Guide on what things to pack for Hawaii

Packing for Hawaii is more laid-back… You won’t need to worry about formal outfits, unless you have a wedding to attend! Follow along for all your Hawaiian trip essentials!

Carry-On Bag Essentials:

✓ Travel Documents - US citizens aren’t required to present their passport when flying to Hawaii (it’s a US state after all). You still need to bring a government-issued ID though (make sure it’s Real ID compliant). Same goes for cruises to Hawaii as long as the ship doesn’t sail beyond the state. Other travel documents such as flight tickets, itinerary and hotel bookings should also be in your carry-on bag! Take screenshots of everything so you have double copies on your phone.

✓ Chargers - Don’t forget your charger for each of your electronic devices! Keep them all organized in a clear packing cube.

✓ Medications - Use an extra small cube for storing and organizing your medications and first aid essentials. Keep prescription medicines in their original bottles to avoid being questioned by security!

✓ Earphones / Headphones - They don’t always give out free earphones during the flight so bring your own!

✓ Valuables - Your wallet, jewelry, keys and any other valuable items you can’t risk losing. Use this convenient travel jewelry roll to keep your favorite jewelry pieces safe and in place.

✓ Extra Change of Clothes - Bathing suit, hat and change of clothes… Be prepared in case your checked luggage gets lost!

✓ Toiletries - Bring a travel size toothpaste, toothbrush, face wash and moisturizer so you can freshen up while on the flight. Use a TSA approved clear toiletry bag to keep these organized and move through security quickly! 

✓ Neck Pillow - Opt for one that supports your head and neck fully while dozing off!

✓ Pen - In case you need to fill out forms during your trip.

Checked Bag Essentials:

Clothes

✓ Underwear / Bras / Socks - Pack 1 to 2 per day of your Hawaiian vacation. For the ladies, we recommend seamless underwear since you’ll be strutting skirts and sundresses. Pack 2 to 3 bras or sports bras if you plan on being more active. You can also bring a few socks (3 to 4 pairs) if you plan on hiking and wearing sneakers.

✓ Swimwear - Time for some fun in the sun! For the ladies, bring your favorite swimsuits. Men can sport comfy swim trunks or board shorts. Pack at least 2 bathing suits for each person.

✓ Rash Guard - Added protection for when you’re doing activities like surfing or snorkeling.

✓ Beach Coverup - Must have when lounging around or by the beach.

✓ Sundresses (for the ladies) - Preferably in cotton or rayon materials because the Hawaiian heat can be uncomfy. Maxi flowy dresses fit the Hawaiian climate well! Plus, you can dress them down or up depending on your shoes and jewelry!  

✓ Tank Tops / Shirts - Lightweight tank tops or shirts are good for sightseeing, day to day activities. Bring 4 to 5 shirts.

✓ Shorts - Pack 2 to 3 pairs of shorts for beach, pool or out in the town.

✓ Leggings - Pack 2 pairs of leggings for lounging around the hotel, working out in the gym (on vacation?!) or going hiking.

✓ Waterproof Light Jacket - Must have if you’re visiting Hawaii during the rainy season or you’re planning on some hiking. Make sure it’s hooded.

✓ Light Sweater - Additional item to pack if you’re planning on trekking at higher elevations.

✓ Activewear - A must have if you’re planning on doing outdoor activities during your trip. Pack some quick dry shirts and jogger or yoga pants (for women).

✓ Pajamas - Pack for warm and cold… Depending on the air conditioner and weather, you just never know!

Packing Cubes / Organization

Organization, categories, color coding… Love the sound of these?

✓ Make sure you get yourself (and the family) each a set of EzPacking Clear Packing Cubes to organize their clothes, toiletries and shoes.  

✓ Laundry Bags - Keep clean away from dirty with these easy drawstring turquoise laundry bags for each family member. Dumping the blue bags into the laundry will be easy peasy upon returning home!

Shoes

✓ Water Shoes - Some beaches in Hawaii (like Waikiki) are rocky. It helps to have water shoes to avoid getting cuts on your feet.

✓ Flip Flops - Pack 1 pair of comfy flip flops for lounging around the pool or beach.

✓ Athletic / Walking Shoes - You’ll need 1 good pair of walking shoes for sightseeing activities and when going into town.

✓ Dressy Shoes - A pair of nude strappy sandals for the ladies and nicer sneakers for men are perfect for more dressy nights.

Kid Gear

✓ Baby Carrier - A must when traveling from place to place! Opt for one that is super comfy and won't break your back after 30 minutes.

✓ All Purpose Mat (foldable) - Bring a portable mat that can be folded into a compact size. There are some that comes with a pouch that you can hook onto your bag! Can be used for diaper changing to cover for the floor, or as a beach blanket - so versatile!

✓ Wipes - Wipes are super handy for diaper changes and sanitizing baby’s hands. Opt for organic baby wipes since your baby’s skin is so sensitive and delicate.

✓ Swim Diapers - Essential for babies that aren’t potty trained yet! You can go for either disposable ones or reusable ones.

✓ Regular Diapers - Pack some regular diapers to last you for a day or two (you can buy more in Hawaii) and save space in your suitcase.

✓ Baby Sunscreen - Finding a hypoallergenic, organic and reef-friendly sunscreen for your baby is tough.

✓ Floaties - A life vest or an inflatable floatie works best for kids aged 2 and below. For kids older than 2 years old, we like this swim vest with arm band design!

✓ Formula - For moms who aren’t breastfeeding, pack some formula that will last you for a few days. Again, you can always purchase more once you reach the aloha state.

✓ Milk Bottles / Sippy Cup - Pack 2 to 3 milk bottles and 1 sippy cup!  Also, don’t forget a bottle cleanser.

Toiletries

✓ Reef-Safe Sunscreen - For parents and older kids, bring a separate (but still reef-friendly) sunscreen. Make sure it's reef friendly, naturally made, and has SPF 50! You can also purchase more sunscreen in Hawaii (which locals appreciate since they aren’t too keen on harsh sunscreens that damage corals).

✓ Insect Repellent - Must have when you’re planning on doing hiking or visiting botanical and rainforest areas.

✓ UV Hair Protection Serum - The harsh sun + salty water isn’t a good combo for your hair! If you want to avoid a frizzy, tangled mess, consider bringing a UV leave-in conditioner spray for after the beach!

✓ Lightweight Moisturizer - Moisturizing the skin is so important. But when you’re in a tropical climate, oil-based moisturizers can be too heavy and sticky. Instead, opt for water-based, gel moisturizers which absorb easily but still provide moisture to your skin.

✓ Lip Balm With SPF - If you have really chapped lips, that can be aggravated by the Hawaiian heat.

✓ Shampoo + Conditioner - If your hair is damaged or colored, bring your own UV protecting shampoo and conditioner!

✓ Toothbrush + Toothpaste - Pack a travel size one that fits within TSA standards!

✓ Deodorant - Pack a heavy duty deodorant if you’re sweaty. But for our eco-loving friends, go for a natural deo that’s sure to keep your armpits smelling fresh.

✓ Soap / Body Wash - Not really a necessity since the hotel provides this or you can buy locally.

✓ Facial Wash - Again, something light and gel based.

✓ Cosmetics - Pack just a few basics like tinted moisturizer, bronzer, and blush. Opt for a lip tint (they’re more natural looking). And don’t forget to pack a waterproof mascara!

✓ Disposable Razor - For those smooth and silky beach legs!

✓ Hair Brush / Comb - A detangler brush works best for many hair types!

✓ Cotton Buds / Q Tips  - A must to keep your ears dry and clean after swimming at the beach! Pack a few in your toiletry bag.

✓ Tampons / Pads - Looking for environment friendly alternatives? We found these organic tampons that work just as well as commercial tampons (without all the chemicals).

First Aid Kit

✓ Prescription Medicines - Bring your prescription medicines in their original bottles. It might be hard to purchase them in Hawaii.

✓ Pain Relievers - Bring some Advil and Motrin (for the kids) in case of headaches or fevers.

✓ Motion Sickness Relief - Helps to be prepared especially if you have planned road trips or boat rides in Hawaii. There are wristbands that are great for preventing motion sickness. You can also pack some ginger chews in case motion sickness has already begun.

✓ After Bite Relief - Helps to stop the itching from insect bites!

✓ Allergy Medicines - If you or a family member is prone to allergies, it’s also best to pack an anti-allergy medicine.

✓ Band Aids - We like this assorted band aid set since they’re waterproof (good for beach destinations).

✓ Aloe Vera - In case someone in the family gets a little sunburn, aloe vera gel is a great itching and pain reliever. 

Beach Essentials

✓ Hat - A must for added protection from the sun! For the ladies, pack one that folds into a compact size when not in use.

✓ Sunglasses - Ideally UV polarized sunglasses to protect your eyes from the sun!

✓ Turkish Towel - It’s less bulky and quick to dry compared to a regular towel.

✓ Beach Blanket - Go for a sand-resistant and waterproof beach blanket that can be machine washed too.

✓ Day Bag - Our medium packing cube is the perfect beach tote bag! It’s water resistant and has an easy-grip handle. The see-through design allows you to see what’s inside too!

Others 

✓ Underwater Camera - Opt for one that's lightweight and has a slot for an SD card. It’s more expensive than a disposable waterproof camera but takes better photos that don’t have to be developed.

✓ Ebook Reader / Tablet - The perfect entertainment options during your relaxation days in Hawaii.

✓ Waterproof Phone Case - For underwater fun!

✓ Floatie Phone Strap - So you don’t risk losing your phone in the water!

✓ Mini Binoculars - Great addition when you’re into bird or whale watching! But also works for those going to Hawaii via cruise or those touring volcanoes.

✓ Power Strip - You’ll be charging your gadgets more than you think (especially cameras and smartphones) so bring your own power strip for the whole family to share!

✓ Reusable Water Bottle - Opt for a stainless steel thermo bottle so your drinks can stay cold all day (crucial in the Hawaiian heat). Also, make sure to empty the bottle before going through airport security!

✓ Map (screenshots) of Islands - This depends on which islands you’re visiting. But Google is your friend, just download maps offline so you’ll have a guide even without internet.

✓ Travel Jewelry Roll - Keep your jewelry organized, compact and safe in this cute grey and turquoise jewelry roll up!

✓ Hair Ties / Scrunchies - Something to keep the hair out of your face! If you’re rocking the short haired look, bring a few fabric headbands.

✓ Small Purse / Bag - A dressy purse or bag for nights out in the town or just to dinner!

✓ Waterproof Waist Strap / Fanny Pack (Optional) - Not a necessity unless you’re planning on snorkeling or diving as a whole family. A waterproof waist strap keeps your valuables dry on the beach or the pool.

Hooray! Now you’re ready for your Hawaiian vacation. One last treat for you: use the code ALOHA to get 10% off your first order. Discount applies on any EzPacking goodie. 

Enjoy your trip to Hawaii! Aloha!