Hawaii’s lush, volcanic islands have a climate that is unfamiliar to many mainland US residents. You might think that this tropical setting translates to a quick and easy packing list for a Hawaii cruise, but the myriad activities and landscapes that you’ll experience while touring the islands often require a few extra essentials in your suitcase.
Use this Hawaii cruise packing list to ensure your trip to Oahu, Maui, Kauai and the island of Hawaii is comfortable and convenient.
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What to Pack for an Air Cruise
Think casual and colorful, and you’ll be about 75% ready to pack your suitcase and head to the airport.
However, a trip to the Hawaiian Islands may require a few extra things. These include moisture-wicking activewear, footwear suitable for adventurous excursions through volcanic landscapes, and dressier eveningwear for special occasions such as onboard dinners.
A lightweight, waterproof jacket is also essential, as raindrops are likely — after all, tropical foliage doesn’t grow in the desert. Plants also need plenty of sunlight, and that combo is exactly what created the postcard-perfect landscapes you’ll encounter.
Related: Hawaii Cruise Guide: Best Itineraries, Planning Tips, and Things to Do
Be prepared for unexpected weather changes
Hawaii is famous for offering four seasons of warm weather and sunshine. Year-round average daily temperatures range from 80 to 87 degrees.
However, each island has both leeward and windward sides. What does that mean? The leeward sides are sunnier and drier, while the windward sides are subject to more rainfall and are significantly cooler and lusher.
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For example, on the island of Hawaii (also known as the Big Island), volcanoes Kona and Kohala coast on the leeward side. Hilo, with its tropical rainforests and cascading waterfalls, is on the rainy, windy side.
On Kauai, which sees the most rainfall of all the Hawaiian Islands, sunny Poipu is on the leeward side, while the North Shore’s dramatic mountains-meets-ocean landscapes are on the windward side.
As a result, when traveling through any of the Hawaiian Islands, you can enjoy bright and sunny weather one moment and then drive less than 30 minutes and encounter clouds, mist or downpours. Upside: There is an almost daily chance to see incredible rainbows in Hawaii.
Your best bet for both bright sunshine and downpours. Bring your weather-related gear along in a shoulder tote or backpack for hiking or independent exploration. You will be ready to watch in any situation.
Related: Best Time to Cruise Hawaii
Choose lightweight fabrics
You’ll sweat in the tropics, so cotton, linen, and other light, breathable fabrics should be at the top of your packing list. Leave silk and less breathable synthetics at home, or limit them to evening pieces for air-conditioned indoor spaces. Don’t be afraid of color. Hawaii is the place to wear vibrant floral-print sundresses or brightly colored t-shirts and shorts that often look out of place in urban settings.
For evening, women can’t go wrong with a combination of a lightweight sweater or strappy jumpsuit with a light weight sweater or shawl and a skirt paired with capris or a blouse. Men should pack several pairs of shorts and enough T-shirts for each day with a choice of collared polo shirts and short-sleeve button-downs with slacks, khakis or trousers. (People who don’t own Hawaiian shirts in palm tree, orchid, or surfboard prints before a Hawaii cruise probably will by the end of it.)
Don’t skimp on swimwear
A swimsuit or pair of swimming trunks usually won’t cut it during an air cruise, unless you enjoy pulling on wet swimwear every day.
Many activities in the islands require a swimsuit – from snorkeling and stand-up paddleboarding to waterfall hikes and river kayaking. Plus, you’ll want to enjoy sailing in one of your ship’s pools or hot tubs. It’s smart to pack at least two swimsuits. This will allow the wet suit to dry completely before you put it on again.
The sun is also very powerful in the Hawaiian Islands. Pack a long-sleeve swim shirt or rash guard, or even an old long-sleeve t-shirt for long periods of time in or on the ocean. A lightweight coverup is also a good idea if you plan to go to the beach or sail on a catamaran for several hours.
Pack some activewear
Hiking, biking and walking through rugged, volcanic terrain requires comfortable activewear. Consider packing moisture-wicking tops (both tank and long-sleeved), quick-dry shorts or leggings, and socks to wear with sneakers. Additionally, a light, waterproof jacket with a hood and a folding travel umbrella are essential.
Planning to climb the Hawaiian Islands’ landmark volcanic peaks, like Maui’s 10,023-foot-tall Haleakala or Hawaii Island’s 13,803-foot-tall Mauna Kea? Pack a lightweight fleece or pullover sweater for layering. Temperatures at these peaks can range from 65 degrees to freezing or below, depending on wind and cloud conditions. (It actually snows on Mauna Kea in the winter.)
Related: Best Hawaii Cruise Shore Excursions
Bring both sneakers and sandals
Sandals are a wardrobe staple in Hawaii. Consider waterproof rubber flip-flops and sturdy walking sandals for daytime and strappy flats, wedges or heels for night.
Sneakers are also a must, as many cruise excursions in Hawaii visit rough volcanic terrain, such as Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island. You may also need to navigate uneven, rocky and sometimes slippery trails to see the cascading falls. Flip-flops that expose feet and toes to sharp lava rocks and do not provide adequate traction on wet surfaces are not a suitable footwear option for any scenario.
On board, sandals are the ideal evening footwear for women; Men should pack a pair of slip-on shoes to pair with long pants. In some of the more casual dining areas on many ships, polo shirts and shorts worn with sandals or sneakers are acceptable attire.
Don’t forget about hats, sunglasses and accessories
The right accessories are key to an enjoyable and safe air cruise experience. Hats and sunglasses top the list.
Pack a wide-brimmed sun hat that covers your ears and the back of your neck for beach days and excursions that include outdoor sightseeing. A baseball cap works well for more adventurous activities (trail hikes, bike rides, and the like) when you need full 180-degree vision, which floppier hats can sometimes hinder. Hats made of quick-drying materials are best.
Also, pack sunglasses and consider attaching them with a neoprene or other fabric safety strap. The strap will prevent your shades from slipping off as you enthusiastically photograph whales or dolphins during activities on the water.
Other items to consider include reusable water bottles, waterproof phone cases and dry bags. Pack a ziplock bag or two if you plan to visit Pearl Harbor. Visitors are not allowed to bring bags of any kind – only a camera, wallet, keys and anything else that fits in a clear plastic bag.
For general sightseeing and shopping, I like to bring along a nylon belt bag for easy access to my camera and wallet.
A foldable nylon tote bag and/or lightweight backpack is also important as you will often need to bring accessories, extra clothing layers, rain gear, water, insect repellent and sunscreen with you during the hike.
Speaking of sunscreen, make sure it’s labeled reef-safe. (These are usually mineral-based sunscreens.) Starting in 2021, Hawaii has banned sunscreens containing the coral-damaging chemicals oxybenzone and octinoxate.
Related: Best Airline for Every Type of Traveler
Tips for Efficient Air Cruise Packing
Even if bright colors aren’t your wardrobe staple, the vibrant tank tops, floral sundresses, and boldly patterned shorts you might have in your closet for a tropical getaway will look great and photograph well in Hawaii. Pair them with a neutral (white, black or beige) base and you can mix and match things from day to night.
Forgot something? Don’t worry, Hawaii’s souvenir shops are stocked with t-shirts, sarongs, bathing suits, cover-ups, hats, sunglasses, flip-flops and other tropical vacation essentials. Cruise ships also stock fun-in-the-sun clothing and accessories in their shops, although prices are usually a bit higher than in stores on land.
Hawaii cruise packing list
Here’s a complete packing list to help you keep track of everything you need to bring on your Hawaii cruise.
- A lightweight cotton or moisture-wicking t-shirt for each day of your cruise. Hawaii’s tropical climate means you’re likely to sweat while exploring during the day, so make sure you pack enough clean shirts to match the number of days you’re away.
- A few pairs of shorts, plus leggings or a skirt for daytime wear.
- Two swimsuits – one to wear while the other is drying. Also, a rash guard or an old t-shirt to wear in the water.
- A few sarongs or beach cover-ups.
- Additional athletic wear if you plan to visit the ship’s gym.
- A lightweight sweater or fleece to layer if visiting high-altitude volcanic summits.
- Jeans, slacks, collared shirts or nice t-shirts, blouses, skirts or summer dresses for most evenings on board. Tropical-print shirts and sundresses are always in style in Hawaii. Since evening wear isn’t likely to get sweaty, you can plan to wear outfits or individual pieces more than once if you’re trying to pack light.
- Pajamas, underwear and socks.
- A light rain jacket with a hood and a small umbrella for sudden downpours.
- A light sweater or shawl for cold planes and onboard locations.
- A pair of waterproof beach shoes, such as flip-flops or sports sandals.
- A good pair of walking shoes or sneakers.
- A nice pair of dress shoes or sandals for an evening on board.
- Baseball cap, sun hat and sunglasses.
- Toiletries, makeup, prescription medicine and first-aid kits.
- Aloe for reef-safe sunscreen, sunburn and bug spray.
- A lightweight day pack or beach bag (or both, depending on your planned activities).
- Reusable water bottle.
- A waterproof phone case, dry bag, Ziploc bag, or anything to keep your valuables dry during a beach day or water-based excursion.
- A phone, camera, e-reader or tablet and all chargers that go with them. Consider that Cruise-compatible power strip so you can charge multiple devices at once.
- Beach gear, such as your own snorkel and mask, plus floaties and sand toys if you’re traveling with children.
- Optional: A cocktail dress or summer jumpsuit for a fancy night out or special occasion dinner. (On some lines, formal attire is entirely optional; on others, you may dress up if you eat at the buffet or order room service.)
Bottom line
Before your Hawaiian cruise, check the onboard evening dress code for your cruise line and the weather forecast for each island.
Don’t despair if you see signs of raindrops and clouds. The forecast may mean short morning or afternoon showers on only one side of the island. Also, be prepared for warmer temperatures, daytime rays that can bring harsh sunburns, and slightly cooler evenings with light winds. In other words, prepare to enjoy the tropical paradise that is the Aloha State.
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