Kauai is paradise on Earth. Known for its gorgeous (and famous) beaches, rugged sea cliffs, and waterfalls, this lush Hawaiian slice of heaven is home to unlimited natural beauty.
The Garden Isle has a laid-back and captivating vibe that’ll have you planning your trip months ahead of time.
Alongside pinning down your itinerary, booking your accommodation, finding the best places to go, and scheduling your activities, what you pack for your trip should be a top priority.
Thankfully, this is your lucky day. Having been to the island, these are my go-to picks for the perfect Kauai packing list.
P.S. If you’re looking for more Garden Isle inspiration, check out my Kauai travel guide.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, I may make a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thanks for your support!
What to Know About Kauai Weather Before You Go
Before getting to the things to bring to Kauai, you need to know this important bit of information.
In general, Kauai weather is split between two seasons, which locals refer to as the dry and rainy seasons.
Overall, you should expect it to be warm almost always (a crisp 70℉ average), and it will almost always rain at some point during the day, impacting your packing.
That said, the actual rainy season runs from November to March, but it’s better to be on the safe and dry side.
If there’s one takeaway about the weather in Kauai and how it affects your packing, it would be that you don’t necessarily need to pack a lot. In fact, packing light is best.
Packing List for Kauai: Essentials You Shouldn’t Go Without
So, let’s get to the juicy stuff.
While clothing choice is a lot about personal style, these suggestions are easily tailored to most and can be switched up to match yours.
And you can view my full packing list here!
What to Wear in Kauai: Clothing Necessities
Filled with endless must-do activities and plenty of places to explore, it could be easy to think you must pack as much as possible.
The truth is you could leave most of your wardrobe at home and still feel overdressed on certain occasions.
Here are the clothing necessities that’ll make sure you are fully in tune with Kauai fashion.
Tops
Kicking things off, Kauai’s weather really only requires you to bring along a select variety of tops. Here are some packing options:
- Tank tops and a few sundresses: A good choice to bring along is a few tank tops, basic bodysuits/ rompers, and stylish sundresses. If you’re heading outdoors, I recommend a long-sleeve, breathable shirt to protect you from the sun on exposed trails.
- Light sweater: Depending on when you head for Kauai and your threshold for the cold, it would be a good idea to pack a light sweater or sweatshirt.
- Swimsuit and swimsuit cover-up: Bring your favorite selection of swimsuits, as you’ll wear them often. A swimsuit cover-up is a fantastic idea if you don’t want to spend time switching between a T-shirt and a swimsuit.
- A raincoat or jacket: While it might rain during your trip, it will likely still be hot, making it essential to have a raincoat or jacket. I suggest choosing a lightweight rain jacket like this Antora Rain Hoodie, which you can easily roll into a packing cube.
Bottoms
Moving on to packing some bottoms to pair with your tops. Luckily, you’ll once again not need to pack much, but here is what not to leave at home:
- Shorts: While wearing dresses is ideal for a Hawaiian vacation, remember to pack shorts if you’re planning on participating in any fun outdoor activities in Kauai. Consider a few jean shorts and some linen ones.
- Skirts: A versatile addition to any Kauai packing list, skirts are an excellent choice for dressing up or down and comfortable for all-day wear. If you’re on the windward side of Kauai, keep the skirt and dress length in mind.
- Leggings: Full-length pants are rarely needed in Kauai, but I suggest packing a pair of leggings. You can also use them outdoors, but biker or hiking shorts are better for trails.
Footwear
Going barefoot when you’re in Kauai is a go-to for most visitors. Spending time shoeless isn’t for everyone, so here are a few musts to bring:
- Sandals: The obvious first choice of footwear, you can’t leave home without a few pairs of sandals when heading for Kauai. My personal favorite is these Teva Original Universal sandals, which are perfect for wearing on and off the beach.
- Hiking boots: Kauai has an abundance of hiking and outdoor trails that are fit for all. Remember to pack your hiking boots, regardless of whether you’re planning on doing a lot or a little hiking. You can’t go wrong with the Merrell Moab 3 Hiking Boots. These boots don’t require break in time and they’re waterproof!
What to Pack for Kauai: Suitcase Must-Haves
Clothing essentials done, it’s time to check out what else you should have in your luggage when visiting Kauai, Hawaii.
What makes packing for Kauai a fun thing to do is the number of accessories and gear you can bring without having it be a burden on your packing.
Below is everything I’d recommend you bring to make your trip packing complete.
Camera Gear
Thinking about what to bring to Kauai always includes camera and camera gear choices.
These are some key photography items you should bring:
- Camera: Start with the camera you choose to use for your adventure. While it comes down to personal preference, the Sony Alpha A7CR is an excellent choice. Its high sensitivity and dynamic range are perfect for those Insta-worthy beach shots, especially with the Sony FE 24-70mm II Lens.
- Drone: Exploring Kauai’s natural beauty is often done from various perspectives, so consider bringing along a drone to capture some fantastic footage. The DJI Mini 3 Pro is a compact and easy-to-use choice.
- GoPro: An alternative to the drone, and one I personally recommend, is the GoPro Hero. It’s even more compact if you want to save packing space and has some great features.
Pssssssssst. Here is my list of the most Instagrammable places in Kauai.
Kauai Fundamentals
Last but not least, let’s get to some Kauai fundamentals.
Alongside your clothing and accessories, there are a few items to bring from home that you’ll be very happy to have brought.
- Reef-safe sunscreen: The sun in Kauai can be your best friend or worst nightmare if you forget your sunscreen. While you can buy sunscreen on the island, I always opt for a reef-safe option, like the Kinfield Sunglow (SPF 35).
- Bug Spray: You may wonder, “Do I need bug spray in Hawaii?” The answer, for every Hawaiian island, is yes. Kauai is no stranger to a wide variety of insects, so it’s wise to bring enough repellant.
- Sunglasses: An essential to include, and the perfect outfit finisher, is a pair of sunglasses. Kauai is blessed with a lot of sunshine, and since it can get intense, it’s worth bringing a pair of polarized glasses to protect from the UVs.
- Sunhat: Your headwear is as important as your sunglasses. You can wear baseball caps, a sun hat, or even a wide-brim option to match your style.
- Waterproof phone pouch: This could literally be a lifesaver, and if you want to snap some underwater images but don’t have a GoPro, bring a waterproof phone pouch. It also doubles to protect your phone if you go kayaking or snorkeling.
- Snorkel masks: Renting snorkel gear can be an unnecessary expense, and if you want to spend less while on vacation, bring your snorkel masks from home. It’s far more convenient and will save you a few bucks.
- A waterproof backpack: This is simply a must-have. If you’re looking for a waterproof backpack for your camera gear, have a look at the Peak Design Everyday Backpack.
Stuck without activity inspo? I’ve got your back. Find out if the Kauai Doors Off Helicopter tour is worth it.
FAQs About Packing for Kauai
While this guide to your Kauai packing list covers a range of must-haves, I’ve compiled some answers to the most commonly asked questions about Kauai packing.
Does it Get Cold at Night in Kauai?
Depending on what you consider cold, Kauai’s overall climate and both day and nighttime temperatures stay stable enough to keep most nights pleasantly cool.
What Do Locals Wear in Kauai?
You’ll rarely see a Kauai local in anything but lightweight clothing, such as tank tops, shorts, and sundresses, with sandals.
What Do You Wear to a luau in Kauai?
As a visitor to the island, you’ll find that most tourists choose to wear aloha shirts to luau’s that feature a classic Hawaiian theme with bright and bold prints.
What Not to Wear in Kauai?
Just like there are packing essentials that you can’t go without, there are some things you can leave at home when visiting Kauai.
The island’s wind speeds make umbrellas more of a problem than a help, so rather go for a rain jacket.
Fancy dress clothing is also not that crucial, and a subtle yet stylish outfit will do, and high heels are a no-go.