Are you planning a trip to Hawaii and wondering what to bring? With expensive luggage fees, you’ll want to maximize every space and crevice in your suitcase. I always triple-think whether I “really” need something vs just “want” to bring. To add to this, there are things you probably won’t even need to bring to Hawaii because of certain restrictions, the weather, and because you plain won’t need them. If this is your first trip to Hawaii, here’s a guide of what not to bring to Hawaii to maximize your luggage space.
Fruits and vegetables
The state of Hawaii has strict laws around importing and exporting produce to protect its agriculture and fragile native ecosystem. Hawaii is considered the “endangered species capital of the world” with more endangered species than anywhere else in the world. So you might want to rethink bringing in that pineapple or orange. Citrusy or pulpy fruits from Florida and Puerto Rico are forbidden because of the potential presence of fruit flies.
Hawaii is the only rabies-free state in the US. To prevent the spread of invasive pests and diseases, Hawaii has a strict animal quarantine law to keep Hawaii a rabies-free island. If it’s for vacation, it’s best to leave your fur baby at home. Otherwise: https://hdoa.hawaii.gov/ai/aqs/aqs-info/
Sunscreen
Wait, what? Let me rephrase that. Sunscreen that’s bad for marine life. In 2021, Hawaii became the first state in the US to ban the sale of sunscreen containing two chemicals: oxybenzone and octinoxate. These chemicals are proven to be toxic to marine life and kill the coral reef. According to the FDA, safe and effective alternatives are zinc oxide and titanium dioxide.
In general and for everyday use, I’d make the switch to zinc oxide as it’s a much safer, healthier, and more effective sunscreen than others, but that’s for another article. 🙂
Too many clothes
I always brought clothes for every day of the trip only to realize that I don’t wear everything. It’s best to bring the basic essentials and if necessary, wash clothes as most hotels provide laundry service, an in-room washer dryer or laundromats on-site. I also always bring some powder laundry detergent so I can hand-wash clothes, which are always dry and ready for the next day.
Worst case (not really..hehe), you can always buy clothes and have something to remember your trip whenever you wear them back home.
Jackets and coats
Hawaii’s weather is usually in the 70-80s year-round. I understand thicker jackets might be necessary to get to the airport back at home, but I’d suggest wearing layers and bringing packable travel jackets that can be folded into a pouch or pocket.
Summers in Hawaii are hot and humid. It does get a little cooler at night, but the most you’d ever need is a cardigan or lightweight hoodie.
Formal wear
Unless you’re getting married or are in the wedding party, you can leave the formal wear at home. Most weddings and fancy restaurants say “Aloha attire”, which means “dressy casual”.
Heels, dress shoes, or winter boots
Unless you’re attending a wedding, dress shoes most likely won’t be needed. However, always check to see what the dress code is as most “formal” events in Hawaii are most likely “Aloha attire”, which means dressy casual. Hawaiian or aka Aloha shirts are the norm in Hawaii.
Also, some wedding are outdoors on the grass and you wouldn’t want your heels to dig into the ground.
Hope this helps when packing for your next trip to Hawaii. What are some of your packing tips when traveling? I’d love to hear them! Mahalo for reading!
