Heading to Hawaii in the fall? While most places are cooling down, the islands are still serving sunshine, surf, and lush rainforests. Whether youβre lounging on Waikiki Beach, hiking Kauaiβs cliffs, or chasing waterfalls in Maui, this Hawaii fall packing list gives you everything you need for a smooth, stylish, and sun-kissed adventure.
Weather Overview π‘οΈ
Fall in Hawaii (September to November) still feels like summer, just with fewer crowds and a bit more rainβespecially in November.
- September: 23β31Β°C (74β88Β°F) β Hot, humid, sunny
- October: 22β30Β°C (72β86Β°F) β Warm with scattered rain
- November: 21β28Β°C (70β82Β°F) β Slightly cooler, more showers
β‘οΈ Note: The ocean stays warm, so beach days are still on! Bring lightweight layers and rain-friendly accessories.
What to Pack for Hawaii in Fall π
Packing smart will help you make the most of your trip. Hereβs everything you need to bring for a comfortable and stylish adventure.
Carry-On Suitcase / Travel Bag Duffle / Portable Steamer / Packing cubes / Luggage scale / Wireless Noise-Cancelling Headphones / Speaker / Portable Charger / Universal Travel adapter / Compact Hair Dryer / Eye Mask / Waterproof Toiletry Bag Hanging / Zipper Pouch / Water BOTTLE / Liquid I.V. Hydration Vegan
Dressing Etiquette:
Hawaii is casual and beach-friendly, but always respectful. Swimsuits are for the sandβnot shops or restaurants. Bring a cover-up, modest clothes for cultural sites, and breathable fabrics for humidity.
𧳠Luggage & Packing Tools
If you want more options to have everything organized and well packed, take a look at these suggestions.
1. Rolling Backpack / 2. Luggage (large) / 3. Luggage (small) / 4. Toiletry Bag / 5. Beach Bag / 6. Backpack / 7. Packing Cubes
𧳠Carry-on suitcase β Lightweight & tropical trip-friendly
𧳠Checked luggage β Optional unless overpacking
π Beach tote or backpack β For beach days & hiking
π Personal item β With all essentials
π§Ό Packing cubes β Separate wet/dry/swimwear
π Shoe bags β For sandy flip-flops or wet water shoes
π Makeup bag β Minimal, humidity-proof
π Hanging toiletry bag β Great for hotel or condo setups
π Document organizer β ID, snorkel/tour bookings, insurance
ποΈ Collapsible tote β For groceries, souvenirs, and farmers markets
π§Ί Laundry bag β For swimsuits and sandy things
βοΈ Luggage scale β Airlines can be strict inter-island
π Small lock β For hostels or beach lockers
π§’ Zipper pouch β For sunscreen, lip balm, or coins
π§ Quick-dry towel β Beach, boat, and waterfall must
π€ Neck pillow β For long flights from the mainland
π΄ Sleep mask β Great if adjusting to jet lag
π Clothes
π Tank tops / camis (3β5) β Breathable, beachy, mix-and-match
π T-shirts / crop tops (2β3) β Casual and comfy
π Sundresses (2β3) β Lightweight, flowy, island-perfect
π©³ Shorts (2β3) β Denim, cotton, linen blends
π Swimsuits (2β3) β Rotate between dips
π§₯ Light hoodie / cardigan β For cool planes or rainy days
π§₯ Rain jacket β Thin, packable, and waterproof
π§ Activewear (1β2 sets) β For hikes and morning walks
π Lightweight pants / joggers (1β2) β For evenings or plane
π©± Swimsuit cover-ups (2) β For restaurants & shops
π Pajamas β Keep it breezy
𧀠Underwear (7+) β Quick-dry types ideal
π Bras (3β4) β Mix of strapless, wireless, and sporty
𧦠Socks (2β3) β For hikes or flights
π Skincare
π§Ό Gentle cleanser β Sweat-proof and refreshing
πΈ Toner β Keep pores clear in humidity
𧴠Moisturizer β Lightweight gel formulas
π Sunscreen (reef-safe) β Non-negotiable in Hawaii
𧽠Makeup remover β Oil-free wipes or micellar water
πΏ Exfoliator β Light scrubs 1β2x per week
ποΈ Eye cream β Hydrate after sun exposure
π¦ Facial mist β Midday refreshment
π§ Sheet masks (1β2) β Post-beach skin recovery
π Lip balm with SPF β Lips burn too!
π©Ή Spot treatment β For heat-related breakouts
π Makeup
𧴠Tinted moisturizer or BB cream β Skip full foundation
ποΈ Concealer β For under-eye or redness
π«οΈ Setting powder β Light, translucent
πΊ Blush β Cream or tint
π Highlighter β For golden glow
ποΈ Waterproof mascara β Beach-proof
ποΈ Brow gel β Low-maintenance brows
π Tinted lip balm or gloss β SPF bonus
ποΈ Sponge or brush β Small kit only
π Setting spray β Light, hydrating
π Hair
π Wide-tooth comb β Post-beach detangling
π§· Hair ties, clips, scrunchies β Sand + wind = secure your strands
𧴠Leave-in conditioner β Saltwater recovery
𧴠Dry shampoo β Tropical volume saver
π§ Hair oil β Defrizz in humidity
𧴠Travel shampoo & conditioner β Moisture-restoring
π¨ Blow dryer β Most stays provide it (skip if not styling)
π Flat iron / curling wand β Optional for night looks
π Headbands or scarves β Cute + practical
π Shoes & Accessories
π©΄ Flip-flops β Island life essential
π Sneakers β For hikes or exploring
π₯Ώ Sandals β For dinners or dressy-casual days
π₯Ύ Water shoes β For waterfalls, snorkeling, or boat trips
π© Straw hat or cap β Shade = skin protection
𧣠Lightweight scarf β Optional for plane
πΆοΈ Polarized sunglasses β Eye protection + style
β Watch β Waterproof or fitness tracker
π Jewelry β Simple, beach-proof pieces
π Crossbody bag or beach bag β Keep it casual
β Mini umbrella β Just in case
π§Ύ Documents & Essentials
π ID / passport β Required for flights
π Copy of ID β Digital and printed
πͺͺ Driverβs license β Needed for car rentals or mopeds
π Travel insurance info β For snorkeling, hiking, etc.
π² Flight confirmations β Especially for inter-island
π¨ Hotel / rental receipts β Helpful at check-in
π Rental car docs β If exploring islands
ποΈ Tour tickets β Luaus, snorkeling, volcano tours
πΊοΈ Itinerary β Digital + backup copy
π Offline maps β Especially helpful on remote hikes
π³ Credit/debit cards β Widely accepted
π΅ Emergency cash β For local markets or tips
π Emergency contact list β Paper and phone
ποΈ Pen & small notebook β For forms and journaling
π Hawaiian phrase card β Learn a little Aloha spirit
π House keys β If using a lockbox or long stay
π Wallet β RFID-safe recommended
π©Ή First Aid
π©Ή Bandaids β Blisters from hikes or sandals
𧴠Antibiotic ointment β For small cuts or scrapes
𧻠Antiseptic wipes β Clean hands or minor wounds
π©Ί Gauze + tape β Optional, for bigger hikes
βοΈ Scissors (travel-size) β TSA-safe
π¦Ά Blister pads β Beach walks, long treks
π‘οΈ Thermometer β Optional but helpful
βοΈ Tweezers β For splinters, etc.
π Health & Hygiene
π Prescription meds β Bring full supply
π Pain relievers β Sun headaches are real
π€§ Allergy meds β Pollen or sunscreen reactions
π Motion sickness pills β For boat tours
π Stomach meds β If trying new foods
π Vitamins β Support immunity
π©Έ Feminine hygiene β Compact supplies
𧴠Hand sanitizer β Always
𧻠Wipes β Beach + public bathroom must
π¦ Bug spray β Especially near waterfalls or rainforests
π Birth control β Plan ahead
ποΈ Eye drops β Saltwater irritation
πͺ Travel mirror β Optional
πͺ₯ Toothbrush + toothpaste β Travel size works
𧴠Mouthwash + floss β Keep it fresh
𧴠Body wash β Optional if hotel provides
𧴠Deodorant β Tropical-tested
πͺ Razor + cream β For beach-ready skin
π
Nail clippers / file β For breaks or snags
πΈ Fragrance β Tropical, roll-on style
𧻠Pocket tissues β Always smart
π± Tech & Electronics
π± Phone + charger β Donβt forget a backup cable
πΈ Waterproof camera or phone case β Underwater must-have
π Power bank β Beach days can drain your phone
π Charging cords β For all devices
π Bluetooth speaker β Island playlist, anyone?
π Universal adapter β Not needed unless from outside US
πΆ SIM or pocket Wi-Fi β Optional if US carrier works
π Kindle or e-reader β Poolside perfection
π§ Headphones β Noise-canceling = plane lifesaver
π§ Entertainment
π Beach reads β Light, fun, tropical
π¬ Movies β Download for flight downtime
π§ Podcasts β Travel, comedy, or history
π Journal β Capture that island magic
π Card games β For beach or lanai fun
π° Local magazine β Learn more about Hawaiian culture
π Extras
π₯ Snacks / bars β Airport, hikes, or road trips
π§ Reusable water bottle β Stay hydrated
ποΈ Foldable shopping bag β Eco-friendly + beach-ready
𧴠Travel detergent β Handwash swimsuits
𧡠Mini sewing kit β For beach dress mishaps
π’ Safety whistle β For solo hikes
π§Ό Lint roller β For travel day touch-ups
π¦Ά Inflatable footrest β Flight comfort
π Shoe deodorizer β Sand = funk
π€ Natural sleep aid β Beat jet lag gently
βοΈ Travel Tips
βοΈ Reef-safe sunscreen is required by law
βοΈ Avoid overpackingβresorts often offer towels
βοΈ Book inter-island flights early
βοΈ Respect Hawaiian culture and land: pack modest outfits for sacred sites
βοΈ Use a waterproof bag for hikes or boat tours
π Visa Tips
π No visa needed for U.S. citizens
πΈ Have ID ready for inter-island flights
π Rental car bookings require valid license and card
π Download Google Maps offline if exploring remote areas
β Must-Haves for a Smooth Trip
𧴠Reef-safe sunscreen
π Multiple swimsuits
π§₯ Light rain jacket
π± Waterproof phone case
π₯Ύ Water shoes or sandals
π³ Cards + backup cash
π§ Quick-dry towel
π Daypack or beach tote
π§ Refillable water bottle
π Good-to-Have Items
π§ Liquid IV or hydration powder
π§ Noise-canceling earbuds
π΄ Sleep mask
𧣠Travel wrap
ποΈ Extra tote bag
π§Ό Aloe vera gel
πΆ eSIM or local SIM
π©΄ Flip-flops (extra pair)
π Hawaiian shirt or island dress
