Are you packing for a trip to Maui?

If so, you're probably already well on your way. But before you hit the road, there are a few essential items that you might be overlooking.

In this article, we'll take a look at some of the most important overlooked items for your Maui packing list.

So whether you're a seasoned traveler or a first-timer, read on for some essential packing tips that will help you make the most of your Maui vacation.

Why Proper Packing Matters for Maui

• Avoid overpacking. Maui is a warm island, so you don't need to bring a lot of clothing. Period. In fact, packing too much can actually make your trip more difficult. You'll have to lug around more luggage, and you'll be more likely to forget something essential. Personally, I PLAN on doing laundry once during a stay that lasts longer than 4 days just so I can make sure to have room for all the items on this list.

• Be prepared for any weather. While Maui is generally warm, the weather can change quickly. The rain here is warm, but if you don't like getting wet, you might want to pack a light waterproof jacket or an umbrella just in case. Personally, I just duck for cover during heavy rains, but do fine in warm sprinkles.

• Pack everything you need for all your activities. If you plan on doing any hiking, swimming, or snorkeling, you'll need to pack or rent the appropriate gear (more on that later). For example, if you're going to be hiking, you'll need to pack sturdy shoes, sunscreen, and a hat.

• To have a hassle-free vacation. When you pack properly, you're less likely to forget something essential. This means that you'll be able to relax and enjoy your vacation without having to worry about anything.

Without further ado, here's the Essential Overlooked Maui Packing List:

Clothing and Accessories Essentials

Rashguards for boogie boarding, surfing, or sun protection. If you don't wear one of these while doing any kind of wave riding, you'll like end up with board rash (chafing) or a sand strawberry. Either way, it's not pleasant.

Cover-ups for beach days. If you don't want to have to change out of your swimsuit to pop into a store for a drink or a restaurant for a meal, cover ups are the answer. And they don't take up much room at all in a suitcase.

A wide-brimmed hat for sun protection and a bit of classy beach glam.

Polarized sunglasses to not only protect from the sun, but to minimize glare while looking at the water. Regular sunglasses don't cut the glare, so you'll miss the beauty that lies beneath the surface a lot more often (hint: sea turtles) with non-polarized lenses.

Quick-drying and comfortable shoes for exploring Maui's outdoor activities. My favorite water shoes are linked here, but you can pick up a different pair if you like. I just like these because they're substantial enough for those muddy Maui hiking trails, and you can wash them off and they'll be almost like new.

Beach Essentials

Beach bag to carry all your belongings. This can also double as a grocery bag, which are available at Maui stores, but for a fee.

Floating waterproof phone pouch to protect your valuable devices. There are cheaper waterproof phone cases out there, but this one floats in case you drop it with your sunscreen fingers or a wave knocks it out of your hand. And as of 8/3/2023 there's a 10% off coupon under the online price tag that you can get by clicking.

Beach blanket for maximum relaxation and minimal hassle. You'll want to sit on the sand, but you don't want sand all up in your suit and skin. This item solves that problem and the one linked has several attractive patterns and prints.

Portable cooler bag for refreshing drinks and snacks.

Snorkel and mask and fins. You can just get a whole set at Walmart if you're going to just be putzing around on the surface of the water. Or you can rent a set from several places. But if you're going to actually freedive down, I highly recommend this mask and snorkel. The mask is the cheapest low volume mask I've ever found and it works great to prevent that eyeball and face squeeze from descents. This fin set is sufficiently small for luggage.

Rapid-dry beach towel. Our most frequently asked question after people stay at our condo is, "Where did you buy those awesome beach towels?!" This is the one. It's stylish, packs down tiny, and dries way quicker than your average towel.

Tech Essentials

Portable charger to keep your devices powered on the go. This one is fast and has sufficient capacity to charge multiple devices.

Google Maps offline feature for navigating without an internet connection. This is free and you can set it up by going into your Google Maps app ahead of time. Here's a guide on how to do that.

Travel adapter for charging your electronic devices.

Underwater camera for capturing memorable moments while snorkeling. DO NOT take your phone freediving or scuba diving. I don't trust even the waterproof case I recommended to protect your phone under pressure (that case will be fine for snorkeling). Besides, if you want great footage you need a GoPro or a DJI Osmo, which don't require an extra case for waters shallower than 33 ft/10m. For the ability to catch everything without perfect aim and edit angles later, I recommend a 360 camera. Again, that'll require more protection in deeper waters.

Health and Safety

High SPF sunscreen and aloe vera gel for sunburn protection. Many types of sunscreens have been outlawed in Hawaii, and for good reason: their chemicals overwhelm and damage reefs. With millions of bodies shedding sunscreen right on the reefs, that can do a lot of harm. Get ONLY a mineral sunscreen/physical block. Badger works really well and if you rub it in well, the whitish hue is almost undetectable. Plus, unlike some other brands, it's ingredients are non-toxic and have no relation to cancer.

First aid kit with essentials like bandages, antiseptic wipes, and pain relievers. I almost left this one off the list, but there's a really great chance you'll get a sunburn and need some relief. And sometimes, you just need a bandaid to prevent a cut staining your clothes.

Prescription medications and copies of prescriptions. I added this one to the list, because I once went on a cruise with a family member who didn't pack enough medication for the duration of the trip. When we landed in Corfu, Greece, we had to run around to try to find his prescription in the city. We found the same drug concoction, but with a slight difference that really ruined the rest of that family member's trip. So, learn from our mistake: please bring your meds with you, because it's not always easy or even possible to get a refill while you're vacationing.

Sleep mask with headphones. I like this one, because I enjoy listening to an audio book or music or the sound of the ocean as I fall asleep. These won't block out sound, they'll only give you something else to focus on while you drift off. But if you want a regular sleep mask (no headphones), then I suggest also getting ear plugs. Here's a link to the best I've ever had. You never know what noises will go bump-clang-skree-bang in the night at your accomodations. Also, roosters are ubiquitous here and they can't tell time so they're always crowing.

Astazanthin supplement. You're probably wondering what this even is. It's apparently what ultramarathon runners take to avoid sunburns because they can't keep applying sunscreen. Now, I'm no doctor and I can't say this works for sure, but I take it and when I do, I don't get sunburns nearly as easily. It has other benefits, too. But if you do try this, start taking it a couple of weeks before Maui for it to be effective. Regardless, please wear sunscreen.

Miscellaneous

Reusable water bottle to stay hydrated. A double-walled, vacuum insulated flask will keep drinks cold or hot for a very long time. Plus, it's bettern than single-use plastic bottles ending up in the ocean.

Luau booking. I know, you can't pack this, technically. But you NEED to get this booked ASAP. These things sell out fast and if you're hoping to book the day or even week of your trip, I've got a really expensive timeshare to sell you.

Souvenirs: photoshoot or Maui Gold Pineapple. I know, these aren't the typical thing you think of when you shopping for souvenirs. But everyone has a different souvenir preference: you might be an ornament owner, a t-shirt traditionalist, or a jewelry jock. And, yes, Maui offers all those and more. But in my opinion, the uniqueness of our Maui Gold Pineapple is something to take home and share with others or eat yourself when you are missing Maui. Same goes for a professional photoshoot, which will capture memories you can reflect on for the rest of your life.

Road tour app. Another oddity on this list, yes, because it's not something you technically pack. But if you're going to do the Road to Hana, Haleakala, or West Maui on your own, you definitely want a virtual guide in either Shaka or Gypsy/Guidealong. These apps work great without service, using GPS. They're informative and entertaining. Pro tip: Guidealong also offers South Maui and I'ao in their tour package.

That concludes this list of essential, overlooked items for your Maui packing list. Remember:

• Overlooked items can make or break your vacation. Forgetting something essential, such as sunscreen or a hat, can ruin your day. On the other hand, packing a few extra items that you might not think you need, such as water shoes or a waterproof pouch, can save your vacation.

• Planning and packing well will help you avoid stress. When you know you have everything you need, you can relax and enjoy your vacation without having to worry about anything.

As always, I hope this helps! Please subscribe to stay in touch.

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