How to Pack for a Week in Hawaii

Last Updated: November 11, 2022 References Approved

Picture the sandy beaches, palm trees, and soaring green hikes of Hawaii. Now imagine yourself schlepping a heavy suitcase through paradise. Many people overpack for their trips, especially to exotic, tropical locales like Hawaii. You can pack for—and enjoy— your week in Hawaii by streamlining what clothing you take and maximizing what space you have in your bag.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Selecting Clothing

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Select five tops. Pull 5-8 tops out of your closet that you'd like to wear during your week in Hawaii. Choose a mix of five casual blouses and tees from the group that you can wear to different occasions or for activities.^{[1]
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Research source} Taking tops that you can easily wash in your accommodations can also streamline your suitcase.^{[2]
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- Incorporate plenty of lighter shades that help to keep you cooler on warm, sunny days.
- Keep in mind that you mind that you may buy tees or other Hawaii-motif tops during your trip. This can help you further streamline your top choices.
2
Add four bottoms to your bag. Pick out four bottoms that match your tops. Select lightweight and light-colored shorts and skirts and one pair of airy pants. Different bottoms give you more options for pulling together cool and comfortable outfits while you're in Hawaii.^{[3]
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3
Mix it up with three dresses. Pack two lighter, casual dresses and another that you can dress up or down for any occasion in Hawaii. Your choices can give you a several outfits to stay comfy and fully enjoy your time in paradise.^{[4]
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- Choose a romper or jumpsuit in place of one dress if you like.
4
Jazz up your outfits with three pairs of shoes. Add three pairs of neutral, comfortable, and casual shoes to your bag. Each of these can add a little pizzazz to your wardrobe and give you a way to have many different outfits for any occasion. Consider taking a mixture of one pair of tennis shoes, one pair of dress shoes, and a third pair you can wear to the beach.^{[5]
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5
Leave room for two swimsuits and bags. Select two swimsuits you like and can use for both sunbathing and water sports. Then place two handbags, such as a small satchel and beach tote, in your luggage. Having these different options will allow you to go from the reef to the beach to a luau without being overburdened or uncomfortable.^{[6]
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- Two suits can also ensure that you always have one suit dry and ready to wear. You may also want one swimsuit cover-up and a rash guard for warmth and sun protection.^{[7]
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6
Accessorize and protect your eyes. Take along one casual hat, your watch, and one pair of multi-purpose sunglasses. These can jazz up your outfits, keep you on time, and protect you from Hawaii's strong sun.^{[8]
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- Wear polarized sunglasses if possible to block out both UVA and UVB rays.^{[9]
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- If you wear prescription goggles and want to go snorkeling, bring those with you too, so you can see all the colorful fish there!
7
Put no limits on underwear. Take along as many pairs of underwear and/ or bras as you like. Squeeze them into the empty spaces within your luggage. Consider taking 8 pairs and two neutral bras if you want to streamline your bag even more. Remember that you can wash underwear and bras in most accommodations.^{[10]
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8
Keep jewelry to a minimum. Take only your absolute favorite pieces of jewelry to Hawaii. Avoid anything very large or ostentatious, which goes against the relaxed vibe of the islands. Selecting items that you love can brighten up any outfit and reduce how much you're taking in your carry-on.^{[11]
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- Pack jewelry in your handbag or carry-on to minimize the risk that it gets lost or stolen.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Packing Toiletries and Medications

1
Take smaller amounts of toiletries. Pack the exact amounts of each toiletry you need for one week. Use travel sized bottles, contact lens cases, and other smaller containers to reduce the space consumed by products you don't need. Limiting the amount of toiletries you take to Hawaii can reduce luggage weight and leave more room for fun souvenirs!^{[12]
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Get toiletries in Hawaii. Find out if your accommodations stock essentials such as shampoo, conditioner, and body wash so that you don't have to pack them. Keep in mind that you can get almost anything you may need in Hawaii, including over-the-counter medications. This can also reduce weight in your luggage.^{[13]
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3
Bring along sunscreen. Pack a high SPF, oxybenzone-free broadband sunscreen in your luggage. Choose an SPF higher than 30 that is water resistant and protects against both UVA and UVB rays. Get a lip balm with SPF to minimize the risk of burning your lips. Applying sunscreen frequently in Hawaii can protect you from the strong sun in Hawaii.^{[14]
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4
Put a week's supply of medication in your carry on. Pack seven days' worth of each medication you take in individually wrapped packages or a medicine case. Consider packing one or two extra doses of each in case you drop a pill or another problem arises. Having enough medication ensure that you can enjoy your trip with less risk of getting sick from a missed dose. You should also have extra prescriptions for any emergency you may encounter during travel.
- Ask your doctor for a copy of an emergency prescription for seven doses of your medication in case you forget your drugs or they get lost.
- Carry your medication in your carry on bag to minimize the risk that it gets lost or stolen with your luggage.
5
Make a travel health kit. Gather health items you may need while you're in Hawaii such as anti-diarrheal medication or bandages. Put them in a separate bag or toiletries organizer so that you can use them in a pinch. You may want to include some of the following:^{[15]
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- A pain reliever and fever reducer such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen
- Allergy relief medications
- Bandages or moleskin
- Antibiotic ointment
- Anti-diarrhea medication
- Bug spray

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Taking Along Other Necessities

1
Carry travel-related documents. Print out any documentation you have related to your time in Hawaii. Assemble it together in one spot with other documentation you may need such as a passport or driver's license. Keeping your documents organized in one place ensures that you can access them quickly during your trip. Include the following types of documentation in your carry-on luggage:^{[16]
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- Passport and visa
- Driver's license
- Hotel, transportation, and activities' confirmations
- Consent for travel with minors
- If you're an American citizen, you don't need a passport to go to Hawaii.
2
Take along sufficient credit cards and money. Let your bank of credit card provider know you'll be in Hawaii for one week. Take one universal credit card and your ATM card.^{[17]
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Research source} Before you leave, take out cash in different denominations to get you through one or two days in case your wallet is lost or stolen. Carry your cash and credit cards on your person or with a travel mate at all times.^{[18]
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- Divide up your different cards and monies between two wallets or pockets to minimize the risk that you lose or someone steals them.
3
Pack only light, necessary electronics. Take along your devices that are lightweight to minimize how much your luggage weighs. Include only those electronics you need or want, such as a smartphone or shaver. Leaving bulky, heavy, and expensive items like your laptop at home can ensure you capture and enjoy every moment of your week in Hawaii without weighing you down.^{[19]
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Research source} Some lighter electronics to pack in your carry-on include:^{[20]
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- Smartphone, with camera
- Tablet or e-Reader
- Toothbrush
- GPS device or smart watch^{[21]
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4
Charge your electronics wisely. Find a small pouch where you can store charging devices for your electronics. Assemble one charger for each device and roll each carefully so they don't knot up. Consider a single unit charger so you can connect cords to one outlet. Place your chargers and wires in the pouch and carry it in your hand luggage.^{[22]
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- Avoid carrying electronics that need batteries to save space and money.
- Consider getting a separate device charger so you can charge your electronics on the go.

Community Q&A

Question

What can kids pack for Hawaii?

Community Answer

Books, some toys, toiletry stuff, and their clothes.
Question

What should I pack for kids?

Community Answer

You can pack dresses, shorts, tank tops, and warm-weather clothes. It can get chilly at night, though, so maybe bring a pair of leggings or light pants and a jacket.
Question

What styles are the best swimsuits for women for Hawaii?

Community Answer

Wear whatever makes you feel most comfortable, whether that be a one- or two-piece.