Ultimate Hawaii Packing List

From chic swimwear to essential gadgets, this guide is your trusty companion to curate the perfect Hawaii suitcase.

Let’s get packed with our Ultimate Hawaii Packing List…

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The weather is generally consistent year-round, with coastal temperatures averaging between 24-29°C (75-85°F).

The islands experience two main seasons: a dry season from May to October and a wet season from November to April.

Rainfall varies significantly across the islands, with windward (northeast) sides receiving more precipitation than the leeward (southwest) sides.

Higher elevations, such as on Mauna Kea and Haleakalā, can experience cooler temperatures and occasional snowfall. Trade winds provide a cooling effect, particularly along the coasts.

Showers tend to be quick, leaving behind a refreshed and vibrant landscape. Extreme weather events, while not impossible, are more of a rarity in Hawaii. Cyclones can occur.

It’s not unusual for the dry season to experience its share of tropical showers particularly on islands like Kauai.

Here are a few things to leave off your Hawaii packing list:

Warm clothes – Leave heavy clothing off your Hawaii packing list as the tropical climate means you won’t need thick clothing. Even when the tropical rains arrive, it’s still warm!

However, if you’re planning to hike near volcano areas like Haleakalā National Park, a warm layer is recommended – for example jeans and a fleece. 

Heeled shoes – High heels and formal shoes are rarely needed, so leave these off your Hawaii packing list. The islands’ relaxed vibe makes such footwear kind of unnecessary.

Gadgets – While your camera, e-reader and smartphone might be essential items on your Hawaii packing list, avoid overloading your luggage with too many electronic devices. Embrace the chance to disconnect and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Hawaii.

Too many products – The humid climate can make heavy makeup uncomfortable, so only add your most paired back products to your Hawaii packing list.

Expensive jewellery – Leave valuable or sentimental pieces at home as we’re sure you’ll be in the sea and having many adventures. Although of course, wear your engagement and wedding rings – just make sure they’re not loose.

United States citizens can enter and depart the state using their state-issued driver’s licence or identity card.

Most documents are electronic now, so make sure you can have your boarding pass or e-ticket on your phone along with your transfer and hotel confirmation.

Some travel vaccinations are recommended for Hawaii. We encourage you to visit the Centers for Disease Control website for up-to-date travel vaccination recommendations or speak to a Tropical Medicine Specialist.

It’s always a good idea to have some cash on hand for tips and small purchases although cards are widely accepted.

As in the rest of the US, tipping is customary in Hawaii, and it’s expected in restaurants, hotels, and other service-related industries. The standard tip is around 15-20% of the total bill.

Let your bank know you’re travelling and check if there is anything you need to do to avoid issues using your card abroad.

• Passports / Identity Card
• Travel Documents / Confirmations 
• Tickets, Boarding passes + Vouchers 
• Visa & Entry Requirements Information 
• Travel insurance details 
• Travel Vaccination Certificate
• Padi Scuba Diving Card (if relevant)
• Emergency contact numbers 
• Credit / Debit Cards 
• Driver’s licence 
• Local currency
• Money wallet/belt 

Hawaii is all about those Pacific Ocean vibes from snorkelling to surfing. You’ll spend a lot of time on your honeymoon in Hawaii in swimwear. So add an array of swimsuits, bikinis and some chic beach cover-ups like kaftans to your Hawaii packing list.

Cover up with a rash guard during the day when you’re out on the water and don’t forget to pick up some water shoes / aqua shoes for snorkelling adventures.

Your favourite sunglasses (along with some extra pairs!) are an essential addition to your Hawaii packing list.

Hawaii is a very laid-back casual destination. You can add some light summer dresses or shorts and tops such as vests / tank tops and t-shirts for lunches and cute dresses / playsuits to your Hawaii packing list for evenings.

For men, some long linen style trousers are ideal for night time dining.

We mentioned that you should leave the heels at home, but some cute flip flops/thongs, sliders and chic sandals are a must.

Add a sun hat and a cute beach bag (this monogrammed one is our favourite – you can get your married initial)

Pack some comfy clothes for the plane – athleisure wear, sneakers, scarves, socks. 

Gym lovers may want to bring their gear. Although, we’d recommend a barefoot jog along the beach and sunrise yoga instead of hitting the gym!

Bring your own chic beach towel. We love our Dock and Bay quick-dry towels which are compact and come in an array of cute insta-worthy colours.

However, resorts provide beach towels, so it’s OK if you need to leave behind because your Hawaii packing list is already overflowing!

You may want to go hiking and exploring volcanos. Sneakers should do the job unless you’re doing some challenging trails. Don’t forget to add a light rain jacket to your Hawaii packing list. In Hawaii it can rain anywhere anytime!

• Evening Dresses 
• Summer Dresses 
• Skirts / Shorts 
• Leggings 
• T-shirts 
• Blouses / Shirts 
• Vests / Tank Tops
• Swimwear – bikinis / swimsuits 
• Beachwear – kaftans / cover-ups 
• Light knitwear / cover-ups 
• Flat evening footwear 
• Flip Flops / Thongs / Sliders 
• Sandals 
• Trainers / Sneakers 
• Socks / Tights / Hosiery 
• Bras 
• Briefs / Panties
• Shapewear 
• Other lingerie 
• Nightwear 
• Scarves 
• Sunglasses 
• Hats 
• Belts 
• Day bag
• Evening bag
• Necklaces / Chains 
• Bracelets / Bangles 
• Rings 
• Earrings 
• Watch 
• Beach Bag 
• Beach Towel 
• Activewear

One of the most important things to add to your Hawaii packing list is reef friendly sunscreen. Sun Bum is our top pick and meets the requirements of Hawaii’s sunscreen regulations.

If you haven’t got a hanging toiletries travel bag, then now is the time. Hang-on-door bags are simply the best value and so handy.

• Reusable cotton pads 
• Cotton buds / Q-tips 
• Face Cloths / Body Cloths or Brushes 
• Cleanser 
• Toners / Serums / Face masks / Oils 
• Moisturiser 
• Face SPF 
• Body Wash / Shower Gel 
• Body Lotion 
• Body SPF 
• Aftersun Aloe Vera Lotion 
• Deodorant 
• Perfumes 
• Shampoo 
• Conditioner / Hair Masks 
• Styling products
• Hair Dryer 
• Hair Straightener / Curlers 
• Hair Brushes / Combs 
• Hair ties / pins / clips 
• Toothbrush 
• Toothpaste 
• Floss / Interdental brushes 
• Mouthwash 
• Razors / hair removal products
• SPF lip balm 
• Hand Lotion 
• Nail File 
• Nail clippers 
• Nail Oil 
• Tweezers 
• Eyedrops 
• Feminine hygiene
• Tissues 
• Massage Oils / Lubricant
• Toiletries Bag
• Clear travel liquids bags 

If you don’t have travel insurance, check out World Nomads to learn more.

World Nomads provide travel insurance for travellers in over 100 countries. As an affiliate, we receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads using this link. We do not represent World Nomads. This is information only and not a recommendation to buy travel insurance from World Nomads.

Mosquitos are prevalent in Hawaii although serious illnesses like Malaria, Zika virus and Dengue virus are not endemic in Hawaii. If you don’t usually get bitten by bugs, then protection should not be necessary.

However for those of us unfortunate to attract mosquitos, bites are no fun even without the risk of serious illnesses, so you can add anti-mosquito products to your Hawaii packing list! We bring DEET, Avon Skin So Soft Dry Oil, a Bite Pen, insect repellent bracelets. Whatever works for you in terms of mosquito repellent products should be on your Hawaii packing list!

• Contraception / Birth Control 
• Vitamins & Supplements 
• Bandaids 
• Pain relief – aspirin/paracetamol 
• Hand Sanitiser/Antibacterial wipes 
• Insect repellent / DEET / Bite Pen 
• Travel sickness medication 
• Antihistamine 
• Anti-diarrheal medications
• Prescription medications 
• Contact lenses/glasses

• Make-up Bag 
• Micellar Water 
• Primers 
• Foundation 
• Concealer 
• Highlighter 
• Contour 
• Powder 
• Blushes 
• Eyeshadows 
• Eye Liners 
• Mascara 
• Brow products 
• Lip Liner, Lipsticks & Lipgloss 
• Make-up Brushes 

Many couples just use their smartphone for photography but Hawaii is one of the most beautiful honeymoon destinations in the world so if you have a camera, bring it. We have the Sony ZV1. 

A waterproof phone cover or full underwater camera casing or a GoPro will be one of the best things to add to your Hawaii packing list, too. You can get those amazing underwater shots, too!

Selfie sticks may feel a little silly but we still think it’s the best way to get that perfect image without getting other people involved. If you want to feel less conspicuous opt for a Gorilla pod instead.

Thinking about bringing a drone? For beginners, the DJI Mini drone is best. However, in Hawaii they following US federal law in terms of registration and restricted use in public places.

Hopefully you will spend a lot of time relaxing in this Polynesian paradise so add your Apple AirPods or your favourite headphones to your Hawaii packing list (and don’t forget to make a honeymoon playlist!).

Physical books are the best of course so bring at least one must-read. However, if you’re big readers like us, then load up your Kindle with all the books you’ve been meaning to read for days by the pool or on the beach.

If you have a lot of cables, then consider this chic travel case to keep them tidy.

• Universal plug adapters
• Camera + SD cards + battery/ charger
• Drone + SD + battery / charger 
• Smartwatch + charger
• Phone + charger + power bank 
• Headphones
• Laptop or Tablet + charger 
• E-Reader + charger 
• Travel speakers + charger 

We’re over packers but if you’re planning an island hopping honeymoon in Hawaii, to stay organised, get some packing cubes. 

They’re just so good if you don’t want to unpack everything. Don’t forget TSA approved locks for your luggage.

You could bring an iron or steamer but why spend your time in Hawaii ironing clothes?

A dry bag can be handy to keep any essentials away from the water when you’re snorkelling.

Snorkelling or scuba diving gear?  Snorkel and dive centres in Hawaii provide all the necessary equipment. However, some couples might prefer to bring their own for hygiene reasons.

• Suitcases
• Air Tag / Luggage Tracker
• Packing Cubes 
• Luggage locks
• Sewing kit 
• Fans
• Pens / Notebook or Honeymoon Journal 
• Dry Bag
• Wet bag

• Travel blanket / Pillow – we have this 2 in 1 blanket and pillow which we love and it handily slips on to your cabin suitcase.
• Eye Mask
• Ear plugs 
• Flight Socks
• Deck of cards
• Books or Magazines
• Snacks

• Reusable water bottle
• Reusable Cotton pads
• Reusable straws
• Crystal nail file
• Menstrual cups

Tap water is considered safe to drink in Hawaii. You may prefer to drink bottled water which is available everywhere.

However it means using a lot of plastic bottles! Consider a Grayl water filtration and purification travel bottle. These are just genius as it means you can purify any water on the go. For us they’re an essential addition to any packing list, not just a Hawaii packing list!

Want to get our full downloadable packing list bundle which includes an outfit planner and a checklist? Visit the shop and add code HAWAII to get our full honeymoon packing list bundle for just $5!

Related Hawaii honeymoon articles:

Best Time To Visit Hawaii – Month by Month

Complete Hawaii Islands Honeymoon Guide

Complete Oahu / Honolulu Honeymoon Planning Guide

Complete Maui Honeymoon Planning Guide

Complete Kauai Honeymoon Planning Guide