Essential Packing Tips for Your Hawaiian Cruise

You’re about to cross a Hawaiian cruise off your bucket list, and there’s just one task left: packing. Make sure your cruise is smooth and fun with these smart packing tips for a perfect Hawaiian getaway.

Begin With Your Carry-On

When deciding what to pack for your Hawaiian cruise, start with your carry-on. In case your checked luggage is delayed or misplaced, pack essentials to last you a day or two. Make sure to include these must-haves:

• Wallet and travel documents
• Glasses/contact lenses and solution
• Essential medications and over-the-counter items like bandages, pain relievers, antacids, and motion sickness aids
• Cell phone
• Basic toiletries
• Swimsuit
• Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, reef-safe sunscreen)
• Earplugs
• A good book
• Portable charger for electronics
• Reusable water bottle
• Hand sanitizer
• Extra set of clothes

Bring a Portable, Hardside Suitcase

When packing for your cruise, opt for a portable, hardside suitcase. It’s easier to repack than a backpack, and the hard shell provides extra protection for your belongings while keeping clothes wrinkle-free.

Choose the Right Onboard Attire

After acquiring a high-quality suitcase, it’s time to pack it with the right cruise attire. Think about the onboard activities you want to join in on while packing. For casual wear on the cruise and during shore excursions, bring light, breathable clothing such as shorts, skirts, capri pants, blouses for women, khaki shorts, and short-sleeved polo or collared shirts for men.

For formal dining experiences both on the ship and at ports, include dresses, dress slacks, a blazer, and appropriate footwear like dress shoes or heels. A small bottle of wrinkle-release spray can help you maintain a polished appearance throughout your trip.

Choose Attire Suitable for Excursions

Make sure to pack appropriate clothing for the excursions you’ve planned. Your clothing needs may differ based on the shore excursions you select. To ensure you have everything you need for your adventures, don’t forget these additional essentials:

• Activewear such as shorts, tennis shoes, yoga pants, and sleeveless tops for activities like horseback riding, exploring, and zip lining. Remember to pack your swimsuit for post-activity fun!
• Comfortable shoes suitable for both land and water for Hawaiian shore excursions
• A warm hoodie or light jacket for men
• A cozy pashmina or lightweight jacket for women
• A rain jacket
• Sandals

Remember Your Toiletries and Hair Care Essentials

To ensure a pleasant travel experience, don’t forget to pack all your necessary toiletries and hair care products, including:

• Toothpaste, toothbrush, and mouthwash
• Razors along with shaving cream or shower gel
• Deodorant or antiperspirant
• Cosmetics, nail polish, and nail polish remover
• Perfume or cologne
• Tweezers, nail clippers, and eyelash curlers
• A curling iron or flat iron for styling
• Combs and brushes
• Shampoo, conditioner, and hair gel
• Feminine hygiene products

Keep all your personal care items and hair products neatly organized with a foldable hanging toiletry bag.

Pack Essentials for Shore Excursions

While cruising to Hawaii, you’ll have the chance to participate in thrilling shore excursions, whether it’s joining a sunset luau or discovering rainforests and waterfalls. Certain items will enhance these experiences. Bring a lightweight backpack or daypack filled with essentials like your cell phone, a compact pair of binoculars, a water bottle, sunscreen, your wallet, a comb or brush, and lip balm.

If you plan to be in and out of the water, pack some zippered plastic bags to keep wet items separate or to safeguard your cell phone. Don’t forget to leave space for any souvenirs or gifts you might want to bring back. To stay comfortable in warm weather, consider wearing a mosquito-repellent wristband during outdoor activities.

Indulge in Some Luxurious Items

A few special treats can elevate your cruise vacation experience. Consider bringing along:

• An underwater camera
• Snorkeling equipment
• Noise-canceling headphones
• A selfie stick
• A portable mini fan

Make the Most of These Additional Hawaii Cruise Tips

With Dinogos, you can set sail for Hawaii from Vancouver, San Francisco, Los Angeles, or San Diego, or kick off your journey in Honolulu. Over a span of 10 to 16 days, you’ll explore lush, tropical settings across four islands: the Big Island, Oahu, Maui, and Kauai.

The ideal time to cruise to Hawaii really depends on your preferences. The weather is generally drier from April to October and tends to be a bit wetter from November to March. To steer clear of the summer heat, many travelers opt for a Hawaiian cruise in the spring or fall.

While in Hawaii, make sure to try the local dishes. Savor an abundance of freshly picked tropical fruits and seafood, along with local delights such as poke, poi, kalua pua’a, Hawaiian barbecue, and shaved ice.

With its sunshine, palm trees, white-sand beaches, and water activities, a cruise to Hawaii is truly a spectacular experience. To ensure the most enjoyable trip, keep these helpful packing tips in mind for your Hawaii cruise, covering the airport, plane, ship, and shore.

Note: The onboard activities, shore excursions, and dining choices can differ by ship and destination.