What to Pack for Hawaii: 2025 Vacation Essentials & Local Tips

You’ve booked your flights, picked your island, and set your itinerary. Now comes the next big question: What should I pack for a trip to Hawaii? Whether you’re visiting Oʻahu’s vibrant beaches, hiking Maui’s trails, exploring the Big Island’s volcanoes, or soaking up Kauaʻi’s lush landscapes, packing smart can make your Hawaiian vacation more enjoyable and less stressful.

This 2025 guide not only walks you through the essentials to bring—but also highlights when it’s better to shop local and support Hawaiian businesses while traveling.

Hawaii Packing Essentials: What to Bring from Home

Hawaii’s climate is warm, breezy, and fairly consistent year-round, with temperatures averaging between 75°F and 85°F. You won’t need a heavy wardrobe, but being prepared for different activities—from beach lounging to rainforest hikes—means packing a thoughtful mix.

Clothing:

• Lightweight, breathable clothing: Think cotton and linen shirts, tank tops, shorts, sundresses, and skirts.

• Swimsuits: Bring at least two so one can dry while you use the other.

• Cover-ups: Perfect for going from beach to café.

• Light jacket or sweater: Essential for chilly evenings, higher elevations (like Haleakalā or Mauna Kea), or air-conditioned spaces.

• Rain jacket or poncho: Especially if visiting during winter months or heading to rain-prone Kauaʻi.

• Activewear: Include leggings, t-shirts, and quick-dry gear for hikes and adventures.

Footwear:

• Flip-flops/slippers (a.k.a. "rubbah slippahs"): A Hawaii essential for everyday wear.

• Water shoes or reef-safe sandals: Great for snorkeling, waterfall hikes, or lava rock beaches.

• Hiking shoes or trail runners: Necessary for trails like the Kalalau Trail (Kauaʻi) or Kīlauea Iki (Big Island).

Accessories:

• Sunhat or cap: Protect your face from strong UV rays.

• Sunglasses: Polarized lenses help reduce glare from ocean and sand.

• Reusable water bottle: Hawaii promotes eco-friendly travel, and many parks have water stations.

• Daypack or beach bag: Useful for excursions and keeping essentials organized.

Toiletries:

• Reef-safe sunscreen: Required by law in Hawaii. Avoid oxybenzone and octinoxate.

• Bug spray: Mosquitoes can be pesky in jungle or rural areas.

• Aloe or after-sun lotion: Just in case you overdo it on the beach.

• Basic medications: Bring motion sickness pills, antihistamines, and any personal prescriptions.

Don’t Overpack—You Can Shop Local

While it’s tempting to bring everything you might need, Hawaii has a wealth of locally owned shops, markets, and designers offering both necessities and unique pieces. Supporting local means you’ll not only travel lighter but also give back to the communities you visit.

What You Can Buy Once You’re There:

• Beachwear and swim gear: Skip packing six outfits and pick up an Aloha shirt, bikini, or pareo (sarong) from local brands like Manuhealiʻi, Sig Zane, Bikinibird, or Reyn Spooner.

• Sunscreen and toiletries: Pick up reef-safe brands made in Hawaii like Raw Love or Little Hands Hawaii.

• Slippers and beach accessories: Longs Drugs, ABC Stores, and Target all carry affordable gear, while boutiques in Waikīkī or Lahaina offer stylish alternatives.

• Souvenirs that serve as functional wear: Hand-dyed pareos, locally made jewelry, and woven hats are perfect travel keepsakes that you’ll use during your trip.

Pro Tip: Leave some space in your luggage for local finds—you’ll likely return home with new clothing, gifts, or even locally made skincare products.

Packing for Island Activities

Your Hawaii trip likely includes a mix of beach time, outdoor adventure, and casual dining or cultural experiences. Here’s what to consider by activity:

Beach Days:

• Quick-dry towel

• Rash guard (for sun protection while snorkeling)

• Snorkel gear (optional, but rentable almost anywhere)

• Waterproof phone pouch or dry bag - my personal favorites are from https://aloha-collection.com/

Hiking & Outdoor Adventures:

• Lightweight backpack

• Refillable hydration pack

• Trail snacks or energy bars

• Flashlight or headlamp (if hiking early or late)

• Layered clothing for altitude changes

Nights Out & Cultural Events:

• Aloha wear (men: collared aloha shirt; women: casual maxi or sundress)

• Casual sandals or closed-toe shoes for upscale restaurants

• Light sweater or shawl for breezy evenings

Travel Documents & Tech

• Valid ID (U.S. citizens don’t need a passport)

• Credit/debit cards (most places accept cards, but some food trucks and markets are cash only)

• Health insurance card and travel insurance info

• Phone charger, portable power bank, and optional waterproof case

• Printed or digital confirmations for flights, rental car, and lodging

Note: Many popular parks, like Hanauma Bay and Haleakalā, require advance reservations. Keep those handy.

What NOT to Pack for Hawaii

• Formalwear: Unless you’re attending a wedding, super fancy dinner, or event, tuxedos and heels are definitely overkill for the islands.

• Heavy jackets or boots: They’ll take up space and rarely be useful.

• Snorkel fins or beach chairs: Rent them locally or buy cheap ones and donate them when you leave!

• Too many outfits: Casual dress is the norm—many travelers re-wear outfits during their stay, or visit those local retailers and shops that offer Hawaii designs, patterns, or other aloha wear!

Sustainable & Respectful Packing Tips

• Bring a reusable tote or shopping bag for groceries or beach trips.

• Use biodegradable toiletry products to reduce impact on water systems.

• Choose reef-safe, mineral-based sunscreens (zinc oxide or titanium dioxide).

• Avoid single-use plastics whenever possible.

Respecting the land and culture is a key part of the Hawaiian experience. Packing with sustainability in mind is a simple but impactful way to travel pono—to do what is right and respectful.

Final Thoughts: Pack Light, Support Local, and Go With the Flow

Packing for Hawaii doesn’t have to be complicated. Focus on versatile, breathable clothing, essentials for beach and adventure days, and leave room to discover the unexpected—like a handcrafted pareo from a local market or a sun hat from a Maui boutique.

By packing smart and buying local where it makes sense, you’ll travel lighter and leave a bigger positive footprint on the islands. After all, the best souvenir you can take home is a connection to the people and places you visited.