Hawaii Bound: The Comprehensive Guide to Perfect Packing for Men & Women

Packing for a trip to Maui, Kauai, or any other Hawaiian island shouldn’t be as stressful as packing for a trip to Europe. First-time visitors to the Hawaiian islands may be unsure of what essentials to bring with them. Whether you’re in Hawaii for a romantic getaway, honeymoon, or vacation, you should always make an effort to look your best.

There are few places on Earth as spectacular as Hawaii. It has challenging hikes, friendly beaches, gourmet restaurants, and a wide range of recreational opportunities like canoeing, horseback riding, and sailing. No matter if you’re going to Oahu, the Big Island, Kauai, or Maui, your Hawaii outfits will be the same.

How Much Stuff to Pack for Hawaii

Because of Hawaii’s emphasis on beach activities, you won’t need to bring very many clothes. In this tropical paradise, simplicity is prized, and sandals, not high heels, and shell necklaces, not diamonds, are the accessories of choice.

Packing light is essential for a trip to Hawaii. You might be able to get by with just a carry-on bag if your island plans are quite light. Due to our many outings that include snorkeling and hiking, we usually need to check a bag. So we pack our snorkels, long fins, hiking boots, and poles just in case. However, if we were only bringing along our apparel, we could get by with only one carry-on.

Shorts and T-shirts are the de facto uniform of daily dress in Hawaii. Most women choose for a tank top and shorts or a light dress.

Temperatures in Hawaii typically range from the mid-60s to the low- to mid-80s, and the islands benefit from a constant breeze from the trade winds. Regardless, bring at least one pair of long pants and a lightweight sweater.

We’ve been to the Islands several times, but on our first trip, we carried way more stuff than we needed because we didn’t know what to anticipate. In this piece, I’ll tell you what you absolutely need to bring with you on your trip to Hawaii. So that you always feel comfortable, I will also go through our regular fashion choices while in Hawaii.

What to Wear on the Beach in Hawaii

As I was saying before, the beach is the main attraction of Hawaii, so don’t forget to bring the essentials. Don’t worry if you forget any of these, though. Any of these goods can be purchased with ease on the Islands, as there are several stores that cater specifically to beachwear.

The Essential Long-Sleeved Rash Guard

You should bring a rash guard with you to Hawaii. For good reason, they’re a huge hit with both natives and visitors. Rash guards not only keep you toasty in the water, but also protect you from the sun, coral, and surfboards.

My hubby is a snorkeling enthusiast, thus he never gets cold while underwater. The AXESEA Rash Guard UPF 50 is his go-to option. Rash guards are pleasant to wear, but they must be a snug fit to be effective at keeping you warm.

There Is a Beach Bag for Every Personality

Men and women are very varied in their preferences and requirements for beach bags. I like a bag that can be used for multiple purposes and looks good while being easy to transport. However, my husband like to bring his snorkeling equipment, fins, and underwater camera in a huge, sturdy mesh duffel bag. Environmentally Safe Sunscreen

The harmful effects of chemical sunscreens on marine ecosystems are becoming a growing worry for marine biologists and beachgoers alike. That’s why visitors to Hawaii should always make sure to bring reef-safe sunscreen. These sunscreens don’t make the water cloudy, can withstand water for up to 80 minutes, and include no parabens.

The Most Commonly Worn Item Is Swimwear

In Hawaii, a swimsuit is the piece of apparel you’ll use the most often. When we go swimming, we usually bring multiple swimsuits so that we may change into dry ones after we get wet.

Since I can’t always change after swimming, I prioritize finding swimsuits with high-quality fabrics that dry rapidly.

Fashionable and functional beach cover-ups

As a woman, I appreciate the practicality of a beach cover-up. You should bring an attractive cover-up to wear over your swimwear when you go out to local restaurants and stores. When I’m out in the sun, wandering around the pool, heading back to my room, or out on the boat, I always have mine on.

An Essential for Any Watersports Activity! Floating Dry Bags

This is a must-have for any water sports enthusiast visiting Hawaii. It’s great for almost any water expedition because of how light, compact, and sturdy it is. Whether you’re out in the rain, in the pool, or in the kayak, your valuables will be safe and sound within this bag. You can easily keep track of your belongings in these bags, which come in a variety of sizes and float on water once rolled and buckled.

Sunglasses are an essential item

You should bring at least two pairs of sunglasses with UV protection and a snug fit for daily use. Tom Ford sunglasses are my favorite, but my spouse is a die-hard fan of Oakleys. Make sure they offer UV protection and are comfortable before purchasing.

The Hat: Stylish and Useful

In Hawaii, a hat can literally save your life. They serve two purposes: protecting your face from the sun and hiding your messy hair when you don’t feel like dealing with it. And who doesn’t look fabulous in a hat, anyway?

Dress Code for Hawaiian Evenings

Most people dress up from their workday attire into dressier casual wear for the evening.

Hawaii is home to many five-star hotels and world-famous dining establishments. If you want to have a wonderful evening, there are several venues where formal attire is required. I don’t mean to imply that you have to wear a cocktail dress and high heels when I say “dress up,” but rather that you can wear anything like khaki shorts or pants, a polo shirt, an aloha shirt, a skirt, or a sundress.

Sundresses, for the Ladies

Sundresses are my go-to piece of tropical wear. Easy to pack and appropriate for any occasion, they are also a welcome relief from the heat and humidity of Hawaii. Sundresses are incredibly versatile, and may be worn anywhere from the beach to a coffee farm to an afternoon of shopping to an evening meal.

While I normally bring one sundress per day to Hawaii, I would recommend bringing at least four or five. They won’t take up much room in your suitcase, and as a lady, I know you’ll appreciate having options.

You may get cheap sundresses at retailers like T.J. Maxx and Marshalls, as well as online at Zappos.com.

Fashionable Sandals

In the evening, I recommend slipping into a pair of stylish sandals. The Athlefit thong T-strap sandals are my go-to because of the superior arch support they offer. These sandals are the perfect combination of fashion and function, and they go with just about any dress I own. There are, however, many more brands from which to select.

Men should wear button-down shirts or Hawaiian shirts with short sleeves

Unless you frequently visit Hawaii, you probably don’t have very many aloha shirts. In that situation, any button-down shirt with short sleeves will do. Choose natural fibers that may absorb moisture, like cotton or linen.

Dress in Khakis

Khaki shorts and a Hawaiian shirt are acceptable attire in many of Hawaii’s finest restaurants, where many men love to dine. Khakis are ideal since their cotton construction keeps you dry and comfortable.

Slacks

Even while you might be tempted to leave your pants at home, a pair of simple, loose-fitting linen pants or travel chinos can elevate your evening look.

Packing List for Activewear on a Trip to Hawaii

Packing appropriate activewear is a must if you intend to participate in activities such as hiking in Kauai, visiting waterfalls on the Big Island, or watching the sunset from the summit of Maui’s Haleakala volcano. What to wear on Hawaii’s hikes and excursions is entirely up to you.

Durable Hiking Boots

Hiking shoes with sturdy tracking soles that avoid slipping on the diverse terrain in Hawaii are a must-have for anyone planning to explore the island’s breathtaking natural surroundings. Some trails in Hawaii are rocky and treacherous, and others get muddy after a storm.

Merrell, La Sportiva, Salomon, and Asics are just a few of the top names in hiking footwear. These shoes can be awkward to pack, so you might want to wear them on the plane.

Easygoing Shorts & Tees

Shorts and T-shirts are perfect for seaside hikes since they keep you warm and dry. You can wear these clothes when exploring an island, going shopping, touring a botanical garden or a coffee farm, enjoying a casual meal, or relaxing on the beach.

Leggings that are also useful

Since many routes run down slopes and through forests with abundant flora and mosquito populations, one or two pairs of leggings are excellent for more extended excursions. You can wear them on the plane to save space and then layer up when you reach the peak of Haleakala.

Multipurpose Track Coat

Rainfall is prevalent in Hawaii, especially in the northern regions of the islands, despite the state’s generally mild climate. Therefore, you shouldn’t go on your Hawaiian vacation with nothing but shorts and T-shirts.

In order to stay comfortable when exploring the Mauna Kea and Haleakala volcanoes, visitors are advised to bring a track jacket, windbreaker, or long-sleeve athletic top. Visit Amazon.com and take a look.

High-Heeled Shoes Should Not Be Brought to Hawaii

Women rarely put on their high heels in Hawaii because of the casual nature of the environment. Even during weddings, it is unusual to see guests wearing really fancy footwear. You can get away with wearing sandals or simple shoes.

Elegant Evening Attire

Ball dresses and tuxedos are unnecessary unless you’re going to a formal function or a wedding indoors in Hawaii. Because of Hawaii’s warm and humid environment, loose, airy garments are recommended.

Bathing Aprons

Towels are an absolute necessity at Hawaii’s beaches and swimming pools. However, you can count on the hotel or apartment you’re staying in to provide you with these. Don’t include extra towels to your suitcase unless you absolutely have to.

Jewelry of Great Value

There is always a chance that you will lose or have your valuable jewelry stolen, even if the crime rate in Hawaii isn’t particularly high. You won’t have much use for flashy gold and diamond jewelry either, what with all the time you’ll be spending outside.

Insecticide/mosquito spray

Considering Hawaii’s tropical climate, you would think it’s silly not to bring mosquito repellent with you. However, aerosol-based insect repellents are typically not allowed in either carry-ons or checked bags. Don’t fret; these things are available everywhere in Hawaii at reasonable prices.