15 Maui Travel Essentials You Should Pack

Since moving to the West Coast, Maui has become my happy place because of its gorgeous scenery, warm, welcoming people — and stress-free packing. What makes packing for Maui so easy is not needing to make room for heavy clothes. In recent months, I’ve visited twice once I learned the local community was ready for visitors to return after last year’s devastating fires; I spent four glorious nights relaxing at the beautifully renovated Grand Wailea and a whole week split between the luxurious Andaz Maui, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary, and Hana-Maui Resort, an under-the-radar gem at the end of the Road to Hana. 

For both trips, I was able to travel with just a carry-on as I spent most of my days in a swimsuit and flip-flops and evenings in a sun dress, sometimes with a light sweater over it. If a Maui trip is in your future, I’ve rounded up the 15 best travel gear and accessory items to add to your Hawaii packing list. Below, you’ll find my tried-and-true travel bag, walking shoes, and other must-haves that will make your trip smoother. 

A Confidence-building Swimsuit

A good swimsuit is a Maui must, and this one-piece by Cupshe is consistently earning high ratings from shoppers for its comfortable and flattering fit. I love this suit, which comes in almost 30 solids and prints, and definitely appreciated the slight compression after indulging in the Grand Wailea breakfast buffet every day. I never felt self-conscious at the beach or pool thanks to the shirring at the waist and the adjustable straps. I only took this one suit to Maui, but I will be buying more of them because there are so many pretty options.

A Splash-proof Beach Bag

I always pack my toiletries in a splash-proof pouch from Aloha Collection in case they spill but for Maui, I switched to the brand’s splash-proof tote instead. This multitasker still acted as a toiletry bag in my suitcase and then became my beach bag once I arrived at the hotel, keeping my phone, room key, book, and other essentials safe and dry when I went for a swim. It even held my wet bathing suit after I took one last dip before heading to the airport.

It’s not surprising this bag is a best-seller because it’s water-resistant, machine washable, expandable, and, best of all, it has a zippered top. As if I needed another excuse to buy another one, the brand donates 5 percent of profits to Hawaii-based conservation organizations.

Quick-drying Flip-flops

Flip-flops are necessities when you’re visiting Maui, and I’m a big fan of Olukai, a brand that gives back to Hawaii through a dedicated non-profit foundation. The Ohana style is a favorite because it looks great and is super comfortable in addition to being water-resistant and quick-drying. The anatomical fit offers a welcomed arch support not usually found in flip-flops, so I could walk around in them all day without my feet hurting. They also have surprisingly impressive traction so I didn’t have to worry about slipping by the pool. 

A Cotton T-shirt Dress

To me, a cotton T-shirt dress is synonymous with beachy summer days — and so is Lilly Pulitzer. The brand’s pretty pastels and whimsical prints are light and feminine, and this breezy dress was as comfy as my favorite tees during my Maui trip — but so much more stylish. As blue as the ocean itself, it has a casual sophistication that felt right at home in Hawaii, whether I was enjoying amazing food and the views on the terrace of Andaz Maui’s award-winning Ka’ana Kitchen or window shopping at The Shops at Wailea.

A Floral Sun Dress

It wouldn’t be Maui without a luau, and what I admired as much as the poi bowls, kalua pig, and Moloka’i sweet potato pies at the Grand Wailea’s Grand Luau were the tropical prints of the guests’ colorful sun dresses. I was glad I had worn this one from SimpleFun, with its cheery floral print. It can get hot sitting outside before the sun sets but my dress was light and breezy which made me look way more skilled than I actually was during the hula lesson. 

A Flowy Top

I am all about flowy tops that give you room to breathe while also giving off a boho look. Although mine usually come from Free People, I just ordered this one from Amazon in two different prints because it’s so well-priced. I like its tunic-like silhouette and its flattering V-neck henley detailing, and I can see myself wearing it to a casual dinner at The Restaurant at Hana-Maui Resort with jeans or leggings. 

Versatile Leggings

I don’t go anywhere without a couple of pairs of Felina leggings because they just go with everything. Well-fitted but flexible and oh-so-soft, they have a nice stretch that ensured they were just as comfortable for my six-hour flight as they were at dinner with a billowy button-down shirt from Free People over them. Because they’re workhorses, they also came in handy at the hotel gym and a yoga class. Although I’m partial to black, which I buy in the six-pack, they’re such a bargain at less than $20 apiece that I’m considering grabbing them in the cool gray and blue hues. 

White Sneakers

Although I love a pair of clean, white canvas Keds for warm-weather trips, my most trusted travel shoes are these Arcopedico LS Knit Lace-ups, so I took them along with me in white for a beachy look. They were great on the plane, where I only wear closed-toe shoes, and they also looked cute in Maui with shorts and a tee (or even a sundress). You won’t believe how comfy and supportive these shoes are, but once you try them, you’ll understand why I tossed another pair in sky blue into a corner of my carry-on at the last minute (just in case!).

A Matching Set

Raise your hand if you’ve ever gone outside in cute loungewear that was intended to be pajamas. Yes, I have been known to walk around in my Cozy Earth pajamas because they were just too comfy to take off, and this waffle knit set looks like it would fit the bill just as well — especially because the shorts have pockets. The two-piece set is meant to be worn together but the pieces can also be worn separately. The drawstring shorts would be perfect for strolling along the beach paired with a white tee, and the short-sleeved, relaxed top would easily go over jeans or leggings. And, of course, they can double as pajamas or even a swim cover-up. 

A Swimsuit Cover-up

Speaking of swim cover-ups — sure, you can just wrap a towel around yourself or throw a tee over your swimsuit but why sacrifice style for practicality when this gorgeous kimono offers both? Made of light-as-air, silky viscose, it feels so good against your skin and rolls up easily in a carry-on. Plus, it can be worn in so many ways, adding a pop of color and a touch of elegance to jeans and a tee shirt, shorts, or even a solid dress. Be prepared to receive lots of compliments. 

Polarized Sunglasses

Sunshine is one of the main reasons to go to Maui so sunglasses are, for sure, a necessity. I’ve been wearing the same pair for years, but I’m thinking of finally replacing them with these trendy cat-eye shades from Amazon. The frames are made with lightweight acetate and protect your eyes with their Polarized lenses, and for $15, they’re a wallet-friendly price point; you don’t have to worry about losing them or getting them damaged at the pool or beach. 

Pack of Comfy T-shirts

I stock up on these V-neck tees in lots of colors and in two different sizes so I have fitted ones for layering pieces and looser ones to wear on their own. I like this two-pack from Amazon Essentials because the shirts have a nice shape to them, thanks to the modal and elastane fabric blend. I’ve found that they’re more flattering than the 100 percent cotton tees that can be too boxy or frumpy.

Versatile Tank Tops

Because I’m self-conscious about my upper arms, I rarely wear tank tops alone, but I always pack a couple to wear under deep V-necks, cardigans, or kimonos. The tanks in this three-pack set from Amazon have a round bottom to give them a little flow and take attention away from my bare arms. They’re also soft, breathable, and moisture-wicking – all important factors to consider in the Hawaiian heat. 

A Lightweight Cardigan

I can’t imagine traveling without a cardigan because flights often get chilly and the weather changes unexpectedly — even in Maui. My sweater of choice is Quince’s Lightweight Cotton Cashmere Cardigan, which served me well in the evenings and looked chic over my sundress. For a rainbow of color choices, this cardigan from Amazon Essentials would be another good option.

A Packable Sun Hat

I am not a hat person but I packed my Lost River Wide-brim Hat for both of my Maui trips because it squishes down flat and didn’t take up any room — and, much to my surprise, I wore it often. My husband convinced me to buy it during a port stop to Bar Harbor, Maine on a Holland America cruise last year, and I have to admit it’s come in handy and is actually very cute. I haven’t been able to find another hat like it — the knit really makes it special — but this one from Amazon is waterproof and features UPF 50+ sun protection.

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