This Hawaii packing list breaks down exactly what to wear in Hawaii on vacation, with a free checklist and outfit inspiration.

With beach days, waterfall hikes, snorkeling excursions and evening luaus all in the vacation plans, you may be wondering what to pack for Hawaii on your first trip. Shopping and packing for Hawaii can be a fun way to build excitement before you fly off to the Aloha State, and this Hawaii packing list will make sure you stay organized and arrive prepared.

The guide below has all the things to pack for Hawaii, from swimsuits and resort wear to the perfect reef-safe sunscreens. Scroll to the end for handy info on Hawaii’s weather and seasons, what activities to prepare for, and how to pack in a carry-on for Hawaii, even if you’re staying for a week or longer.

We’ve also included a free Hawaii packing checklist you can pin to use later when it’s time to load up the suitcase. This list works for visiting Oahu, Maui, Kauai or the Big Island.

Use this island-hopping itinerary for your first visit to Hawaii

What to Pack for Hawaii

Use this Hawaii packing checklist while shopping and preparing for your trip to the islands. We’ve included everything from outfits to beach essentials to camera gear you may want to pack for Hawaii.

Beach and Swimwear for Hawaii

Your Hawaii packing checklist should start with beachwear because you’ll probably be spending a lot of time on the sand. Bring at least two swimsuits so you can dry one out each day. But also don’t forget some breezy Hawaiian attire to layer on top for the transition from poolside to swimming to grabbing lunch.

Sightseeing and Daytime Hawaii Outfits

Pack a few casual Hawaiian summer dresses to wear to lunch at your resort, out sightseeing, or on mini Hawaii road trips. The islands are pretty casual and afternoon temps are warm, so anything from shorts to sundresses are acceptable for most daytime activities.

Activewear for Hawaii

You Hawaii packing list should include activewear for outdoor adventures and exercising. What to pack for Hawaii hiking will depend on the length and difficulty of the trail, with some being manageable in your beach clothes and shorts and others requiring proper footwear, rain gear or even warm attire.

Dinner and Evening Wear for Hawaii

Decide whether you will reserve any formal dinners before planning what to wear in Hawaii for the evenings. Most restaurants here are fairly casual and many have open-air dining rooms. But, you may want to have a meal at a fancier resort eatery or dress up just for fun. 

Hawaii Accessories and Jewelry

Hawaii vacations are the perfect chance to bust out all the fun floral accents, bright jewelry and stylish sunglasses. They don’t take up much packing space, so accessories also help mix up outfits if you’re packing light.

Shoes for Hawaii

Shoes typically take up a lot of space in your suitcase, but for Hawaii, you can bring just a pair of sneakers and some sandals for day and night. Wear your bulkiest shoes on the plane if you’re packing light.

Gear to Pack for Hawaii

These are some extra things you’ll want to pack for Hawaii. If you forget something, stores on the islands have all the beach necessities, but some items will cost more.

Hawaii Packing List Tips

Keep reading for tips for packing for Hawaii. We’ll break down the weather by season and answer frequently asked questions about what to bring to Hawaii.

Hawaii Activities

Generally, your Hawaii packing list should include swimwear and beach gear, comfortable outfits for sightseeing, and some casual evening attire. Aside from that, the activities you plan to do will help you figure out what to wear in Hawaii.

Before packing for Hawaii, consider whether you will go hiking, try any water sports, make fancy dinner reservations, or visit somewhere colder like Upcountry Maui. The Hawaii packing list above covers most of these scenarios so you don’t forget anything important. You can use the checklist below as you pack to help you remember everything!

Hawaii Weather and Seasons

Warm days and cool evenings are the norm in Hawaii year-round, with only small variations between seasons.

The dry season, May through October, is the warmest, with highs typically in the mid-80s and lows in the 70s. In the rainy season, November through April, daytime temperatures often peak in the high 70s and evenings are about 10 degrees cooler.

Every island has a variety of microclimates, though. On Kauai, for example, the driest spot on the island is just a few miles from one of the wettest spots on earth. And on Maui, the top of the Haleakala volcano can be below freezing at night while beach temps on the southern side are in the 80s. Generally, the leeward side of each island will be driest and have calmer waters, while the windward coasts will be a bit rainier with wilder waves, especially in winter.

What do these variations mean for packing for Hawaii? Well, it’s best to bring light layers for evenings, a rain jacket for hiking or windy boat rides, and a warm outfit for visiting the higher elevations on Maui and the Big Island.

How Much to Pack for Hawaii

Whether you pack heavy or light for Hawaii is up to you and your travel style. I typically pack in a carry-on to save on checked baggage fees, but this Hawaii packing checklist covers the main categories and you can just bring as many outfits as you wish.

If you’re staying in the same Hawaii resort the whole time, bringing a larger bag isn’t a big inconvenience, but research whether your airline charges for checked luggage so you won’t be surprised at the airport.

Packing light for Hawaii is pretty easy since it’s a warm climate and you’ll mostly need lightweight clothing. You’ll want at least two sets of swimwear so that you can dry one out each day. Washing and repeating other outfits is a great way to save space in the suitcase and many hotels and condos have laundry facilities for longer stays.

What to Wear on the Plane to Hawaii

Many travelers to Hawaii have a long plane trip, so you’ll want to dress comfortably. I typically wear leggings, a loose top, and a long sweater to stay warm. If you want to arrive vacation-ready, you could opt for a comfortable maxi dress in festive island colors.