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This is the only Hawaii packing list youâll need for your vacation. It has all of the details on the items you should bring. This packing list has everything to get you started and beat the packing overwhelm. Iâve also added tips and tricks for all of the necessary accessories youâll need (and can buy ahead to save money!), such as sunscreen, repellant, a portable phone charger, and more! Iâve broken down the list into must-haves, clothes, accessories, and so forth, so you can decide whatâs best for you!
Also please note that I am a part of the Amazon Affiliate Program and this article contains links which, if you click through and purchase, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Essentials
Your must-have items include your license/ID for the flight, passport (if applicable), cash, credit card, your medications, phone, your rental car and/or hotel confirmation, and your keys.
Luggage
Youâll most likely bring one carry-on per person, so you really want to only pack your essential things. I also highly recommend these packing cubes, as they keep all of your clothes, shoes, and other random items nicely stored and organized.
General Clothes Packing List for Women
Swimsuit, socks, undies/bras, PJs, good shoes for hiking, light-colored clothing (as this will help you stay cool during your trip), shorts, beach cover up (I love this one), light jacket (because it does get cold + itâs nice to have for the airplane), nice dress for fancy places, and a sunhat (this one is economical + protects your skin!).
General Clothes Packing List for Men
Swim shorts, socks, undies, PJs, good shoes for hiking, light-colored clothing, shorts, aloha shirt for fancy places, light jacket, straw hat, hats, and comfortable hiking clothes.
Accessories
Reef-Safe Sunscreen
Your Hawaii Packing List wouldn’t be complete without sunscreen, which you should use everyday! A bad burn will ruin your Hawaii trip, and we don’t want that to happen. Hawaii has a law banning the sale of sunscreens that have chemicals harmful to the coral reefs. These two harmful chemicals are called oxybenzone and octinoxate, and they can bleach the coral. This sunscreen should come in handy on your trip + itâs reef safe! Youâre welcome!
Beach bag
A big beach bag is so handy to have. Just stuff everything you need in it and go! I love these beach bags, as theyâre trendy and have a convenient inner pocket as well!
Sunglasses & Chapstick
Protect your eyes from the sun with sunglasses, and keep those lips hydrated with chapstick!
Resuable grocery cooler bags
Hawaii banned plastic bags, so if you go shopping at the grocery store, youâll want one of these. I like these bags (which you can also find at grocery stores in Hawaii) because they keep your groceries cool. Theyâre perfect to pack snacks and meals on the go, and they keep your food nice and cool!
Towels
I love the Sand Cloud towels because theyâre lightweight, portable, and they donât get tons of sand stuck to them! If you donât want to pack towels in your luggage, check with your hotel BEFORE your trip to see if they have towels you can borrowâthat way you can save space and weight in your luggage.
Slippers (flip flops)
In Hawaii, âflip flopsâ are known as slippers. Youâll be grateful to have these to wear around. They’re nice and cool and easy to wear at the beach. You can find $1 slippers at stores like Walmart in Hawaii.
Mosquito repellant
Especially when you go hiking, mosquito repellant really helps keep away the bugs. Mosquito bites are so itchy, red, and ugly, and you can avoid them by putting on some repellant.
Phone charger
Donât forget your charger! I have a âlast minuteâ list that I review right before we head out the door and the phone charger is always on this list. You donât want to have to buy another phone charger on the road!
Phone battery charger for the road
It would be devastating to get to a beautiful spot and put up your phone to take a picture⊠only to find itâs dead! Donât be that person and keep yourself well prepared with this smartphone portable charger. These are perfectly portable and lightweight, just be sure to charge them ahead of time and they’ll keep your phone charged!
GoPro
The Hawaii Packing List isn’t complete without a camera or something to document those memories! The GoPro is perfect to collect memories while youâre snorkeling and exploring the reefs. Itâs also heavy-duty and therefore ideal for hikes, waterfalls, and even cliff jumping! We have the GoPro Hero 8 and love the features it has, including 4k videos, wide angle lens, and stabilization options. If you get a GoPro, also be sure to get one of these floaty handlesâthere have been too many stories of people dropping their GoPros and losing them forever. You don’t want to lose your GoPro in the water!
Mavic Mini Drone
If you want to take it a step further than the GoPro and truly document your trip, this drone is perfect for getting amazing footage. Not only is it compact and easily portable, but it produces beautiful quality images and videos. With the amazing quality and efficiency of the drone, the Mavic Mini is the gift that keeps on giving.
Waterproof phone case
If you feel anxious about leaving your valuables on the beach while youâre snorkeling or swimming, these waterproof cases are great to put in your phone and keys! Just donât lose them in the water!
Reusable water bottle
This is an essential item on your Hawaii packing list. Hawaii banned plastic water bottles, so be sure to bring your own reusable water bottle. I love these ones because they keep your water insulated and cold. You can get free cups of water at most of the restaurants and eateries, but having your own reusable water bottle insures youâll always have water with you.
Snorkeling gear
You can rent snorkeling gear at some of the beaches in Hawaii, but if the idea of someone elseâs mouth on the gear grosses you out (no matter how much they sanitize it!), like me, then itâs best to just bring your own snorkeling gear. You can buy some in Hawaii at Walmart, Costco, Target, or any store, but you can also order them online and bring them with you. These are great snorkeling gears and shouldnât take up too much room in your carry on.
Reef walkers
Iâve never been a fan of reef walkers because I just donât enjoy wearing wet shoes, but they do have a good purpose. Theyâre helpful when youâre going to beaches that donât have much sand, such as the lava rock on the Big Island. These are an economical choice, light, and theyâre even good to use on hikes, especially on muddy hikes.
Rash guard
Most locals donât wear rash guards but I totally understand if you need one of these. I added this to the list in case youâre sensitive to the sun or sand.
Toiletries
Save money by bringing your own toiletries. These toiletry bottles on Amazon are great but you can also just get travel-size bottles at Walmart and fill them with your own soaps and products. Some general toiletries you’ll want are: shampoo, conditioner, soap/body wash, razor, deodorant, toothbrush/toothpaste, floss, mouthwash, contacts/solution, makeup/remover, hairbrush.
Leave in hair conditioner
Hawaii has a way of teasing your hair⊠quite literally. Leave-in hair conditioner is my go-to product to get out the knots and tangles that accumulate after a lovely day of sun, salt, and sand. The Fructis Garnier Coconut Leave-in Conditioner is my favorite leave-in conditioner because it smells amazing and works great with my hair (I have thin + straight hair) which you can buy and squeeze into one of your travel bottles before you go! đ
Medications
Donât forget any pills or medications. This is on my last-minute list of stuff to bring!
Now that I know what to pack, what should I do in Hawaii?
I hope this Hawaii packing list helps and that you have a great trip to Hawaii! If you’re looking for things to do on any of the islands, check out my FREE Ultimate Hawaii Bucket Lists! Or fill in your information below to get the Bucket Lists sent straight to your inbox!
English is the language spoken in Hawaii, with Pidgin English and Hawaiian trailing behind it. While you donât have to learn the Hawaiian language to be able to communicate on the islands, it is helpful to know a few of the most common Hawaiian words. Here are the most commonly used Hawaiian words that you should know before you go.
Aloha
Hello, I love you, Goodbye. This is the most common greeting in Hawaii. When greeting others, a kiss on the cheek is a common cultural exchange.
E Komo Mai
Welcome, come on in. You might see these especially at entry ways, or when people are greeting you.
Mahalo
Thank you.
A Hui Hou
Goodbye, until we meet again.
Kane
Man, male.
Wahine
Woman, female.
âOno
Delicious.
Wikiwiki
Quick, hurry, fast.
Kamaâaina
Local, resident.
Honu
Turtle.
Honi
Kiss.
Ohana
Family.
Keiki
Child.
Hale
Home, house.
Pau
Finish, done.
Mauka
To the mountains. Used when giving directions.
Makai
To the sea. Used when giving directions.
Aina
Land.
Lanai
Patio, porch, veranda.
Aâole Pilikia
No problem, no worries.
With these common Hawaiian words under your belt, youâll be sure to know whatâs going on. And, in case you want to print these words for on-the-go, I made an infographic below! Now you can carry these common Hawaiian words with you and learn them too! đ
Have fun on your trip!
Sincerely,
Lei
Can’t make it to Hawaii? Change your mindset and get there faster!
Did you know that changing your mindset can help you get to Hawaii? Create paradise wherever you are with my FREE Ebook, âBringing Aloha Home.â With these simple principles, you can change your mindset, which will change your life and bring more peace and less stress. Get your FREE instant-download ebook by signing up below!
As someone who has grown up in Hawaii, I canât help but rave about the delicious food the islands have to offer. I put this list together to help you find some of the best local food in Hawaii. All of the islands offer these delicious local food, and Iâve named a couple of great restaurants + islands that have these foods.
I promise youâre going to LOVE these when you try it! Iâll even give you a little explanation of what each one is. When you actually try it though, youâll be savoring every bite and exclaiming, âOno!â (which means âdeliciousâ in Hawaiian ;)).
Shave Ice
This is a classic Hawaiian treat/local food, a refreshing way to get away from the heat of the day. Shave ice comes in all shapes and colors, but I recommend getting ice cream on the bottom of your shave ice because it adds that extra pop. đ Some of the most popular shave ice shops on Oahu are Matsumotos Shave Ice and Aokis on the North Shore. On the Big Island, there is a shave ice shop at the Hilo Bayfront.
Poke Bowl
If you donât like raw fish, give this a chance. Poke is cubed ahi tuna that is marinated in shoyu (aka soy sauce), sesame seeds and oil, and mixed with onions. You can also get other flavors, like one of my favorites, the spicy poke. My favorite Poke Bowl is from Foodland, aka Sack nâ Save. Make sure to say yes to furikake and shoyu on your rice. And, if you donât want to commit to a poke bowl, at least try the samples.
Acai Bowl
Wow Hawaii has sooo many places with AH-MAZING acai bowls! An acai bowl is a beautiful, thick fruit + acai smoothie topped with granola, bananas, coconut, and other healthy goodness. You can find acai bowls at Banzai bowls in Oahu, Farmers Markets, or even food trucks on the side of the road.
Laulau + Rice
This is a traditional luau dish and local food favorite of Hawaii. When you order laulau and rice, youâll receive a plate with a wrapped and cooked bunch of luau leaves, also known as taro. When you cut into these soft, dark green leaves, youâll find pork. The richness of the taro leaves, along with the saltiness of the pork is absolutely ONO. You can get laulau at restaurants throughout Oahu. One of my favorite places to get laulau is on at the Prince Kuhio Grill on the Big Island.
Fresh Sushi
Hawaii has some of the best fresh sushi, whether you just get a couple of packets from Foodland (aka Sack nâ Save at some locations), or you go to a fish market and have them prepare it for you. One of the best fresh fish markets is Suisan on the Big Island.
Li Hing Mui Watermelons
This is a fun snack for the beach. Sour watermelon candies are mixed with li hing muiâa sweet, mouth-watering Chinese powderâto satisfy any sweet tooth. You can find this at any grocery store or gas station, such as 7-11.
Spam Musubi
Ever heard of Spam sushi? I donât know a local who doesnât like spam, and spam sushi certainly satisfies all the cravings. Spam and rice, topped with furikake, and wrapped in seaweed is a great on-the-go snack or lunch. You can find spam musubis at pretty much any grocery store or gas station. You gotta try this local food favorite!
Manapua + Rice Cake
Manapua is a pork filled, steamed bun. The bun is so soft and pleasant, while the pork filling gives it a rich flavor. The traditional manapua has char-siu marinated pork (char-siu is a sweet Chinese flavor), but nowadays they sell all kinds of different flavors. Manapua tastes delicious with a side of rice cake, a traditional Chinese dessert. Oahu has one of the best manapua shops, Chun Wah Kam. Grocery stores and gas stations (like 7-11) also have manapua.
A Bento
These little boxes stem from Japan, in which you basically have a meal on the go. Typical bento boxes include rice and any kind of side, from spam, teriyaki beef, and chicken to fish, sushi, and even fried egg. You can find bento boxes at grocery stores, gas stations, and there are even restaurants dedicated to serving only bentos! My favorite bento box is from Zippys, called the âZip Pack.â Zippys is on most of the islands.
Fresh Mochi
If youâre a fan of mochi ice cream, you MUST try fresh mochi. Mochi is a sweet rice dessert that originated in Japan. It comes in all shapes and sizes, but my favorite is the strawberry-filled mochi. Sometimes they can be filled with peanut butter, azuki bean (a sweet bean), or pretty much anything you can think of. You should definitely give it a try! My favorite mochi is from the Two Ladies mochi in Hilo on the Big Island. You can also find mochi at local grocery stores. đ
So there you have it! I canât wait for your adventures in Hawaii, and I hope youâll jot notes so you can try some of these local favorites. What is one Hawaii food you want to try? Or, if youâve already been, what are your favorite local foods?
Have a wonderful trip!
With joy + aloha,
Leialoha
Can’t make it to Hawaii? Change your mindset and get there faster!
Did you know that changing your mindset can help you get to Hawaii? Create paradise wherever you are with my FREE Ebook, âBringing Aloha Home.â With these simple principles, you can change your mindset, which will change your life and bring more peace and less stress. Get your FREE instant-download ebook by signing up below!
If you’re planning your first time visit to Hawaii, there are a few things you should know. As a local whoâs lived in Hawaii and observed tourists/visiting friends from the mainland, Iâve collected the most important tips you should know before your first time visit to Hawaii. Iâve taken the stress out of your trip by giving you practical advice. You donât have to go at it blindly, and following these tips will ensure the best possible trip for you!
Use sunscreen
Whenever you go out, use sunscreen. I canât tell you how many times people have visited Hawaii from the mainland and either 1) forgot to put on sunscreen, 2) thought they were immune, or 3) just thought they didnât need it (like for a hike, picnic, etc). Whatever the reason, having a bad burn will just ruin the whole trip. Your body will be sore and you wonât be able to go into the sunâand most of Hawaiiâs activities are under the rays. So do yourself a favor and use sunscreen, even if you donât think you need it! P.S. Iâm a local and I still use sunscreenâdo your skin and vacay a favor. đ
Use reef-safe sunscreen
The chemicals from sunscreen have negatively affected the reefs in Hawaii, so a law was made banning certain types of sunscreen. Do yourself and the environment a huge favor by carefully selecting reef-safe sunscreen, which can be purchased at grocery stores and Walmarts throughout the islands.
Use insect repellant
Most first time visitors to Hawaii forget about this tip, or don’t even think about it. To be honest, Hawaii has lots of bugs. If youâre going on a hike in a more jungle-like part of the islands, use insect repellant. Some parts of Hawaii are really mosquito infested, so to avoid the itchy legs and arms, use insect repellant.
Rent a car
If you donât have a car, it will be very difficult to get around the island. There is a public transportation system, but most of your time will be wasted by using that. If you want to go where you want to go, and do the things you want to do⊠rent a car. Check out Turo for some awesome deals on car rentals.
Be prepared to pay
Hawaii ainât cheap. Groceries are much more expensive in Hawaii than the mainland, so be prepared to pay more for even something as simple as a gallon of milk. Your Costco card will come in clutch if youâre doing Hawaii on a budget though, as food prices arenât much different from the mainland. The Costco foodcourt is also a great way to do Hawaii on a budget.
Choose tourist companies wisely
There are tourist companies that are authentic and original, sharing folklore, history, and aloha⊠and then there are tourist companies that are soooo touristy. Iâve seen both, but my biggest piece of advice is to research and schedule your excursions in advance. If youâre coming off a cruise, also be cautious of which tours to choose and ASK questions! You want to get the most of your time and experience in Hawaii.
Respect the locals, space, and boundaries
A lot of the gems and attractions of Hawaii are usually surrounded by homes. Like any other place you visit, respect the locals, their space, and boundaries. Donât trespass and donât invade. Hawaii locals have to work hard to live there, so be respectful of their space.
Respect the animals
Just as you wouldnât walk up to someone and touch them, or trash their home⊠donât do that with the animals. They make a home of the ocean, the reefs, and the beaches too, so donât litter, donât touch them, and give them their space. Locals have a lot of respect for the life of the land, and each animal is unique and special. Admire from a distance, but give the animals the respect they deserve too.
Malama ka âAina
This is a common phrase youâll see in Hawaii, meaning âTake care of the land.â We are deeply invested in the health and stability of our land, as we feel connected to it. As we take care of the land, it takes care of usâphysically, emotionally, spiritually⊠In fact, islanders are so serious about this that a person could be fined at least $500 if theyâre caught littering. So respect the land, whether youâre at the beach, on a hike, etc. and remember, when you take care of the land, it will take care of you!
Heed the warning/caution signs
If the signs says âNo Trespassing,â thereâs a reason for it. Or if it says to drive slower (which might be annoying to you, as Hawaii speed limits are much slower than any other place), thereâs a reason for it.
If in doubt, donât go out
Hawaii is full of ocean currents and riptides. When you come to a beach, especially if there are caution/warning signs, and you arenât sure if you should go out⊠donât go out. Too many people have been hurt, or worse, killed by going into the water without paying attention to the warning signs. If you do happen to get caught in a current, hereâs what you do:
1. Donât panic. If you panic, youâll lose your energy and ability to concentrate on getting back.
2. Swim with the current. Sounds weird, but when you swim with it, youâll be able to eventually make your way back to shore.
3. If you can find something to stand on, use that to walk to shore. Iâve been caught in the current a few times, but Iâve always been fortunate to have found a sandbar, reef, or other thing to be able to stand on and walk to shore.
Be careful!
There have been stories from all over the world of people not watching their surroundings while taking selfies. In Hawaii, the most common thing Iâve seen is people turn their backs to the ocean. Thatâs a big no-no. Since I was little my mom would remind me to not turn my back to the ocean, and you shouldnât either. Always be aware of your surroundings before taking a picture.
Be careful in heeding the warning signs as well. I was at Rainbow Falls in Hilo and an old couple went out on the slippery rocks⊠Iâm not sure why. Maybe they wanted to see the water closer? I just remember feeling really worried for them. In more recent news, a girl slipped down a 50-ft falls and survived but broke several ribs and damaged her lungs. Just donât do it. Be wise and watch your surroundings.
Have fun!
And, above all, have fun! This is your first time visit to Hawaii and itâs going to be an amazing, unforgettable adventure. If you follow these tips for your first time visit to Hawaii, youâll have a great time!
Wishing you a joyful trip,
Lei
Can’t make it to Hawaii? Change your mindset and get there faster!
Did you know that changing your mindset can help you get to Hawaii? Create paradise wherever you are with my FREE Ebook, âBringing Aloha Home.â With these simple principles, you can change your mindset, which will change your life and bring more peace and less stress. Get your FREE instant-download ebook by signing up below!
E komo mai! đș  I am the author of Aloha State of Mind, a self help book that teaches you how to create paradise wherever you are. My blog, Naturally Aloha, focuses on all things Hawaii: culture, values, food, lifestyle, and more. I hope my writing inspires you to carry aloha with you everywhere! Learn more…
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