The Best Hawaii Packing List For Adventure Seekers

Post Summary: A Complete Hawaii Packing List for a 1-Week Adventure

Berty and I have been diving into the adventurous Hawaiian island of Kauai. Also known as “The Garden Isle”, this place is filled with lush greenery to explore and white sandy beaches in all directions.

With so many different activities to do, we did some research “what do you pack for Hawaii?”

We’re happy to report that we packed the right stuff, and we want you to be well-equipped too.

In this post, we’re sharing our adventurous Hawaii packing list with you. This is for anyone who wants to get outside and connect with their surroundings!

*This is not a luxurious Hawaii packing list.

Berty and I like to get deep into nature, so if you’re looking to immerse yourself in all the rugged fun that Kauai (or any other Hawaiian island) has to offer, read on to find out what to add to your adventurous Hawaii packing list!

What To Pack For Kauai: Adventure Edition

Note: This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase a product we recommend we may receive a small commission.

 

Before we begin, here are some things to know about Kauai:

  • The dress code for Kauai (and really all the other Hawaiian islands) is very casual. Leave your fancy clothes at home.
  • Pack clothes that you are willing to get dirty and muddy. The red dirt on this island stains everything! (Aka no white!)
  • Bring clothes that dry relatively quickly. We got caught in surprise downpours a lot.

READ MORE: 11 Once-In-A-Lifetime Things To Do In Kauai

 

What To Pack In your Hawaii Carry On: (Also Read More: 30 Carry-On Essentials For The Light Packer)

When considering what comes with you on the plane, remember these two things:

  • Bring anything valuable that you don’t want out of your sight. Never check a camera, laptop, or anything else expensive in a suitcase. Keep track of those things!
  • Pack just enough to survive without your suitcase for 1 day. This means packing an extra pair of clothes and basic toiletries in case your bag gets misplaced.

Soft-Cased Overnight Bag

Use a soft-cased bag for your Hawaii carry-on essentials so it can easily squish into that overhead compartment. We like the Patagonia Black Hole Mini Duffel/Backpack for its versatility – it can be used as a day pack during your trip!

Patagonia Mini Black Hole Duffel
Patagonia Mini Black Hole Duffel


Sturdy Backpack For Tech Items

In addition to your soft-cased carry on, use a study backpack for all your tech items. We absolutely love our PRVKE Bags by WANDRD. They have compartments for all your gear, convenient zippers, and a smart design for savvy travelers (like you!).

WANDRD PRVKE Bag 21L
WANDRD PRVKE 21L Bag


Refillable Water Bottle

Refillable water bottles are a really great way to support sustainability and ditch those plastic airport bottles! This will also come in handy in warm and tropical Hawaii.

See Price at Backcountry.com >

Hydro Flask Water Bottle
Refillable Hydroflask


1 Change of Clothes

When packing for Hawaii, make sure to bring loose, comfy clothes for the plane. We like to wear natural-fiber pants that look a little more put together than sweats, but still ultra-comfy! And pockets are a must!


Laptop Case

Make sure to bring a sturdy laptop case for your electronics! No time for tech accidents on your trip to Hawaii, so it’s worth investing in protection.

Fjallraven Laptop Case (Hawaii Packing List)
Fjallraven Laptop Case


Noise Cancelling Headphones

Noise-canceling headphones are an absolute essential on long flights. Keep them close (or already around your neck) so you can easily put them on in your seat.

Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones
Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones


Toiletries:

Our tip-top toiletry tips (try saying that 3 times fast): Want to avoid overpacking? Keep those tiny sample bottles and fill them up with your favorite products for your trip. Save space and take only what you need. If you want to to buy some reusable travel-sized bottles, try these ones made by Nalgene or these squeezable ones from GoToobs.

  1. Toothbrush and toothpaste
  2. Deodorant
  3. Face wash and moisturizer
  4. Mini hairbrush
  5. Chapstick
  6. Aloe Vera
  7. Bug Spray

What To Check In Your Suitcase:

Shoes:

Read More: 12 Best Warm-Weather Walking Sandals For Travel

Clothing:

Read More: Wanna Go Carry-On Only? Read This.

Hawaii Packing List: Accessories

Gear

Most of these should go in your carry-on, but consider packing larger items like tripods and accessories to lighten your load in the airplane cabin.

  • Camera extras (extra batteries + memory cards)
  • Gnarbox for easy uploading + storing high quality images
  • Laptops + Chargers
  • Dry Bag: If you’re looking to go out on a boat, you’ll need one of these
  • Tripod – for photos together with your friends!

Read More: Our Complete Travel Photography Gear List

 

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What is on your Hawaii Packing List? Do you pack adventurous like us or are you packing to lounge at the beach? Let us know in the comments below!

 

READ MORE ADVENTURES

5 Reasons Why You Should Take A Kauai Helicopter Tour

Stay In A Treehouse In Hawaii (The Best Big Island Airbnb)

11 Once-In-A-Lifetime Things To Do In Kauai

The Ultimate Bali Guide: 10 Day Itinerary

How To Avoid Overpacking

How To Get Rid Of Jet Lag Fast

 

Follow Our Kauai Inspiration Board on Pinterest for more adventurous ideas on the island!