If you’ve never been to Maui, you might be overwhelmed deciding what you should pack. On my first trip to Maui, I made the rookie mistake of packing way too much. I had been on many vacations to Mexico all-inclusive resorts where I dressed up in resort wear or dresses every night for dinner. I brought along multiple shorts, shoes, shirts, and swimsuits. I packed the same way for my first Maui vacation, and it was way too much!

Now, after multiple vacations and living on Maui for many years, I learned the most efficient way to pack and what the essential items I needed to bring. I’m going to share all my packing secrets with you! Here are 15 things to pack for your next Maui vacation:

1) Documents

You’re getting nowhere real fast without your ID and boarding pass. A passport is not necessary for travel to Hawaii for U.S. citizens. (Yes, we get asked this.)

2) Medications

Bring any prescriptions in their original bottles. If you forget, don’t worry. Getting your prescription called in to a local Maui pharmacy is not complicated. But leave some space and don’t bring the whole medicine cabinet. If you find yourself needing some cold medicine, there are plenty of places on island to pick it up.

3) Refillable Water Bottle

• Airport water is expensive. Bring it empty, and fill it up before you board.

• You’ll want to stay hydrated on the long flight.

• A reusable bottle or hydroflask will come in handy as you’re out exploring.

• Less waste! Please leave our beautiful island clean.


4) Swimsuit/Board Shorts

2 or 3 pair should do! Maui is known for perfect beaches, but you probably won’t be at the beach every day. Guys, throw on a t-shirt and ladies, put on a cover up for breakfast, lunch and casual shopping. Totally acceptable!


5) Cover-up that can double as a casual dress

Play it up in the evening with a little jewelry and a change of sandals!


6) Shoes

• Slippers/Flip-flops: We usually bring one pair for the beach, one pair for the evenings or around town, and maybe buy a pair of Locals while you’re here.

• Tennis shoes: Even if you’re not in the habit of exercising, no one can resist walking in the gorgeous weather around town. Tennis shoes are perfect for Maui hiking, too.

• Water shoes: Not a must, but it’s nice to have a pair of Chacos, Merrel, Teva, or Keen shoes that have some traction and can get wet without rubbing blisters. We don’t travel to Hana without them.


7) One warmer, layered outfit

We call this our “Haleakala outfit.” The summit can dip below 40 degrees, and combined with the wind, you’ll want some warmer clothes for sunrise or sunset. Since airplanes are typically cool, wear your Haleakala outfit on the plane so it doesn’t take up precious luggage space. Our suggestion: T-shirt, fleece pullover, jeans or yoga pants, and your tennis shoes.


8) Comfortable everyday clothes

Emphasize COMFORTABLE. Shorts or a casual skirt that you can wear with T-shirts or tanks, or dress up with a nicer shirt in the evenings. 2-3 pairs of shorts and 3-4 shirts are plenty, especially with laundry facilities available.


9) Luau outfit

Booked a luau? Most women wear a lightweight maxi-dress, sarong, or capris and a shirt. Guys… shorts and a polo style shirt or short-sleeved button down. It’s the perfect time to show off your aloha shirt. In fact, wait until you get to Maui to buy one. The perfect souvenir to show off to your colleagues on Casual Fridays at the office!


10) Sunglasses

Two pair are great in case you lose a pair on a snorkel trip.


11) Costco card

Not kidding. Even if you don’t need to buy in bulk, the gas savings are worth bringing your membership card along.


12) Purse or backpack

A wallet-style purse or cross-body is perfect. A drawstring backpack doesn’t take up much room and is great to throw in your car keys, phone, water and snacks on a hike.


13) Gadgets & gizmos

Don’t forget: chargers, spare batteries, audio aux cable for the rental, battery pack or car charger, extra SD cards, and a GoPro is perfect for underwater shots.


14) Road to Hana audio guide

Don’t miss the hidden treasures, which is easy to do if you don’t know where to go. We think our guide is the best around for it’s music and laid-back, story-telling experience. Find it at www.theR2H.com.


15) Reef Safe Sunscreen

Make sure your sunscreen doesn’t contain oxybenzone & octinoxate, which cause bleaching of our delicate coral reef system. Wait until you arrive on Maui to buy to save room in your bag. There are plenty of ocean-friendly choices at Whole Foods, Down to Earth, Hawaiian Moons, Mana Foods, Pacific Foundation Ocean Store, and Maui Dive Shop.

Make your list and check it off twice, it’s almost time to head to paradise!!