27 Top Hawaii Packing List Items for 2025 + What to Wear & NOT to Bring

What to Pack for Hawaii – 27 Essentials

• 1. Universal Waterproof Phone Case

  This case is a MUST if you want to bring your phone to the beach, on boats, hiking near waterfalls, or anywhere it can get wet, fall into the water, or get damaged by sand. Unfortunately, my last iPhone fell prey to a North Shore king tide and it killed my speakers. This case protects your phone while giving you the ability to take underwater photos and videos (with sound)! Which is a wonderful thing when you want to capture your snorkeling kiddo seeing a turtle for the first time. And the best part? It’s actually designed in Hawaii by a woman-owned company. Talk about coming full circle!

  View on Amazon.com ➜

• 2. Flotation Strap

  If you’re going to bring your waterproof phone case or underwater camera out on a boat, while snorkeling, near a waterfall, or while paddle boarding etc. then you have to have this flotation strap so that it’ll float if you drop it! Simply attach the little string to your waterproof phone case and never worry about losing your phone to the bottom of the sea.

  View on Amazon.com ➜

• 3. Quick-Dry Travel Towel

  Have you ever felt like a pack mule trying to get all your gear from the hotel to the beach? Trying to fit multiple fluffy towels into a beach bag is nearly impossible, and lugging heavy, sandy, wet towels around after a day at your favorite Hawaiian beach can be a hot mess. Microfiber travel towels are compact, lightweight, and quick-drying while still being large enough to sunbathe on. They are an ideal way to streamline your travel bag and keep you feeling as light as possible.

  View on Amazon.com ➜

• 4. Affordable Underwater Camera

  With the turquoise beaches, incredible marine life, luscious rainforests, and waterfalls – there are plenty of gorgeous things to take pictures and videos of in Hawaii. But all of these scenic activities require a waterproof camera, which is why we recommend this little beauty! If you want to take better quality video than with a smartphone (and don’t want a more expensive GoPro), then this is a perfect camera for not breaking the bank.

  View on Amazon.com ➜

• 5. Travel Insurance for Hawaii

  Don’t rely on your domestic plan – most providers do not cover Hawaii for emergency medical services, even if you are a U.S. citizen. It is one of the only states excluded from domestic coverage by many providers, and is also a very expensive state to pay out-of-pocket. For this reason, Hawaii travel insurance is a non-negotiable.

  You’ll have sincere peace of mind knowing that you’re covered against accidents, medical emergencies, trip interruptions, baggage loss or delays, flight delays, theft, and other common travel issues. Another unfortunate truth is in some parts of Hawaii, thieves regularly target tourist rental cars parked at popular attractions such as waterfalls and beaches.

  We use Faye because they cover all of this and more, making the claims process a breeze! Their app lets you handle everything right from your phone, so you don’t have to stress over endless amounts of paperwork, and getting reimbursed is easier than ever before. It’s been a total game-changer for us. We’ll use them for life!

  Get a quote in less than 60 seconds with Faye ➜

• 6. Swimsuit Cover-up

  Swimsuit cover-ups are essential in Hawaii. You can go for a swim, throw it over your suit, and then casually head to lunch or the shops without much thought. This one pictured is the one that I personally use and I get tons of compliments! It’s attractive on all body types, the lightweight fabric dries quickly and is breathable — plus it takes up very little room in your suitcase and comes in several colors. Very mermaid boho chic!

  View on Amazon.com ➜

• 7. Cooling Towels

  This cooling towel is of our favorite – whether sunbathing, hiking through the rainforests, or just enjoying one of Hawaii’s many outdoor shopping experiences, these puppies remain 20-30 degrees cooler than the air temperature and keep cool for up to 60 minutes. This one has no chemicals but is crazy effective: wrap the cooling towel around your shoulders, head, and neck you will feel instant relief. If the cooling vibes start to run out, dip the towel in some water, wring it out, and BOOM! Ready to go for round two. For anyone who gets crabby when overheated or just plain uncomfortable, this towel is for you.

  View on Amazon.com ➜

• 8. Hanging Toiletry Bag

  A hanging toiletry bag is the motherload of all travel accessories. If you’ve never heard of this, prepare to be delighted because this item will elevate the way you travel. This one by Eco Sun is designed right here in Hawaii by a sustainable brand supporting a larger mission. It makes unpacking and repacking a piece of cake since you can leave everything organized in the leakproof compartments. We haven’t had to deal with annoying bottle explosions in our suitcases or clothes getting ruined due to liquid leaks.

  You wouldn’t believe the space, with 4 internal pockets to hold all skincare, haircare, dental products, makeup, etc., and 3 external compartments for small items like floss, medicine, and jewelry. It is an absolute FIND and once trying it, you will never return to a hanging toiletry bagless life!

  View on Amazon.com ➜

• 9. Mesh Slip-On Water Shoes

  From waterfalls to coastlines to volcanos – we highly recommend these lightweight, mesh water shoes. Hiking in Hawaii is beautiful, but the terrain varies wildly (some beaches have sharp lava rocks and can be hard on the feet, while others cover steep muddy trails). Don’t lug around heavy hiking boots that are impractical for Hawaii, they will end up soggy. This pair is breathable (meaning your feet won’t get too hot and sweaty), plus the “water grain” sole provides exceptional traction in wet and slippery conditions. They’re also super easy to clean and come in multiple colors.

  View on Amazon.com ➜

• 10. Virtual Private Network (VPN)

  Hawaii ranks #1 in the nation for cybersecurity attacks (with rates growing faster than any other state), according to Security.org. Trust us, the last thing you want to do is risk a cyberattack while on vacation. I learned this the hard way when I had my credit card number stolen after using (what I thought) was a secure Wi-Fi network at an Airbnb rental. Whenever you go on someone else’s Wi-Fi – whether at a cafe, airport, Airbnb, or hotel – you’re potentially putting your passwords, credit card, and identity at risk of being hacked.

  Also, you do not want the eyes of your ISP, government officials, cyber thieves, or even nosy neighbors peering at your online activity. The good news is that with a VPN like NordVPN, you protect yourself on any device with 1-click. Another benefit of having a VPN is that if you ever travel somewhere that censors the Internet, you’ll still be able to access all your favorite websites, like YouTube, Netflix, and Hulu. I highly recommend you check it out before your next travels to guarantee the safety of your sensitive data, anonymity, and a secure connection.

  View NordVPN.com Options ➜

• 11. Neck Wallet

  Unfortunately, Honolulu and especially Waikiki are pickpocket hotspots. For this reason, we highly recommend you use a quality neck wallet while going through airports and walking through crowded touristy areas. This clever little pouch safely holds phones, credit cards, passports, cash, and travel docs, allowing you to be hands-free. Hawaii is also in the middle of the Pacific Ocean so you will likely still feel jet-lagged after a long journey (especially if you’re coming from the east coast). It’s handy to have all your valuables in one secure place so that you don’t lose them when you’re exhausted.

  View on Amazon.com ➜

• 12. Leave-in Hair Conditioner

  Maybe she’s born with it, maybe she’s revitalizing her hair with this anti-frizz detangler! Lots of time in the sun and salt water may be the staple of a Hawaii vacation, but it can wreak havoc on your hair. Yes, mermaid hair is a given, but with leave-in conditioner you can protect your curls from the elements and prevent overdrying.

  View on Amazon.com ➜

• 13. Luggage Straps

  I talked to a friend in TSA who mentioned that at least once a day, he sees a half-open suitcase coming down the conveyor belt with a person’s items falling out of it – simply because they overpacked. Zippers are not made to withstand immense force or the (sometimes brutal) handling methods used by baggage staff during transit.

  Luggage straps add an additional layer of security by taking the brunt of pressurized weight (these can withstand 700+ lbs of force tension). They are adaptable for small, medium, and large suitcases, as well as carry-ons, even allowing you to tie multiple bags together for easy navigation through the airport. We love the bright color options for easy identification at baggage claim, and in the unfortunate event that you lose your bag, you’ll be thankful for the built-in ID card with all of your contact info.

  View on Amazon.com ➜

• 14. Tickets to Top Hawaii Attractions

  Hula dance and feast at a Maui bonfire luau, zipline through the Oahu jungle, do a foodie tour, or soar over Hilo’s Volcano National Park on a helicopter tour. Or all of the above! Your trip is only as good as what you do, so make the most of your time in paradise.

  We had a wonderful family experience recently on Calypso’s Snorkeling Tour to Molokini and “Turtle Town” on Maui.

  Get Your Guide is our favorite resource for affordable and well-planned excursions that really resonate with the entire family. Create personalized itineraries and discover the best experiences in Hawaii while comparing verified reviewers so you don’t wind up trapped in a disappointing attraction! You often also receive a discount by booking in advance.

  See all Hawaii attractions at GetYourGuide.com ➜

• 15. Deet-Free Mosquito Wristbands

  Hawaii is a prime target of blood-sucking mosquitos and these thirsty vampires are not to be underestimated. They breed in standing water, making them heavily abundant in the moist areas of the rainforest and some drier areas too. Pack these natural bug-repellant bracelets that are made with plant-based essential oils (citronella, lemongrass, and geraniol). They’re safe for children and one size fits all. Wear them around your wrists and ankles to minimize any chance of getting chewed up – your future self will thank you!

  View on Amazon.com ➜

• 16. Packing Cubes

  While you wander the intricate beauty of the Hawaiian islands, elevate your entire experience with these packing cubes. These premium luggage organizers allow you to compress your items to fit more and pack creatively. You can also bring some with you on a daytime excursion and have an elegant solution for remaining on-the-go. Throw sandy and wet clothes in one, fresh clothes in another, and now you don’t have to stop to change before dinner. You’ll locate things in your suitcase with considerably more ease and it comes with two laundry bags that separate dirty and clean clothes. Once you try packing cubes, you’ll never go back to a discombobulated suitcase ever again.

  View on Amazon.com ➜

• 17. Waterproof Dry Bag

  Before I knew about dry bags, I got my backpack soaked on a day trip to Molokai because the boat got splashed by the waves and drenched the deck. This one from Earth Pak is our top pick because it’s inexpensive, cleans easily and most importantly, it works! We’ve dropped ours in water and even submerged it without any belongings getting wet. I recommend it whether you’re heading to the beach, going on a day trip on a boat, hiking through majestic waterfalls, or planning to do extensive water-based excursions.

  View on Amazon.com ➜

• 18. Windproof Travel Umbrella

  Many of the most beautiful parts of Hawaii see rain 165+ days a year. This is especially true on “The Road to Hana,” parts of Kauai, and Hilo which is the rainiest city in the entire U.S.! It can also be very breezy, so you may need to battle many elements simultaneously. Don’t ruin your day by getting caught in a blustery downpour. We love this windproof travel umbrella because it’s well-made, lightweight, portable, and has never failed us. (If it ever did, it comes with a lifetime replacement guarantee). Uhm… the last umbrella I ever need to buy? Yes, please.

  View on Amazon.com ➜

• 19. Long-sleeved Swim Rash Guard

  The sun in Hawaii is surprisingly strong even in the winter, and “rashies” are popular amongst locals. If you are fair-skinned (like my hubby!) or this is your first time in the sun for a while, you will be glad to know this swimsuit top has UPF sun protection of 50+. I have olive-toned skin and still wear mine religiously, especially when paddle boarding. The sun is the most common cause of skin cancer (not to mention premature wrinkles), and overexposure to UV radiation is easily preventable. Look hawt while protecting your skin, win-win.

  View on Amazon.com ➜

• 20. Sand-Resistant Beach Blanket

  Say goodbye to annoying sand and shake it off with this blanket that’s resistant to sand, water, and heat. Beach blankets are a bare necessity in Hawaii, but the wrong one will cause distress by weighing you down, getting moldy smelling, or simply not drying quickly enough. This fast-dry towel made from parachute material is breathable, folds into a compact pouch, and comes with 4 anchoring hooks so it won’t blow around in the breeze. This jumbo travel mat is ideal for picnics and holds groups of 4-7 people.

  View on Amazon.com ➜

• 21. Beach Bag

  Travel smarter with this 2-in-1 beach bag with an insulated cooler. It has enough room for everything you could need without being bulky – I bring all of the kids’ snacks, drinks, towels, change of clothes, diapers, etc., and love that I can fit everything I need in one bag (especially since it doubles as a mini-fridge!) Water-proof and sand-proof material allows you to easily clean it after a day at the beach and fold it up compactly in your luggage. Bonus points for the shoulder strap option which keeps you hands-free. Step up your island travel game and consolidate bags where you can.

  View on Amazon.com ➜

• 22. Natural Motion Sickness Patches (That work!)

  From the winding roads of Hana to undulating ferryboat rides – motion sickness patches are a must when traveling to an island destination. Recently, I had a long ride home and became very nauseous from the twists and turns up Mt. Haleakala from Hana. I recommend these to anyone with a fear of heights, carsickness, seasickness, or a sensitive stomach because they actually work. They’re 100% natural with no side effects, the real deal!

  Pro Tip: Waters around Hawaii can be rough any time of year but especially in the wintertime (November to April) on the Northshores. If you get seasick, it’s best to choose seafaring excursions on the calmer side of your island.

  View on Amazon.com ➜

• 23. Gorgeous Dress

  Inevitably, you’ll want to grab a cocktail or a nice dinner somewhere and a sundress won’t quite cut it. I recommend bringing at least one nice outfit on your trip. I love this dress (pictured) and personally own it. It doesn’t wrinkle, it’s easy to throw on after a long day at the beach, super sexy on all body types, and comes in a variety of colors. We’re going for – affordably chic while looking like a million bucks!

  View on Amazon.com ➜

• 24. Packable “Just in Case” Bag

  In case you want to bring a little aloha home with you, this “just in case” bag is a thoughtful treat. Save yourself carry-on fees with this compact travel bag that can count as a personal item bag that fits neatly under the seat of a plane. Made of water-resistant nylon, it’s a simple, durable, and multifunctional bag. It can be carried on top of your luggage or attached to the handle – great for souvenirs, new outfits, sarongs, prints, coffee, pineapples (yes, you can take them home), and more.

  View on Amazon.com ➜

• 25. Kids Full-Face Snorkel

  This anti-leak snorkel mask is an essential addition for families visiting the islands. While it may be easy enough to rent adult snorkels, it is more difficult to find a child’s snorkel mask that actually fits your little one’s face. We love this one because it feels safer to them without the nose or mouthpieces in the way and will not distort your child’s vision or lead to dizziness. Not to mention, they feel pretty cool in the cartoon shark design (available in 3 color options).

  View on Amazon.com ➜

• 26. Hangover Relief (Natural)

  After living here for many years, we’ve seen SO many tourists drinking TOO MANY Mai Tais on their travels and suffering the consequences the next day. Hawaii is too beautiful to lose your vacation days to painful headaches, sickness, and fatigue. It’s also important to note that the sunshine is fierce here and can amplify the impact of alcohol, leaving you especially drained and dehydrated. Counteract any aftereffects with Cheers Restore Supplement. Formed with milk thistle herb and B vitamins, it kickstarts your energy and repairs liver cells, which detox the alcohol from your system more quickly.

  View on Amazon.com ➜

• 27. Aloe Vera Gel

  Your time in Hawaii will be filled with sunshine and saltwater. While good for the soul, it can often take a red-raw blistering toll on your skin. Keep your sun-kissed skin happy by applying aloe vera gel after each day. This ultra-filtered, 100% cold-pressed aloe is effective for all skin types and soothes sunburns, scrapes, and eczema. Maintain that healthy island glow long after leaving Hawaii!

  View on Amazon.com ➜