Family on vacation
Family on vacation

What to Pack for Your Hawaii Vacation 2024

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.

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The Hawaii Vacation Vlog Author
Jordan Fromholz

Aloha! I’m Jordan, co-founder of The Hawaii Vacation Guide, where my wife Erica and I share insider tips, honest reviews, and personal stories to help you plan the perfect Hawaiian getaway. After living on both Maui and Oʻahu, we’ve spent years exploring the islands with our family—snorkeling, hiking, and learning about the ʻāina and Hawaiian culture. Our goal? To make your dream trip easy, meaningful, and unforgettable. From honeymooners to families to 50th anniversary trips, we're here to help you! Thanks for joining us on the journey—aloha and happy travels!

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