What to Pack for Hawaii
The short list that matters, by island, season and activity.
Plan My Hawaii TripWhat to Pack for Hawaii, Without Overpacking
Most people pack too much for Hawaii. The islands are warm, casual and well stocked, so the question of what to pack for Hawaii really comes down to a short list of things that are hard to replace or that keep you comfortable outside the beach: sun protection that follows local law, rain gear, shoes for trails, a warm layer for the mountains and the documents and medicines you cannot buy on arrival.
Packing for Hawaii is a guide to exactly that. It covers a printable checklist, how the list changes by island and season, Hawaii’s sunscreen rules, gear for hikes and volcano visits, what you cannot bring in (or take home), carry-on versus checked bags, and a family version. For where to stay and what to do on each island, use our island guides; this site sticks to the suitcase.
Printable checklist
One page to print or save, grouped by category, with tick boxes.
By season & island
Winter showers, summer sun, cold summits and wet north shores.
Reef-safe sunscreen
State and county rules in plain words, and what to buy.
Hiking & volcano gear
Shoes, rain shells, headlamps and what lava fields demand.
What not to bring
Agriculture declarations, departure inspections and items to leave home.
Carry-on vs checked
A week in one carry-on, plus liquids and inter-island bags.
The Ten Things That Matter Most
- Mineral sunscreen with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, plus a hat and sunglasses.
- A swim shirt or rash guard — less sunscreen needed and better protection while snorkeling.
- A light, packable rain jacket for windward coasts and mountain trails.
- Closed-toe shoes with grip for muddy trails and sharp lava rock.
- Reef or water shoes for rocky entries.
- A warm layer if you will visit a summit or go out on a boat early.
- A reusable water bottle — you will drink more than you expect.
- Medicines and copies of prescriptions in your carry-on.
- ID and reservations, including any park entry or sunrise bookings.
- A small daypack for beach days and hikes.
What Hawaii Is Like to Dress For
Daytime at sea level is warm all year, and evenings are mild; the dress code almost everywhere is resort casual. A pair of light long trousers or a sundress covers nicer restaurants. Mornings on the water and evenings in the hills can feel cool in the wind, so one long-sleeved layer earns its place even on a beach holiday.
The big variable is altitude and the side of the island. Windward (northeast-facing) coasts get much more rain than leeward coasts, and summits such as Haleakala on Maui and Mauna Kea on Hawaii Island are cold. If your plans include those, read our season and island page and the hiking gear page. For the trip itself, My Hawaii Planner and Best in Hawaii cover islands, sights and reservations.
Packing Questions
What should I not forget to pack for Hawaii?
Mineral sunscreen (or buy it on arrival), a light rain jacket, closed-toe shoes for trails, a warm layer for mountain summits, a reusable water bottle, and any prescription medicines in your carry-on. Everything else is easy to buy on the islands.
Do I need warm clothes in Hawaii?
Only if you go up high. The coast is warm year round, but Haleakala on Maui and the summits of Hawaii Island are cold, especially before sunrise. One fleece and a windproof layer usually cover it.
Should I bring snorkel gear?
If you snorkel often, a mask that fits your face is worth the space. Otherwise rentals are easy to find on every major island, and many boat tours include gear.
Packing for Hawaii is part of the Smart Traveler network, led by Mister Cruise. He has sold travel since 1972 and worked full-time in the industry since 1977. He has sold or originated more than $500 million in cruises and has trained more than 500 travel agents.
Ask for a Hawaii trip quote and a travel specialist will plan the islands, hotels and timing with you personally — not a call center. Meet Mister Cruise →
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