Kauai Packing List – overview
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.This Kauai packing list contains affiliate links which means if you purchase something from one of our affiliate links, we may earn a small commission that goes back into maintaining our blog.
This Kauai packing list is reflective of all there is to do and see on our beautiful island throughout the year. As you think about packing, there are two important things to consider:
(1) your preferred activities and (2) your personal style.
Here’s the third thing to keep in mind: We travel with carry-ons. Can’t remember the last time we checked luggage. Even with just carry-ons, I usually arrive back home with one or two pieces I never wore. You’ll find our suggestions are all easy care, packable, multi function, lightweight and designed so you can just “carry-on and go!”
Think about it – at home people know you and see you often. They know if you are wearing the same thing twice in two days. Guess what? You’re on vacation on Kauai and no one really notices or cares what you are wearing, except for you. So when your Kauai packing list starts getting out of hand, keep that thought in mind! If you are a born fashionista, sure, bring everything. If not, realize that less is better.
One more thing before I get into the packing list. Here’s a great idea to not only squeeze every last bit of space out of your carry-on, but also to keep you organized. Get yourself some packing cubes. I swear by them. Especially if you are going to multiple destinations / hotels during your trip. No more throwing everything in the suitcase. There are many from which to choose so take your pick. Ok, let’s get started.
Basic Kauai Packing List – For the ladies.
A simple dress.
Casual clothing is king here. Even in the nicest of the hotel restaurants, a simple dress is more than enough. It’s no secret we love Columbia clothing, and they have the perfect dress for any Kauai occasion! I particularly love their dresses (and everything else) with moisture wicking, advance cooling technology. They are comfortable, cool and most of all, easy care. The ones below are roomy enough to go to dinner or serve as a beach coverup – or both! A quick rinse in the sink and they’re ready to go again the next day. Total space-savers in your suitcase.
Shorts and tops.
Once again, think multi purpose. My shorts take me to Hanakapi’ai beach, then just as easily go to dinner. Like my dress, they are moisture wicking, fast drying, easy care, wash and wear shorts. These are some of my favorites from Columbia:
I included a couple of dressier shorts below if that is more to your liking. But, for the ultimate in versatility, add a skort to your Kauai Packing list.
Any one of these skorts will take you hiking, to the beach and to dinner!
Now that we’ve gotten the shorts/skorts out of the way, try these tops! Choose easy care and you’ll find you have plenty of room for all those Kauai souvenirs. .
Three or four sleeveless tops, depending on your length of stay, does the trick. (You will undoubtedly buy one or two tanks or “T’s” while you’re here, so keep that in mind.) Throw in 2 t-shirt tops and 2 long sleeve tops. A versatile long sleeve top / windbreaker / jacket, is a front zip rash guard.
Think about it. This baby will take you hiking, swimming (so you don’t have to use sunscreen) and will keep you warm on a cooler night. The last one shown below even comes with a bottom for swimming, hiking or a beach party. And remember, if you do use sunscreen MAKE SURE IT IS REEF SAFE!
The rest of your Kauai packing list.
The rest is pretty easy:
1-2 swimsuits
Even if you’re not an ocean person, lounging around on the beach or by a pool in a swimsuit is just so relaxing. Title Nine has a swimsuit for every “body.” If you shop off season, their suits are a fraction of the cost.
1 cute sarong.
A sarong works as a swimsuit coverup, a shawl over your shoulders, a “tie-on” skirt” or something to sit on at the beach or while watching a sunset. You may want to wait until you are here to purchase this so you can take it home as a souvenir. You can purchase these inexpensively (along with a lot of other “stuff”) at one of the many Island ABC Stores.
1 wide brim packable hat.
One with a flap to cover you neck and an adjustable chin strap is ideal as our trades (tradewinds) can easily send your hat down the road. Here is a nice selection.
1 Sweater or sweatshirt to throw over your shoulders. (If you’re coming in fall or winter months.).
Cosmetics / Skin care.
When traveling, I pack travel sizes of my “must have” cosmetics, (moisturizer, facial sunscreen, night cream, mascara, etc) then buy whatever else I need upon arrival. (toothpaste, shampoo/conditioner etc.) It really cuts down on the amount of 3.4 ounce items you have to stuff into your quart bag of allowable liquids. You’d be surprised how much you can do without. Grab a couple of “multi-purpose” cosmetics (lip liner/blush/eyeshadow) that do double or triple duty and you’re ready to roll.
Kauai is all about the outdoors, so the less makeup the better. One thing I highly recommend and never travel without is my favorite tinted reef friendly facial sunscreen. Below are a few other good reef friendly facial sunscreens.
Kauai Packing list for the man in your life.
My recommendations for men are essentially the same as for women: choose easy care, moisture wicking, breathable shirt and T’shirts that offer sun protection, if possible. Jack has several Columbia shirts; one or two of which can go to dinner or sightseeing, like these two:
Certainly, go casual for anything else on the Island. Here’s a couple of choices for all your fun Island excursions.
2-3 T-shirts
2-3 Tank tops
1-2 Long sleeve shirts.
Multi-purpose shirts, like the one below, are an excellent choice. Wear it to hike, on an excursion or while swimming. And remember, when in the sun, select reef safe sunscreen!
2-3 pair of shorts.
If you choose board shorts, you’ll have your hiking/touring/swimming clothing all wrapped up in one piece of clothing.
1 pair running shoes, 1 hoodie, 1 packable hat with a nice brim and neck flap to protect your neck from sunburn.
Kauai packing list for specific activities.
If you plan to hike on Kauai, we strongly recommend hiking shoes. Otherwise, sandals and/or running shoes will do fine. If you want to lighten your load, get your slippers (flip-flops) after arrival. They are readily available at most any variety store (ABC) or supermarket (Foodland) and are so cheap they aren’t worth carrying with you.
You may also want to bring a pair of long pants to protect your legs. We like the zip-off pants as they double as shorts! Here’s a good selection for men to choose from and some for the ladies. Also, don’t forget your hydration pack or a small “portable” backpack to carry water! Hydration is critical. Do you have collapsible, lightweight hiking poles? Bring those too. I love my Leki Legecy Lite-Cor-Tec poles.
If you plan to horseback ride, bring your jeans. We always wear our “bulkiest” or “heaviest” clothes on the plane. Airports are often so cool these days you may be glad you are wearing them. We wear our hiking shoes and pack our jogging shoes.
Thinking you’d like to do beachside yoga? I always throw in a pair of bike shorts and jog bra. Or, you can use your swimsuit with bike shorts over it.
Miscellaneous Kauai Packing List Item.
- Insulated grocery bag
- Travel backpack
- Lightweight rain jacket (or check Costco for one before you leave home.)
- Portable charger
- Waterproof phone case Choose from these. You’ll be glad you brought this! After all, you’re on an Island surrounded by water, and quite likely in or on the water.
- Inexpensive waterproof camera Or bring your GoPro.
- Sunglasses. We LOVE LOVE LOVE our Blenders and Knockarounds.
- For Kauai themed hoodies, t-shirts etc, check out our new SeniorswithLatitude Store!
- Plan your trip with a book from the library but buy it AFTER you get here. Books are too heavy to carry. Below are some of the more popular books:
What NOT to pack for your Kauai vacation.
I’ll say it again: Kauai is all about the beauty of Mother Nature, so get out and enjoy it. Things to exclude from your Kauai packing list are:
- Jewelry – yes, there is theft from your car and condo even in Paradise. Plus, you don’t want to lose it in the surf!
- High heels. Just leave them home.
- Clothes you care if they get stained. Yep, our famous red dirt.
- Really “fancy” anything. Leave your “fancy” at home this time.
- Any heavy clothes for cold weather. We simply don’t have it.
Things visitors need to know about Kauai.
Coral etiquette & Sun screen.
I’ve seen several blog posts and comments on FB pages about bringing water shoes so you don’t get cut when walking on the coral. WHAT??!! News flash. Coral are actually animals. Surprised? Google it. Walking on coral will damage it and may kill it. Please, respect the environment. Enjoy the coral when you snorkel DO NOT STAND OR WALK ON CORAL! If you do, don’t be surprised if you get informed or scolded by a local or given “stink eye.”
Did you know that most sunscreens are harmful to the reefs? Unless they are marked “Reef Safe” your sunscreen probably contains one or more of several reef damaging ingredients, the most common of which is Oxybenzone. Oxybenzone and other harmful ingredients disrupts coral reproduction, causes coral bleaching and damages coral DNA. Please, if you didn’t bring reef safe sunscreen with you, stop and buy some when on Island. Or even better, bring your rashguard and wear that!
Our happy Honu and Monk seals.
Kauai is blessed to have so many Honu (Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles) in our ocean. We see them all the time when swimming. However, they are Federally protected as a “threatened species” under the Endangered Species Act as well as by Hawaii Law. It is illegal to touch, ride, harass or otherwise disturb these turtles. Check out the penalties – you can be fined anywhere from $1000 to $10,000 for harassment. Respect our wildlife. These turtles are very placid and you can legally get within 10 feet of them and enjoy their magnificence. But please, if on land or in the water, do not bother the Honu. More “stink eye” if you do.
The same goes for our monk seals. If you are fortunate enough to see one resting on one of our beaches, respect their space. They are one of the most endangered species in the world. If on land, stay al least 50 feet away. No touch, sit on, get close for selfie or throw sand to get them to look your way (all these things have actually taken place.) Again, it is a matter of respect.
Seasonal knowledge.
During the winter months, the North Shore ocean is subjected to winter swells, bringing high surf and dangerous waves. Please, for your own safety, heed all warnings and closed areas. All too often visitors go around locked gates or over fences to get their “Instagram selfie.” Several have lost their lives doing this. There is such a thing as “rogue waves” which can take you out and under in an instant. Mother Nature is beautiful but also can be deadly. We want you to go home alive.
Nene are making a comeback.
The Nene (native Hawaiian geese) is the official bird of the State of Hawaii. They too, were on the endangered species list but are making a comeback and are now listed as threatened. Plentiful on Kauai, they are often found on golf courses or at some condo complexes.
Please, do not allow your children to chase or harasses the Nene. Too many times I see toddlers and older children chasing the Nene as if they are some child’s toy. This is harassment, and you may incur a fine if you are reported. Plus, it teaches your child to disrespect wildlife. Nene, like the Honu, are accustomed to people. As a result, they will stick around for all your picture taking.
Advanced information is key to a successful vacation.
Unfortunately, far too many visitors arrive and are unaware of activity requirements. For example, Ha’ena State Park, the home of Ke’e Beach, the Kalalau Trail and more, now requires a reservation for parking and entrance fees for all individuals. Availability is released 30 days in advance and is booked almost immediately. The Best Ke’e Beach and Ha’ena State Park Guide has everything you need to know about Ha’ena State Park. Do your research and book activities PRIOR to arrival which will ensure that a good time is had by all. Viator has a huge assortment from which to choose.
There are several helpful FB groups where visitors can ask questions and get help. If you are on FB, I recommend joining one or two groups, like this one. You will learn a lot just by being in the background. Another FB group, Kauai Vacation Rentals by Owners helps you book lodging directly.
You may also want to read The Best Tour of Amazing Limahuli Garden as a possible activity.
Travel Insurance.
Kauai is not an inexpensive vacation, especially for a family. We recommend you protect you investment with travel Insurance. World Nomads is recommended along with Travelex, which is what we use when traveling.
With your Kauai Packing list in hand….
We hope you found this Kauai Packing List helpful and that you are now ready to start packing for the vacation of a lifetime. Kauai is our home. We love sharing it with visitors and sincerely hope you have a great time.
Follow us on Instagram, join our group or page on Facebook, and sign up for our You Tube channel for all the inspiration you need. Please come along with us and sign up for our occasional email filled with the latest travel info. No – we value you and never sell or share emails!
Questions, comments, please make them below. Hope to see you soon on our beautiful Garden Island of Kauai.
2 Comments