What to Pack for Hawaii: The Essential List
Aloha!
So, you are off on vacation to Hawaii. Lucky you. Send us a postcard. But if you are struggling to decide what to bring to the Aloha State, we’re here to help. No doubt you want to look good, but you still need to be comfortable and dressed appropriately, not only for the weather but for the activities and the culture too. The good news is that it’s relatively easy to pack for Hawaii. So, grab your backpack, or suitcase, and let’s get started with our handy guide covering what to pack for Hawaii: the essential list.
What to Pack for Hawaii: The Essential List
Hawaii has warm weather year-round with pleasant temperatures between 73°F and 86°F (22.7°C and 30°C). However, Hawaii is an archipelago of microclimates, meaning, if you are island hopping, you should be prepared for lots of different weather situations.
What toiletries to pack for Hawaii
Reef safe suncream
Hawaii has a typically high UV index at all times of the year. Therefore, high SPF suncream should be top of your packing list. You can of course buy this when you land, but you need to know that Hawaii has banned the selling of sunscreens containing the chemicals oxybenzone and octinoxate. These chemicals adversely affect the ocean and are harmful to the reefs and to other marine species. Therefore, you should plan to pack reef safe suncream. This means avoiding sunscreen that has oxybenzone, avobenzone, octisalate, octocrylene, homosalate or octinoxate.
Mosquito repellent
Are you a mosquito magnet? Then you’ll need heavy duty mozzie repellant with you when you go to Hawaii, especially if you plan on hiking in the rainforest or to waterfalls. The mosquito repellent you choose should be registered with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and contain 20-30% DEET.
Cloth bags
Hawaii has banned plastic bags and non-recyclable paper bags. If you go to the grocery store and don’t have your own reusable bag with you, you will be charged for a reusable, compostable plastic or recyclable paper bag. Be prepared by bringing your own fabric bags to Hawaii. These can also double up as beach bags.
Small backpack
If you plan on hiking or hitting the trails, you’ll need a small, comfortable backpack. Backpacks keep your hands free, which makes it easier to take photos but improves safety and stability too. If you are going to be hiking in the rain or to waterfalls pack a small waterproof backpack or day bag if you have one.