ALOHA!
So here is a list of a few things that will absolutely want to consider packing for a trip to Maui!
What not to forget when packing for Maui?
When packing for Maui, don’t forget the snorkeling essentials, the hiking essentials, and the everyday essentials for when you’re out and about in Maui!
This can include different types of shoes and different types of clothes that you need for Maui!
Whether you are packing for a week in Maui, or you are packing for a 4-day trip to Maui, you should bring snorkeling gear, a waterproof camera or phone case, and sturdy shoes so that you can enjoy the best of Maui… and that includes Maui snorkeling spots and Maui hikes with amazing views!
Or, when it comes to the snorkeling gear, you do also have the option to wait until you get to Maui! It’s easy to buy snorkeling gear in Hawaii.
Aside from snorkeling gear, there may be a few more things that you may consider buying once you get to Maui.
The easiest way that won’t take up too much precious Hawaii vacation time would be to head to a convenience store that’s located in the heart of tourist districts on Maui.
But, you don’t want to waste time going shopping for the “essentials.”
You just might want to buy them at home to save you time when you do get to Maui so you can get straight to those Maui activities!
There are affiliate links on this page. As an Amazon Associate, I may earn a commission from this.
And so…
What to bring to Maui
Things you should pack for Maui include a sun hat, waterproof phone case, water shoes, swimming goggles, reef-safe sunscreen, and more!
Here are some of the top 10 things to pack for Maui to REALLY consider bringing on your Maui vacation!
1. Hiking sandals
Travel sandals or hiking sandals can be versatile.
They can work for many of the popular hikes on Maui that are regular dirt trails. And then afterwards you can go for another activity in the same footwear.
👆👆 Waihee Ridge Trail in the West Maui mountains, one of the best hikes on Maui.
Hiking sandals can be better than your regular beach sandals or flip slops because the hiking sandals are designed to give you a little more traction.
While these sort of shoes or footwear may not completely prevent you from slipping, it’ll give you a better grip than regular footwear!
You may also encounter muddy areas or small stream crossings when you are going to go see Maui waterfalls which can make hiking sandals preferable. (Or waterproof hiking boots!) It can be a good idea to pack extra socks with you just in case if you make these sort of outings.
👆 Makamakaole Falls Trail in the West Maui mountains
And most importantly, you can use hiking sandals for both a morning hike and afternoon walk on the beach without having to bring along an extra pair of shoes!
Shop hiking sandals for Maui
What Maui hikes do you need SHOES for?
That said, there are also some Maui hiking trails in which sandals may not be the best.
Whether you will be fine in hiking sandals or whether you need proper shoes will depend on the type of trail terrain that you’ll be hiking on. If you look at the trail pictures of the Maui hike you want to do and it seems like it’s a standard dirt trail through a forest, then you’ll likely be just fine with hiking sandals.
To note, Maui hikes in which you do NOT want to wear sandals are any hikes that include hiking across old lava flows aka when hiking Maui lava fields.
Even small specks of lava rock can be SHARP!
As a tourist, the most likely time you will encounter old lava flows will be if you decide to go to Waianapanapa State Park or La Perouse Bay.
Just because you are going to these spots doesn’t necessarily mean you need shoes. But if you want to HIKE at these spots… then shoes, not sandals, will be a very good idea.
At Waianapanapa State Park in Hana, the Waianapanapa Coastal Trail is a very worthy hike, and at La Perouse Bay in South Maui, the Hoapili Trail is a very worthy hike.
👆👆 Hoapili Trail, another one of the best hikes on Maui.
Other trails you may want shoes and not sandals for is for rocky terrain.
👆👆👆 Nakalele Blowhole hike, one of the best things to do in West Maui.
If you’re going to the famous Maui tide pools or the famous Maui blowhole, it can be better to have shoes because with both you will be walking along quite rocky terrain.
Many tourists go to these spots in sandals and are just fine as it’s pretty short, but you may appreciate shoes.
These are both along the northern part of West Maui‘s rugged coastline.
No matter the reason, if you do prefer shoes for hikes, trail running shoes can be perfect for Hawaii trails.
They will give you more traction than regular shoes, and they are not as heavy as hiking shoes.
Shop trail running shoes for Hawaii
With these specific Maui trails in mind, see more of what to pack for hiking on Maui.
Also see some of the best hikes on Maui that come with amazing views:
- Waihee Ridge Trail
- Sliding Sands Trail
- Waianapanapa Coastal Trail
- Pipiwai Trail
- Hoapili Trail
- Kapalua Coastal Trail
- List of the best of hiking in Maui
2. Water shoes
Some beaches on Maui are basically sand-only beaches. This can include beaches like Kaanapali Beach (West Maui), Makena Beach (South Maui), and Hamoa Beach (East Maui).
👆 Kaanapali Beach, one of the best beaches in Maui.
👆 Makena Beach in Makena State Park, one of the best state parks in Maui.
👆👆 Hamoa Beach, one of the best beaches in East Maui.
With these kinds of beaches, you can go no problem barefoot for a nice long walk along the beach with your sand in your toes. (Although the sand might get a little hot – walk where the water comes up to shore as it’ll be cooler there!)
Other beaches on Maui have more of a rocky beach entrance. This is in particular for some of the snorkeling spots in South Maui, like if you’re thinking about snorkeling at the Ahihi Kinau snorkeling spots.
👆 Kanahena Beach, one of the best snorkeling spots in Maui.
It’s for these types of beaches that you might want water shoes, in particular if you’ll be snorkeling at these beaches.
Water shoes can also protect you in case your foot accidentally does hit the reef if you’re not wearing fins.
Coral reef can be sharp!
Shop water shoes for Maui
3. Swim shirts with UV protection
Of course you’ll want to pack sunscreen for a trip to Maui. (More on what type later on the list.)
But there is also an alternative to sunscreen! Or at least, putting on less of it.
When you go snorkeling, you can wear what is basically a swim shirt. These kinds of swim shirts (commonly called rash guards) are designed with UV protection.
Since you have less skin exposed, it means less sunscreen you have to put on, and you don’t have to bother with reapplying as much too.
Shop swimwear for Maui:
- Rashguards aka UV protection shirts
- for women
- for men – short-sleeve / long-sleeve
OR… see why wearing a rash guard can be perfect for Maui
4. Tech t-shirt
When you’re out and about not at the beach, a tech t-shirt can be perfect.
These are quick-dry shirts and can also be moisture-wicking shirts.
The moisture it’ll be wicking away will be all that sweat from the hot Maui weather.
These types of shirts are especially perfect for hiking on Maui, but they are also good for when you’re out going to different places around the island too, since you’ll be outside in that hot weather – sweating!
These shirts are better than cotton, because cotton will absorb that sweat, instead of wicking it away. This means it can keep you and your shirt more dry, too!
You may know these kinds of shirts as work-out shirts, and they are perfect for everyday wear during a Maui vacation.
Shop shirts for Maui
🌴
5. LAYERS of clothes!
So you think Maui is just hot! Well yes Maui is hot. During the day.
Evenings can also be cooler, so you’ll want to bring an extra layer just in case for the evening.
And beyond that, depending on the activities you’ll be doing, the Maui weather may be cool and perhaps even straight up COLD! (Well, I guess this depends on what your definition of cold is.)
So, what activities?
You’re probably looking at doing the Road to Hana. Overnight temperatures for Hana can be on the cooler side so if you’ll be out in the early morning or evening on the Hana coast, you’ll want to look up the low temperatures as you pack for Maui so you know what to expect and have the clothes to go with it.
The other notable spot is the Haleakala National Park summit side. The summit is at 10,000+ ft. That is high elevation. And high elevation means cooler temperatures. So if you’ll be going to the Haleakala summit, bring extra clothes just in case.
If you’re just going during the day, you probably don’t need too many extra layers, but even the wind can make it feel cold.
If you’re planning on being at the Haleakala summit for sunrise or sunset, then you definitely want to be sure you pack extra. Think about your feet too! You might want to keep your feet covered and wear shoes to help you stay warmer.
There is a Haleakala summit sunrise review from June 2021 that says their family brought pants, long sleeve shirts, ski jackets, hats, mittens… and added that they “needed all of them.” ⛄
👆 Sliding Sands Trail, one of the best things to do in Haleakala National Park. Do you need to pack a jacket and long pants for a trip to Maui?! Yes maybe!
6. Snorkel mask set
👆 Maluaka Beach, one of the best things to do in South Maui.
And then with so many snorkeling spots on Maui, it’ll be good to bring along some snorkeling gear!
You can go for a snorkeling set with just the mask (and the snorkel thing that allows you to breathe), or you can go for a snorkeling set with a mask and fins.
If you’ll be snorkeling without fins, those water shoes are a very good idea!
Fins do serve to propel you in the water more quickly with less energy, which means that you can cover more ground… er… cover more water… without as much work. (aka see more underwater life in less time!)
Shop snorkeling gear for Maui
See some of the best snorkeling spots on Maui right off the beach aka without a snorkeling boat tour:
- Ahihi Kinau Natural Area Reserve
- Maluaka Beach aka Turtle Town
- The list of best of snorkeling on Maui
7. Waterproof phone case
If you want to capture underwater life cheaply, a simple waterproof phone case like this one can work out well!
If you won’t be investing in an underwater camera, and you don’t want to spend $$$ on a waterproof phone case fit for your phone, then the next best thing you can have is an cheapo waterproof phone case.
It WORKS!
Well it works if you’re snorkeling in calm waters!
If there are waves, it’ll be difficult to get your phone to stay still which means it could result in not-so-good underwater photos!
It might take a few practices in the beginning to get a strategy down, but after a few practices it’ll be no problem!
The touchscreen doesn’t work underwater, so you need to figure out the button you can click (maybe the volume button) to capture the photo.
For video, you’ll have to start it before you go underwater.
You can also get a camera float like this one and attach it the phone case as an extra precaution in case you let go of your phone!
It will float with your phone attached to it!
Shop for taking underwater photos in Maui
See more about how a cheap waterproof phone case can work for snorkeling!
8. Portable phone charger
There are SO many picture-perfect moments in Hawaii!
And there are likely going to be days when you’re out all day.
You don’t want to miss out on those picture-perfect moments because of a dead phone!
Remember, you’ll probably be using your phone more than usual throughout the day, as you consult Google Maps or take pictures.
Hot weather can also seem to drain your phone battery more quickly.
So make sure you bring a portable phone charger like this one!
I put my charger in a freezer ziplock bag to protect against water. (Hazards of the beach!)
Shop for portable chargers for Maui
Bring an extra USB cord!
And if you’re renting a car, bring along an extra USB cord just for the car. You’ll probably be getting a car that has a USB port for charging. (So no regular car charger necessary.) This way you can just keep a USB cord in the car and you don’t need to have to keep grabbing it every time you leave the car for an activity or for the night when you’re back at your accommodation!
9. Reef-safe sunscreen
Starting in January 2021, there was a sunscreen BAN in Hawaii that took effect.
This particular ban affected the sales of sunscreen in Hawaii.
It means that you won’t be able to find some types of sunscreen when you’re on Maui.
That’s because this sunscreen ban is about banning the sales of sunscreen with certain chemicals in them.
The chemicals that are banned are those that have been shown to be the most toxic to coral reef. (Healthy reef is what brings the fish that makes for good snorkeling on Maui!)
So in theory (okay in reality, actually), you can buy your favorite toxic sunscreen back home, and then bring it to Maui. It would be allowed.
That is until October 2022.
Maui County (which includes the Hawaiian islands of Maui, Lanai, and Molokai) will be making it into law with wording that says that not just the SALES of sunscreen with toxic chemicals is not allowed, but also the USE of non-mineral sunscreen is not allowed.
According to the State of Hawaii:
Once signed into law, Bill 135 will take effect on October 1, 2022.
The sale, distribution, or use of prohibited non-mineral sunscreens would be considered a violation of the Maui County Code, subject to penalties and enforcement procedures.
Fines will be deposited into the County Environmental Protection and Sustainability Fund.
Read more from the State of Hawaii.
I don’t know what the enforcement of this is going to be like, but regardless, it would be nice if you still brought along mineral sunscreen, and consider one of the reasons that they are making it illegal in Maui – to keep the tropical fish and turtles coming back to the shores of Maui!
And if you’re going to Maui in spring or summer of 2022, even though this law won’t be in effect, once again it would be nice to bring along mineral sunscreen to Maui!
So, when you’re out buying your sunscreen for Maui, consider making it reef-safe sunscreen. (Or reef safer, less toxic sunscreen.)
See more about how to know whether your favorite sunscreen is reef-safe.
10. Small first aid kit
I threw in some supplies into a ziplock bag from an ultralight first aid kit that I had.
It can be a good idea to at least have some bandages of varying sizes, gauze, medical tape, antiseptic wipes, ointment, neosporin, or other such similar items!
They could be items you already have around your house, and then place them into a freezer ziplock bag so it’s a stronger waterproof bag aka beach-proof bag!
Shop for a first aid kit for Maui
PLUS…
If you’ll be in Maui during whale season, you might want to bring binoculars!
👆 Kapalua Coastal Trail, another one of the best things to do in West Maui.
Maui is considered to be among the top Hawaiian islands for whale watching. Generally speaking, whale season is considered to be the winter months.
So if you will be in Maui during the winter months, you might want to bring along travel binoculars.
PLUS…
CASH
Most especially if you plan on driving the Road to Hana.
And more specifically if you want to eat the famous Road to Hana banana bread or the famous Road to Hana huli huli chicken.
Well, it was cash only for the huli huli chicken, and cash only if you only want to buy 1 loaf of banana bread!
In case you forget, as a back-up plan, there is an ATM at the shop called “halfway to Hana” which is I guess about halfway to Hana.
But, it’s not always good to count on these things as a guarantee, because when you need it the most, it will be out of cash or broken! You know how it goes. 😜
So try to have cash with you before you start the drive.
But if you forget cash and didn’t pack along food for the ride, it’s okay. You can manage for food at other food stops on the Road to Hana.
You will find that some food trucks accept credit cards like Braddah Hutts BBQ Grill, and there’s the Hana Farms restaurant that accepts cards too.
You will also want cash (dollar bills) if you plan on taking the Maui bus. It’s $2 for a single ride, and $4 for a day pass. See a bit of an overview of taking the Maui bus.
PLUS…
The 2 things you should absolutely pack in your daypack or beach bag EVERY DAY you’re on Maui no matter what you’re doing!
WATER!
Stay hydrated!!
If you’re active throughout the day, you’ll probably sweat more than normal!
And of course, Maui’s hot weather will make you sweat more than normal too if you are coming from a cooler climate.
If you’ll be renting a car, buy a gallon jug of water or 2 when you get to Maui from a gas station or grocery store to put in your car. This way you’ll have easy water supply to refill your water bottle!
SNACKS!
You don’t want to run out of energy during the day!
So be sure to load up on snacks.
To save a little bit of money, it could be good to head to the grocery store at the beginning of your Maui vacation and buy a bunch of snacks for the days you’ll be on Maui.
And those are a few Maui essentials to consider!
For a more specific list for the outdoor activities to do in Maui:
- Snorkeling essentials for Maui (+ what to wear snorkeling in Maui)
- Hiking essentials for Maui (+ what to wear hiking in Maui)
- Everyday essentials for Maui (what to ALWAYS have for a day out and about in Maui!)
HAPPY PACKING FOR MAUI!
Here are some popular activities you need to know about to get some very-Hawaii experiences! Read the reviews on the partner websites listed below!
🐢 You can swim with turtles on Maui!
Read the reviews for the molokini and turtle town tour on viator and the turtle town kayak and snorkel tour.
🌺 Eat Hawaiian food at a luau with a fire show! Have a look at the Maui Nui Luau
🐳 Winter means it's WHALE WATCHING season in Hawaii! And Maui is the best Hawaiian island for whale watching! 🐳
Read the reviews for the whale watching by raft tour and the whale watching catamaran tour.
🐠 Here are things you must consider packing for Hawaii!
You can find these things on Amazon. I am an Amazon Associate.
- Swimsuit or swimming shirt aka rash guard
- rash guard: swim set for women and swim shirt for men
- Water shoes
- Waterproof phone case (so you can capture pictures of fishies underwater!)
- cheapo phone case OR waterproof camera
- I also have this "camera" wrist float to attach to my cheapo waterproof phone case so my phone won't sink to the bottom of the ocean in case I somehow let go of it. (Mine does stay afloat - test this for yourself before completely trusting it!)
- Swimming goggles or snorkeling mask set
- Reef-safe(r) sunscreen
- lightweight travel towel
- walking sandals perfect for Hawaii
- teva is a popular outdoor shoe brand
- teva sandals for women
- teva sandals for men
I also don't go snorkeling in Hawaii without a personal swim float buoy. Not only does it help to keep me visible, but it makes for a perfect way to rest out in deeper water! Oh, and it also serves as a dry bag so I can take stuff into the water with me.
Another way I have taken valuables into the water with me is to wear a travel money belt that I don't mind getting wet with salt water (it's not waterproof but I have several so I just use one of them) and then I put things in a ziplock freezer bag, and put that freezer bag in the money belt.
There are also designated waterproof waist pouches that you can store your valuables and take into the water with you.