Seasoned Hawaii travelers know that unexpected things, not the obvious ones, can make or break your vacation. While most visitors pack the basics, those who travel and return frequently have learned to stash a few overlooked essentials that quietly save the day. After years of island-hopping, airport surprises, and beach day mishaps, here’s what savvy travelers always bring to Hawaii—and why.
The problem with paradise and why being smart matters.
Hawaii may feel like paradise, but a few common travel hiccups can quickly shake that illusion. Island weather shifts fast, stores don’t always have what you want or stay open late, and vacation rentals can be surprisingly bare. One reader told us she once paid “eighteen dollars for aloe vera at a convenience store in Waikiki. Never again.”
Don’t assume your hotel or condo will have beach chairs, umbrellas, or even basics like a coffee filter or extra toilet paper.
Coffee and comfort: Early morning essentials.
Early risers often discover that finding a good coffee before sunrise isn’t always easy in Hawaii. Many visitors bring instant espresso or a travel-size French press. One frequent traveler told us she always brings her pour-over gear and her favorite coffee. “Hotels never have decaf, and even cafes can run out,” she said. “I like knowing I’ll have what I want, especially early in the morning.”
This is one of those items that seems optional until you’re wide awake at 5 a.m. with nothing brewing. On our trips to the mainland, we bring Mount Hagen instant coffee with us. They have single-serving packets that work great. We also pack our coffee grinder and seek out local coffee roasters.
Nighttime must-haves: Sleep like a resident.
Roosters, karaoke, nearby bars, and leaf blowers at sunrise are all part of Hawaii’s charm—until you’re trying to sleep. Veteran visitors keep eye masks and silicone earplugs in their bags for this reason. We who live here don’t really hear the chickens, but visitors sure will. It’s a small effort that can make hotel rooms or vacation rentals far more restful.
Medicine and emergencies: Be your own pharmacy.
It’s easy to find sunscreen or bandages in Hawaii, but other health essentials aren’t always well-stocked. Many island pharmacies close early and sometimes run out of common medications, which requires you to wait an extra day or two. Travelers who pack a small personal stash of whatever’s needed, from antacids, allergy pills, and motion sickness relief, to hydration tablets—avoid scrambling later.
One reader told us she brings disposable digital thermometers and a COVID test “just in case” and has used both. That may sound like overkill until you’re in a remote Hawaii town at night with no open pharmacy nearby.
Laundry hacks: Stay fresh without the hassle.
Laundry detergent sheets and reusable grocery bags are quiet heroes on Hawaii trips. They’re compact and lightweight and keep you from overbuying supplies in overpriced resort areas.
Reader Joyce L shared, “We are primarily Kauai folks and have a favorite Walmart that is our first stop upon landing—great for beach gear, foodstuffs, new towels, and snacks. A few laundry soap pods and reusable grocery bags from home save time and money.”
Those staying in condos or rentals significantly benefit from bringing what they need to wash swimsuits, rinse out clothing, or prep for mid-trip laundry.
Luggage lifesavers: Avoid airport stress.
Hawaii airports are strict on bag weight, and overweight fees aren’t cheap. A pocket-sized luggage scale still helps avoid surprise fees and stress at check-in. Some savvy travelers also pack a collapsible duffel bag for the return trip when shopping runs pile up.
One reader told us her luggage scale and spare duffel now live in her travel drawer. “They go in my suitcase automatically. I don’t even think about it anymore,” she said.
Safety and comfort: Peace of mind on the islands.
Hotels and vacation rentals don’t always feel secure, especially when traveling solo or in remote areas. Small add-ons like a rubber door wedge or compact doorstop alarm can bring unexpected peace of mind. We previously reported walking into another guest’s room when the Grand Wailea inadvertently gave us the keys to their room. One visitor shared how a doorstop alarm helped her relax during a solo stay on the Big Island: “It was such a small thing, but it made me feel so much safer at night.”
Mini flashlights or penlights are also helpful, especially during brief power outages or when navigating unlit paths around rental properties. They work so much better than a phone flashlight.
Tiny tools, big fixes: The unexpected heroes.
It’s always the smallest items that save the day. A clothespin to close curtains. Zip ties or twist ties to fix a broken sandal or zipper. A small sewing kit, a sink stopper, or a retractable clothesline. None of these are easy to find once you’re on the islands—but they’re worth the tiny bit of suitcase space.
Duct tape to secure plastic over an air conditioning vent that won’t stop blowing is helpful. You can now buy duct tape in travel-size containers for easy packing.
A quick-dry towel or sarong can double as a beach blanket, sunshade, or emergency wrap. A lightweight rain jacket or poncho is another valuable travel fix during sudden tropical showers in all seasons, especially on Kauai or along the Road to Hana, among other spots.
Reef-safe sunscreen and water shoes can make or break beach days, particularly at rocky beaches like those on the Big Island or parts of Maui’s north shore.
On a quirky note, if you have problems with your power plug falling out on the airplane, here’s a tip we just learned from readers. Bring a UK power adaptor and use that instead to plug in laptops and chargers. It’s likely the outlet for that plug is seldom used and will stay in.
Our Hawaii travel takeaways.
Hawaii is one of those destinations where just a little preparation goes a long way. And while it’s true that you can buy almost anything on the islands, you may not want to when it costs triple the price, you already have it at home, or isn’t available at the moment you need it.
From sleep aids to small comforts and emergency backups, these are the things seasoned Hawaii visitors quietly pack without thinking and never forget. They may not be flashy, but they’ve rescued more than one beach day, hike, or quiet night.
What to leave behind at home.
Smart Hawaii travelers know that what you don’t bring is just as important as what you do. Overpacking weighs down your trip—literally—and clutters your rental with things you’ll never use. Our readers, and our own suitcases, agree on a few clear don’ts.
First, leave the jeans at home. They’re too heavy, too warm, and never dry fast enough. Same goes for dress shoes, unless you have a wedding to attend. Hawaii’s casual style means you’ll fit in better with sandals and sneakers anyway.
Don’t pack a hair dryer unless yours is truly essential. Hotels and vacation rentals almost always provide one, and Hawaii’s breeze and sunshine make air-drying an island-approved style move.
And no need for a pile of books. If you’re not plowing through novels at home, your trip likely won’t be different. E-readers or a single paperback will do the trick.
The biggest trap? Packing for “just in case.” That bulky coat, extra formalwear, or full medical kit almost never leaves the suitcase. Unless your trip demands it, leave it behind. You can always pick up a missing essential at Longs or Walmart—what you’ll really need is room in your bag for the things you didn’t expect.
What’s in your Hawaii travel fix kit? Share your must-haves in the comments or with your travel buddies. You never know—your tip might save someone else’s vacation.
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Love all these great tips and suggestions! Thank you!
I just recently came back from Tokyo and Seoul. While there, my wife asked me to load up on items from Japan. Good thing that I travel light! One of the best items that I brought was a portable laundry washing bag. I used that to wash my t-shirts, socks and underwear. It saved me space in my luggage because I didn’t have to carry as much clothes. So, with laundry sheets and the wash bag, I can just about go to hawaii with a backpack for a week.
Our flight always arrives late at night in Kahalui so no chance to pick up food en route to the west side. I started packing breakfast food for the first morning in a small insulated cooler bag with an ice pack. Yogourt, hard boiled eggs, english muffins, peanut butter, instant coffee packs with creamer included.
My tip is quit worrying about packing period. If you are truly going to Hawaii, then it is for the land, ocean, and it’s people. No need for suitcase full of clothes. A trip the to the islands should not include dining out, or shopping. Get out and just be you! I travel with just a travel on. I don’t need coffee to get me up, or pills to make me sleep. Buy a bottle of shampoo, that is also body soap. Leave your electric tooth brushes at home. Manual is fine like the ole days. People have made travel for the wrong reasons to the Hawaiian Islands. Just go and be! You can dine at home.
We pack a couple of the large foldback/binder clips, use them to clip a hotel hand towel over the A/C vent so that it redirects the cold air. Every trip also includes Ziplock bags, food storage bag clips (not the ones with springs), a few dishwasher tabs, one disposable dish rag (like a J-Cloth), small bag of Nellie’s laundry soda, a few unscented dryer sheets, IKEA FRAKTA Carrier Bag (great for using at beach or shopping), instant cappuccino, and hard candies/lozenges to carry when throat gets dry on plane.
It used to be a roll of quarters to feed (now no coin) parking meters. I always bring a pop up laundry hamper which folds down into a neat flat disc, a couple of reusable shopping bags, a .99c pair of Long’s Rubba Slippas for the car in case of a footwear fail, and a small magnifying glass to help locate those frustratingly tiny and hard to locate, but painful little sharp things that so often end up in fingers and feet walking on da beach. For first time visitors I also recommend a copy of: “Pidgin to Da Max” 😀
abebooks.com/Pidgin-Max-Simonson-Douglas-Sasaki-Pat/31813261739/bd
Forget packing maple syrup, it’s too sticky. Most all eateries have coconut syrup, which is a tasty treat. Just request it.
ps. We always pack a copy of our passports.
Good tips here. I always pack a long ribbon, shoelace, or string to tie floaties to beach chairs so they don’t blow away. Anti-itch cream and Neosporin can come in handy.
Further to your laundry soap/pods for add ons in the suitcase. I have been travelling with eco friendly laundry detergent sheets for years.
They are plastic free, hypoallergenic, vegan, and cruelty free. One strip does a load of laundry. The brand that I have been using is Nature Clean and available in the health food section of our local Superstore. There are 32 strips in a package and they are in an envelope that takes up no room on the bottom of my suitcase.
Also I like to bring along one cup serving side pour over filters so that I can have that one cup of coffee in the early morning. These can be found on Amazon.
We’ve used most of these tips on every Kauai trip since we stay in a condo on the north shore and Walmart isn’t a quick trip. In addition, I always pack one or two battery tea lights. They make a great night light in a bathroom without the need for a power outlet (great for cruises). I also pack partially used liquid hand soap dispensers that I’ve saved for this purpose. I hate slimy bars of soap sitting next to the sink. Aloha and happy travels.
Maple Syrup, I couldn’t find any on Kauai. Next time I will bring some. Although I really enjoyed honey and crushed macadamia nuts on waffles. No ankle length dresses-it’s too hot for them. Snorkel gear-bring and leave in car.
Hawaii regulars here – We always bring our backpack cooler. I literally pack the backpack on the plane as a backpack. We use it nonstop.
We stay in condos and I love to cook locally grown items found at farmers markets. I bring a couple of my favorite knives (perfectly OK in checked bags) and flexible cutting board.
I have read the blog on Hawaii travel hacks and found the tips incredibly helpful! Packing earplugs for the early morning rooster crowing is a lifesaver. Bringing your own coffee ensures a perfect start to the day. Also, carrying duct tape for unexpected fixes is a smart idea. These practical suggestions have inspired me to pack more thoughtfully for my Hawaii trip.
Great tips!
Here’s mine: foldable hiking/trekking poles. They fit into any regular backpack or carry-on. You can find a decent pair for $20 on Amazon.
The roosters haven’t ever really bothered me. I find it kind of somehow fitting and quaint.
I bring a sweatshirt. If you’re going to the top of a mountain or sunset dinner cruise you’ll want it, but sometimes, you just don’t know and you’ll be glad you brought it.
I always bring zip-lock bags in a variety of sizes. These are great for so many things. I also bring along the smallest containers of mustard, mayo and peanut butter. Taking a large Sharpie and a roll of clear shipping tape so you are ready to ship your goodies home via USPS is also handy.
Most of this doesn’t make any sense to me. I have never stayed in a hotel that doesn’t have coffee in the room or around the facility. As to the rest, there is Long’s, Walmart and lots of ABC’s stores where you can get anything you need for reasonable prices, although that might change with Trump’s tariffs …
I agree… none of this has ever been an issue for me either. Plenty of shopping options in Lihue when you arrive (if you are visiting Kauai), Walmart, Longs, Safeway, Target. And like you said, every hotel I have stayed in has coffee in the room.
I live in Maui and visisted Kauai for a few days during Christmas. Went to Foodland once and must say I didn’t pay any attention to other stores …we had plenty of coffee at the hotel, went out for breakfast once and stopped by a local restaurant to eat.
Great article with excellent tips, BOH. I pack a compactable rolling duffel that I fill with HI souvenirs for folks back home. I pay for the extra bag on the return, but its always worth it bringing back memories from the islands.
FYI, you can use the pant hangers in the hotel closet to secure the drapes/curtains shut to darken the room. I also use the ironing board as an extra storage for things that need easy access.
Duct tape over A/C vents is a bad hack. You will stress the system and has the potential to damage the system.
Two other things that I always take with me:
1) A small, sharp knife that I pack in my luggage. You won’t get one in a hotel room, and the knives in a vacation rental may not have been sharpened for a long time. If you pick up a beautiful mango or papaya at a farm stand, having a knife will mean you can cut and share it easily.
2) Your favorite eye drops. Whether you have an allergic reaction to some new plant, or get sand in your eye at the beach, or have irritation from a long day in the glaring sun, taking the eyedrops you know work for you can really save your day.
Small freezer packs! During our flight, snacks stay cold. On island, for groceries or left-overs from our favorite places to eat during the heat of the day, we feel better knowing our food is safe as we drive or explore.
All great suggestions. They are great for any trip that is far from home. Yes, you can get things more easily on the mainland but being in a strange place and not knowing where things are, your travel kit will save money and the trip will be less stressful.
I always pack a nightlight from Dollar Tree. Walking at night in an unfamiliar AirBnb can be scary.
I always pack clips from past coffee bags. These clips can be used to seal breakfast cereal or cracker bags.
I always pack an empty 12 oz water bottle. Then I can refill when I need to and save money.
I always pack several plastic “Laundry” bags from past stays at chain hotels. I use these bags to double-seal bags of ice bought at the store.
I always pack eye glass repair kits. These kits are so small and the tiny screw will fall out of your sunglasses or reading glasses at the most inopportune moment.
We always travel with our “Black Bag”, a 6X8 inch zippered bag with bandaids, ointment, small scissors (hate trying to pull off the tag on the new top I bought at Kukui’ula!), swimmers ear stuff, Tylenol, etc. and, most important, a corkscrew just in case. This trip we’re staying at two new places which look more like they may be hotel rooms so I’m planning accordingly. We always bring small jars of kosher salt, pepper and garlic salt. Everything is Travel Size so it make little difference in luggage weight. Actually, I just bought (for $1 each pack), packs of 3 spoons, 3 forks, 3 knives. Figure we’ll buy heavy duty “paper” dishes at Walmart so we can eat our favorite local take out dinners on our lanai. Have no idea if the stays 3 nights prior and 3 nights post our timeshare have any kitchen stuff – if I have to jettison them, I just “wasted” $3 for that luxury! We’re staying Aston Islander and Kauai Beach Resort 3 nights each, week at Waiohai in between.
Excellent article. The luggage scale, zip ties, tape, mini flashlight, sewing kit, and pharmacy items are in our standard packing list. Since we always stay in an STVR on Maui, we also bring:
Leatherman – for a myriad of small repairs that can be done without bothering staff.
Razor sharp filet knife and silicone cutting board – kitchen knives in the condos are notoriously dull, and cutting boards vary.
Tiny noise machine – roughly a cubic inch and can emit 16 different sounds. Get a four pack on Amazon.
WD40 pen – for those squeaky bathroom, bedroom, and cabinet hinges.
Instant read meat thermometer, since ovens vary widely in temperature.
Aloha!
No one talks about how dark some vacation rentals in Hawaii are. Do they think LED lights use much power any more? Not sure the solution so I’ve ended up buying light bulbs to deal with it. I might start packing an unbreakable plastic one.
One of the first items i pack every year is Phillips Milk of Magnesium. The magnesium cures the burning from sun burn! Apply topically to your skin, dries white so I use it at night. It’s a life saver!
I thought the rooster thing was an exaggeration. Then one crowed outside my balcony every day for a week. Also, packing duct tape seems stupid. That is until I had to buy some to patch my shoe sole that started falling off on last trip.
Wrap the duct tape around a 2″x4″ piece of cardboard. I use about a third of the roll and that eliminates the bulky roll.
You lost me at “bring your own coffee.” Isn’t that what vacation is for—letting someone else do it?
Roosters at 4:30 a.m.? I thought it was a jungle out there. Turns out it was just my Kauai Airbnb.
Try 3:30AM! Kauai roosters don’t know that they aren’t supposed to crow until sunrise.
Many just crow 24/7!
The roosters start early so they won’t miss sunrise!
I once used packing tape to seal an air conditioner vent that was freezing me out of my rental. Never traveling without it again. And yes duct tape it will be.