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40 Things You Must Pack for Hawaii (Plus Printable List) Don't forget the...
Going to Maui or Kauai? Here is a list of packing essentials for Hawaii! Digital Download and Printable checklist included for those commonly forgotten items! This list consists of female items with what to wear suggestions and it can all fit in carry-on luggage! Don’t forget the…
A curated collage of Hawaii outfit ideas featuring summer dresses, neutral sandals, and travel-friendly accessories suitable for island days and evenings.
Packing Essentials for Maui or any Island in Hawaii, Plus a Pretty Printable Packing Checklist - 2026 Update
Update: January 9, 2026
We’ve gone to Hawaii so many times I’ve become an expert on packing! We’ve been to almost all of the islands and they are relatively the same when packing. If I don’t have my list, I will forget things, so I always keep it handy since we venture to Hawaii at least once a year!
Related Post: How to Spend 4 Days in Maui - Complete Itinerary
Maui Sunrise looking over Lanai
Download our Hawaii Packing Essentials Checklist
Since I love to organize things, I sorted my list by category so it is foolproof not to leave something behind. Granted Hawaii does have shops and anything can be bought there, but I’d rather save my money to come back!
Great Budget-friendly finds on Amazon for Hawaii Packing!
Want a FREE downloadable pretty Hawaii travel packing essentials printable checklist with everything in this post? Click here: Packing Essentials for Hawaii
See our shopping list (with some great budget-friendly dresses and tons of Hawaiian outfit ideas) straight from Amazon: Hawaii Packing Essentials
RELATED POST: How much does it cost to go to Maui in 2026? - Itinerary, budget, and more!
Here we go…
My favorite Hawaii Outfit - dress with pockets!
CLOTHING FOR HAWAII AND HAWAII OUTFIT IDEAS - What to Pack for Hawaii Vacation
Dresses - Short and Maxi (Hawaiian themed is always fun). I usually wear dresses for dinner and wandering around. See more Hawaii Outfit ideas here
Light Sweater - for cooler nights
Workout Clothes - Hikes, Road to Hana, Runs on the beach, Zip-lining, golfing, etc.
Sneakers - great to have if you’re walking around or going on adventures - I LOVE Asics Gel Venture shoes! The gel is so squishy and comfortable. Must HAVE!
Plane Outfit - I love a good oversized top and leggings since it is usually a long-haul
Basics - Socks, Underwear, Bras, Sports Bras, PAJAMAS!
Small Purse - to hold an ID, Credit card, cash, phone, lipstick, gum and maybe a car key
Accessories/Jewelry - Earrings, Necklace, Bracelet, Watch
Looking for a complete Maui resource? Our Ultimate Travel Guide for Maui 2026 brings together hotels, activities, food, and travel tips in one place.
Hawaii outfit ideas with comfortable, breathable clothing and simple accessories designed for warm weather travel.
BEACH ITEMS FOR HAWAII - Hawaii Packing List for 5 Days
Flip-flops - I love Havianas! They are the only flip flop brand I’ve bought for 15 years.
Sandals - To wear to restaurants and shopping, unless you want to wear your flip flops
Swimsuit - I bring a couple so one is always dry
Swimsuit Cover Up - Great to wear around the resort or to get a drink at the pool bar! Hat - Sun hat and baseball hat for hikes/outdoor activities
Sunglasses - Sojo Sunglasses on Amazon are budget-friendly, great quality, and trendy!
Towel - or use the resort towels
Beach or tote bag - to throw towels, sunscreen, magazine, clothes, etc.
Water Bottle - Stay hydrated! Collapsable bottles are great!
Snacks - We like to have granola bars, gummi bears, and M&M’s on hand for the plane or for the room
Crossword Puzzle - This is our FAVORITE puzzle! Travel terms and countries! https://amzn.to/4lVixuR
Want a FREE printable/downloadable list with everything in this post? Click here: Packing Essentials for Hawaii or see our list of things to buy straight from Amazon: Hawaii Packing Essentials
Swimsuit coverup and hat perfect for Hawaii Travel
TOILETRIES FOR HAWAII
Reefsafe Sunblock - Save the reef! Buy reef safe! I noticed the Sheraton Maui had dispensers around the resort - check with your hotel ahead of time or bring your own!
Aloe Vera - I don’t know about you, but I always miss a spot.
Basics - Shampoo, Conditioner, Shower Gel (if you prefer your own, most hotels have these)
Deodorant
First Aid - I pack a few bandaids, Neosporin, aspirin… just in case!
Manicure Set - Manicure scissors (small TSA friendly ones), Nail clipper, tweezers, small nail file
Makeup! - I forgot my makeup bag once. It wasn’t pretty.
Hairbrush and Comb
Hairspray/Gel
Hair ties and Bobby pins - don’t forget, it gets windy on the beach!
Curling Iron or Flat Iron - Beachy waves are cool too!
Feminine Products
Maui Hawaii Beach
ELECTRONICS FOR HAWAII
GoPro - Get those adventure shots while swimming, snorkeling, zip-lining, surfing, waterfall hiking, or parasailing
Camera - We love our DSLR for a higher quality shot
iPad - load it up with shows and movies for the plane before you go and refresh the apps the day before you leave Hawaii as some downloads won’t work after 24 hours.
Mobile Phone - I mean I can’t go 10 minutes without mine. I also bring an old iPhone in a waterproof case for snorkeling and swimming!
Headphones/Airpods - don’t forget the little jack for Apple devices if you don’t use bluetooth
External battery - keep your electronics charged! We like the Mophie brand with built-in cables so you aren’t searching for them.
Cables - don’t forget your charging cables for your phone, headphones, tablet, watch…
See more plane tips here: Flying in 2019: Tips and Trick for the Airport and Airplane
Dive the Cathedral
Snorkel with Turtles
SCUBA DIVERS OR SNORKELERS PACKING LIST
We bring our own fins and masks so we can not only scuba dive but also snorkel whenever! Pro tip - buy a set and carry them on in a mesh bag!
Masks - I’ve tried so many masks and the Cressi Pano 3 is my personal favorite. At a budget-friendly price, it has one big window, fits well, and does not leak!
Fins
Baby Shampoo - use as defogging for the mask!
Rash Guards! Great for protecting your skin in the water! We forgot ours one year, so we bought new ones at our favorite store in Hawaii, Honolua Surf Shop
Dive Book and PADI/Dive Certification - for divers
Diver Essentials - Dive Watch, BCD, Wetsuit, etc. We usually make sure the dive shop has the basic package.
Scuba Mesh Bag to carry all of the above! We carry this mesh bag on the plane with our gear.
Want a FREE printable/downloadable list with everything in this post? Click here: Packing Essentials for Hawaii
CARRY-ON LUGGAGE RECOMMENDATION
Would you believe me if I said I fit everything on my list for a 4-5 day trip in a carry-on and personal bag? We have the best carry-on that is spacious and seriously compacts all of our clothes - Travel Pro. Most pilots and plane attendants carry this Travel Pro model as well. Although I love the ease of steering my suitcase with 4 wheels, having 2 wheels you get an extra couple of inches!
What NOT to Pack for Hawaii
Skip these items to pack lighter and enjoy Hawaii’s relaxed island lifestyle:
Heavy jackets or bulky layers – Hawaii is warm year-round; a light sweater is enough for evenings. ONLY pack these if you are going to a higher elevation early in the morning or late at night.
High heels or dressy shoes – Most places are casual; sandals and sneakers are best.
Too many outfits – You’ll live in swimsuits, shorts, and casual dresses.
Full-size toiletries – Easily available at Target, Walmart, and local stores.
Non-reef-safe sunscreen – Hawaii restricts certain chemicals to protect coral reefs.
Expensive jewelry – Swimming and beach days increase the risk of loss.
Hair styling tools – Humidity and beach days make them unnecessary.
Large beach gear – Chairs, umbrellas, and snorkel gear are often provided or rentable.
Pro tip: If you won’t use it more than once, leave it at home.
Doing my dance in my Hawaiian Lilly Pulitzer dress with a mai tai at the Grand Wailea.
FREEBIES AND DISCOUNTS! Free Hawaii Packing Essentials Printable Checklist Download
Want a FREE printable/downloadable list with everything in this post? Click here: Packing Essentials for Hawaii or see our list of things to buy straight from Amazon: Hawaii Packing Essentials
Find the best rate to visit paradise by booking your room through Booking.com Not only will you find the best rate out there but by clicking this link and booking a night, I receive a commission at no additional cost to you! PLEASE support our blog and bookmark this link! :-) Thanks!
Hawaii Packing Checklist FAQs
What should you definitely pack for Hawaii?
Pack lightweight clothing, swimsuits, sandals, comfortable walking shoes, reef-safe sunscreen, a reusable water bottle, and a light jacket for evenings or higher elevations.
What should you NOT pack for Hawaii?
Avoid heavy jackets, high heels, too many outfits, non-reef-safe sunscreen, bulky beach gear, and full-size toiletries. Hawaii’s climate and casual style make most of these unnecessary.
Do you need a jacket in Hawaii?
Usually no. A light sweater or windbreaker is enough for cooler evenings or breezy areas. The only exception is visiting higher elevations like Haleakalā or Mauna Kea.
Can you buy essentials in Hawaii instead of packing them?
Yes. Stores like Target, Walmart, CVS, and local markets are widely available, making it easy to buy sunscreen, toiletries, and beach items after you arrive.
Is reef-safe sunscreen required in Hawaii?
Yes. Hawaii restricts sunscreens containing oxybenzone and octinoxate to help protect coral reefs. Always bring or buy reef-safe sunscreen.
What shoes are best to pack for Hawaii?
Sandals, flip-flops, and comfortable walking shoes are ideal. Most travelers don’t need dress shoes or heels due to Hawaii’s relaxed dress code.
How many outfits should I pack for Hawaii?
Fewer than you think. Plan to rewear casual outfits and focus on swimsuits, cover-ups, and breathable clothing rather than packing a new outfit for each day.
Do hotels in Hawaii provide beach gear?
Many hotels and resorts provide beach towels, chairs, umbrellas, and sometimes snorkel gear. Check your hotel amenities before packing large items.
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Give Yourself a Mental Boost with a TLC-Oriented Getaway
Could you use a little pampering? When life is weighing down on you, it can really take a toll, especially after the last year that’s left many of us in a rut. A self-care-focused getaway is a great opportunity to give yourself the boost you’re craving. Our friends at Soulful Travel have put together some great reasons why you need to plan your next getaway!
Image via Unsplash
Give Yourself a Mental Boost with a TLC-Oriented Getaway
Could you use a little pampering? When life is weighing down on you, it can really take a toll, especially after the last year that’s left many of us in a rut. A self-care-focused getaway is a great opportunity to give yourself the boost you’re craving. Our friends at Soulful Travel have put together some great reasons why you need to plan your next getaway!
Why It’s Important and Not Indulgent
You might feel like taking a little getaway for yourself is a bit over the top, especially if your intention is to pamper yourself a bit. However, if you’re feeling stressed by life’s happenings, a trip can be a practical component of a balanced self-care plan.
As PsychCentral explains, self-care is an action you deliberately take that promotes your quality of life. It’s those things you do that keep you physically, emotionally, and mentally well. For instance, daily grooming and exercise count as important aspects of self-care.
You might feel like a getaway is particularly indulgent, but traveling is a great way to promote mental well-being. In fact, it’s a perfect way to refresh your perspective, reduce stress, and give your confidence a shot in the arm.
Health-Focused Road Trip
One of the best ways to travel these days is road tripping, especially when self-care is a priority. As the Sacramento Bee points out, a road trip offers you freedom and flexibility, as you can choose your direction, stops, and side trips on a lark. By using your own vehicle, you have the ease and comfort of familiar surroundings, and you can use apps for navigating and exploring. You might find it best to plan your itinerary loosely, then let your whims fill in the gaps!
Another advantage of road trips is the option of packing your own healthy snacks. For savory goodness, there is single-serve hummus with whole-grain pita, or if a sweet-and-salty combo is your thing, think vanilla-flavored cashews. And if you simply must hit a fast-food spot, there are healthy options there as well, like veggie burgers and tuna salad subs.
Pack for Pampering
Since your objective is a self-care getaway, another advantage in road tripping is the ability to pack more than you would for air travel. Take advantage of your elbow room, and bring along some extra goodies to enjoy.
For instance, you can plan a DIY spa evening right in your room, complete with a pedicure, deep conditioning treatment, facial, and styling to soothe your soul. Before you hit the road, you might snag some treats like new polish colors and a hair straightener to play with.
Also, consider the activities you have planned and give yourself something new to look forward to. If you’re heading to trails, for instance, invest in an insulated bottle to stay refreshed and some socks to keep your feet comfortable. Think about things that will support your self-care efforts, and invest in a little something that makes the trip all the more special.
What Not to Pack
Do you have a habit of taking work home with you? If you happen to be a manager, there is a good chance you do. There is also a good chance that your work is a serious source of stress. What’s more, while you might try to keep it all bottled up, that stress tends to trickle down to those you lead. Happily, taking a vacation is the most effective way for those in a management position to reduce their stress levels. The key, of course, is to make those days real vacation days. For the sake of your mental health, make sure you leave your laptop, paperwork, and other work paraphernalia behind when you pack your bags for your vacay.
If it’s time to give yourself a little TLC, consider a getaway. Road trip in a health-focused manner, pack and plan for self-care, and aim for a quiet, cozy retreat into nature. It might sound like an indulgence, but it can be essential to your overall well-being and living a healthier lifestyle overall.
More travel inspiration:
Do You NEED Travel Insurance?
For the crazy and unprecedented events of 2020, travel insurance might be more important now more than ever for future trips! Make sure you’re protected for delays, illness, lost luggage, and even natural disasters. How do you get travel insurance? How does travel insurance work? How much does travel insurance cost? See our post for more!
For the crazy and unprecedented events of 2020, travel insurance might be more important now more than ever for future trips! Make sure you’re protected for delays, illness, lost luggage, and even natural disasters—the best travel insurance can soften the impact of unforeseen events.
How do you get travel insurance? How does travel insurance work? How much does travel insurance cost? ALL great questions that can be answered in this ultimate Travel Insurance Guide from Consumer’s Advocate.
PRO TIP: We typically book travel on our credit cards that offer travel insurance, just make sure you read the fine print!
You never know who’s watching you. Look out for pickpockets! ;-)
5 Interesting Facts About Travel Insurance
Buzzkills - Standard in most travel insurance policies is a drug and alcohol exclusion that won’t payout if you’re intoxicated. So… don’t get hurt after that mai tai in the fun tiki glass with the tiny umbrella.
How much does travel insurance cost? It depends on what type of coverage you end up getting. Typically costs range about 4-10% of the trip price. However, premium coverage or Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) policies can be a bit more expensive. But if you can cancel a $3000 trip for $100, isn’t that worth it?
Event Cancellations - Allows for the cancellation of the trip if the specific reason for the trip--an event such as a concert or festival--is canceled.
Medical Coverage - If you are injured on your trip, some policies will fly a relative to take care of you or even emergency transport to your hospital of choice around the world. However, if you are being adventurous, check out extreme sports (bull riding, cave diving, and mixed martial arts) in the Explorer Plan vs Standard Plan activities (kite surfing, ice hockey) coverage here.
Loopholes--as they’re commonly understood--do not exist in insurance policies. While coverage can be denied for a number of reasons (drug or excessive alcohol use, for instance), those reasons are clearly laid out in the policy contract.
Zip-lining in Maui, Hawaii
5 Different Types of Travel Insurance Coverage
Basic cancellation coverage: Covers you for pre-paid, non-refundable expenses under a fixed set of circumstances outlined in your policy. You can make a claim when have to cancel a trip due to:
A health emergency or illness, for example. Depending on the policy you choose, you may also be able to make a claim
If you’re laid off from work or you’re called for jury duty (depending on the policy chosen).
If your travel provider has to cancel your trip due to a natural disaster in the destination city.
Trip delay insurance: You’ll be reimbursed for any expenses you incur as a result of your trip being delayed
Usually included with cancellation coverage.
Meals, hotel charges, and taxi fees are among the expenses covered.
Short departure delays are not covered; policies set a minimum number of hours for covered delays.
Trip interruption coverage: protects you in the event you have to return home due to an emergency once you’ve already started your trip.
It will likely pay for the cost of getting you home and getting you back to your destination once you’re able to travel again.
Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR): Offers the fullest coverage but may only make sense for you if your calendar is subject to change at a moment’s notice.
Specialized Event Coverage: covers special events for most cancellations (i.e. outdoor game gets rained out)
Have high-value items (phone, laptop, camera, etc.)? Make sure your items are within the limits of your policy; and if not, consider increasing your policy coverage!
So do you NEED travel insurance? Probably a good idea if you’re planning in 2020!
Please note this is not a sponsored post and based on my own personal experience, all thoughts are my own.
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Do You NEED Travel Insurance?
Check out the latest and greatest:
10 Travel Bloggers & Influencers you should be following on Instagram 2021
Looking for travel bloggers or influencers to follow that have vibrant colors to brighten up your feed? See 10 unique female travel Instagram accounts you should be following in this post! CAUTION: these accounts inspire wanderlust, getting a new wardrobe, and may make you drool over desserts. You have been warned! ;-)
I tried a few of those follow for follow groups and now I have a bunch of people I don’t know on my feed! I was looking for those amazing accounts with phenomenal travel photos to help add places to my bucket list. I lean towards accounts with bright colors, with influencers wearing clothes that I want in my wardrobe! That’s the point of being an influencer, right? I’ll give them some fun superlatives too!
@spiritedpursuit
Followers: 226k
Lee Litumbe started her lifestyle travel blog, Spirited Pursuit, which is filled with guides and information on travel as well as creating content. She’ll teach you her secrets to influencer success!
Follow @Spiritedpursuit to find her on a giant swing in Bali or swimming with turtles in Tanzania!
Superlative: Most Authentic!
@TheBlondeAbroad
Followers: 557k
Kiki is a beautiful blonde who travels the world managing to find fabulous seaside scapes! She left her corporate job for a life of travel and now has a successful travel blog with travel tips, or even advice on how to be a travel blogger.
Follow @TheBlondeAbroad for far off places and her pup, @goodbaileyboy!
Superlative: Most Popular!
@thesweetwanderlust
Followers: 13.2k
Brittany is my spirit animal! Her wanderlust is inspiring and her desserts are drool-worthy! Her captions are hilarious and have the best puns!
Follow @thesweetwanderlust for pops of color and sweet treats in your feed!
Superlative: The Sweetest!
@ticija
Followers: 69k
“That Ginger in a Dress” is her motto and she has a knack for finding the most colorful places in London!
Follow @ticija for her red hair, gorgeous floral dresses, and bright spots in London - It was so gloomy when I went!
Superlative: Best dressed!
@TravelwithKwen
Followers: 11.8k
Kwen travels the world, but we share the same love for Disney Parks! Most of her destinations are tropical and warm!
Follow @travelwithkwen for dreamy vacations and for a Disney geek out here and there!
Superlative: Most likely to be found with Mickey
@walltraveled
Followers: 36K+
This is a collection of travelers against - you guessed it - WALLS! Beautiful creative, colorful, street art walls can be seen from around the world on this feed.
Superlative: Best Sense of Street Art
@icecreamsaroundtheworld_
Followers: 4400
I post ice cream almost every third post, but you can find ice cream from around the world in almost every single post! Sharing is caring, you might even have a chance to be featured using the hashtag #IceCreamAroundTheWorld.
Superlative: Most Likely to have Ice Cream
@splendid_rags
HOLY BRIGHT COLORS, BATMAN! Leslie only posts the most vibrant backdrops and outfits from around the globe!
Superlative: Most likely to wear bright colors!
@thecarryonchronicles
Followers: 13.4k
I LOVE Elena’s beautiful dresses and photos! Her preset is beautiful and the pops of color add instant joy to my feed! Her bio literally sums up her feed: Endlessly in search of storybook villages & fairytale moments
Superlative: Most like to find Prince Charming
@emilyincolors
Followers: 10.8k
Emily is always traveling fabulous places and finding great eats! She has gorgeous clothes and an amazing appetite, sharing just the right amount of sweets! How do you stay so tiny!?
Superlative: Most likely to be a foodie!
I have a lot to live up to following these ladies! I hope my posts bring light and color into your feed!
Follow us @thesweetestescapes:
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Looking for the best restaurants and places to eat in Maui, Hawaii? Check out our favorite Restaurants in Maui from Lahaina to Wailea! | Where to go in Maui | Where to eat in Maui | Food in Maui