Don’t Get Caught Without These Essentials!

Welcome to Dom-n-Seek, where we help you avoid common travel pitfalls and make the most of your adventures! Whether you’re heading to the lush paradise of Kaua’i for the first time or returning for more island bliss, proper packing can make or break your trip. Hawaii, and my personal favorite Kaua’i, is a stunning destination, but without the right gear, you could find yourself in some unexpected, expensive and uncomfortable situations (hello, drip drying after a hike!).

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Here’s your ultimate Hawaii packing guide—filled with must-bring items to ensure smooth sailing on your Hawaii adventure.

1. Sunscreen & After Sun Lotion

Hawaii’s pristine beaches and vibrant coral reefs are protected by Hawaii Act 104, which means you’ll need reef-compliant sunscreen. Not only is it eco-friendly, but it’s also required on many boat tours. Skip the spray cans—boats don’t allow them as they make surfaces slippery.

Pro Tip: Don’t forget aloe vera or after-sun lotion for soothing your skin after long hikes or beach days. It’s expensive to buy locally, so pack some before you go!

Recommended Favorites:

• Sun Bum’s Reef-Compliant Sunscreen
• Sun Bum’s Reef-Compliant Face Spray
• Aloe Vera Gel
  

2. Flushable Wipes & Hand Sanitizer

Public restrooms on Kaua’i can be an adventure in themselves—often lacking basic supplies like soap or toilet paper. Save yourself from an unfortunate situation by bringing flushable wipes (unscented) and hand sanitizer. Trust us, you don’t want to be stuck using a leaf in the middle of the jungle!

Pro Tip for the Ladies: Unscented wipes are safer to avoid irritation, especially after long beach days.

3. Stay Hydrated with a Filtered Water Bottle

Island life is hot, and staying hydrated is crucial. Unfortunately, some of Kaua’i’s public rest stops don’t offer drinkable water. Instead of wasting money on expensive bottled water ($3-$5 a pop!), bring a filtered water bottle to fill up at your hotel or rental.

My Favorite: Brita Stainless Steel Water Bottle keeps your water cool and your wallet happy! My sister bought a plastic one on our last trip and was super frustrated her water was warm the entire day, so I recomend splurging for the stainless steel version!

4. Seasick Aids for Ocean Adventures

Planning a boat tour to see the Na’Pali Coast or whale watching? Seasickness can strike when you least expect it. Be prepared with Dramamine Non-Drowsy, ginger chews, or Sea-Band’s acupressure wristbands to keep the nausea at bay.

Recommended Products:

• Dramamine Non-Drowsy
• Ginger Chews
• Sea-Band Acupressure Wristbands
  

5. Footwear for All Occasions

Kaua’i is diverse—you’ll spend days hiking rugged terrain, strolling along beaches, and wandering through charming small towns. Pack the right shoes for each adventure:

• Sandals like Birkenstocks for beach days.
• Tevas for short hikes and long walks.
• Water shoes if you plan to explore reefs and lava rocks.
• Pro Tip: Don’t forget a waterproof phone pouch for those amazing waterfall shots!
  

6. Clothing for Sun Protection

Everyone dreams of cute outfits for their Hawaii trip, but trust me—you’ll want comfort over fashion most of the time. Dry-fit shirts are a lifesaver for hot days, and even if you love the sun, packing a few long-sleeve dry-fit shirts will prevent sunburn.

7. Beach Essentials: Towels, Hats & Sunglasses

Don’t rely on your hotel towels. Bring your own quick-drying beach towels (two per person if possible). Hats and sunglasses are a must for those long days under the Hawaiian sun.

Pack the right items for your beach adventure:

• Quick-drying beach towels for beach days, or your seat in your rental car, or splurge on the nicer Sand Cloud towels.
• Beach Bag to carry your items, I love the Aloha brand because it keeps the damp items from drenching everything else! We actually use these bags all the time at home for shorter trips as well. You can also reuse this bag while shopping or to throw in the car so you can have your beach gear within arms reach as you’re out exploring!
• Aloha Bags for all your damp towels or swim suites, these are one of our favorite things we’ve ever purchased!
• Snorkel Gear: Please DO NOT purchase full snorkel face masks as they can be very dangerous. It is a good rule of thumb if you are the only one at the beach, it is probably because the water is too rough and not safe to be in, and before snorkeling please review water saftey for how to swim out of a current and let others know where you are.
• Pro Tip: Be sure to pack your favorite snacks, for once you hit the island or your travel day especially if you have specific dietary needs or favorites that may be hard to find on the island. Stock up on items like trail mix, fruit bars, protein bars, crackers, meat sticks and mini dried fruit bars for hikes and beach days.
  

8. Hiking Gear: Be Ready to Explore

Kaua’i is a hiker’s paradise, and there are amazing hikes on each island, with trails that range from easy strolls to challenging climbs. Be prepared with the right gear:

• Hiking boots and socks: for comfort and support. I prefer Danner boots, but here is a cheaper option I had before I upgraded as well.
• Trecking poles: sound silly, but your knees will thank you later! I also prefer the ones that fold up for easier packing!
• A hiking backpack: with a water pack for easy hydration (tip: pick a size based on your hiking needs, I prefer 2-3 liter water packs!). I usually carry a smaller backpack, and my husband carries a bigger one where I shove all my snacks and goodies!
  
  Water Bladder: We prefer the screw on water pack/bladder packs, and they are so much easier to use!
• Cleaning Tabs: I also recomend these cleaning tabs to ensure you’re getting your water pack/bladder clean from harmful bacteria
• Blister bandages: If you are going to be hitting the trails, especially with new boots, do yourself a favor and put these on your heels before the hike and take them incase you get blisters elsewhere!
• Download the AllTrails app and preload your hikes to avoid getting lost in areas with no cell service.

9. Laundry Pods & Dish Pods:

Staying in a rental home? Pack a few laundry pods and dish pods to avoid unnecessary trips to the store. It’s an easy way to keep your clothes fresh and your dishes clean without hassle.

10. Lightweight Rain Jacket or Poncho

Hawaii, espeicaly Kaua’i is known for its stunning natural beauty, but it’s also one of the rainiest islands in Hawaii. While the rain often comes in short bursts, you’ll want to be prepared for sudden downpours, especially if you’re exploring areas like the Na’Pali Coast or hiking in the mountains. A lightweight rain jacket or poncho will keep you dry without taking up much space in your bag.

Pro Tip: Opt for a compact, packable rain jacket that you can easily throw into your backpack and pull out when needed.

Final Thoughts

Packing for Hawaii might seem overwhelming, but with these tips, you’ll be prepared for anything! From beach days to waterfall hikes, a little planning will make your trip unforgettable. Follow these packing hacks, and you’ll avoid wasting precious vacation time hunting for essentials. And remember—Hawaii is all about adventure, so pack smart and enjoy the ride!

By following these tips, your Hawaii adventure will be a breeze! Stay tuned for more travel tips and hacks from Dom-n-Seek. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast or just looking for hidden gems, we’ve got you covered!