By Christina Garcia

April 2, 2025

You’ve booked the flights, picked your island (or five), and dreamt up a week of sunsets, poke bowls, and waterfall hikes. But now comes the cruel reality: packing.

Don’t panic. You’re not prepping for Everest, you’re heading to paradise. So ditch the steamer trunk and roll with a carry-on if you can. Hawaii isn’t about high fashion—it’s about low-maintenance, salty-air, bare-feet kinda vibes.

🌴 The Golden Rule of Island Packing

Bring less. Like, way less than you think. You’ll wear the same outfit three days in a row and call it island style. Laundry exists. Resorts have shampoo. Let it go.

The Essentials (a.k.a. Don’t Even Think of Forgetting These)

Swimsuits – Plural. One will always be wet. And sandy. And inside out.

Cover-up/Sarong – For poolside lounging or pretending you’re dressed.

Flip-Flops (aka Slippahs) – You’ll wear them everywhere. Church included.

Sandals or Water Shoes – For exploring rocky beaches or slippery boat decks.

Hiking Shoes – If you plan to trek up a volcano or waterfall trail. Break them in before you go. Blisters are not aloha.

Water Socks – Ideal for hiking through streams and slippery river crossings. Think: jungle trail meets hidden waterfall.

Casual Clothes – Shorts, tanks, tees, a breezy dress or two. Hawai’i is chill. Even upscale dining rarely requires anything fancier than an Aloha shirt.

Light Jacket & Long Pants – For chillier evenings or if you’re heading up Haleakalā or Mauna Kea for sunrise. It gets cold. Like “regret your life choices” cold.

Rain Poncho or Lightweight Rain Jacket – Especially if you’re venturing into the rainforest. Bonus points if it fits in your backpack.

Reef-Safe Sunscreen – It’s the law, and more importantly, the right thing to do. Hawaii’s reefs don’t need your Oxybenzone.

Hat & Sunglasses – You’ll fry without them.

Water Bottle – Hydration is key. Bonus if it’s insulated.

Daypack or Small Backpack – For hikes, beach days, or stashing snacks like dried mango and chocolate-covered mac nuts.

Camera or Smartphone – Obviously. Just make sure your photos are backed up somewhere. Murphy’s Law lives in paradise too.

Bug Spray with DEET – Mosquitos don’t care that you’re on vacation.

Flashlight or Headlamp – For late beach strolls, lava tube exploring, or finding the bathroom at that off-grid Airbnb.

Medications/Contacts/Personal Essentials – You don’t want to be explaining your prescription to a Hawaiian pharmacist.

“Play Clothes” – Bring a few outfits you don’t mind getting muddy, salty, or totally wrecked. Some of the best adventures aren’t clean ones.

Optional but Awesome

Snorkel Gear – If you’re picky or want to save money on rentals.

Hiking Poles – For the trail-blazers and mountain goats among you.

GoPro or Waterproof Camera – Turtle selfies aren’t going to take themselves.

Portable Charger – Because Instagram sunsets drain your battery.

Moleskin – Your feet will thank you halfway through the Kalalau Trail.

A Touch of Fancy (But Keep It Chill)

Minimal Fancy Clothes – One or two casual-but-nicer outfits for luaus, sunset dinners, or beach weddings. Think breezy maxi dress, linen shirt, or stylish sandals—not your yoga pants or that college t-shirt with holes.

Things to Leave Behind

Heels and Over-the-Top Fashion – Unless you’re eloping at the Four Seasons.

Beach Towels – Most hotels and vacation rentals have them.

Full-size Toiletries – TSA will hate you. Also, ABC stores exist.

That Giant Suitcase – You’re going to end up carrying it over sand.

Travel Insurance: The Boring But Brilliant Tip

If anything does go sideways—delayed flights, twisted ankles, lost luggage—you’ll be glad you got travel insurance. It’s like sunscreen for your wallet.

Download the Printable Hawai’i Packing Checklist

Want the stress-free version? Grab the [PDF packing list here] and enjoy the satisfaction of checking boxes while dreaming of mai tais.

Last Thought Before You Zip That Bag

You’re not just packing a suitcase—you’re packing expectations, excitement, maybe even a little soul-searching. But the best things you’ll bring back from Hawai’i aren’t in your luggage. They’re in your memory, your camera roll, and that grin you won’t be able to wipe off for weeks.

So pack light, travel smart, and leave space for wonder—and a few macadamia nut chocolates.

Aloha.