Traveling in Maui: An Easy Guide to Help You Know What to Pack and What NOT to Pack! 

Your Maui Hawaii Packing Guide

Planning a fun and exciting getaway to Hawaii’s best island (which is Maui, of course, but we know we’re a bit biased)! Packing for an island adventure can seem challenging. What do you need to bring with you? Can you navigate through airport security with a ton of luggage and gear? How quickly will all those luggage fees add up? Just thinking about packing and traveling with all your gear can make you wonder if it’s worth the hassle! 

We have a better solution: bring only the basic necessities and rent the big gear right here on the island! That’s right! Whether you are planning to hike, camp, surf, or snorkel—or maybe even try out a bit of everything—it’s much easier to rent the necessary equipment on site rather than trying to deal with the hassle and cost of bring it with you. In many cases, it’s even possible to reserve your gear ahead of time so you know it will be ready to go when you are! 

So, knowing that you can leave the big stuff behind, what should you pack for your great Maui adventure? Here are a few tips! 

Clothing 

What to Bring: Your Maui vacation should be fun and exciting, and the clothes you pack should match! Pack your suitcase with clothes that are comfortable for all occasions, from lounging on the beach to hiking a spectacular trail. And don’t forget that even though Maui is tropical, the nights can get chilly so be sure to include a sweatshirt or light jacket and a pair of relaxed pants! We recommend: 

  • T-shirts and shorts 

  • Sweatshirt or light jacket 

  • Relaxed pants or jeans 

  • Quality walking shoes 

  • Hiking boots if you are planning any trail hikes 

  • A sun hat 

  • Swimsuit 

  • Personal garments (underwear, bras, socks, etc) 

  • Sleepwear 

What Not to Bring: Unless you are visiting Maui for a special event like a wedding, leave the formal wear at home! If you are planning a dinner cruise or similar-type event, a nice sundress and/or a button-down shirt is likely all you will need. There’s also no need for heavy winter gear, such as a coat, gloves, scarves, or boots. 

Toiletries  

What to bring: When it comes to toiletries, what you bring with you is really up to you. After all, Maui does have stores where you can purchase many personal items! However, we generally recommend that you bring with you your toothbrush, toothpaste, make-up, and hair brush, as well as any personal medications that you require to maintain your health. And when you do pack your toiletries, remember to avoid large bottles of liquid to comply with TSA regulations; most toiletries are available in appropriate travel sizes. 

What not to bring: There’s no need to bring your own shampoo, conditioner, soap, a hair dryer, or towels! Why not, you might ask? Most hotels and resorts provide these amenities free of charge to their guests. And if you are camping during your stay, shower facilities are likely to be few and far between anyway! So leave these bulky products at home and take advantage of what you can easily find right here on the island.  

Outdoor Gear 

What to bring: Here’s where you can really save space when you pack! Focus on bringing only the small, miscellaneous items that you will need day-to-day, such as reef-safe sunscreen, sunglasses, a refillable water bottle, a small and easy-to-carry towel, and a comfortable backpack for day-trips. 

What not to bring: The large outdoor gear that you will need to enjoy your vacation is available for purchase, or better yet for rent, right here on the island so you don’t have to worry about how to get it here via airplane! Most beachside resorts rent snorkeling gear, boogie boards, surf boards, and even beach toys for the little ones. Local scuba shops have diving equipment available for rent as well. And if you are planning a camping vacation, reach out to the experts at Maui Camping Company! They have all the camping and hiking gear you need—and with a pick up and drop off location right next to Maui’s major airport, it’s convenient, too! 

We do recommend that if you plan on renting outdoor equipment, contact Maui Camping Company or your local dive shop in advance to reserve your gear. That way, you will ensure that the gear you want is available when you arrive in Maui. 

Rent Camping & Backpacking Gear in Maui

Contact Maui Camping Company Today to Rent Camping, Backpacking & Hiking Gear In Maui, Hawaii. See gear rental pricing. Call us at 808-397-3967 or click here to contact us.

Jennifer Collier