Are you planning to visit Maui? You’ve made a great choice. When your travel date draws near, you will need to dig out your luggage and get packing. Figuring out what to bring on a vacation can be tricky. You only have a limited amount of space in your bags, but there’s so much that you want to do, and every activity requires its own accessories. If you’ve ever found yourself without the right type of clothes, shoes, or equipment on a past trip, you know how annoying (and expensive) that can be!

Not to worry! This basic checklist is a great starting point as you pack for Maui. All of these things will be hugely useful, no matter what you do:

  • Sunscreen – Maui gets an average of 276 days of sunshine a year, so chances are you are going to feel the sun kissing your shoulders. It feels great…unless you fall asleep on the beach without sunscreen. Protect your skin with lots of sunscreen.
  • Umbrella – Maui is a tropical island, which means we get a lot of sunshine…and a lot of rain. During the summer, the rains are short and can even feel refreshing. However, if you don’t feel like doing your own version of Singing in the Rain, you’ll want to bring your favorite umbrella with you.
  • Bug Spray – Our humid climate means that our island is home to a lot of beautiful plant life as well as insects. Most of them are harmless, but a walk in the woods may result in more than a few uncomfortable mosquito bites. If you have bug spray, throw it in your bag. You’ll be grateful for it later.
  • Multiple Bathing Suits – You may be able to get away with one bathing suit for your trip to Maui, but where’s the fun in that? Bring a couple, so you can show off a different look for each day at the beach. Ladies, you may also want to bring a sturdier swimsuit if you plan on water activities, like surfing, paddleboarding, or snorkeling.
  • Hiking Shoes – Maui isn’t all about the beach. Our island offers some amazing and challenging hikes. Tennis shoes work, but hiking shoes are better!
  • Active Wear – Yeah, your bathing suit is perfect for the beach, but not exactly for hiking up Mt. Haleakala. If hiking, mountain biking, tennis, or golf are on your to-do list, don’t forget some comfortable, breathable workout cloths.
  • Sun Hats – As mentioned above, we get lots of sun here, and you’ll probably be spending way more time outside than normal. Make sure you bring a ball cap, visor, sun hat, or something to shield your face and eyes from the glare. No one likes to board the plane home with a peeling nose.
  • Cash – Hawaii is part of the United States where tipping is often expected. It is customary to tip a hotel employee who carries your bags to your room as well as most tour guides if he or she does a good job. Most residents of the island prefer tips in U.S. dollars, so you may want to get some local money at the airport.
  • Extra Space – Don’t forget to “pack” some extra space in your luggage for all the souvenirs or a Maui Pineapple you’ll be bringing back for family, friends, and yourself. You don’t want to leave any of your amazing finds behind.

Hopefully this list will give you a good jumping off point as you start to pack for your trip to Maui. Don’t stress about it too much. If you’re running out of room in your bags, you can buy any of these items once you get here.

Here’s one more thing not to forget – booking your lodgings. Don’t cram your family into an overprice hotel room. Instead, rent a spacious and private condo right on the beach. Check out our available rentals now! Go to www.aliiresorts.com.