Hawaii may be the 50th state, but its lush volcanic islands are also located in the middle of the South Pacific, with a unique climate that residents of the continental US may not experience on a daily basis. While you might think this tropical setting is the equivalent of a quick and easy list of things to do on a Hawaiian cruise, you’ll experience it as you travel between Oahu, Maui, Kauai and the island of Hawaii, to the many things to do and attractions (Big Island), you may need a few extra items in your suitcase.
Use this Hawaii cruise packing list to make sure your trip is comfortable and suitable for everything you’re likely to encounter on the island so you can enjoy the state’s welcoming aloha spirit.
Casual and colorful, you’ll be about 75% ready to head to the airport with a full suitcase.
However, cruising the Hawaiian Islands may require a few extras, from sweat-wicking sportswear and shoes for exploring the volcanic landscape to smarter evening wear for special dinners on board.
A light waterproof jacket is also essential as raindrops can fall – after all, tropical leaves and orchids don’t grow in the desert. Plants also need full sun, and it’s this combination that creates the perfect views you’ll see on a postcard.
Hawaii is known for four seasons of warm weather and sunshine. The average daily temperature throughout the year ranges from 80 to 87 degrees.
However, each island has a lee side and a windward side. what does it mean? The lee side is sunny and dry, while the windward side receives more precipitation and is noticeably cooler and lusher.
For example, on the Big Island, the volcanic shores of Kona and Kohal are on the leeward side. Hilo, with its rainforests and rushing waterfalls, is on the rainy, windward side.
Kauai is the wettest place in the Hawaiian Islands, with sunny Poipu on the lee side and mountain-sea views of the North Shore and Na Pali Coast on the windward side.
So when visiting any of the Hawaiian Islands, you can enjoy a sunny day before driving less than 30 minutes before encountering clouds, fog, or a downpour. Bonus: almost every day there is a chance to see an incredible rainbow in Hawaii.
It’s best to pack your bags and greet the glorious sun and pouring rain. Put your weather gear in your bag or backpack for excursions or self-guided exploration. In any case, you can prepare for sightseeing.
You’ll sweat a lot in the tropics, so cotton, linen, and other lightweight, breathable fabrics should be at the top of your luggage list. Leave silks and less breathable synthetics at home, or limit them to evening wear for air-conditioned interiors. Don’t be afraid of color. Hawaii is the place to wear a colorful floral sundress or bright t-shirts and shorts that often look out of place in an urban setting.
In the evening, women can’t go wrong by pairing a light dress or jumpsuit with ties with a light sweater or cape, capri or skirt and top. Men should carry several pairs of shorts and a sufficient number of T-shirts every day, as well as trousers, khakis, collared polo shirts and button-down shirts with short sleeves. (Anyone who didn’t have a palm, orchid, or surfboard print Hawaiian shirt prior to their Hawaii cruise will likely have one by the end of their Hawaii cruise.)
A swimsuit or briefs are usually not too big for a Hawaii cruise, unless you like to wear wet swimwear day in and day out.
A swimsuit is essential for many activities on the island, from snorkeling and kayaking to hiking to waterfalls and kayaking on the river, not to mention sailing in the boat’s pool or hot tub. It is wise to take at least two with you. This will allow the wetsuit to dry completely before you put it back on.
The Hawaiian Islands also have very strong sun, so pack a long-sleeved swimsuit or sun protection or even an old long-sleeved T-shirt for a long stay at sea or at sea. A light wrap is also a good idea if you plan to spend a few hours on the beach or go on a catamaran ride.
Comfortable sportswear is essential for hiking, cycling and sightseeing in rugged volcanic terrain. Consider bringing a sweat-wicking top (a tank top and long sleeves), quick-drying shorts or leggings, and invisible socks to match your sneakers. Also in Hawaii, a light waterproof jacket with a hood and a folding travel umbrella are indispensable.
Planning to climb to the top of one of Hawaii’s iconic volcanoes such as Maui’s 10,023-foot Haleakala or Hawaii’s 13,803-foot Mauna Kea? Pack a lightweight fleece sweater or pullover for a layered look. Temperatures on these peaks can range from 65 degrees to zero or below depending on the wind and cloud cover (in fact, there is snow on the peaks of Mauna Kea in winter).
Sandals are a must in any Hawaiian wardrobe. Opt for waterproof rubber flip flops, durable walking sandals during the day, and strappy flats, wedges, or heels at night.
Sneakers are also a must, as many cruises in Hawaii pass through rugged volcanic terrain, such as the Hawaiian Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island. You may also have to walk on a rough, rocky, and sometimes slippery trail to see the falls. Flip flops expose your feet and toes to sharp lava rocks and don’t provide enough traction on wet surfaces, neither of which is a smart shoe choice.
On the boat, sandals are perfect for evening wear for women, while men should bring a pair of boots that can be worn with long trousers. In some of the more casual restaurants on many ships, shorts, a polo shirt, sandals, or trainers are acceptable attire.
The right accessories are the key to a safe and enjoyable cruise in Hawaii. Topping the list are hats and sunglasses.
Wear a wide-brimmed sunhat that covers your ears and the back of your neck when you go to the beach and enjoy the outdoors. Baseball caps are great for more adventurous activities (hiking, biking, etc.) when you need full 180-degree vision, and soft caps can sometimes make it difficult to see. Hats made of quick-drying material are best suited.
Also, bring your sunglasses and consider pairing them with neoprene or other watersports straps so they don’t slip off when you want to take pictures of whales or dolphins.
Other items to look out for include reusable water bottles, waterproof phone cases, and dry bags. Please note that if you are planning to visit Pearl Harbor, you should bring a zippered bag with you. Visitors are not allowed to bring any bags with them – only cameras, wallets, keys and any other items in transparent plastic bags.
For sightseeing and shopping, I prefer to carry a nylon fanny pack (also known as a fanny pack) to have easy access to my camera and wallet.
A compact nylon bag and/or a light backpack is also important, as on many excursions you will often need to carry accessories, extra clothing, a raincoat, water, insect repellent and sunscreen.
When it comes to sunscreen, make sure it’s reef-safe (usually mineral sunscreens). Since early 2021, Hawaii has banned the use of sunscreens containing the coral-damaging chemicals oxybenzone and octyloctanoate.
Even if bright colors don’t take center stage in your wardrobe, a bright tank top, floral print sundress, and brightly patterned shorts will look great in your tropical getaway wardrobe and are perfect for photo shoots in Hawaii. Pair them with a neutral (white, black or beige) base and you can mix and match items day or night.
What did you forget? Don’t worry, Hawaii’s gift shops are filled with t-shirts, sarongs, swimwear, wraps, hats, sunglasses, flip flops and other essentials for a tropical getaway. Shops on cruise ships also offer fun tanning clothes and accessories, though prices are usually a bit higher than on land.
Here is a complete packing list to help you keep track of everything you need to take on your Hawaii cruise.
Before you cruise to Hawaii, check the evening dress code on board your cruise company, as well as the weather forecast for each island.
Don’t be discouraged if you see raindrop and cloud icons. The forecast may mean only brief morning or afternoon showers on one side of the island. Also, be prepared for warm temperatures, daytime sun that can cause severe sunburn, and windy, cool nights. In other words, get ready to enjoy this tropical paradise in the state of Aloha.
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Post time: Sep-08-2023
