Things to Pack for Maui, Hawaii - The Backpacker’s Guide
It’s finally happening— you’ve booked your flight, confirmed your hostel reservation, ordered your Hawaiian shirt and are ready to pack your bags for Maui. But what do you bring? How much is important? What items do backpackers need for Hawaii, and what is better off being left at home?
Worry not, we’ve got ya covered! The bulk of what apparel or gear you will need is all dependent on your itinerary, of course, but here is an overview of items you’ll want to check off your list to ensure you are best prepared for your Maui vacation. This way, you can spend less time stressing over small things and more of it soaking in every moment on this incredible island in Hawaii!
Apparel
Footwear
Our most important packing item starts with your shoes. Having a sturdy pair of shoes is always a must, especially if you plan on doing more extreme hikes. If you have the packing space, bring hiking boots. Otherwise, you can manage with sneakers, although be advised they could get wet and/or muddy.
Flip flops are also essential, as well as convenient as they take up little space and are a staple for beach days! I also really love my Teva sandals, which can function great for hiking on land or across streams. If you own them, water shoes are perfect for protecting your feet from cuts on the coral, but also help with preventing slips around waterfall pools or muddy cliffs. You can grab a cheap pair here on Maui that will be easy to squeeze back in your luggage.
Bathing Suits
How many or what kind you want to bring on vacation is up to your personal style, but you can’t come to Hawaii and not have one! Also, an FYI for the women: if you plan to try surfing or boogie boarding, make sure you have something with more support. Waves can be powerful, and unless you’re a pro, there’s a high probability some wipeouts will be in your future.
T-shirts/tank tops/shorts
Maui’s temperatures vary by the month, but rarely fall below 60℉. You’ll be throwing shirts and shorts over your bathing suits, wearing them through bamboo forests or volcano crater hikes, strolling the shops on Front Street in Lahaina, and more. It’s a good idea to pack sundresses or a button-down if you plan on going out for drinks or a nice dinner.
Rain Jacket and sweatshirt
Not everywhere you go on Maui is going to be sunny, even if you don’t travel to Hawaii during the rainy season. Lightweight rain jackets will come in handy, and you’ll certainly need some warmer clothing if you plan on doing sunrise or sunset on Haleakalā!
Sarong
Sarongs can be used as beach mats, blankets, towels, skirts, dresses, shawls, sunshades, and more! They dry quickly, fold up next to nothing in a beach bag and if you don’t have one, most any beachfront store you enter will!
Miscellaneaous
Reusable water bottle
Not only is a reusable water bottle better for the environment, having one will save you money on bottled water. Whether you’re working up a sweat hiking in the mountains or tanning on the beach, you’ll definitely need to stay hydrated in the heat. Also, the tap water here on Maui is safe to drink, so it’s a no-brainer!
Sunscreen
Depending on the length of your trip, and the type of luggage you have (carry on vs. checked bag) you could just get this once you get on the island. However, you will want to double check that the sunscreen you have is reef-friendly. Even drugstore brands like SunBum, Hawaiian Tropic, and more offer them— just be sure to look at the bottle! Don’t forget a hat and sunglasses for ultimate protection from the sun.
Daypack or Beach Bag
Regardless if you’re on a Road to Hana tour, hiking through Haleakalā National Park, or spending a day at the beach, having a bag or daypack to put spam musubi or other snacks, water bottles, towels, and the rest of your belongings in is a necessity!
Electronics
Portable Charger
Portable chargers are lifesavers. Trust me on this— you never know how much you wish you had one until you’re on a bus trying to navigate your way back to your hostel and your phone is at 2% battery. Plus, you’re bound to drain the juice from some of your electronics when you are taking countless photos and videos of your many adventures here!
Headphones
You’ll most likely want to use these on the plane, anyway, but they are perfect for chilling on the beach or if you’re in a hostel dorm and trying to sleep.
GoPro
If you’re going to be snorkeling or diving in crystal clear waters next to sea turtles and the ocean’s most colorful fish, why wouldn’t you want to capture it?! Those memories are the best souvenirs to take back home with you.
Things like your phone and charger, credit cards, toiletries, and underwear go without saying. Oh, and don’t forget your ID and vaccination card so you can show them upon check-in! If you have any further questions or concerns about packing, give Howzit Hostels a call!
We can’t wait to welcome you to Maui.
Aloha and Mahalo,
Your friends at the Howzit Hostel - Wailuku
To read about more tips and guides for traveling to Maui, check out the Maui Travel Blog, here.