Destination guide · United States
What to pack for Hawaii: packing list by season
What to pack for Hawaii in every season: the clothes, shoes and day-bag essentials that matter, with the weather to expect and local tips.
Hawaii is warm all year, but each island has a wetter, greener windward side and a drier, sunnier leeward side, and the high volcano summits are cold.
Most trips mix beaches and snorkelling with hikes and drives, so pack for water, trails and the occasional shower.
Typical weather by season
Summer May–Oct
Warm and drier, with steady trade winds.
Winter Nov–Apr
Still warm, with more rain; big surf on many north-facing shores.
Mountains All year
Volcano summits can be cold, especially at sunrise and sunset.
Ocean All year
Strong sun and currents; swim where lifeguards advise.
The long-term pattern, not a forecast. Coastal areas. Conditions change quickly with altitude and from one side of an island to the other. Always check the forecast before you pack — Wayfold does this for you.
What to pack for Hawaii
Clothes
Shoes
Beach and day bag
Add the basics from our beach vacation packing list (51 items).
Eating out in Hawaii
Dishes to look for in United States: Cheeseburger, Barbecue, Buffalo wings, New England clam chowder. Tipping: 15–20% of the pre-tax bill is expected at sit-down restaurants; servers rely on tips. Tap water: generally safe to drink.
More in the United States travel guide: what to eat, diet flags and entry rules. General guidance — check locally. Recipes vary between kitchens; always ask about allergens.
Local tips
- 1
Hawaii restricts the sale of sunscreens containing oxybenzone and octinoxate; pack a reef-safe sunscreen.
- 2
Check ocean conditions and swim near lifeguards; winter surf can be powerful.
- 3
Sunrise or sunset at a volcano summit is cold, even when the beach is hot.
- 4
Leave plenty of time for drives; island roads are slow and scenic.
Before you go
- Entry (UK passports)
- UK visitors under the Visa Waiver Program need an approved ESTA before boarding. Apply at least 72 hours ahead, only on the official site. U.S. CBP — ESTA(opens in a new tab)
- Money
- The currency is the US dollar. Tipping is customary at restaurants.
Entry rules change. This is general information, not legal advice — check the official source before you travel.
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