Ultimate Kauai Packing List: 50+ Must-Haves For Your Island Adventure

So, you’ve got a trip to Kauai coming up. You’re thrilled—but now you’re wondering: What exactly do I pack for paradise?

Don’t worry—this is the only Kauai packing guide you’ll need. The best part about a trip like this is that bulky items aren’t necessary, and you’ll probably be living in shorts and bathing suits 24/7.

That means you’ve got plenty of room to pack light and still save space for snacks and souvenirs!

In fact, this is the perfect opportunity to embrace carry-on travel. Trust me, traveling with just a carry-on suitcase and a backpack isn’t just convenient—it’s a great way to save both money and time.

You’ll save on checked luggage fees, skip the baggage claim drama, and feel like an efficient, savvy traveler as you breeze on out of the airport before all your other flightmates.

After years of packing for trips around the world in every season with only a carry-on, I’ve nailed the art of packing light.

Here’s my ultimate Kauai packing list to help you travel smart, pack efficiently, and enjoy every moment of your Hawaiian adventure. Don’t forget to snag your free PDF download at the bottom of this packing guide!

*Please note: All of the products listed in this post are my personal tried and true recommendations and may contain affiliate links. You won’t be paying a cent more, but in the event of a sale, the small affiliate commission I receive will help keep this blog running. Thanks!

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Fashion / Style in Kauai: What To Expect

Hawaii is all about the laidback lifestyle. You really can’t get more laidback than Kauai, as it’s one of the more undeveloped islands of the Hawaiian Islands. That means you are not going to find nightclubs or events where you’re going to need formal outfits.

Shorts, t-shirts, sundresses, and flip-flops are all the norm in Hawaii. Oftentimes, given the constant heat and sunny weather, you’ll even see people driving with their windows open without shirts on!

If you do plan on having a fancier meal or two, a collared shirt and pants (for men) or sundress (for the ladies) is all you’ll really need for almost any restaurant.

Now that we’ve set the stage on what to expect on Kauai, let’s get on to the packing details.

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Understand Kauai’s Tropical Weather Before Packing

Kauai’s amazing weather is one of many reasons why the island is so loved by travelers year-round.

For the most part, it will be warm and humid.

Typically, the weather doesn’t fluctuate a whole lot throughout the year. There might be seasons where there’s more humidity or more rain, and there might be seasons where nights are colder than others. It doesn’t ever really get cold.

Regardless of when you visit, you should aim to have all your bases covered.

Time Of The Year

If you’re traveling during the winter months (November to April), you’ll be visiting during Hawaii’s cooler months. Though when I say “cooler,” we mean in relation to Hawaiian summers–even in the winter, it rarely dips below the mid-70s! All in all, you can expect warm days, lower humidity, and chillier nights.

During the summer months (May to October), it can get quite hot during the daytime. You’ll want to pack clothes that are light and airy to prevent discomfort.

Early June to the end of November is also considered Kauai’s hurricane season (aka rainy), so you should be prepared with a rain jacket, waterproof hiking boots, and potentially a dry bag.

Rain

Kauai’s lush, green landscape wouldn’t exist without the island’s regular rainfall. In fact, Kauai’s second-highest point, Mount Waialeale, is one of the wettest spots on the planet!

Hawaii’s rainy season typically runs from November to March.

Random rain showers can happen all over the island any time of the year, but especially on the North Shore. For reference, Kauai’s South Shore gets about 35 inches of rain annually, while the North Shore gets about 85 inches! This is due to the tradewinds and the mountains that are more prevalent in the north.

And with tropical rains usually come mosquitos. If you plan on spending time on the North Shore, you may very well encounter mosquitos in forested areas. Bring along light long-sleeved shirts and loose linen pants to protect yourself from mosquito bites.

Pro Tip: If you want the least chance of rain, opt to stay on the south side of the island, such as in Poipu, where it tends to be drier.

The Takeaway

Along with your warm-weather clothing, bring something for the rain (rain is very common in certain parts of Hawaii), bring something for the wind, and bring something light for those cooler nights. Bringing long-sleeve shirts and long pants could be beneficial if you are prone to mosquito bites!

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Think Through Your Kauai Activities Before Packing

What activities are you going to be doing in Kauai? Will you be doing adrenaline-pumping activities? Will you be getting onto a watercraft? Snorkeling? Doing an epic hike on the island? Or perhaps lounging on the beach is all you plan on doing, which is perfectly fine, too!

Your planned activities will influence your Kauai packing list.

If you’re going to be doing water activities or hiking activities, there’s a lot of stuff you need to consider bringing, like water shoes, snorkeling and scuba equipment, hiking shoes, etc.

If beach lounging and eating around town is what your main objective is, you won’t need much other than beachwear and light, casual clothing.

Pro Tip: No matter what you decide to do, I recommend making restaurant reservations and pre-booking your outdoor excursions well in advance. Kauai is getting more and more popular, so the island is experiencing an influx of vacationers. Beat ’em to the punch and book things early!

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Packing Gear: How To Carry Your Stuff To Kauai

Before you pack anything, it’s important to start with the bones of packing. Having the right bags to put your belongings in is extremely important. The last thing you want is to toss everything for your trip into a bag with no method of organization.

Why? Because you’ll find yourself spending a lot of extra time later on packing and repacking once you’re actually on your trip. Trust me, your life will be so much easier when you actually apply a strategy to how you pack.

You’ve got two options here. Do you want to go with a wheeled case or a travel backpack?

Wheeled carry-ons are awesome in that they are pretty much weightless on your body, you just roll and go.

The other option is a backpack. Travel packs are so convenient when it comes to hands-free commuting. As you’ll likely be needing a car in Hawaii and not lugging your bag around on foot, you could really go with either option.

1. Wheeled suitcase

I use my Monos Carry-On Pro whenever I take long weekend trips away from home. This carry-on is roomy, sturdy as heck, and super cute. It even has a laptop sleeve in the front that can fit all your smaller gadgets, papers, and tech gear.

For a trip lasting a bit longer (like 3-7 days), I’d actually recommend the Carry-On Pro Plus instead. It’s one size up but will still fit in airplane overhead bins with no problem.

I love the Monos brand and all the bags they offer!

If I can, I’ll always go with carry-on luggage before opting for a checked bag. Why? You can just get through the airport so much faster without a checked bag.

2. Travel backpack

I am a huge fan of Osprey bags due to their genius design and high quality (they are my personal favorites)! One great thing about the Osprey Aura (women) and the Osprey Atmos (men) is that you can remove the top lid for shorter hikes, thereby turning them into smaller, less bulky packs.

I actually went backpacking with this pack and can attest to its greatness. Totally worth the investment. If you’re more of a backpacker-style traveler looking for a new travel bag or backpacking bag, GET THIS BACKPACK! You won’t regret it.

3. Packing cubes

Packing cubes are a game-changer when it comes to packing.

They are amazing at creating space in your luggage that you never thought you had. No matter how you organize your clothes— by day, by outfit, by type—these will be the most useful thing you have in your packing artillery.

Gone are the days where you need to dig through your entire suitcase for that one thing you’re looking for, because you’ll know exactly where it’s at.

These days, there are so many to choose from. But after testing out dozens of options for myself, the ones that I swear by now are the compressible packing cubes by Monos Travel.

The quality of these cubes are next level. Honestly, I don’t think I can ever go back to the cheap ones after discovering these.

If those fall out of your budget: it seems they’ve recently made a Monos compression packing cube dupe.

4. Everyday bag

A mini backpack or a sling bag that can fit a water bottle, phone, camera, sunglasses and sunscreen is a must.

And if you’re able to find a bag that folds flat so that you’re able to stow it in your carry-on, even better! I like the BAGGU Nylon Crescent Bag or my trusty Bellroy Sling Bag for something simple and compressible, so when I’m not using it, I can flatten it and store it in my luggage.

Papu is absolutely obsessed with his Bellroy Sling Bag too!

👉 MY FAVORITE THINGS FOR TRAVEL: Check out all of my favorite long-lasting travel essentials on my Amazon storefront.

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Clothing: What To Wear In Kauai

5. Tops

You really don’t need that many shirts, especially if you choose versatile pieces, allowing them to be multifunctional. You can go with a mix of sleeveless and sleeved for the most part, with one caveat.

Depending on which part of the island you end up on, mosquitos may be a problem. If you plan on hanging out in the rainforest areas such as the Nāpali Coast State Wilderness Park, pack 1-2 lightweight long sleeves (or bring some bug spray with you). If you plan to stay near resorts and beaches the entire time, you should be fine without mosquito protection.

6. Pants

Bring 1 pair just in case there happens to be a chill at night or if you plan to attend a more formal event. For summers, in the face of humidity, go with something loose and light.

Jeans can be way too hot for summer travel, and I almost always go to Hawaii without packing jeans. Trust me, I’ve experienced my fair share of sweaty legs trapped in jeans. It’s pretty uncomfortable, to say the least.

7. Shorts/skirts

2-3 pairs will do. If you plan on wearing more dresses, you can definitely cut out some tops and bottoms and substitute them with dresses.

Looser, easy-to-pull on shorts would be best for Hawaii weather, especially on those more humid days.

8. Bike Shorties

Let me be the first to tell you about my newest discovery on how to keep my legs from becoming a huge sweaty mess… I love Thigh Society’s shorties for hot weather! 

If I want to wear an above-the-knee dress on a hot day, I go with The Cooling 5″ option. It’s so thin, meaning “sweaty butt” won’t be an issue.

And they’re especially useful if it happens to be a windy day. These lil’ shorties make me feel so much more comfortable knowing that I have an extra layer of protection and coverage should the wind decide to do me dirty and lift my dress in one swoop.

The other type of bike shorts I love are the ones by Beyond Yoga. They have become a staple in my hot weather arsenal too. They’re super-versatile because these guys are very opaque, meaning they can be worn alone or layered under clothes.

I find that I can wear them in all sorts of situations — while exploring a new city, ziplining, ATVing, working out, on airplanes, on road trips, and even as pajama bottoms! Love ’em!

9. Leggings

Leggings are very useful if you plan on working out, hiking, or want something to lounge in on the plane. I love leggings and can’t really go on any trip without at least 1 pair.

A pair of lightweight leggings like Lululemon’s Fast and Free Tight is a great option if you’re looking for breathability while getting that protection from bugs and the sun’s UV rays. The best part? These have pockets large enough to fit your phone in!

10. Dresses

Plan to pack ~2 long dresses for your trip to Kauai. Long or flowy dresses/skirts are really good if you want to save space in your luggage.

If you plan on going out at night, aim for one of the dresses to be appropriate for both daytime and evening looks. Add a nice cardigan (or even a shawl), swap out the flip-flops for your nicer sandals, and be on your merry way! It’s all about versatility!

My rule of thumb: To save room for things I plan to buy on vacation, I’ll always bring ~2 outfits less than the number of days I plan on traveling. I know historically I tend to not wear everything I pack, so I’ve adjusted for this in the packing process. Plus, everything you bring is washable and re-wearable. You should evaluate your situation and adjust for it as well!

11. Underwear, bras, socks

Undies: Bring 1 pair of underwear for as many days as you’re going to be traveling. Sometimes, I even bring extra for changing out of bathing suits after a visit to the beach.

Socks: I also tend to bring fewer socks than the number of days I’m visiting because I find that I wear sandals more than shoes in Hawaii!

Bras: Depending on your activity level, 2-3 will do. Because I’m pretty active and tend to do a lot of tropical hiking, I typically bring more sports bras than regular bras. (Plus, your swimming suit tops can function as bras too.)

These items are light enough where overpacking is not a problem.

12. Hiking Boots

If you plan on doing a lot of hiking on rocky or muddy terrain, consider bringing hiking boots with you. Almost 100% of the time I’ve visited Hawaii in the past, I’ve brought hiking boots with me. Hawaii is too beautiful not to hike!

If you’re looking for a hiking boot recommendation, I would recommend the Hoka Anacapa Mid GTX Hiking Boot. They’ve got out-of-the-box comfort which can’t be beat, plus they look so darn cool. You can find them for women here.

I often find that my boots are too bulky to pack in my luggage. In those cases, I’ll just wear my hiking boots or trail runners on the plane.

13. Comfortable Walking Shoes

If you’re not hiking, you should at least bring a pair of comfortable walking shoes with good support and traction.

With all the walking that you’ll be doing, make sure to wear a good pair of walking shoes. My all-time favorite travel shoes these days are the tried and true Ecco Soft 7 (they’re stylish, comfortable, and have been raved about for decades since they were first created)! The best part is that they have them for both men and women.

14. Sandals

When traveling to tropical destinations, sandals or flip-flops that can handle water are a must. For sandals, I alternate between my EVA Foam Birkenstocks and Oofos Recovery Slides— both allow you to walk miles and miles and use it at the beach.

For something more waterproof, go with the Oofos Recovery Slides as these will allow you to hit the beach and walk with comfort as well. And if I know I’ll be going on water adventures, I’ll bring along my Chaco’s Z1 Classic sandals (they serve as both sandals and water shoes).

15. Cardigan or lightweight jacket

For those unsuspecting chilly nights! If you plan on catching some sunrises or visiting spots like Waimea Canyon and Kokee State Park in the mornings, note that it can be cold.

A puffy jacket is always a good option because of how they can pack up into nothing! You have a lot of options here, but I personally have the Patagonia Nano Puff Jacket, and it’s kept me warm throughout my many years of adventuring!

16. Rain jacket

Despite its warm weather, Hawaii (and other tropical destinations) tends to get quite a bit of rain depending on the season and which part of the island you’re on. Because of its tropical weather, unpredictable rainfall can come and go as it pleases.

For example during my last trip–while we were exploring Koke’e State Park on a warm summer day, we made the drive out north to Kalalau Lookout and experienced fog, drizzle, and a ‘view’ that was completely shrouded by fog!

Bring along a packable light rain jacket or poncho if there’s any potential for rain in the forecast.

17. Shawl / scarf

One of my must-haves! I’ll always have a medium-sized thin scarf in my bag.

Not only can you use them for warmth or style, but you can also use them as a coverup after beaching, as a towel, as a mat on grass/sand/dirt, as a quick rain shield, or as an emergency skirt if your bottoms get stained or soaked somehow.

18. Swimsuit

2-3 depending on how much you plan on beaching. It’s okay to pack extra, in case you need to hit the beach or pool and the ones you wore previously haven’t had a chance to fully dry yet.

19. Sleepwear / loungewear

Yoga pants and a t-shirt or workout clothes are all you need. You can really save luggage space here! These items can be used as pajamas, loungewear, and airplane/road trip outfits.

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Kauai Packing List: Accessories

20. Sunglasses

Because it can get really bright during summer afternoons.

If you’re in the market for a new pair, I personally really like the retro designs by I-SEA. They’ll go so well with your cute vacay outfits.

21. Hat / Baseball Cap

Hats are so necessary for sun protection, don’t forget it! You most definitely should have one if you’re going to be spending any prolonged time outdoors.

Baseball caps are great for more active days where you plan on hiking or getting out on the water.

Straw sun hats are better for those casual days by the pool or beach. I’d recommend getting a sunhat with a string so that you won’t need to worry about it flying off every few seconds on a breezy day.

Whenever I want to do my hair and protect my face from the harsh sun rays, I go with my trust roll-up sun hat. This hat is my favorite because it gives me the best of both worlds, a cute hairdo, and sun protection!

22. Jewelry (Optional)

Definitely optional. I tend to skip jewelry on most days (even if I’ve packed it) because either it’s too hot/humid to want to deal with something sticking all over my neck, or I just forget to wear it.

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Kauai Packing List: Toiletries

23. Sunscreen

Sunscreen is absolutely necessary. Even if it’s overcast or cloudy, the UV index can be very high, so be sure to apply whenever you’re outdoors.

Whenever we head to tropical destinations with ample marine life, we always go with coral reef-safe mineral sunscreen, as traditional sunscreens contain chemicals that harm our environment as well as the natural balance of marine ecosystems.

In fact, you may even encounter tour companies asking you to only use sunscreen and sunblock that are biodegradable, containing titanium oxide and zinc oxide only.

And honestly, it’s not enough to just buy any old bottle that has a “reef-friendly” label on it. It turns out many sunscreens claiming to be “reef-friendly” or “reef-safe” actually aren’t!

Products containing the following ingredients are technically NOT reef safe: oxybenzone, avobenzone, homosalate, octinoxate, octisalate, octocrylene or nanoparticles. Always review the active ingredients on the bottle to be sure you’re really getting something reef-safe.

Here are a few travel-sized biodegradable sunscreens you can easily buy on Amazon:

• Badger Reef Safe Sunscreen – SPF 40 Kids Clear Sport 
• Badger Reef Safe Sunscreen- SPF 35 Clear Zinc Sport Unscented 
• Thinksport SPF 50+ Mineral Sunscreen
• Babo Botanicals Zinc Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30 
• All Good Sport Face & Body Sunscreen Lotion

And on days where we are just out and about (not getting into the water)–for the face, we are absolutely obsessed with the magical Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen. No white-cast, no greasy film!

24. Bug spray

Depending on the island you choose and the season you go, there will be mosquitoes and you’ll want to protect yourself against bites. Typically the more undeveloped the island or destination, the more prevalent mosquitos are.

If you plan to go hiking, ziplining, or ATV-ing in the rainforest, I would definitely recommend packing an effective insect / mosquito repellent and reapplying whenever you see bugs flying around you.

Our current favorite right now is PARA’KITO — ALL of their products are made in France using only natural essential oils, yet work so well to deter the bugs. We especially love the wristbands and the roll-on repellent!

As an alternative to using mosquito repellent directly on your skin, you can also get their mosquito repellent wristbands (we’ve tested these in Thailand, and they actually work SO well), their mosquito repellent clips, or wear long-sleeved tops and loose linen pants.

25. TSA-approved travel bottles

GoToob travel bottles are my favorite thing ever. Made of high-quality silicone, they are extremely durable, have never leaked on me, and are super easy to squeeze.

For something fancier, check out the Cadence capsule system. They’re not cheap, but it’s been years and mine are still going strong!

26. Hand Sanitizer

Hand sanitizer gel or hand sanitizing wipes are a must any time you’re going to be in contact with surfaces many other people have touched. Never leave your hotel room without it!

And if you do happen to forget it, remember to wash your hands often, especially before eating or touching your face.

27. Body Wipes / Feminine Wipes

Feeling a bit gross after a hike, swim, or bike ride but don’t have the time to shower right in that instant? Just whip out one of these body wipes for a quick refresher.

And for the ladies specifically, it’s always good to carry around feminine wipes, especially for those post-beach or post-swimming scenarios. The ones I like are both very affordable and take up no space at all.

👉 Pro Tip: What I like to do in Hawaii is convert one of my smaller packing cubes as a mini travel pouch. In that pouch is a swimsuit, a change of underwear, socks, facial moisturizer, body wipes, and feminine wipes. These things are gonna be extra useful when going from the beach back into the car (when you know you won’t get to shower for a few more hours).

28. Shower supplies

Only required if you’re going to be at an Airbnb or vacation rental.

These are usually provided by hotels. If you run out, you can simply ask for more.

29. Dental supplies

Toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, mouthwash. You’ll be eating a ton on Kauai, so come prepared with your best dental hygiene game.

If you don’t floss, you need to! If you haven’t heard of Cocofloss, now you have. This was the only kind of floss to get me to start flossing on a daily basis. YOU ARE WELCOME.

Because we hate the feeling of food in our teeth, we actually go one step further and bring along our travel-friendly quip Water Flosser. This thing gets tons of particles out of our teeth after every meal, it’s crazy!

30. Deodorant

You’re going to be in the hot sun most of the time, so bring deodorant if you sweat or stink.

31. Makeup (Optional)

Makeup, optional?? Yes, you read that right.

Some women have a huge collection of makeup. I also love to wear makeup on vacations! But it’ll be hot, and your face will be sweaty and oily from the sun exposure. Or, you’ll be beaching and snorkeling so much that you won’t need to wear makeup. Bring only what you need.

Pro Tip: If you’ve got a lot of toiletries or are rooming with other people, keeping everything in a hanging toiletry bag is the best move. These things are so darn convenient, and they’ll save you a ton of space–especially if you’re faced with a cramped bathroom.

32. Dry shampoo

I try not to wash my hair every day, but at the same time, Kauai can get pretty hot and humid. To prevent greasiness and questionable head smells, use some dry shampoo and you’ll be good as new. I like this dry shampoo by amika.

33. DIY survival kit

Make a little bag of the following: ibuprofen, allergy pills, Immodium, ciprofloxacin (or whatever your doctor prescribes for traveler’s diarrhea), bandaids, floss, hand sanitizer, eye drops, lip balm, a sharpie, pen, tape, and extra contact lenses (if applicable).

Think about the ailments you typically suffer from and have to deal with on a regular basis and adjust the contents of the bag as needed!

Don’t feel like making your own? Buy a premade first aid kit instead–we like the simple ones by Welly.

34. Extra plastic baggies

Because you never know, but they always come in handy.

You can even reuse the plastic baggies you get from the supermarket.

35. Tissue/antibacterial wipes

Sometimes, your hands get dirty. Sometimes, there’s no toilet paper in the public bathrooms. Sometimes, you’ll come across a fruit stand or banana bread stand on the road and want to buy something to snack on.

Tissues and hand wipes are great for these instances.

36. Laundry soap (Optional)

Bring a super-concentrated soap and a handy-dandy travel clothesline so you can do your own laundry. We usually wash our swimsuits and swim trunks after hitting the pool or beach to prevent them from smelling funky.

By doing your own laundry, you can save on those insane dry cleaning fees hotels charge! What’s even worse–some of them charge per article of clothing!

If you’d rather save money, simply use the soap or body wash gel provided by your hotel to wash your clothes.

37. Quick-drying towel

Travel towels are probably one of the best inventions for efficient travelers. They are light, super packable, and quick-drying. Definitely very useful if you plan on going on water-related excursions or having beach days but don’t have access to a beach towel!

This one is a great option if you don’t already own one.

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Kauai Packing List: Electronics

38. Waterproof Phone Pouch

While most new phones are waterproof to some extent these days, they aren’t meant to stay submerged for prolonged periods of time without protection. With an actual waterproof phone bag, you’ll rest much easier and be able to get some really cool underwater footage.

On our last trips to Hawaii and Mexico, we forgot to bring our waterproof phone cases and our GoPro camera. We totally missed out on a bunch of awesome underwater photo ops during two snorkeling trips!

This simple waterproof phone pouch provides excellent housing for underwater photos and videos. You can wear it across your body, and it even floats in case you accidentally drop it overboard.

39. Camera (DSLR or GoPro)

iPhones are typically good enough for the average vacationer, but some higher-quality pictures definitely wouldn’t hurt!

These days I’ll travel with my Sony a7 IV or my Osmo Pocket. When we’re feeling vloggy, we’ll bring the Osmo–it takes amazing photos and shoots even more amazing videos.

If you plan on doing a bunch of adventurous activities (ziplining, skydiving, kayaking, paddling, ATV-ing) and/or want some underwater footage when snorkeling or swimming in cenotes, the waterproof adventure camera by GoPro is a no-brainer.

40. External power bank

You’re probably going to be out all day, snapping away taking pictures… the last thing you want is to be on-the-go with no phone battery!

A portable power bank is a must-have! You probably have one lying around at home, but does it still even charge?

I’ve recently had an upgrade myself. I went from my big and clunky power bank to this ultra-light and portable MagGo power bank by Anker. These days, I never embark on a day of exploration without it.

41. Portable bluetooth speaker

We love listening to music when we’re relaxing in a hotel bed in the morning or getting ready for the day. The JBL Flip Waterproof Portable Bluetooth Speaker is our go-to whenever we’re traveling domestically or internationally.

This speaker is always perfect for our Hawaii vacations because it’s waterproof, meaning you can bring it poolside or beachside without having to worry about protecting it from the water!

42. Travel adapter

Necessary for many international travelers. If you are coming from the mainland USA, you will not need one.

This one here is tried and trusted. It allows for a normal plug and has two additional USB ports.

43. Chargers

Bring multiple phone cords since they are light (and easy to misplace).

44. E-reader

With all the beach and pool-lounging opportunities, you’ll have a lot of time to get through that book you’ve always wanted to start.

Go with the Kindle e-reader over actual physical books if you plan to read a lot– it eliminates a lot of potential weight–and waste–from actually carrying books. We also love it because it’s glare-free (much better than the standard iPad/phone).

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Kauai Packing List: Other Travel Essentials

45. Travel belt / money belt

A travel belt is a smart traveler’s best friend. They are the best thief-proof tool for airplane travel, public transportation travel, walking around abroad, and just about everything else in between.

I always, always use a Flip Belt to carry around identification, important documents, and money that I want to keep safe and right by my side.

Another benefit of the Flip Belt? It’s actually supposed to be a running belt. I swear, this thing doesn’t budge or jiggle at all when I run, plus it’s super comfortable!

46. Money

While most parts of Kauai take credit cards, it’s always good to carry around a mix of local currency and your home currency for emergencies.

I find that it’s a lot easier to pay for things at a farmers’ market or roadside fruit stall with cash than with a card.

47. Tickets, travel cards, and travel documents

Passport, student ID, medical card, proof of travel insurance, printed documents of your flight/hotel bookings, visas if you need them.

Credit cards, debit cards, airport lounge access cards, visas.

48. Eye mask / Earplugs

You could pack whatever eye mask you have sitting at home, but I feel like I’d be doing you a disservice without sharing my favorite eye mask in the world.

There are crappy eye masks that push into your eyeballs (not good), and then REALLY good eye masks. I’m on the really good eye mask train. The 100% blackout + no eye pressure eye mask by Ostrichpillow is amazing. Plus, it has velcro on the back for an adjustable fit, meaning it’ll fit around everyone’s head! I’ll never go back to a lame eye mask ever again.

Now onto the earplugs! There is a good chance there will be families traveling by plane with young children and/or babies. A very good chance. I would highly recommend bringing earplugs or headphones for your plane rides to drown out any potential crying babies! These super soft earplugs by Mack’s are my absolute favorite.

50. Travel pillow

The turtl Pillow is the only one you need to consider for easy airplane sleeping! It comes highly rated because it has so much support, almost like a neck brace (there’s a chunk of flexible plastic in there to prop your head up). It’s warm and super packable too.

And if you’re looking to level up, the trtl Pillow Plus is even more high-tech than the original.

51. Reusable water bottle

Hawaii is a super sustainable destination, so you’ll find that a lot of hotels have gotten rid of the plastic water bottles and offer guests refillable water stations in the lobby.

You’ll want a reusable water bottle for when you’re out day-tripping or heading to the airport. For something more durable that keeps your water cold for hours upon hours, Hydroflasks are still my favorite for everyday use.

52. Foldable tote bag

Great for doing your ABC Store runs, packing your gear up for the beach, or carrying your souvenirs home when your luggage is overflowing with stuff.

Hawaii charges for plastic bags, so you should bring a bag of your own to save money and save the planet at the same time.

👉 Pro Tip: Not all totes are built equally. I received a BYBBA Balos Tote as a Christmas present one year and it’s been my #1 travel sidekick ever since. I NEVER travel without it! The drawstring closure at the top is the best thing ever. Things can’t fall out ever, which is great because totes love to topple over to their sides!

53. Laundry bag

Keep your worn clothes separate from your clean ones, especially when traveling to high humidity climates. When it’s humid, you’ll definitely be sticky by the end of the day. All that stickiness will transfer to your clothes. And even if you don’t get sticky/sweaty, you will inevitably have dirty socks and undies to toss in here.

I have this laundry bag set, and it’s great because it includes many size options.

54. Emergen-C packets

Emergen-C packets or Liquid I.V. Hydration Packets are a must for travel.

We like Emergen-C for immunity and Liquid IV for replenishing all the electrolytes we sweat out. These items are a great way to support your immune system and overall health on a trip. They are light, take up no space, and are very easy to pack!

55. Sand-free beach mat

Did you know that these days there are high-tech beach mats for sale? Oh yeah, they definitely beat your teensy-weeny beach towel, that’s for sure!

There are actually beach mats that are quick-drying, waterproof, and sand-proof, making setting up on the beach super, super easy. This extra large beach mat is all those things, plus it comes with sand anchor pockets and ground stakes so that your beach mat is wind-resistant even when you’re not lying on it.

56. Snorkel gear

Bringing your own snorkeling set is pretty freeing. It means you can choose to snorkel anytime you want without having to track down a rental shop to rent gear. This is important because not all beaches have rental shacks nearby.

In addition, you’ll have the comfort of knowing the snorkel and mask haven’t been used by a million other people. Ick.

Seavenger, one of the best snorkel gear makers in the game, sells a Hanalei Anti-Fog 4-Piece Snorkeling Set that’s really loved by both kids and adults.

Personally though, I have something different. After doing hours and hours of research, I recently upgraded to the WildHorn Outfitter’s Seaview 180.

Because I tend to get anxious/nervous in the water, I wanted something that would truly make my snorkeling life easier. This full-face snorkeling mask does just that. All the problems I used to face while snorkeling–water leaking into my mouth, limited goggle view, foggy goggles mid-snorkel–completely gone!

It’s a bit pricier than other basic snorkel masks out there, it was a game-changer for me. Being able to breathe normally through my nose underwater made this mask completely worth every penny.

57. Seasickness wristbands

If you’re prone to motion sickness or seasickness and plan on doing boat excursions or sailing trips (the Na Pali boat tours are amazing), you’re going to want to pack a few seasickness wristbands for your trip. These babies work by applying acupressure to just the right spots on your wrist.

Sea-Bands are totally natural, so they’re a great alternative when you don’t want to take oral medications.

Alternatively, you can just buy some ginger chews / ginger candies to suck on during your boat rides.

58. Portable neck fan

For travelers who, like me, do very poorly in high-humidity destinations, this one is for you. If you can’t stand the feeling of stifling, breezeless air, do not forget to pack a portable neck fan!

A constant and enjoyable breeze makes all the difference and will allow you to stay comfortable being outside in the heat for hours on end. Papu and I personally own this bladeless neck fan and love it; we each have our own!

If you know it’s going to be hot and humid and are NOT good with hot weather, pack this in your travel bag!

59. Collapsable Travel Cooler

This one’s a tricky one — and the item that most travelers overlook.

Most people (myself included) don’t realize how quickly perishable foods, cold drinks, and poke bowls warm up under the tropical sun—until you’re on the beach with warm food/drink that you didn’t want warm in the first place.

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve rushed through a poke bowl, worried the heat would ruin it!

If you plan on hitting the beach a lot during your time in Hawaii—especially between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.—a travel-friendly cooler bag is gonna be a game-changer, keeping your food fresh, drinks cold, and your beach day way more enjoyable.

The ICEMULE is the way to go—it’s collapsible, easy to carry, and designed so you can throw ice directly into the bag without worrying about leaks.

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When is the best time of year to visit Kauai?

The best months of the year to visit Kauai are between April to June and September to November. Although the weather in Kauai is warm and wonderful all year long, during those months there are both fewer crowds and rain is less likely.

Remember, Kauai’s rainy season falls between the months of November to March. While you might not experience rain every second of your trip, do note that it is more frequent during these months. December is the wettest month on Kauai.

You’ll want to pack accordingly if you’re traveling during the rainy season!

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How many days to stay in Kauai?

While 3-4 days will allow you to see just the highlights of Kauai, we recommend staying a bit longer than that if you have the budget to do so.

If you can swing it, 5-7 days will be perfect, and we recommend no less than 4 days—otherwise, you really won’t be able to experience all that the island has to offer.

If you plan on seeing the Na Pali Coast, you’re going to be spending at least 1 full day up on the North Shore. If you plan on seeing Waimea Canyon, that’s another day right there.

Also don’t forget, you’re going to want to make time to eat all the amazing food Kauai offers! If you’re limiting yourself on vacation days, you’re also limiting yourself on the opportunities to eat the local grinds!

And don’t even get me started on all the epic beaching and snorkeling options you have on Kauai… (wishing I was there now).

As you can see, more days in Kauai is better!

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Do you need a car in Kauai?

The answer is an astounding YES! Unlike the island of Oahu, Kauai does not have just one area where many of the attractions are easily accessible by public transportation. On Kauai, there is no ‘downtown’ and the island is not walkable.

If you plan to stay only at your resort and do nothing else, then a car may not be needed. However, if you’re looking to do iconic activities such as seeing Waimea Canyon, hiking the Na Pali Wilderness, or exploring Koke’e State Park, you are most definitely going to need to rent a car.

Since rental car prices are not cheap, you’re going to want to use a comparison tool such as Rentalcars.com to compare deals across car rental companies.

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Popular Tours On Kauai

Kauai is NOT cheap and we totally get that. But you only live once, so if you’re open to elevating your Kauai vacation that much more, here’s what we recommend:

• Na Pali Coast Kauai Snorkel and Sail – On this sailing and snorkeling cruise from Port Allen, you’ll get to enjoy the Na Pali Coast from the deck of a catamaran and explore the island’s underwater world during a snorkeling stop. This tour includes a buffet lunch and entertaining stories told by the captain and crew! We did this tour, and it was completely and utterly amazing.
• Na Pali Sunset Buffet Dinner Cruise – Experience the Na Pali Coast during the most romantic time of day on this sunset dinner cruise. Experience the epic landmarks aboard a deluxe sailing catamaran as you enjoy a buffet dinner complete with Mai Tais, beer, wine, and fresh juices, and a glass of champagne at the end.
• Entire Kauai Island Air Tour – Soak up breathtaking views of natural attractions like Waimea Canyon, Opaekaa Falls, the rugged Na Pa Coast, and Mt. Waialeale — the wettest spot on earth. Approximately 1 hour 10 minutes, departs from Lihue.
• Koloa Zipline – Soar through lush forests and over the Waita Reservoir on the island’s longest ziplines on this 8-track course!

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The Ultimate Kauai Packing List: Free PDF Checklist

Just click to download the PDF. No email is required! But if you want to stay connected and get more great travel content delivered to your inbox, feel free to join my newsletter! 👇🏼

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Now you’re ready for your Kauai vacation!

If you get nothing else out of this post, at least take this with you:

When packing for Kauai, pack light and save room for souvenirs and local snacks to bring home! Especially since your clothing items will be considerably lighter for a tropical destination. You’ve got a lot to look forward to and a lot of trip to pack for!

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Planning Your Trip To Hawaii?

• 31 Must-Try Restaurants: Where To Eat On Every Island In Hawaii
• The Perfect Kauai 7-Day Itinerary For An Unforgettable Hawaiian Vacation
• Kauai Na Pali Coast Snorkel And Sail Tour: Why We Loved Holo Holo Charters
• 125 Bucket List Things To Do In Oahu, Hawaii
• Is The Food At PCC’s Ali’i Luau Any Good? (My Honest Review)
• Oahu’s North Shore: 12 Stops For A Perfect Day Trip Itinerary
• 33 Fun And Totally Free Family Activities On Oahu

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