suitcase super organized. When I need something, I just grab that cube and crack it open. Easy peasy.
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14. Travel First Aid Kit
I never travel without travel insurance, but a handy little travel first aid kit is a good idea. Especially if you plan on any off-beach activities.
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15. Keep track with an Air Tag
Apple’s AirTag is a great idea to hide in your luggage, especially if you’re transitting through airports which runs the risk of bags being left behind. You can track your items through the Find My app on your phone.
Get one to try, or buy a set of four and tuck them into all your bags when you travel – and watch them travel with you!
I’ve also listed trackers for Android phones too.
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16. Grab a guide book!
I’ve selected these guide books if you want to have a book in your hands, not just to help you make your vacation plans, but also as a great memento of your trip.
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17. Wireless Earbud Connector
If you want to watch a movie or listen to music with your wireless headphones, this little gadget it just what you need. Plug it into the airplane headphone port and do away with wires! It can also connect two people at a time.
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Empty Space
This one is so easy to overlook, but leave room in your suitcase! Hawaii has a bevy of souvenirs, and I’m not talking about your typical little trinkets and magnets. Not to mention the fabulous Ala Moana shopping centre which is worth a visit (or two). You will thank yourself for leaving enough to bring home a few “show and tells”.
Other Essentials
There are some things you’ll need to put on your Hawaii packing list that are so obvious you might forget them. Consider this your Public Service Announcement to include basic yet super important things in your suitcase:
- Toiletries, such as shampoo, conditioner, lotion, hand sanitizer, toothpaste, toothbrush, makeup, and soap.
- Travel documents, including travel insurance papers (if applicable), passport, ID, emergency contact information, itineraries, flight information, and hotel booking confirmation.
- Electronics chargers for cell phones, tablets, laptops, and other devices.
- Emergency cash.
- Prescription medications, as well as over-the-counter medications for allergies, motion sickness, or headaches.
- Something to read while you relax and unwind
I hope this packing list for Hawaii is helpful. What have I missed?
Read more like this one! 22 fabulous things to do in Honolulu
You might also like my post of Clever Travel Hacks which covers all aspects of travel from saving money to just helpful tips to know for a stress-free holiday!
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Last update on 2026-08-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API