Headed to paradise? September is one of the best months to visit Hawaii—fewer crowds, cheaper flights, and warm, breezy weather. Whether you’re surfing in Maui, hiking volcanoes on the Big Island, or sipping mai tais on Oahu, this Hawaii September packing list covers everything you need to stay cool, stylish, and culturally respectful from sunrise to sunset.
Weather Overview 🌡️
September in Hawaii is warm, humid, and gorgeous—with the tail end of summer still lingering.
- Average highs: 85–89°F (29–32°C)
- Lows: 70–74°F (21–23°C)
- Water temp: Around 80°F (27°C)
- Rain: Light, occasional showers—especially on windward (east-facing) sides
- Hurricane season: Still active, but risk is low
Pro tip: Pack light, breathable clothing, but don’t forget layers for boat rides or high-elevation hikes.
What to Pack for Hawaii 🎒
Packing smart will help you make the most of your trip. Here’s 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 & Island Style
- Island casual rules: No need for formal wear unless dining upscale
- Modesty for temples: If visiting Heiau (sacred sites), cover shoulders/knees
- Eco-conscious: Many places are plastic-free and reef-protective—pack accordingly
- Shoes off inside homes: Respectful cultural norm
🧳 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
- 🧳 Carry-on suitcase – Lightweight and tropical-travel ready
- 👜 Beach tote / waterproof bag – Essentials for beach or boat days
- 🎒 Daypack – Perfect for hikes or exploring
- 🧼 Packing cubes – Sort beachwear, sleepwear, and dressier clothes
- 👡 Shoe bags – Keep your flip-flops separate from clean clothes
- 💄 Makeup bag – Minimal makeup needed, but waterproof is smart
- 🚿 Waterproof toiletry bag – For sandy or humid bathrooms
- 🗂️ Travel wallet / document holder – ID, cards, itinerary, and more
- 🧺 Laundry bag or pouch – Separate post-swim clothing
- 📏 Luggage scale – You’ll shop at local markets!
- 🧣 Quick-dry towel – Ideal for spontaneous beach stops
- 😴 Neck pillow / sleep mask – For long flights to the islands
👗 Clothes
- 👚 Tank tops / t-shirts (3–5) – Cotton, linen, or sweat-wicking
- 🌺 Flowy dresses / rompers (2–3) – Effortless day-to-night wear
- 🩳 Shorts (2–3) – Denim or linen are perfect
- 👗 Maxi dress or aloha shirt (1–2) – For sunset dinners or luau nights
- 🩱 Swimsuits (2–3) – Always pack extras for daily beach sessions
- 👘 Swimsuit cover-ups (2) – Sheer sarongs or beach dresses
- 🧘 Activewear (1–2) – For hikes, paddleboarding, or sunrise yoga
- 🛌 Pajamas / loungewear (1–2) – Lightweight and breathable
- 👙 Underwear (1 per day) – Quick-dry options are handy
- 🧦 Socks (2–3 pairs) – For hikes or travel days
- 🩲 Bras (2–3) – Include one sports bra
- 🧥 Light sweater or denim jacket (1) – Ocean breezes or plane rides
- 🌧️ Packable rain jacket (1) – Quick island showers are common
💆 Skincare
- 🧴 Cleanser – Remove sunscreen and sweat daily
- 💦 Hydrating toner – Combat humidity breakouts
- 🧴 Moisturizer – Lightweight, non-comedogenic
- ☀️ Reef-safe sunscreen (face + body) – Mandatory on beaches and snorkeling tours
- 🧼 Makeup remover – Use gentle wipes or micellar water
- 🍍 Exfoliator (optional) – Tropical climates can clog pores
- 👁️ Eye cream – Optional, but soothing after sun
- 💦 Facial mist – Midday refresh for beach babes
- 😘 SPF lip balm – Sunburned lips = not cute
- 💥 Spot treatment – Heat + sweat = occasional flare-ups
💄 Makeup
Keep it light, glowing, and sweat-proof.
- 💧 BB cream or tinted moisturizer with SPF – Base + protection
- 💖 Cream blush / bronzer – Sun-kissed glow without powder
- 👁️ Waterproof mascara – Ocean-safe
- 💄 Lip tint / gloss with SPF – Hydration + color
- 🧴 Setting spray – Lock it in for luau nights
- 🖌️ Minimal brushes / sponge – Compact kit is plenty
💇 Hair
- 💇♀️ Brush / comb – Saltwater = tangles
- 🎀 Hair ties / scrunchies – Breezy buns and ponytails
- 🧴 Travel-size shampoo & conditioner – Sulfate-free is best for post-beach hair
- 💨 Dry shampoo – For in-between beach days
- ✨ Leave-in conditioner or detangler – Must-have after ocean dips
- 🌺 Hair oil / serum – Smooths frizz from tropical air
- 🌴 Accessories (clips, headbands, flower clips) – Cute and practical
👠 Shoes & Accessories
- 🩴 Flip-flops / slides – Island uniform
- 👟 Sneakers – For hikes and waterfall treks
- 👠 Wedges / dressy sandals – Optional for dinner or luaus
- 🥾 Water shoes – Great for lava rocks or snorkeling entries
- 🧢 Sun hat / cap – Essential for UV protection
- 🕶️ Polarized sunglasses + case – Cut the tropical glare
- 🎒 Crossbody / belt bag – Hands-free exploring
- 👜 Mini evening bag – For upscale dinners
- ⌚ Watch (water-resistant) – Great for water tours
🧾 Documents & Essentials
- 🛂 ID / Passport – If coming from outside the U.S.
- 💳 Credit + debit cards – Most places take cards
- 💵 Cash (small bills) – For tips, food trucks, or roadside markets
- 📄 Flight & hotel confirmations – Digital & printed
- 🗺️ Offline map app / printed directions – Cell signal can drop on some coasts
- 🧾 Travel insurance info – Especially if doing water or hiking activities
- ✍️ Pen + notepad – Handy for quick notes or island addresses
🩹 First Aid
- 🩹 Band-aids + blister pads – Sandals + sunburn = issues
- 💊 Painkillers – For post-surf soreness
- 🌱 Aloe vera gel – Sunburn relief
- 🦟 Bug spray (natural if possible) – For jungle hikes
- 🌡️ Thermometer – Optional but helpful
- 🧻 Cotton swabs / pads – For multi-use
💊 Health & Hygiene
- 💊 Prescription meds – With copies of your prescription
- 🧴 Hand sanitizer – Public restrooms aren’t always stocked
- 🌸 Feminine hygiene products – Pack your preferred items
- 🧼 Toothbrush + toothpaste – Daily fresh beach smile
- 🧴 Deodorant – Long-lasting formulas
- 🪒 Razor + cream – For swimsuit-ready skin
- 🧴 Body wash / soap – Fresh tropical scents optional 😉
- 👃 Nasal spray / saline – Humidity + travel can dry you out
- 🧻 Tissues / wipes – Always handy
📱 Tech & Electronics
- 📱 Phone + charger – Load up local apps and maps
- 🔋 Portable power bank – Beach days drain batteries
- 🔌 Charging cords for all devices
- 📷 Camera or GoPro – For underwater or cliff-side shots
- 🐚 Waterproof phone pouch – A must for snorkeling or kayaking
- 🎧 Noise-canceling headphones – For the flight
- 📶 Offline maps + translation app – For remote areas
- 📚 Kindle or e-reader – For poolside reads
🎧 Entertainment
- 📚 Books / e-books – Island vibes = chill time
- 🎧 Playlists / podcasts downloaded – For scenic drives
- 🎲 Card games / travel games – Great for group trips
- 📓 Journal or sketchbook – Capture island thoughts
🎒 Extras
- 🥤 Reusable water bottle – Stay hydrated & eco-friendly
- 🍍 Healthy snacks – Great for road trips or hikes
- 🛍️ Foldable shopping bag – Hawaii is plastic-bag-free
- 🧺 Travel detergent – Rinse your swimsuits
- 🧵 Mini sewing kit – Optional but helpful
- 💤 Melatonin / sleep aid – For jet lag recovery
- 💨 Shoe deodorizer – Humid shoes can smell
- 🧼 Lint roller – Optional but handy
✈️ Travel Tips
- 🌊 Use reef-safe sunscreen only – It’s the law in Hawaii
- 🧺 Pack light & do laundry mid-trip – Most accommodations offer it
- 🚗 Rent a car – Public transport is limited outside major cities
- 🧭 Check tide charts – For beach safety
- 🧳 Pack valuables in carry-on – Bags may arrive late to the islands
🛂 Visa Tips
- 🇺🇸 Hawaii is part of the U.S.
- ✈️ No visa needed for U.S. citizens
- 🌐 International visitors: Follow U.S. entry requirements
- 📄 Bring a copy of your return ticket + hotel bookings
- 🌸 Be prepared for agricultural customs—Hawaii has strict biosecurity rules
✅ Must-Haves for a Smooth Trip
- 🧴 Reef-safe sunscreen
- 👙 Swimsuits + cover-ups
- 🩴 Flip-flops & water shoes
- 🌞 Sunglasses + sun hat
- 🎒 Daypack + waterproof pouch
- 💳 Credit card
- 🛍️ Reusable bag
- 💧 Refillable water bottle
- 🧼 After-sun aloe or lotion
👍 Good-to-Have Items
- 📷 GoPro for snorkeling
- 🧴 Hair serum for humidity
- 🎲 Travel games
- 🧻 Wet wipes for beach cleanup
- 🌿 Natural bug spray
- 📚 Books or e-reader
- 🧥 Rain jacket
- 🏄 Dry bag for water excursions
