HAWAII TRAVEL Packing List: What to Pack for the Big Island and Maui

Wat I Packed for Hawaii's Big Island: My Vacation Essentials & Favorites

The Big Island of Hawaii is one of those places where your packing list can get a little complicated. One minute you're relaxing on a beach, and the next you're hiking over volcanic terrain, standing outside before sunrise waiting to see an eruption, or driving up into much cooler temperatures.

For my Big Island trip, I packed with a mix of beach days, hiking, volcano viewing, and early-morning adventures. These are the things I actually found useful—and a few items I wouldn't want to travel without again.

My Hawaii Packing Essentials

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Soft & Versatile Beach Towel

A Turkish Towel was one of my favorite things. It's lightweight, dries quickly, soft and takes up dramatically less room than a traditional beach towel. I used it for the beach, as a quick cover-up, and, of course, whenever I needed something to sit on. It's one of those versatile travel items that earns its space in your suitcase.

Stylish Maui Jim Sunglasses

Hawaii is not the place to bring your mediocre sunglasses. I adore these Maui Jim Sunglasses and wore them constantly. Between the bright tropical sun, ocean glare, and long days outdoors, good polarized sunglasses made a difference. Plus stylish girl is a must. They're also one of those items I consider worth investing in because I use them long after the vacation is over.

Paper Straw Sun Hat

A wide-brimmed hat or good Sun Hat is another one of those things that seems optional until you've spent several hours outside in tropical sun. Bring one you'll actually wear. I love this straw hat as it lets the wind through, so your head stays cool at the same time.

Small Daypack for Short Excursions

A Small Backpack became my go-to bag for day trips everywhere in the world I travel. This is one of the items that can be used on any trip as well as hiking in your own home town. It's big enough for water, sunscreen, snacks, sunglasses, a rain layer, and whatever else I don't want to carry in my hands. And, of course, I choose quality, thus the Osprey. I also have a large 32L Osprey backpack I used to walk the Camino.

Hawaii Hiking Shoes

I brought my Salomon Trail Shoes because I knew we'd be exploring beyond the beaches. The Big Island has a huge variety of terrain, and comfortable shoes with good traction are worth bringing even if you're not planning serious hikes. I much prefer having a proper hiking shoe available than trying to negotiate rocky or uneven terrain in sneakers or, better yet, flip-flops. These are the same shoes I walked the Camino de Santiago in.

Lightweight Rain Jacket

The Big Island has dramatically different microclimates. You can have sunshine along the coast and completely different weather somewhere else. A Lightweight Waterproof Jacket takes up very little room and can save you from being miserable during an unexpected shower when you're carefree, enjoying your day. I'm glad I had mine with me, as we got caught in a mini-storm while visiting waterfalls.

Merino Wool Long Sleeve Base Layer

Don't pack only tropical clothes. If you're visiting higher elevations or heading out before sunrise, temperatures can be surprisingly cool. A lightweight long-sleeve shirt, especially this Merino Wool Base Layer, or a sweater is worth having. I will always recommend merino wool products because of its moisture wicking, odor resistant breathable properties.

Botanical SPF50 Sunscreen — My Favorite

If there's one thing I would tell anyone going to Hawaii to bring, it's good Sunscreen. Australian Gold has always been my favorite and I use it regularly, this is one of these items that I also use at home on a daily basis. The Hawaiian sun is intense, and sunscreen is something you want to apply generously. And remember: Hawaii has specific rules regarding sunscreens containing certain chemicals, so check the current regulations before you go.

Flashlight for Early-Morning Volcano Viewing

This was a very specific Big Island item—and one I was glad I had. If I may recommend one important detail it would be to see the volcanic activity right before dawn. It's absolutely magical! (see the picture I took at the top of this blog). The walk from the parking lot at the "other" side of the volcano is short, but a small flashlight is definitely useful before dawn. Just remember that conditions around volcanoes can change, and viewing areas may be restricted or closed.

My Big Island Packing Philosophy

I try not to overpack for tropical vacations. The trick is to bring things that can do more than one job. A Turkish towel works as a beach towel, cover-up, and lightweight travel blanket. Hiking shoes work for trails and sightseeing. A lightweight rain jacket works for rain and cooler mornings. Layers let you adapt to changing temperatures without carrying a huge suitcase. And for the Big Island specifically, I'd think beyond the stereotypical Hawaii vacation. Yes, pack the swimsuit. Yes, pack the sunglasses. But also pack for volcanoes, hiking, changing weather, early mornings, and long days outside.

That's what makes the Big Island such an incredible place to explore—and why a little planning before you leave makes the trip that much more enjoyable.

My Big Island Packing Shortlist

Beach: Turkish towel, swimsuit, reef-safe sunscreen, sunglasses, hat

Hiking: Salomon hiking shoes, daypack, water bottle, snacks

Volcano viewing: Flashlight or headlamp, warm layers, rain jacket, portable charger

Everyday travel: Comfortable clothes, lightweight layers, toiletries, phone charger, and a small day bag

In general, pack light, leave some room in your suitcase for some new clothes at your new destination; you'll be ready for just about anything in any new destination.