Whether you’re spending a week or a couple weeks in Hawaii if you’re wondering what to pack for Hawaii read on for a suggested list and tips! This packing list for Hawaii is to help you achieve carry-on only status, but can also be used as a base list for those that like to pack more. Carry-on only gives you the peace of knowing your luggage is with you and the advantage of being able to get to the rental car offices before many of the other Hawaiian vacationers (which can end up saving you a lot of time). This Hawaii packing list should be good for two weeks in Hawaii.
What to Pack for Hawaii
Clothing Women
- 2-3 dresses
You can wear these for a nicer dinner or as a beach cover up - 3-4 lightweight tops
tank tops or t-shirts, pack for hiking/active adventures - 2-3 shorts
For hiking/active adventures - 1-2 long pants
It can get chilly at night and if you pan to go higher in altitude you’ll be glad you have them - 1 light weight jacket or hoodie
You can wear this on the plane to save space - 1 rain jacket
The sun can be shining one minute and then the skies open up the next - 2-3 bathing suits
Wear one, wash one, dry one. sometimes it can take longer than a day for 1 to dry so having three allows you to always put on a dry suit - 3 bras
1 nude, 1 black, 1 sports OR 1 nude, 2 sports - 4-5 pair of underwear
Plan on washing these throughout the week so you don’t have to pack so many pairs - 2-3 pairs of socks
For hiking
Clothing Men
- 1-2 polo or button down shirts For nicer dinner
- 4-5 lightweight tops For hiking/beach cover
- 2-3 shorts
For hiking/active adventures - 1-2 long pants It can get chilly at night and if you pan to go higher in altitude you’ll be glad you have them, make sure one pair is not jeans for a nice dinner
- 1 light weight jacket or hoodie You can wear this on the plane to save space
- 1 rain jacket The sun can be shining one minute and then the skies open up the next.
- 2-3 swim trunks Wear one, wash one, dry one. sometimes it can take longer than a day for 1 to dry so having three allows you to always put on a dry suit
- 4-5 pair of underwear Plan on washing these throughout the week so you don’t have to pack so many pairs
- 2-3 pairs of socks For hiking
Toiletries (travel size)
- Shampoo/Conditioner
- Deodorant
- Toothpaste/toothbrush
- Razor
- Comb/brush
- Prescriptions
- Hair ties/clips
- Sunscreen – at least SPF 30
- Motion Sick Meds
Tech Gear
- Chargers
- Phone/headphones
- Waterproof case for phone
- Underwater Camera
- Camera
- SD Cards
- Extra batteries
- Headlamp
Sun Protection
- Sunglasses
- Hat
- Sunscreen
- UV Protectant clothing
Shoes
- 1 pair of flip flops
- 1 pair of nice sandals or flats
If your flip flops aren’t ratty then you can usually get away with wearing them for nice dinners - 1 pair hiking boots/athletic shoes some activities require close toe shoes
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Tips for Packing
Plan outfits ahead of time
January is the coolest month and August is the hottest month so be sure to plan your outfits ahead of time. Pants or a long dress/skirt with a light jacket are good for the cooler nights.
Leave unnecessary items at home
Find out what items your accommodations provide. Some hotels include all toiletries, including toothpaste in your room. Ladies, if you can live with using the hotel blow dryer this will save you so much space.
Buy some items when you land
Buy sunscreen when you land. It is possible to buy enough travel size tubes to fit in one liquids carry-on bag, but if you need the toiletry space, save yourself the hassle and buy when you arrive.
Wear. Wash. Dry.
If you pack 2-3 of each item you will always have something to wear. Wear an item once or twice, wash and then hang dry. It can take longer than 24 hours for some cotton clothes to dry so synthetics are best, especially if you plan on hiking.
Keep some space available for souvenirs.
If you like to buy souvenirs on your trips, be sure to leave empty space to fit these items. We usually don’t buy anything large if we end up buying a souvenir so we haven’t run into issues with fitting items on our return.
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Hi! I’m Daina. I am an Underwater and Drone Photographer and Videography. I use visuals of the ocean as a spark to ignite the soul to create a connection with our natural environments. 
The motion sickness meds are such a good call. I’ve learned the hard way that prescription ones work much better than over the counter. Boat rides in Hawaii are so amazing – but not that great if you get sea sick.
Yes! We took prescription strength motion sickness meds when we did the night Manta Ray snorkel trip on the Big Island and it was a life saver. We split a tablet so Ryan started to feel a little woozy towards the end. But thank goodness we didn’t end up like some of our boat mates that were puking off the side on the way back. I felt so bad for them, the whole night was ruined for them.
Great tips, thank you. Although I have cut down my travel weight over the years, a list stops me from second guessing whether or not to pack that extra pair of shoes. My bag is always heavier on my return so starting underweight is my goal. This way I can avoid the self inflicted stress at the check in counter.
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I agree, lists are so helpful in cutting down on the unnecessary. That is such a great point about striving to be underweight so that the return trip is less stressful! Thanks for commenting!