Packing essentials for your Hawaiian cruise: What to bring for your tropical getaway

The vibrant, volcanic islands of Hawaii boast a climate that may be new to many from the mainland U.S. While you might assume that this tropical paradise means a simple packing list for a Hawaii cruise, the diverse activities and breathtaking landscapes you'll encounter often call for a few additional must-haves in your luggage.

Refer to this Hawaii cruise packing guide to make sure your adventure is both enjoyable and well-suited for everything you might discover on Oahu, Maui, Kauai, and the Big Island.

What to include in your packing for a Hawaii cruise

Embrace a casual and vibrant style, and you'll be roughly 75% prepared to pack your bags and head to the airport.

That said, cruising around the Hawaiian Islands may necessitate a few additional items. These should include moisture-wicking activewear, suitable footwear for adventurous excursions through volcanic terrains, and more elegant outfits for special onboard dinners.

A lightweight, waterproof jacket is essential as well, given that you may encounter rain—after all, tropical plants thrive where there's moisture, not in the desert. This unique climate, rich with sunshine and rain, creates the stunning vistas you'll see along the way.

Be ready for sudden shifts in weather

Hawaii is renowned for its warm weather and sunshine throughout the year, with average daily temperatures ranging from 80 to 87 degrees.

Each island features both leeward and windward sides. What does this mean? The leeward sides enjoy sunnier and drier conditions, while the windward sides experience more rainfall, along with cooler and lusher environments.

For instance, on the Big Island of Hawaii, the volcanic Kona and Kohala coasts lie on the leeward side, whereas Hilo, famous for its tropical rainforests and cascading waterfalls, is located on the wetter windward side.

On Kauai, the island with the highest rainfall in Hawaii, sunny Poipu is found on the leeward side, while the stunning landscapes of the North Shore and the Napali Coast are situated on the windward side.

Consequently, while exploring the Hawaiian Islands, you might bask in bright sunshine one moment and then drive less than 30 minutes to encounter clouds, mist, or even heavy rain. The silver lining? Almost every day in Hawaii offers the chance to witness a breathtaking rainbow.

It's wise to prepare for both radiant sunshine and heavy rain. Pack your weather essentials in a shoulder tote or backpack for your outings or solo adventures, ensuring you're equipped for sightseeing in any weather.

Choose lightweight materials

In the tropics, you'll likely sweat, so prioritize cotton, linen, and other lightweight, breathable fabrics on your packing list. Leave silk and less-breathable synthetics at home, or save them for evening wear in air-conditioned spaces. Embrace bold colors; Hawaii is the perfect backdrop for vibrant floral sundresses or brightly colored T-shirts and shorts that might feel out of place in city life.

For evening outings, women will find success with a blend of airy sundresses or strappy jumpsuits complemented by lightweight cardigans or shawls, along with capris or skirts paired with blouses. Men should bring multiple pairs of shorts and enough T-shirts for each day, along with slacks, khakis, or trousers and a selection of collared polo shirts and short-sleeve button-downs. (If guys don’t own a Hawaiian shirt featuring palm trees, orchids, or surfboards before their cruise, they likely will by the end.)

Make sure to pack plenty of swimwear

Having just one swimsuit or pair of swimming trunks usually isn't sufficient for a Hawaii cruise, unless you're fond of wearing damp swimwear repeatedly.

Numerous activities on the islands require a swimsuit—whether it's snorkeling, stand-up paddleboarding, waterfall hikes, or river kayaking. Additionally, you'll likely want to relax in one of the ship's pools or hot tubs. It's wise to bring at least two swimsuits to ensure one can dry completely before you wear it again.

The sun in the Hawaiian Islands is exceptionally strong. Bring a long-sleeved swim shirt or rash guard, or even an old long-sleeved T-shirt for extended time in or on the water. Lightweight cover-ups are also advisable if you plan to spend hours at the beach or sailing on a catamaran.

Don't forget to include some activewear

Hiking, biking, and exploring the rugged volcanic landscape call for comfortable activewear. Consider packing moisture-wicking tops (both tank and long-sleeve styles), quick-dry shorts or leggings, and socks to wear with your sneakers. A lightweight, waterproof jacket with a hood and a collapsible travel umbrella are also essential.

If you plan to hike to the summit of one of Hawaii's iconic volcanic peaks, like Maui's 10,023-foot Haleakala or the 13,803-foot Mauna Kea on the Big Island, be sure to bring a lightweight fleece or pullover sweater for layering. Depending on the wind and cloud conditions, temperatures at these summits can range from 65 degrees to below freezing. (It even snows at the top of Mauna Kea during winter.)

Pack both sneakers and sandals

Sandals are a must-have in Hawaii. Opt for waterproof rubber flip-flops and sturdy walking sandals for daytime wear, while reserving strappy flats, wedges, or heels for evenings on board.

Sneakers are essential as well, especially since many cruise excursions in Hawaii explore rough volcanic landscapes, such as Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island. You'll likely encounter uneven, rocky, and sometimes slippery trails to reach cascading waterfalls. Flip-flops that expose your feet to sharp lava rocks and lack proper traction on wet surfaces are not suitable for these activities.

Onboard the ship, sandals make great evening footwear for women, while men should bring a pair of slip-on shoes to wear with long pants. In many casual dining spots on ships, it’s acceptable to wear shorts paired with a polo shirt and sandals or sneakers.

Don’t forget your hats, sunglasses, and accessories

The right accessories are crucial for a safe and enjoyable cruise experience in Hawaii. Hats and sunglasses are essential.

Be sure to pack a wide-brimmed sun hat to shield your ears and the back of your neck during beach days and outdoor excursions. A baseball cap is ideal for more active adventures (like hiking or biking) when you need unobstructed 180-degree vision, which can be hindered by floppy hats. Hats made from quick-dry materials are recommended.

Additionally, don’t forget your sunglasses, and consider using a neoprene or fabric safety strap. This will help keep your sunglasses secure as you excitedly capture images of whales or dolphins during your water activities.

Other essentials to consider include a reusable water bottle, a waterproof phone case, and a dry bag. If you plan to visit Pearl Harbor, pack a Ziploc bag or two, as visitors are not allowed to bring any bags—only a camera, wallet, keys, and anything else that fits in a clear plastic bag.

For sightseeing and shopping, I find it convenient to carry a nylon belt bag for quick access to my camera and wallet.

A foldable nylon tote and/or a lightweight backpack are also crucial, as you’ll often need to carry accessories, extra clothing layers, rain gear, water, insect repellent, and sunscreen during various excursions.

Speaking of sunscreen, ensure it’s labeled as reef-safe. (These are typically mineral-based.) Hawaii has prohibited sunscreens containing the coral-damaging chemicals oxybenzone and octinoxate since early 2021.

Tips for packing efficiently for your Hawaii cruise

Even if vibrant colors aren’t your usual style, the lively tank tops, floral sundresses, and bold-patterned shorts you might have for tropical getaways will look fantastic and photograph beautifully in Hawaii. By pairing them with neutral bases (white, black, or beige), you can easily mix and match for day and night.

Forgot something? No need to panic—Hawaii’s souvenir shops are stocked with T-shirts, sarongs, swimsuits, cover-ups, hats, sunglasses, flip-flops, and other essentials for a tropical getaway. Cruise ships also offer a range of fun sun clothing and accessories, though prices tend to be a bit higher than what you’ll find in onshore stores.

Packing list for your Hawaii cruise

Here’s a comprehensive packing list to help you keep track of everything you’ll need for your Hawaii cruise.

• Pack lightweight cotton or moisture-wicking T-shirts for each day of your cruise. Given Hawaii's tropical climate, you'll likely sweat while exploring, so bring enough fresh shirts to last throughout your trip.
• Several pairs of shorts, along with leggings or skirts for daytime outings.
• Two swimsuits—one to wear while the other dries. Include a rash guard or an old T-shirt for water activities.
• A few sarongs or beach cover-ups.
• Extra athletic wear if you intend to use the ship's gym.
• A lightweight sweater or fleece for layering when visiting high-altitude volcanic peaks.
• Jeans, slacks, collared shirts or nice T-shirts, blouses, skirts, or summer dresses for evenings on board. Tropical-print shirts and sundresses are always fashionable in Hawaii. Since evening outfits are less likely to get sweaty, you can re-wear pieces to pack light.
• Pajamas, underwear, and socks.
• A light rain jacket with a hood and a compact umbrella for unexpected downpours.
• A light sweater or shawl for chilly flights and onboard venues.
• A pair of waterproof beach shoes, such as flip-flops or sports sandals.
• A sturdy pair of walking shoes or sneakers.
• A nice pair of dress shoes or sandals for evening wear on the ship.
• A baseball cap, sun hat, and sunglasses.
• Toiletries, makeup, prescription medications, and a first-aid kit.
• Reef-safe sunscreen, aloe for sunburn relief, and bug spray.
• A lightweight daypack or beach bag (or both, depending on your planned activities).
• A reusable water bottle.
• A waterproof phone case, dry bag, or Ziploc bags to keep your valuables safe during beach days or water excursions.
• Your phone, camera, e-reader or tablet, along with all necessary chargers. Consider a cruise-compliant power strip to charge multiple devices simultaneously.
• Beach gear, like your own snorkel and mask, as well as floaties and sand toys if traveling with children.
• Optional: Cocktail dresses or summer jumpsuits for an elegant evening or special occasion dinner. (On some cruise lines, formal wear is optional; on others, casual attire is fine if dining at the buffet or ordering room service.)

Key takeaway

Before your Hawaii cruise, review the evening dress code for your cruise line and check the weather forecast for each island.

Don't be disheartened if you notice icons for rain and clouds. The forecast may indicate brief morning or afternoon showers on just one side of the island. Also, be ready for warm temperatures, intense daytime sun that can cause sunburn, and slightly cooler evenings with gentle breezes. In other words, get ready to relish the tropical paradise that is the Aloha State.