What to Pack for Your Hawaii Vacation 2023

We get no satisfaction from watching people overpack for a trip to Hawaii. But, with so much to see and do on the Hawaiian Islands, we understand why you might pack too much. As a frequent visitor to Hawaii and a former resident who loved to island-hop, here is what to pack for your trip to Hawaii in 2023.

Your essential packing list for Hawaii includes the following:

  • Shorts and T-shirts
  • One Gorgeous Island Style Outfit
  • Comfortable Footwear: sandals and hiking or walking shoes
  • Swimsuit (of course)
  • Sun-Protective Clothing
  • Mineral-Based Sunscreen
  • UV-Protective Sunglasses (we love these!)
  • Backpack (we’ve been using this one as it’s easy to pack)
  • Water Bottle (our whole family uses these)
  • Beach Bag (we have this zippered one)
  • Natural Bug Repellent (Kauai)
  • Warm Clothes (Maui and Big Island)

And as someone who loves to be extremely organized and efficient when packing, we love a fun (and sturdy) packing cube and use them on every trip, whether to Hawaii or elsewhere.

We aren’t loading this article full of things you need to buy. We focus on what you plan to do so you can pack the right stuff for your Hawaii vacation. Especially if you’re bringing the family, you want to keep your packing list to the essentials.

Read on for the right packing list for your Hawaii itinerary, based on what island you plan to visit, written by Jordan Fromholz.

LAST UPDATED

October 27, 2024

Written by
Photo thumbnail Blog Author

Jordan Fromholz

The Hawaii Vacation Vlog

Explore More Content

Media Mentions

For clothing and gear (but not skin), Sawyer Products’s permethrin repellent is as effective as similar formulas at repelling ticks and mosquitoes, and its trigger spray is easier to control.

Wirecutter Staff
Staff

Media Mentions

Top Bug Repellent - Sawyer Products 20% Picaridin Insect Repellent

Wirecutter Staff
Staff

Media Mentions

There's nothing worse than running out of water mid-hike, but with the Sawyer Mini Water Filtration System, you can make any fresh water ready to drink in minutes. It filters out everything from sediment to bacteria from the water, and can be a real lifesaver in a pinch.

Popular Mechanics