I’ve always wanted to put together a packing list. Well, my detail-oriented tendencies make it impossible not to for my own personal note-keeping, but I mean for you guys. For someone other than myself. I want to prove someone’s trust in my (self-awarded) above-average packing & planning capability.
One thing I do well is preparing. And then knowing how to edit to make my preparation better for the next time. Especially when it comes to trip necessities and especially especially when it comes to limited luggage room. THEN things get exciting. Oooh, my pulse is rising.
Packing Lists for Maui, Hawaii: Roughin’ It or Living Large
I’ve never been to Maui (or any of the Hawaiian islands) before, nor has Maui been in the Realistically Visitable Places file within the Travel area of my brain. (I know you have one of those too.) But then I moved to California. And then I saw that it was a five-hour flight (instead of my previous proximity of nearly fifteen). And THEN I noticed some credit card travel points. I’m sure you can guess what happened next.
If I’m being real with you guys, Hawaii is expensive. And if I’m being even more real, I’ll remind you that I’m 24 years old with not an incredible (AKA, a low) amount of expendable cash.
So? So, I camped. Well, we camped. My boyfriend Jake and I camped for four nights and Airbnb’d one. It was amazing. Even including that one giant cockroach and that no-running-water situation for two of those days. I wouldn’t change a thing.
Maui Packing List: Adventure Travel
I understand that in the adult money world, camping sometimes isn’t as fun as a really nice hotel. (Yes, I said sometimes.) And you’re not always going to want to have to rent a tent, sleeping bags, pillows, etc…. But if you do, I created a little inspo board for that kind of adventure travel below (i.e. what I did for my trip). If you’re really just there for the fancy tropical vibes sans campgrounds and hikes, I created another for more of a resort vacation vibe. I need all of my hypothetical bases covered.
Maui Packing List: Resort Vacation
Here’s my inspo for a more traditional Maui trip: resort livin’, dinners out and maybe a little adventure sprinkled in. (BTW, Gwen honeymooned in Hawaii so she totally did all of the gorgeous fancy stuff. We should all rally around to ask her for her two cents on the packing list topic. Maybe a comment below could persuade her….)
Maui Packing List: Beach Essentials
Here are some of the most foolproof pieces to pack for Maui, whether you plan to camp as we did or take it easy in a hotel or resort. You may want to stock up on all the beachy essentials (think: cute sun hats + breezy dresses) and a light jacket isn’t a bad idea, either. Just in case.
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15
Ok, let’s separate this list up into…
Beach Necessities:
- a sundress that can double as a cover-up
- denim shorts that go with everything
- a hat (that Hawaiian sun isn’t messing around)
- a cute bag that works at the beach (AKA a non-sand-gatherer)
- a breezy button down
- lightweight, somewhat-rugged sandals with a lil’ bit of traction for impromptu waterfall excursions
- a fabulous bathing suit that can also work as a top
- a matching set of some sort (trust me on this one)
Camping Necessities:
- all of those things up top (um, we’re still lookin’ cute here, you guys), plus…
- a light, rain-resistant jacket to throw on late night/early morn
- light sweats or pants (mosquitos)
- easy sandals to wear to the showers (+ bu can still pass as cute with an outfit)
- a packable towel (!!!) (we forgot this one)
1 | Clare V. Sandy Tote
The perfect anti-sand & superbly useful tote.
2 | Farm Rio Cotton Mini Dress
This Farm Rio dress is pure happiness. I don’t know what else there is to say. It’s just SAD that it disappeared from the face of the internet a mere day before this post is to be published. I’m kinda heartbroken. (Actually, it’s in stock in XS here!) But here’s a maxi version in the same print and here is approximately 284 more with the same adorably happy vibes.
3 | J.Crew Raffia Bucket Hat
How adorable is this straw hat in the updated bucket style? Living for it.
4 | Ray Ban Sunglasses
God, just don’t forget a pair. This minimal style is timeless.
5 | Solid & Striped The Cheyenne One Piece Swimsuit
Holy sexy madness. This suit can double as a seriously fun top if you throw on any of the three bottoms in this packing list (denim shorts, linen shorts, or a knit midi skirt).
6 | Free People Pippa Packable Pullover Puffer
I swear I’m not losing it as I add a puffer to a Hawaiian vacation packing list. This packable puffer keeps you warm when you want to be warm and cool when you want to be cool. It’s packing magic. I was so happy I brought mine.
7 | Athleta Trekkie Parachute Pants
Pants like these totally come in handy on cooler nights (either from breezy weather or that chill that you get after a sunburn) or for hikes with lots of prickly ground cover. This brown would match pretty much anything but I also love that pretty bright vermillion color.
8 | Gap Linen Boyfriend Shirt
Must I explain the need for a linen shirt? I think you already get it. I really like this “Havana yellow”.
9 | Strappy Platform Teva Sandals
Gah! These babies are pretty much sold out. Apologies. Here are a couple more sizes. Here is a similar pair.
10 | Reformation Matching Set
This Reformation set is a summertime dream. Hawaii? Duh. Greece trip? Goals. Kickin’ it at the Jersey Shore? Perfect.
11 | AGOLDE Parker Longline Denim Shorts
You’ll obviously bring your trusty denim shorts. These mid-length ones are great for traveling (no chafing!). (Still chafing? Try this.)
12 | Free People Tube Top
A pretty, brightly-colored summer top is hard to beat.
13 | Eberjey Linen Three Piece Set
Ooo man, I love the natural feels of this set. And it’s linen!! *insert drooling emoji here* So many outfit possibilities to style with the rest of your packed pieces.
14 | Salt & Stone Tinted Sunscreen Stick
Because I’d be remiss if I didn’t add sunscreen of some sort. This one is matte, water-resistant and most importantly for Maui, reef-safe. (A rule there!)
15 | Dock & Bay Quick Dry Towel
This packable towel is just a lifesaver to have. I’m sure you’d use it time & time again.
Here are some pics from my trip if you’re looking for one last reason to hit “book”:






Let me know if you’d like any more Maui trip info or another packing list!
Xo, Abby
Hey there, Pinners…

Yes to all of this! We recently had a budget Maui trip too. Paper thin walls, cockroaches, rusty old beach chairs! It was AWESEOME! I wore bikinis, denim shorts, and tank tops the whole time.
I just went to Maui and I agree with 98% of this list. I don’t think you need a packable puffer but I did not camp out. A few tank tops to go with your cute shorts as well. I also saw a LOT of women in floral dresses who had the family in coordinated floral outfits and had them all posing for a lovely photo by the water at every restaurant I went to. My husband’s response? “Poor guy”. LOL
Thank you Abby! I am heading to Maui in early summer. Love this post. Keep the recommendations coming.
Thanks for this great round-up! I’m so excited to start planning my beach trip to Maui. I’m especially eyeing the Raffia Bucket Hat and the Clare V Tote Bag. I love the versatility of the tote and bucket hat — they’ll be perfect for a day of lounging on the beach as well as sightseeing and exploring. Thanks again for the inspiration!