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15 Things You’ll Forget to Pack for Hawaii

Today, we are going to discuss 15 things you’ll forget to pack for Hawaii. Packing for a vacation in Hawaii can be a little overwhelming. I mean, PLANNING a vacation to Hawaii can be a little overwhelming. That’s why planning trips to Hawaii is my job, so that it doesn’t have to be yours!

When it comes to packing for Hawaii, some people overpack, and some forget basic necessities, so let’s try to make sure you don’t do either one!

Before we get started, let me introduce myself. My name is Amy, and I’m a travel agent specializing in honeymoons and Hawaii vacations. Contact me today to figure out the best destination for your vacation or honeymoon.

What do I need to pack for Hawaii?

It seems like a couple pairs of shorts, maybe a tank top or two, and a bathing suit, and you’re good to go, right? Well, maybe not quite! I never recommend overpacking, but there are a few Hawaii essentials that you don’t want to forget. 

You can actually read about all the Hawaii vacation essentials you will need for your vacation. I wrote a post about what to pack for Hawaii. The good thing is, most of the things you’ll forget to pack for Hawaii take up very little space in your luggage!

Now that I got that out of the way, I am going back to focusing on what you forget to pack for Hawaii. There are always going to be a couple of things you’ll forget to pack for Hawaii. 

By the way, if you do forget something, it’s not a big deal! Hawaii has all the regular stores, Target, Walgreens, etc., so you can go and grab any missed items. However, since things in Hawaii are more expensive, it would be better to just bring them with you!

Do I need a rental car in Hawaii?

If you don’t have a rental car yet, I recommend Discount Hawaii Car Rental. You’ll find the best deals on any of the Hawaiian Islands. Although you can navigate Oahu without a rental car, I recommend one because the most beautiful parts of Oahu are outside of the popular Waikiki area! 

Things You’ll Forget to Pack for Hawaii

Here are things you’ll forget to pack for Hawaii, listed in no particular order. 

Reef-Safe Sunscreen

Hawaii has had a law in effect requiring sunscreen to be reef-safe since 2018. This isn’t always one of the top things you’ll forget to pack for Hawaii. Instead, it is often on the list of “I have no idea which sunscreen is reef-safe.” 

My personal favorites are by the All Good Brand and the Badger Brand. I also have a blog post all about reef-safe sunscreen!

Baby Powder

You are going to be in the sand a lot when you are on vacation in Hawaii. That sand will get everywhere!

One of the easiest ways to remove sand from your feet and body is to use baby powder. I recommend choosing a talc-free brand (I like Burt’s Bees) because the regular baby powder has some yucky stuff you don’t want to be inhaling.

Pens

This sounds weird, but hear me out! Prior to your arrival, the flight attendants on the plane will give you a declaration form to fill out. They don’t provide pens, and I always see passengers scrambling to find or borrow one. Just bring some extras! I like the Pilot G2 pens.

Sweater or Sweatshirt

One of the most common things you’ll forget to pack for Hawaii is going to be a sweater or a sweatshirt.

You likely won’t need it hanging out at your resort or on the beach, but you’ll definitely want a sweater if you’re seeing Haleakala Sunrise in Maui or going up Mauna Kea on the Big Island. 

Visiting Kauai and planning a morning hike? If you start at a higher altitude (such as anything in Koke’e State Park), it’ll be a little chilly when you start!

I know you are heading to a warm destination, but don’t forget it can get slightly cool on the islands on occasion. I also like to have a sweater on the airplne.

Waterproof Camera

I recommend a GoPro because they’re made to be rugged. You can take a GoPro snorkeling at Molokini in Maui, on an ATV adventure, hiking in Kauai, pretty much anywhere, and it will be just fine. 

Waterproof Phone Case

If you don’t feel like purchasing a new camera, you may want to consider a waterproof phone case or pouch instead.

Snacks for the plane ride

Hawaii is a very isolated island, so no matter where you live, it’s a long flight. The airplane food only goes so far (and let’s not pretend like it’s any good…), and relying on airport food isn’t great either. Bring some snacks like dried fruit, granola bars, etc. 

Hair Clips

The wind in Hawaii can get really strong. If you have long hair, it will whip around like crazy on windy days.

Hair clips, ponytail holders, and scrunchies can be really helpful. They are basically towards the top of my Hawaii vacation essentials list of things to pack.

I have a “scrunchy stasher” hair tie that will allow you to carry some cash or even your car keys in your hair tie. 

If you plan to go on a helicopter tour, having a good way to tie your hair back is very important. I learned this the hard way!

Socks and Shoes

Now, this tip is for you and not for me. I can hike all day in my Tevas with no problem, but not everyone prefers that!

Unless you plan on spending every waking minute on the beach in Hawaii, you might want to bring some real shoes. 

Water Shoes

Water shoes can be quite helpful when you are spending so much time out in the water. Slippers (flip flops) can float away as you are getting into a kayak. Water shoes will stay on your feet. They also won’t get ruined like a pair of sneakers would.

Reusable Bags

Hawaii was one of the first states to ban plastic bags years ago. Reusable bags can be helpful for any shopping you are doing on vacation. I thought these bags with turtles were perfect for Hawaii!

Turkish towels

I’ve been using Sandcloud towels for years, and I love them! They are lightweight and can double as a blanket for the airline, a beach blanket, and an actual towel!

Expandable Suitcase

You never know what you’ll buy in Hawaii and need to bring home, so an expandable suitcase just makes sense!

towel clips

One of the things you’ll forget to pack for Hawaii are towel clips. It’s one of those things that you don’t need until you do. You can use them for more than just clipping your towel to your chair (although they are great for that!) You may be in a bathing suit a lot, and you can hang them to dry on the lanai with a towel clip. 

Now, u could use any old towel clips, but we have – and love – this fun pack. 

More Hawaii Travel Tips:

• Maui vs. Kauai
• The 10 best farm tours on the Big Island of Hawaii
• The best helicopter tours in Maui
• 50 things to do in Maui
• 7 things to do in Hanapepe Kauai

15 things you’ll forget to pack for Hawaii

I hope this list of things you’ll forget to pack for Hawaii was helpful! Now you don’t have to worry about what to pack for a Hawaii vacation.

I’d love to help you plan a Hawaii vacation or honeymoon! You can contact me to learn more.

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