Hawaii is a magical destination and a bucket list trip for many! Just because it’s a luxury destination, doesn’t mean you have to pack as such. It’s easy to get by in Hawaii with minimal things, especially when you’re laying on the beach all day. Here’s my Ultimate Hawaii Packing List with just a carry on!
The benefits of packing light
I always pack as light as I can. Even when I’m traveling and I get a free checked bag, I try to swing by with just a carry on if I can. Not only does it make me feel like my things are safer (no risk of them getting lost), but I love being able to buzz right off the plane when I land. No waiting around for an eternity while you anxiously await for your bag to ride around on the carousel!
With more and more airlines charging for checked bags these days, you can also save money. Check your specific airline, but a majority allow a carry on for free. United comes to mind as the one big airline that charges, and while other low-cost airlines (like Frontier and Spirit) will as well. Some airlines can charge up to $30, $60, or even $100 each way to check a bag. That’s a lot of money you can be using for another aspect of your trip!
Also important to remember that even though the term “carry on” is singular, you actually can bring two items. One bag to go into the overhead compartment, and one under the seat in front of you. I’d suggest bringing a rolling suitcase and a weekend bag such as this one to go under the seat. You’ll be able to fit a lot of things between the two! If you don’t have a weekend bag, you can always bring a spacious backpack.
What to wear
Layers, layers, layers! The goal here is to maximize your bag space by wearing clothes that would otherwise take up space! Let’s start from your head and work down to your toes.
To really save space, wear a hat that you’d like to bring along. This will be easy to put into the seat back pocket once you board if you don’t wait to wear it for the entire flight. You could even consider having your bulky headphones around your neck. On top, wear a tee shirt layered with a sweatshirt (you could even carry the sweatshirt or tie it around your waist if needed). Not only will this save space, but will also allow you to take off/add layers when the plane temperature fluctuates. I always wear a thin scarf as well to act as a blanket for me on the plane!
On the bottom, jeans or sweatpants are a must (we’re not walking in a fashion show here!). Both are bulky and would take up a ton of space. On your feet, wear your compression socks and your toughest and least-conforming shoes. For me, these tend to be my sneakers or boots. In Hawaii, you’ll probably want to do some hiking anyway, so you’ll need these regardless!
What to leave
Every inch of your suitcase is valuable real estate, so it’s also important to know what to leave behind. Below are a few things that you can leave at home and pick at a shop once you land for cheap!
Beach towels are huge and will take up half your carry on, and you can find them for sale all over the islands. After your trip, consider leaving it with your Airbnb host or hotel to let other guests use it in the future.
Reef-safe sunscreen is an absolute must-have in Hawaii. Even though the temperatures can be cooler, the UV index is very high and you will get burned. Not only will leaving it behind save room, but TSA regulations likely won’t let you travel with any more than a few ounces anyway.
Flip flops, believe it or not, can stay at home. They are a cheap and easy thing to buy when you get there (you’ll find them everywhere). Afterward, thank them for their services a la Marie Kondo and ditch them. $5 well spent.
What to pack
Traveling Essentials
ID for airport security
Wallet, keys, phone
Neck pillow (it’s a long flight!)
Headphones
Sleep essentials (sleep aids, earplugs)
Read More: My Ultimate Carry-On Checklist
The Basics
Bras & underwear
2-3 pairs of shorts
1 shirt/tank for each day you’ll be there
Sundress or skirt
Brush
Toiletries (deodorant, toothbrush, toothpaste, makeup, lotion, etc.)
Fashion/walking sandals (I’d recommend Birkenstocks!)
Pack classic staples when it comes to bottoms and tops so you can mix and match and make new outfits!
Beach & Hiking Essentials
1 bathing suit (one is all you need- hang it out to dry each night!)
Bathing suit cover up
Sunglasses (Bring 1 nice pair and 1 cheap pair to wear in the ocean in case they get lost in the waves- or invest in a sunglasses strap)
Hiking shorts or leggings
Sports bra
Hiking shoes or sneakers (wear these on the plane!)
Tech
Camera, memory card, lens, charger
GoPro & charger or waterproof phone case (for epic water shots!)
iPad (leave your bulky laptop behind)
Phone charger
Extras
Basic jewelry
1 small purse or cross-body
Hair-styling tools (see tips #2 & 3 below!)
Bonus tips
1. Try to book accommodations with laundry facilities (even if just for a night or two of your trip). Many Airbnbs will provide, but ask your host if it’s not listed. Hotels also offer laundry services but at a fee. If you choose that route, try to do everything at once.
2. Consult with the people you are traveling with. Have one person bring each item and share between everyone (curling iron, straightener, etc.).
3. Confirm what amenities will be at your accommodations. Hair dryers, shampoo, and body wash are very common (even at Airbnbs).
4. Try using packing cubes. They will organize your clothes and compress them to save space!
Traveling soon? Check out my Travel Tips page to help you score good deals on flights, packing tips, tools to help you plan, and more!
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