Maui Packing List: The Essential Guide to Packing for the Ultimate Vacation
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So, you are heading to the Hawaiian islands for the first time? You are going to have the time of your life!
Of course you want to know what to pack for your trip, especially if you are travelling with kids. You are probably the family planner and you are doing all the research to make sure your crew is ready for the adventure of a lifetime. Well done, Mama! You are awesome.
I'm an over planner, and sometimes that equals an over-packer. OK, it always equals an over-packer. I really want to be ready for EVERY possible activity AND have a contingency plan.
I have realized that it becomes a bit exhausting though, and we end up carrying a bunch of stuff with us that doesn’t get used and we didn’t need to bring. In the past few years I have made a conscious effort to pack lighter. I still want to be very prepared, but I also try to think about what I really need to bring from home, and what I could buy locally IF we needed it. It's a subtle mind shift that has really helped me.
For example, I don't need to pack 14 pairs of socks in case my son gets a hole in his sock or gets them wet and wears two pairs a day. If I bring 5 pairs and that's not enough I have options! I can buy him another pair of socks for a few dollars, do a load of laundry (or hand wash in the sink), or go without a clean pair of socks (gasp!). None of those options seem very extreme or hard to deal with....so it helps me to realize that my son will be fine if we run into the shortage of socks worst case scenario. This immediately creates space in his suitcase! Playing out the the worst case scenario if you don’t pack an item that you NEED to bring, can really help to figure out whether it’s truly a NEED, or just a nice to have.
For my own clothes, it's usually a matter of not knowing what I will feel like wearing. I'm sure other ladies have this struggle too. My new strategy is to pack an essential wardrobe with my favorite items that are easily mixed and matched.
I also give myself permission to buy something new on vacation that will remind me of that trip...so that takes the pressure off planning every outfit and being able to go with the flow a bit more. The packing list below will give you the opportunity to do the same.
Don't worry, I've included the essential items for every activity on my 7 Day Maui Itinerary, and a bunch of nice-to-have items as well. As you look through the list you can see what's best to bring from home, and what is easy to pick up when you arrive on the island. It's always a good idea to pack as light as possible, but the art of packing light is not just packing less....it's about packing the right stuff! Here is my list of must-haves!
The Actual Essentials:
Flip flops (aka slippers to anyone local to Hawaii). Haviana’s are my go-to!
Bathing suit
Sunglasses (Maui Jim’s are the best, and also totally appropriate for Hawaii!)
Casual summer clothes/ resort wear
Travel insurance
There you go! Those are the absolute essentials for your beach vacation. Keep reading if you like a more detailed list :)
Essential Packing List for Kids:
Flip flops (aka slippers to anyone local to Hawaii) If the kids are too little for flip flops, sport sandals are a good option. Haviana’s are my go-to for kids slippers!
Bathing suits (at least two so you can wear more than once per day and have time to dry)
Light summer clothes
Summer pajamas
Puddle-jumper or life jacket for non-swimmers
Goggles for swimmers (my kids prefer snorkel goggles for the pool & the ocean!)
Entertainment for the plane and car rides
Some favorite snacks from home
1 Favorite Toy or Stuffed Animal for the trip
Thermometer & Baby Tylenol (it's just one thing that I know I can buy local, but I prefer to have with me if/when I need it while traveling).
If you are like me and want to be prepared for every activity on your Maui vacation itinerary, I have more details on my ultimate Maui packing list for you!
Packing List for Beach Days on the Best Beaches:
Bathing Suit
Refillable water bottle ( I like the Contigo brand because of the way it can clip onto my crossbody bag to keep my hands free. It’s also easy to clean!)
Beach towels (can buy locally)
Snorkel Gear (can rent locally)
Underwater camera
Beach Cover-Up
Puddle jumper/water wings or Life jacket ** IMPORTANT** These are not easy to find on the island of Maui!!
To have the best time at the beach you really need the Beach essentials. This is the gear that makes your day at the beach turn from a hot sweaty slog, into a relaxing, shady, all day activity. You can rent this beach gear (i.e.. beach umbrella, beach chairs, cooler, sand toys, wagon) from from Maui Vacation Equipment Rentals and pick it up once you arrive on Maui.
There are many rental companies for snorkel gear that allow you to rent by the day or by the week depending on your activity plan.
Check out my blog post on the best swimming beaches in Maui for more information on the beach options to check out on your vacation.
Packing List for Hiking Adventures:
Light rain jacket (especially during the winter months when it rains quite a bit on the jungle side of the island, on the road to Hana)
Hiking boots or hiking shoes (personally I love Merrell shoes!)
Day pack
Dry bag during the rainy season or for waterfall hikes
Sun protection (i.e wide-brimmed hat and reef-friendly sunscreen)
Refillable water bottle (we also like to travel with our 3L camelbak bladder)
long pants- for high altitude hikes in the Haleakala crater it gets quite cold in the early morning.
Light rain jacket for rainy days
Hiking in Maui is a must-do family activity. Check out my blog post on the 15 best hikes in Maui near Kaanapali, as well as the #1 Maui Hike with Kids. My family is addicted to hiking. It's a great way to spend time outdoors, help the kids build strength (not only in their little legs but also in their character), and it gives us lots of time to talk to each other and appreciate the world around us. Sometimes the hikes we do are really challenging (i.e. Waihee Ridge or Haleakala Crater), and sometimes they are more of a gentle stroll with beautiful scenery (i.e. Ohai Trail or Kapalua Coastal Trail). As long as your family is wearing the best shoes, and you have enough water and snacks, hiking is one of our favorite things to do in Maui, and anywhere in the world.
The hiking on Maui is not accessible from the resort areas (unless you are just strolling the beach paths). So make sure to book a rental car! The rental cars on Maui can get booked up pretty fast so it's a good idea to book ahead, and then keep checking back for better rates. The big rental car companies at Kahului Airport are often busy, but they also have the nicest rental cars. There are discount rental car options on Maui, you just have to be prepared to get a very old car. A few discount rental car options are:
Kihei Rent A Car (provides a shuttle from Kahului Airport to Kihei)
Kimo Rent A Car (self-serve car pick up with a lockbox, from the public parking lot at Kahului Airport)
Maui Vans (Shuttle picks you up at the airport to drive to their rental office to get your vehicle- 5 min away)
A rental car is the easiest way to explore the island at your own pace. Plus, you also get the adventure of driving on some new roads, finding new trail heads, getting lost (if you're anything like us it always happens at least once per trip), and making some amazing memories.
When you rent a car, make sure to download the Shaka Guide App for the best Maui driving tours. These tours run on your GPS, so the guide will tell you about the places you are visiting as you go there. Our first month in Maui we would turn on the tour anytime we got in the car to drive somewhere new, and we learned so much from listening to the Shaka Guide. Even if you don't do a full driving tour, I would highly recommend it as something to listen to on the car on your way to many of the hikes on the island. If you plan to do the Road to Hana or the drive up to Haleakala National Park it is a must-have!
One of the best things about a Hawaii vacation is the simplicity of it. Exploring the island is safe and easy to do on your own, so you don't really need the extra cost of hiring tour guides for everything, unless you want to! The outdoor activities get you moving and make it easy to live in your active wear the whole time you're on vacation.
Packing List for Water sports (Surf, Kayak, Stand up Paddleboard: SUP):
Rash guard
Waterproof phone case/ dry bag (This gecko brands dry bag tote is my favorite piece of gear for water sports!)
Water shoes (in case of water entry of exit over lava rock or coral reefs- if you do a surf lesson these will be provided)
Gopro hero (these are also available to rent at most snorkel rental locations)
Dry bag for valuable items (this is my favourite piece of gear purchased from 808 Clothing, but also available on Amazon)
A lifejacket will be included with your rental of a kayak.
Hawaii is a haven for watersports. This is your moment, give surfing a try!! You can do a group surf lesson, and you may be riding a wave before you know it! I had never surfed before in my life and I was able to stand up on the board during my first lesson (albeit not for very long!). The surf instructor starts you out on these huge boards that are super stable so it makes it much easier for beginners to get their feet under them on the water. My husband and I did a semi-private lesson, and my 6 year old daughter did a private lesson. The surf instructor had her standing on her own board, she was paddling, riding the waves on her knees, and then they were also surfing waves together on the same board with the instructor holding her hand. It was pretty amazing to see.
The surf instructors on Maui are fantastic. You can find group lessons at the Cove in Kihei (Kalama Beach Park) and in Lahaina, plus a number of other beginner surf spots in Maui. We used the company Rivers to the Sea, which seemed to be well-run. We loved our instructor! The only downside is they run their lessons at a spot right off the highway (Mile Marker 19 off of Hwy 30), so you have to park at the side of the road. This location is called "Guardrails" and is a great place to learn! It tends to be less crowded, which is nice, but the parking is annoying. At the Cove (Kalama Beach Park) in Kihei, parking is really easy because there is a huge parking lot.
The rash guard is essential for surfing because when you are lying on your stomach to paddle the board out, your arms will rub on the board. Over time you can develop a rash, which is why the long sleeves are so helpful. It is also great for sun protection. If you take a surf lesson, they will usually provide you with a rash guard and water shoes. We bought our own rash guard because they are great to wear to the beach and snorkeling. It protects you from the sun, while keeping extra sunscreen out of the ocean. I wear my rash guard, kayaking and on the SUP. It's an all round essential gear item for water spots in Hawaii.
Kayaking is an easy way to get onto the water in Maui. It's best to head out in the early morning when the waters are calm. You can rent single or double kayaks and paddle along the coast. You should always head west first, because when the trade winds pick up around 11am, they always blow east to west, so you want to be paddling home with the wind at your back (pro tip for you!). Kayaking can be a great workout for the parents, but it also is entertaining for the kids who get to ride along with you. When everyone gets hot, you can find a good spot to hop out of the boat and do some snorkeling. Make sure at least one adult stays in the boats to keep an eye on the snorkels. You could also hold onto the kayak while you snorkel, as long as you don't let it go adrift and you make sure to know your limits. Snorkeling from the kayak is a great idea. Viewing the underwater world is the best part of being in the ocean! We have seen unicorn fish, the humuhumunukunukuapua'a, MANY Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles, moray eels, star fish, sea urchins, and many other colorful fish on the reef. We have heard the whales sing under water during whale season and the beauty of the coral reef structures that surround the island of Maui. There is so much to see and appreciate underwater.
If you are anything like us, my husband and I like to be active, but it is often hard to fit a work out in on vacation when you have small kids. You have to take turns, but that really eats into your day and your family time. We look for activities that will allow us to burn some energy, but still be accessible for the kids. Kayaking perfect for this because we can paddle fast for a bit while the kids direct us where to go. We can also go paddling for longer when we each have a child in a double kayak because they aren't expending any energy to keep up with us. It makes it a fun activity for everyone!
If you are thinking that the last thing you want to do is work out on your vacation, then I get that too! Sometimes vacations mean a vacation from all obligations! Kayaking can be relaxing and non-strenuous too. It's one of those activities that is what you make it, so you can get out on the water and enjoy.
Packing List for a Road Trip to Hana:
PodCast for young kids to listen to if they aren't interested in the tour (We love the Reading Bug & Granny MacDuff)
Cooler with lots of snacks (there are not a lot of options to stop on the road to Hana, packing snacks will simplify your long day)
Cell Phone
Bathing Suit
Beach Towels
Change of clothes
Cooler with lots of snacks
Picnic Lunch from Hana Headquarters in Paia town.
The Road to Hana is on the must-do list for most Maui vacation itineraries, and for good reason. If you stay on the desert side of the island (South and West Maui) you won't get to fully appreciate all that Maui has to offer. The natural beauty of Maui is not only ocean views, dormant volcano, and palm trees, but also the lush greenery, bamboo, and waterfalls that are on the north and east side of the island. Driving the Road to Hana is a full day adventure (and if you have small kids or you want to see more I would definitely recommend making it a two day adventure with an overnight stay in Hana).
The Hana-Maui Resort is worth every penny, and it offers an incredible experience. They have a restaurant just down the road that you can walk to, or get a ride over in their golf cart shuttle (my kids loved this)! They have tennis courts, two pools, a work out area (with a peloton....my favorite!), and even the garden view rooms are absolutely perfect. One thing to note for parents- THERE ARE NO TV's at this hotel. My kids often look forward to watching cartoons at the hotel in the morning, so they were a bit surprised that there was no TV, but of course it's better to not have the option, and instead the went outside to play in the garden while my husband and I had coffee on the lanai. Staying overnight was perfect because you check in at 4pm at the end of a full day exploring the road to Hana, just in time for a swim and dinner. Then you check out at 11am the next day after you have had time to play in the pool, eat breakfast, and are ready to head off on your hike of the Pipiwai Trail. Make sure to pack snacks! The grocery stores in Hana can often be a bit sparse.
If you would like to pick up a picnic lunch on your way, check out the Hana Picnic Lunch Co. (Hana Headquarters) in Paia. You can call or order online and pick up your lunch on your drive through Paia and the start of the Hana Hwy. Keep it simple!
Packing List for Horseback Riding:
The idea of riding horse back on the beach is pretty dreamy. Due to the pandemic, many of the horseback riding stables on Maui closed down. Horses are expensive, and the lack of customers really hit this industry hard. There are still a few options for horseback riding on Maui if this is something you have your heart set on!
Triple L Ranch in Kula
Maui Mountain Activities
Makani Olu Ranch
Ironwood Ranch
If you have small kids, trail rides aren't very accessible. Pretty much all horse back riding facilities don't allow kids under 8 years old, and more often the age limit is higher like 10 or 12 years old. It's worth looking into if you want to explore the countryside of Maui by horseback.
If you are heading up to Kula and you have a horse crazy kid, you could consider a Pony Ride at Maui Ponies. It's definitely a more local experience. Melissa doesn't have a fancy facility, but she has some nice horses and a beautiful view, and she is great at helping kids build confidence on and around horses.
Packing List for a Hawaiian Luau:
Flip flops or sandals
Summer dress for the ladies
Hawaiian shirt for the men
The Luau is a classic Hawaiian vacation itinerary item. In our household it's also a controversial one. Ok, not like really controversial, but I think it's something you should include on your itinerary for your first time to Hawaii, and my husband believes it is something you should skip. So that's the controversy!
I think the Luau is worth doing because it's a fun night out for the family. You all get dressed up in your Hawaiian shirts and dresses, wear a lei and a flower in your hair. You get your family photo taken and buy it from the photographer for $20 but you then you already have something printed that you can frame when you get home! Learn a little bit about ancient Hawaiian culture, see some Hawaiian dancing, watch a fire dancer, have all inclusive drinks, and a buffet. Watch the sunset from a beautiful location. Yes, the cost is extravagant but you can find deals, and it's a once in a lifetime thing that you don't have to do again, but you want to experience while in Hawaii.
My husband thinks you can watch the sunset, and head to Baldwin beach park on a Friday night (or even Kam 3 beach park some friday nights) to see a fire dancer. Go to Whalers Village to watch the Hula Dancers perform, wear a lei anytime you feel like it, or head to Hula Grill in Kaanapali for dinner and hula dance show. It might not give you the full luau experience, but it also doesn't cost $200/person or more.
So, you can take my opinion, or his, both valid and based on personal preference. If it's your first time to Maui, do the Luau. If you love Luau's do it. If you're on the fence, then seek out the parts that interest you and do that. There are so many ways to vacation in Maui, you really can't go wrong!
Clothes Packing List for 7 Days in Maui:
This list assumes no access to laundry facilities. You can take less if you do a mid-week wash!
4 tank tops (active wear)
3 tops (non-active wear)
2 pairs of shorts (active wear)
2 pairs of shorts (non-active wear)
2 summer dresses
Summer pajamas
1 pair of hiking shoes
4 pairs of sport socks
1 light sweater for evenings
1 light rain jacket (if traveling during the rainy season)
2 swim suits
Beach cover up
There is pretty much always warm weather on the island of Maui. You can wear slippers (flip-flops) to any occasion and there is no expectation of formal dress anywhere on the island. If this is your first visit, I promise you that you can leave your high heels at home. Embrace the island lifestyle! Wear a light summer dress, and pack a light sweater in case it is windy in the evening. The dress code is always summer casual! You can pack light knowing that you will be wearing your swim suit, shorts, tanks tops, and summer dresses. Men, it is your moment to finally wear those loud Hawaiian shirts! You will not stand out.
My family calls my lululemon shorts and tank tops "my uniform". Hey, I feel comfortable and I'm ready for anything the day brings. Plus, Lululemon always looks great. The whole 6 months we were in Maui, I think I wore a summer dress 4 times (date nights) and otherwise lived in "my uniform" and flip-flops. Ahhh such a great lifestyle.
If you want to do some shopping at local stores while on vacation in Maui, there are a number of options available.
For t-shirts, hats, and tank tops, check out 808 Clothing. They also have some cool gear for outdoor activities, like day packs, dry bags, waterproof phone cases and more. If you want a good quality souvenir item, shop at 808 Clothing in person or online. There are a few locations on the island!
If you want some summer clothes, bathing suits, or a new toy to keep the kiddos entertained in the evening check out Ross in Kihei or Lahaina. They always have great prices and it's an easy place to go to shop for replacement items, things you forgot to pack, or something extra.
If you are looking for brand name clothes and quality pieces, you'll want to check out Whalers Village in Lahaina or The Shops of Wailea for the best brand name stores (including my favorite....Lululemon!).
The ABC stores are located throughout the island, and they have all the essentials of a good convenience store. I actually quite like their active wear shirts with UV protection. My husband loves them as work out shirts an they usually have a 2 for $30 deal. They also have good beach towels, kids books, beer/wine, and essential grocery items. What more do you need?
Best Packing List for Every Activity in Hawaii:
CLOTHES:
4 tank tops (active wear)
3 tops (non-active wear)
2 pairs of shorts (active wear)
2 pairs of shorts (non-active wear)
2 summer dresses
1 Pair long pants (for high altitude hikes in the Haleakala crater it gets quite cold in the early morning. Pro tip: these can also be worn for your travel day!)
1 pair of hiking shoes
4 pairs of sport socks
1 light sweater for evenings
2 swim suits
Beach cover up
Rash guard/ Long sleeve sun shirt
OUTERWEAR:
1 light rain jacket (if traveling during the rainy season)
SHOES:
Flip flops (aka slippers to anyone local to Hawaii)
GEAR:
Camelbak (We have the hydration pack for short hikes, and a bigger backpack for big treks. You can also just buy the Camelbak bladder to put into your daypack.)
Beach towels
Snorkel Gear
Underwater camera
Puddle jumper/water wings or Life jacket. **These are not easy to find on the island of Maui!!**
Water shoes (in case of water entry of exit over lava rock or coral reefs)
PURCHASE/DOWNLOAD PRE-DEPARTURE:
PodCast for young kids to listen to if they aren't interested in the tour (We love the Reading Bug & Granny MacDuff)
Travel Insurance
Rental Car
RENT:
Beach Essentials (beach chair, sun umbrella, cooler, wagon, sand toys)
Items that are Easy to Find Locally on Maui:
Beach towels
Rash Guards
Tank Tops
T-Shirts
Bathing Suits
Hawaiian Shirts
Summer dresses
Rental items (i.e. beach chairs, snorkel gear, cooler)
With the warm climate in Hawaii the most important things to have are sun protection. The rest is up to your personal preference and the type of activities you want to enjoy during you vacation. Since sun protection is so essential, it is easy to find these items on the island. However, as soon as you walk out of the airport you are walking into the Hawaiian sunshine, so I would suggest traveling with your hat and sunglasses so you don't waste your first day shopping for these basic items. If you want to work shopping into your itinerary for souvenirs or a new dress or top that says Maui (because everything says Maui in Maui) then head over to the Kihei Market to shop for a souvenir, or the Shops of Wailea if you want to spend a bit more. You can also find many little shops in Lahaina and very nice shops at Whalers Village.
Leave your self empty space so if you buy a few things you aren't strapped for space on your return trip. Have you every tried packing cubes. These little packing assistants are amazing, and really help me to get organized and keep items in their allotted space. Check out this article on how to us packing cubes. I use them for socks and underwear to prevent loose items, and I also use them when my family is sharing a large suitcase. Often we travel with two large suitcases for all 4 of us and a carry on bag each. Having packing cubes for each of us helps to unpack and keep things organized when living out of a suitcase. If you haven't tried them yet, give it a shot and let me know if you find it as life changing as I did. It's a constant effort to pack less, pack light, and pack right. I tend to back for myself and my kids and my husband does his own packing. Having a solid packing list, a loose itinerary of our planned activities, and a packing strategy has really helped to save me a lot of time. Travel days are long days, so you want to settle in and enjoy the journey without worrying if there is something you forgot.
but Hey! If you did forget something, you can solve that problem. You are already more organized than the average traveler since you are searching for packing lists. Maui is the absolute best vacation destination for a family with kids. You can hike in the jungle, and swim in the ocean, but you can also grab yourself a Starbucks and wander around Target to get whatever it is that you forgot. You picked the best place on earth to vacation.
Happy planning and have so much fun!
If you’re interested in more, keep reading!