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Kauai Packing List – 24 Items You Must Bring to Kauai, Hawaii

Knowing what to pack for Kauai can be difficult. Kauai is a unique vacation destination – the items and clothing required may be unexpected to first-time Hawaii visitors. Hence this Kauai packing list was created – to give you the best advice for an incredible getaway.

Kauai is a marvellous place for a family vacation or a romantic couple’s holiday, particularly for active travellers. But, there can be extreme weather in Kauai, with storm surges, heavy rain, and thunderstorms in winter. Plus, in summer – it gets hot.

I know firsthand what to pack for a week in Kauai based on my experiences when visiting in 2022. On return from my trip, I had a good idea about the best things to pack for Kauai based on the items I did not need and what I used everyday.

Kauai packing list - view of Kauai from plane

To make the most of the trip, ensure you are organised by knowing what to bring to Kauai, reserving your car rental in advance, and pre-booking some restaurants beforehand.

If you still need assistance planning your Kauai vacation, read this Kauai travel guide full of first-time visitor travel tips; plus, use this 10-Day Kauai itinerary or 3-day Kauai Itinerary to plan your daily activities.

Packing List Kauai

This packing list for Kauai is broken down into sections to help you organise what you will be bringing on your tropical vacation. It covers the footwear and clothes you should bring to Kauai and the accessories and electronics that will come in handy in Kauai.

Make sure you give yourself plenty of time to arrange your packing for Kauai, so you have time to order any items and have them delivered, if necessary.

What are the Best Shoes for Kauai?

Here is a selection of footwear options you will need to bring to Kauai.

Best Hiking Shoes for Kauai

Samantha wearing Merrell hiking boots while wearing poncho and helmet at Kipu Ranch atv adventure
Hiking boots at Kipu Ranch

Chances are – if you have chosen Kauai as your Hawaii holiday destination, you are looking for some action and adventure.

There is red mud, heavy downpours, river crossings and more in Kauai. As a result, waterproof hiking boots are essential. You do not want to rely on hiking in your favourite sneakers, particularly as they will be a different colour when you come home.

The best hiking shoes for Kauai are washable, waterproof, dark-coloured, comfortable, and can keep up with the demands of Kauai’s rugged and rural terrain.

There are plenty of hikes in Kauai, some with high difficulty levels. The waterproof walking boots should have a good grip and be comfortable because some of the hikes on Kauai are long. For example, the Kalalau Trail is 22 miles round-trip.

Although, there are many less strenuous activities to do in Poipu.  

These Merrell hiking boots are an excellent choice to pack for Kauai because they are a high-quality footwear brand with ankle support and arch support. Plus, they work brilliantly on slippery terrain and will stay comfortable for the whole trip. They are some of the best shoes for hiking in Kauai.

Water Shoes

Wailua Kayaking and Secret Falls - wading through stream
Secret Falls

There are two occasions where you will need a water shoe. The first is on some of the beaches in Kauai.

Poipu Beach, for example, is a lovely calm swimming experience, particularly compared to some of its neighbouring beaches on the North Shore. However, the rocks on the seabed are sharp and can cause discomfort to the feet.

The second need for water shoes is on the Secret Falls kayak and hike. This excursion involves crossing rivers in water as deep as your knees; thus, waterproof shoes are a must.

Consequently, the best style of water shoe to bring is a sandal, such as Tevas or Keens. Both of these sandals are great for wearing on all kinds of terrain, and completely waterproof and will dry quickly, ready for the next activity.

You can also purchase some water shoes, which will work well for the swimming situations, but they are not grippy enough for the hiking stretches. Whereas, Tevas and Keens are more all-rounder shoes and you will get more worth out of them.

Check pricing for Tevas here and check pricing for Keens here.

Flip Flops

Birkenstock Arizona Sandals for Kauai packing list
Birkenstock Arizona

If you have booked a hotel with a pool, flip-flops or other slip-on shoes are necessary to bring.

Some of the most popular choices for shoes to wear by the pool are Havaianas Flip Flops and Birkenstock EVA Arizona sandals, the lightweight waterproof version.

Do not rely on flip-flops to wear to dinner in the evening, especially if you travel to Kauai during winter and its rainy season. You will flick mud all up the back of your legs from the puddles in the streets.

The regular Birkenstock Arizona sandals are good enough options to wear for dinner in Kauai for both men and women.

What Clothes to Pack for Kauai?

It is best to bring to Kauai a range of active clothing for daytime use and some dressier summer outfits for the evening.

A benefit of renting a VRBO on Kauai is booking accommodation with a laundry machine. Doing laundry during your trip will help you cut down on the number of clothing options you bring, particularly if you will be going with the style of minimalist packing for Kauai.

Keep reading to find out some recommendations for Kauai clothing.

Click here to download a printable checklist with all of the things to bring to Kauai.

Light Rain Jacket

Wearing raincoat on Hanalei Bay Beach Kauai
North Face raincoat at Hanalei Bay

Bringing a raincoat to Kauai is smart, especially when travelling between November to March because you will likely experience rain. The rain can come down hard and fast, so a raincoat that can fold up small is beneficial.

Remember – even in winter it is not cold in Kauai. So, a lightweight jacket is advised, especially when visiting Northern parts of Kauai, such as Hanalei Bay and Princeville.

For the most waterproof rain jacket, you need a coat made from GORE-tex. Arcteryx is an excellent range of raincoats, such as the Beta Lightweight Jacket, which is lightweight.

The North Face has a good selection of rain jackets at a great price. Check out the North Face collection here.

Moisture-Wicking Activewear

Taking photo of the coastline on Maha'ulepu Heritage Trail
Maha’ulepu Heritage Trail

Most clothes that you bring to Kauai should be water-resistant items. You may be soaked from a spot of rain, sweaty from the heat, or wet from being in the water.

So, clothes that are comfortable in these damp situations are best.

You should bring a combination of shorts and t-shirts that are quick-drying and suitable for active adventures or hiking. However, you may also get the famous red mud on your shorts, so do not bring your best white shorts.

Here are some links for suggested products:

Men’s clothing

Women’s clothing

Ladies, you should bring sports bras instead of your regular bras for day-time use. Alternatively, bring swimwear that is supportive enough to wear while exploring. 

Hawaiian-Style Evening Outfits

Samantha wearing dress from NFD walking along path of Grand Hyatt Kauai with palm trees
Never Fully Dressed dress at Grand Hyatt Kauai

If there is ever an occasion for a vibrant and floral outfit, a Hawaii packing list is the place to see it. While the Kauai dress code is casual, in some more formal restaurants – a summer dress or a Hawaiian shirt is the perfect outfit choice.

A linen shirt is another option to wear in the evening in Kauai. Ladies, you can also repurpose this as a swimsuit cover-up.

Where to Find Hawaii Vacation Outfits?

One of the best options for finding outfits for Hawaii vacations is to buy them while you are on Kauai or another Hawaiian island.

For example, Walmart sells some cheap options, or several stores sell more high-quality shirts in locations such as The Shops at Kukui‘ula.

However, if you would like to find some options for fun and floral outfits beforehand, check out the following websites:

Ladies

Unisex

  • Reyn Spooner: some fun and eclectic designs – shop online or at the store in Koloa 

Lava Lava Beach Club has some great t-shirts for sale at their restaurant on Kauai. Also, you can check out Dolkii with lovely women’s printed t-shirts sold in stores in Kapaa and Lihue.

What Toiletries to Pack for Kauai?

Reef Safe Sunscreen

Kauai has banned sunscreen that damages coral reefs; therefore, you must bring reef-safe sun cream. “Reef-friendly” versions are generally insufficient for Hawaiian use.

Try out the following brands that are available on Amazon:

Motion Sickness Medicine

Boat Tour in front of Na Pali Coastline in Kauai on cloudy day
Na Pali Coast boat tour

If you will be going on a boat ride along the Na Pali Coast – you should take some motion sickness medicine.

Ensure the tablets are non-drowsy, so you do not sleep during the boat ride (this does happen frequently).

Dramamine is a recommended brand to take, although it is best to avoid alcohol with it. It is available in supermarkets and pharmacies in Kauai.

Insect Repellent

Avon Skin So Soft Dry Oil Spray bottle for insct repellent
Avon Skin So Soft

It is also wise to bring insect repellent while travelling somewhere new that is warm and tropical. Some parts of Kauai are worse for mosquitos than others, such as the Allerton and McBryde Botanical Gardens.

There is generally enough breeze by the coast and beaches to keep the mosquitoes at bay.

There are some nicer smelling and less harmful mosquito repellents available that you may prefer to use, such as:

Mini Toiletries

Grand Hyatt Kauai Hospitality Suite Shower cubical with towels
Hospitality Suite at Grand Hyatt Kauai

If you are staying in a VRBO house on Kauai, you will need to bring some personal toiletries (unless they provide some shower gel and shampoo).

Hotels, such as Grand Hyatt Kauai usually provide a standard shower gel, shampoo, and conditioner; however, if you are more particular with your brands – it is best to bring your own.

You may only need some mini toiletries to last you the duration of your trip. If so, check out Sephora’s range of mini toiletries and cosmetics.

OUAI is an outstanding shampoo that keeps your hair shiny and smelling great for days. OUAI sells a hair travel kit

Or, you could purchase some empty mini containers from MUJI and an OUAI shampoo refill container to fill it up.

Kauai Packing List: Accessories

The following items are some accessories that you may find handy while in Kauai.

  • Backpack – big enough to fit all items you may need for a mini road trip around Kauai.
  • Reusable water bottle – Kauai tap water is safe to drink, but you can also fill your reusable with bottled water
  • Travel belt bag – my holy grail is this UNIQLO belt bag, great for the activities when you do not need a whole backpack with you
  • Canvas bag – use this as a beach bag or for groceries (plastic bags are not available at supermarkets)
  • Swimming goggles – easy to throw in your suitcase and will provide joy when snorkelling on Kauai
  • Baseball cap – an essential item to keep the hot sun off your head
  • Beach towels – you may need to bring some beach towels from home if you are staying at a VRBO (do not bring light coloured in case the red mud gets on it)
  • Earplugs – the roosters will wake you up at dusk every morning – if you prefer to sleep in, remember some earplugs

Kauai Packing List: Electronics

Gopro hero 9 with handle on table
GoPro Hero 9

Bring these electronics if you own them or consider purchasing them if not.

  • GoPro – the best way to take pictures while on Secret Falls excursions and other water-based activities. Make sure you have a handle and strap for the GoPro too
  • Waterproof phone case – it will be worthwhile to bring your phone in a case on excursions, such as kayaking
  • Portable phone charger – alternatively, bring an additional USB charger lead to leave in the car to charge on journeys
  • US adapters – if you are an international visitor, do not forget the adapters
  • iPad/tablet – bring a device with movies downloaded (some flights to Lihue do not have entertainment systems, such as SFO to LIH on United)
  • Apple AirTags – helpful if you are bringing checked bags so you can track them

What to Bring to Kauai for Outdoor Activities?

Moreton Bay fig trees at Allerton Gardens - Kauai
Allerton Gardens

Here are several items of clothing and gear that are important for certain activities in Kauai. 

  • Kipu Ranch or ATV tour: closed-toe footwear and long-sleeve dark clothing for insect protection and mud/dirt
  • Helicopter tour: dark clothing to avoid glare on the windows/doors
  • Allerton & McBryde Botanical Gardens: closed-toed shoes
  • Na Pali Coast boat tour: sunblock, motion sickness medicine, towel, sunglasses
  • Waimea Canyon: hiking boots, baseball cap, backpack with snacks and refreshments, and hiking poles

Unsure what to wear at a Kauai luau? A floral sundress for ladies and an aloha shirt for men would be suitable.

Kauai Packing List Winter

Shipwreck Beach in winter - surfer and sunbathers Kauai
Shipwreck Beach

It is difficult to know what to wear in Kauai in December, January, and February, given that it is winter in Kauai. It is important to note – winter in Kauai does not mean it is cold. It is just slightly colder and much rainier than in the summer months.

When deciding what to pack for Kauai in January and other winter months, it is almost the same clothing you will need all year round. However, the need for waterproof gear, such as a rain jacket and hiking boots increases.

Read this article on visiting Kauai in winter to learn more about how the experience will be. In winter, the best weather on Kauai may be on the south shore.

What Not to Take to Kauai

You should leave some items at home when visiting Kauai because you will not need them, or they could get ruined. Here is a list of clothes and shoes that you should not bring to Kauai.

  • White sneakers
  • Jeans
  • High heels
  • Formal outfits
  • Suede shoes

Further Reading

For some last preparations for your trip to Kauai, make sure you have booked your car rental well in advance using Discount Hawaii Car Rental.

Plus, ensure you have made some dinner reservations because the popular restaurants get booked up well in advance. Use this article for advice on where to eat on Kauai and when to book it.

Some other packing lists on the blog include this Scotland packing list and this Canada winter packing list.

FAQ – Packing List for Kauai

What should I pack for Kauai?

Kauai is an active island. It also experiences a fair amount of rain, all-year-round. Therefore, you need clothing and footwear that can keep up with the pace of this Hawaiian Island.

Bring sweat-resistant clothing, swimwear, and practical footwear for the day-time. Wear your most floral or colourful Kauai clothing for the evenings.

Also, do not bring any of your best white or light coloured-clothing for day-time use because it could get stained by the famous Kauai red mud.

What clothes to pack for Kauai in January?

Some of the most important items of clothing to bring to Kauai during the winter period include: waterproof hiking boots, a light rain jacket, a light long-sleeved layer, baseball cap (for sun and rain), and quick-dry active-wear clothing.

Do I need bug spray in Kauai?

There are mosquitoes in Kauai, so you should pack mosquito repellent.

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