Hawaii Packing List: What to Wear + Outfit Ideas for Every Adventure
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Planning your Hawaii packing list? Get stylish outfit ideas for every island activity. Don’t miss these must-have essentials for your Hawaii vacation!
Vacation planning is officially underway—next stop: Hawaii!
After finally carving out time for a little retail therapy, I hit up the Dallas Galleria and grabbed a few key pieces for my tropical wardrobe.
I haven’t been focused on packing until now because I’ve been busy with life updates, but I’m officially in vacation mode.
Shopping for Hawaii Outfits in October
Finding beachy clothes in October wasn’t the easiest. Most stores had already swapped out summer gear for fall styles. But I still managed to snag a few essentials: a tee, a tank, and a dress. I also ordered a few items from Athleta (which arrived quickly!) and Red Dress Boutique. Amazon shipping, however, failed me—some items won’t arrive until after I leave. 😅
Hawaii Outfit Planning by Activity
We’ll be hopping between islands with stops in Honolulu and Maui, hitting the beach, hiking at sunrise, and dressing up for a luau. I’ve styled my Hawaii packing list based on our planned adventures. Let’s dive in!
Waikīkī Beach Essentials
Waikīkī Beach in Honolulu is the perfect place to kick back and soak up the sun—or hop on a catamaran cruise. Whether you’re lounging or sailing, lightweight, breezy outfits are key.
Read on for more ideas of things to do in Oahu.
Sunrise at Haleakalā National Park (Maui)
Haleakalā offers the most breathtaking sunrise views—but with an early 2 a.m. wake-up and temps around 40°F, layering is crucial. I’ve packed a cozy jacket and leggings for warmth and mobility since we’re ziplining right after sunrise.
Luau Night Outfit on Ka’anapali Beach
Our final night will include a traditional Hawaiian luau. I’m opting for something festive and floral—but still comfortable. I found this cotton dress at Abercrombie and paired it with playful accessories.
Casual Shopping Day in Maui
Our hotel is within walking distance of Whalers Village—perfect for shopping and beachside eats. I’m packing casual, mix-and-match staples for this easy-going day.
7 Things You Should Pack in Your Hawaii Suitcase
1. Jacket or Sweatshirt
Yes, a jacket! My mom and I are catching the sunrise views at Haleakalā National Park. The temperature drops 3º for every 1000 feet of elevation, and temperatures are around 40 degrees. We sure need a jacket or sweatshirt to bring along.
If you travel to Hawaii during between November and January, you should be prepared for semi-chilly nights. Winter is also Hawaii’s rainy season, so if you plan on purchasing a jacket, make sure it’s waterproof. Or find a light rain jacket to bring with.
2. Sunscreen
Sunscreen is one of the kindest things to take with you on your Hawaii vacation. Some bloggers or influencers are referencing “reef safe” or “reef friendly” products, but what does that mean? Because there is no agreed upon testing protocol, neither “reef friendly” nor “reef safe” is currently being defined or regulated by the FDA.
Sun Bum references the “Hawaii Act 104 Reef Compliant” for their products. Sun Bum’s Oxybenzone free and Octinoxate free formula will protect your skin from harmful UVA/UVB rays while enriching your skin with Vitamin E, an antioxidant that helps to neutralize free radicals, which are the main cause of premature skin aging.
3. Waterproof Phone Case
If you’re going to be near the water, either at the beach or in the mountains, then you’ll need to protect your phone from water. A waterproof phone case is a Hawaii essential if you plan on using it to take all your photos and videos.
These cell phone dry bags come with a detachable lanyard. You’re able to touch the screen to capture all of the best vacation moments.
Please use safely! I once went on vacation to Grand Cayman with a LifeProof case. Salt water got in through the case and destroyed my phone. All my photos and videos were gone. I lost my entire vacation!
4. Portable Charger
Portable power banks are a must have if you’re planning on using your phone a lot. Since I like to take a lot of photos and video, my cell phone battery often depletes quickly.
Anker’s slim size power bank saves on space while also charging a phone up to three times. It weighs less than half a pound and can fit in your pocket.
5. Reusable water bottle
Pack your own reusable travel water bottle to save on plastic bottles while traveling.
This KCZ bottles are also collapsible, which makes it great for travel because they fit in a carryon bag. The folding water bottle is made of silicone and has a silicone sealing ring to prevent water from splashing out.
6. Poncho
Zack and I got stuck in Pompeii with horrendous downpours. We were lucky enough that the vendors outside were selling ponchos, so we were able to enjoy our visit. But we paid $10 a piece! Save yourself the money and buy cheap ponchos that can be disposable after your vacation – or invest in some nicer ones for your trips!
These Hagon Pro comes in a 5-pack of disposable rain ponchos. They are made from a thicket plastic that allows them to be reusable if you need them over the duration of your trip.
7. Beach Bag
Beach bags are essentials that will get you from the hotel room to the beach with all your essentials. You’ll want to be on the lookout for one that’s also waterproof.
This ESVAN bag is water resistant with a zipper closure on the top. It’s also washable and has cute pineapples on it – perfect for visiting the Dole Plantation in Hawaii!
Shop What to Pack
Have I Forgotten Anything?
That’s everything I’ve pulled together so far. What are your Hawaii wardrobe must-haves? Drop your tips and packing advice in the comments!
More Packing + Outfit Posts You’ll Love:
- Italy Packing List: Essential Items for Your Trip
- Boston Packing List: What to Wear in Boston in the Fall
- What to Wear in Winter in France Packing List
- What to Wear in Winter in Germany Packing List
- Smart & Stress-Free: Your Winter Europe Packing Guide
- What to Wear in Hawaii: Every Outfit I Packed and Wore
- The 5 Prettiest Hotels on Waikiki Beach
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