Planning what to do for a Hawaii vacation is easy. Figuring out what to pack for Hawaii is hard. With unpredictable weather and unique beaches from Oahu to Big Island, figuring out what to bring can be overwhelming.
A detailed list makes packing easier, and we have that list for you. Let’s go through this packing list for Hawaii and learn travel tips for an easier and more fulfilling trip to Hawaii.
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1) Light Clothes Fitting For Luaus And Beaches
Resort wear fits with both evening and casual wear, depending on where you go, like Hawaii’s beautiful beaches or joining us for our Ka Moana Luau tour. Discover the small differences between them.
Resort evening wear is for special occasions, usually paired with:
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Dressier shorts
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Nice tops
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Nice jeans
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Elegant sandals (not flip-flops)
What’s more special than a luau with dances and a buffet?
Casual wear is all about comfort. At the beach, you want relaxing, loose clothes:
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Shorts
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Flip flops
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T-shirts
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Swimsuit coverups
Get ready to embrace the rich culture and traditions of Hawaii with style and flair. Visit our website here for more information and start planning your wardrobe for this unforgettable Polynesian luau!
2) Keep Yourself Dry With A Light Rain Jacket
A rain jacket may sound like an odd thing to add to your Hawaii packing list, but Hawaii did not gain its tropical paradise title by staying dry.
Manoa Valley rains almost every day, but temperatures are mild, so you must find a light rain jacket, balancing between protection and breathability.
Hard shell protects from heavy rains with its thickness. Its stiffness can hinder movement, which is important in certain hikes. With hard shells, make sure it’s not insulated so you don’t overheat.
Soft shell is more flexible and easier to put away, but it offers less protection from rain and wind. Soft shells are preferable for light rain.
Hybrids have the best of both shells. It is waterproof and windproof, breathable, and flexible on the sides and sleeves. They hold the waterproof finishes in places where raindrops would fall.
Whichever rain jacket you choose, make sure it keeps you comfortable no matter where you go in Hawaii.
3) Hiking Shoes For Rocky Trails
The Hawaiian Islands offer many hiking options, from Akaka Falls’ 442-foot waterfall to Volcanoes National Park. The right hiking shoes are important in keeping you safe and comfortable.
Many Hawaiian trails have loose dirt and rocks, so traction is key. The thicker the tracks, the better the grip.
Some think hiking boots are the way to go for water and ankle protection, but they are a bit overboard for Hawaii and take a long time to break in. No one wants sores while walking around paradise.
The best shoes for Hawaii are trail running shoes. They are more flexible, have a shorter break-in period, and are multi-purpose for things like hiking, exercising, or strolling around Ala Moana Center.
4) Bug Spray For Tropical Bug Protection
Where there’s water, there are bugs, so bringing bug repellent to this tropical state is essential. Here are some travel tips when dealing with bug protection.
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Pack it in your checked bag; they are not allowed in carry-on
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Aim for your skin and clothes. Then spray your hands and rub them on your face
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Don’t wear bright colors like white, yellow, or orange
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Wear rainforest colors instead, and you’ll be cooler and unbothered
If you are going to be outside for a while, pack a highly concentrated spray. The higher the concentration, the longer it lasts. The safest top percentage, 30%, gives 5 hours of protection.
Such a small thing can make a difference between basking in Hawaii’s natural beauty and swatting away mosquitoes.
5) Quench Your Thirst In A Portable Water Bottle
Hydration is important, especially if you’re doing physical activities like swimming and hiking, so a water bottle is necessary. A collapsible bottle’s accordion design is easier to travel with and put away.
It is designed to save more space by collapsing on itself like an accordion. They come in various sizes, from 8 oz. to 20 oz. 20 oz. will hold more water but can be flimsy and difficult to handle. The 8 oz. are smaller but can flatten and fit in your pockets.
6) Snorkeling Gear For Our North Shore Snorkeling Tour
Ready to explore the stunning North Shore of Hawaii? Our tour takes you to incredible snorkeling spots where you can swim alongside green sea turtles, colorful fish, and vibrant coral reefs. To make your experience even better, why not bring your own snorkel gear?
The basic snorkeling gear includes:
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Snorkels
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Eye mask
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Fins
Snug is the word, especially for masks and fins. If either one is loose, they may fall off or leak, and you can’t see the fish swimming by you.
A swimsuit should do well as a snorkeling outfit. For more protection, especially at Sandy Beach, you can wear these:
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Wetsuits
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Rash guards
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Mesh water shoes
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Snorkeling vests
Click here to read the full tour description and discover all the incredible places we have in store for you! Get ready for an unforgettable underwater adventure!
7) Underwater Camera To Capture Aquatic Wildlife
An underwater camera is a sure way to get spectacular photos to impress your loved ones. Whether you are a novice or a professional photographer, there is a camera for you.
Compact cameras are great for novice photographers. They are cheaper and simpler to operate. They have fewer options in lenses, giving less control over picture quality.
For better quality, interchangeable lens cameras are a great fit. More lenses mean more flexibility and pictures in one spot. You can take pictures of colorful tropical fish and their beautiful environment.
8) Reef Safe Sunscreen To Protect Your Skin
Since you will be in the water half the time, sunscreen is a must for a trip to Hawaii. But you must use reef-safe sunscreen.
Back in July 2018, Hawaii banned selling sunscreens containing oxybenzone and octinoxate because of coral bleaching. Some beaches and coves like Shark’s Cove are well-known for their coral life, so let’s keep you and them stress-free.
To check if a bottle is reef-safe, read the ingredients. If they don’t have oxybenzone and octinoxate, it is reef-safe.
9) Slip Into Water Shoes To Keep From Slipping
These slip-on shoes are great for any water-based environment, like beaches, trails, and waterfalls.
Mesh water shoes can resemble common footwear like sneakers or sandals, so they are neither an eye sore nor a foot sore. You can walk through the Pearl Harbor Museum, and then go straight to Waikiki Beach without changing!
They protect you from rocks or hot sand when you come out of the water. Their rubber soles make good traction, and their mesh material makes it easier to drain and dry.
Water shoes are great for activities like:
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Tubing
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Boating
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Fishing
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Swimming
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Hiking on muddy or wet trails
The last part is especially important for places like Green Sand Beach on the Big Island, with its 2-mile trail and rocky ledge. With its unique green sand and spinner dolphins, it should be worth it.
10) Stash Your Beach Essentials In A Beach Bag
Going to Hawaii, specifically, Oahu, means going on a beach vacation, and no object is more important than a beach bag. And it can carry more than just beach towels.
Straw bags may look cool, but they’re not strong enough against beach conditions and will not keep sand out. Cotton is light, durable, and so soft, it can be a makeshift pillow for when you’re lying on a beach towel like royalty in Queen’s Beach.
Large bags with pockets are recommended so you can throw anything in but you can keep small belongings and souvenirs safe in the pockets.
Here is a shortened list of essential things to pack:
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Beach towel
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Sunscreen
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Sun hat
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Reading material
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Sandcastle-making toys (for the kids)
This simple bag is a crucial item on your list of what to pack for Oahu and other Hawaiian Islands.
11) Organize All Your Things With Packing Cubes
With all your things and this packing list for Hawaii, packing squares are a perfect tool to keep your belongings organized.
The fabric cubes are rectangular fabric pouches used to arrange luggage contents. They help with:
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Preventing creases
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Organization
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Saving space
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Versatility
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Cleanliness
Their waterproof/water-resistant materials will work perfectly for North Shore or Waikiki. You can put a cube in your bag at the beach for extra protection!
Take This Ultimate Hawaii Packing List With You For Your Dream Vacation!
We want to make sure your trip is as satisfying and organized as possible, so we’ve put together a comprehensive list of what to pack. With our help, you can experience the best of Hawaii with little worries.
By the time you leave for Hawaii, you’ll be fully prepared for an unforgettable adventure! Don’t forget to check out our main website to explore all the amazing sights we offer.
