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What Chris & Lori Pack for Kauai, Hawaii

Every item below is something Chris & Lori recommend based on personal experience. Amazon links support Bites & Borders at no extra cost to you.

Rash Guard UPF 50+
Kauai sun is intense — wear this in the water
Wide-Brim Sun Hat
Essential for beach days and hikes
Quick-Dry Shorts
Doubles as swim shorts and hiking shorts
Reef-Safe Sunscreen SPF 50
Hawaii law — reef-safe only, no oxybenzone
Lightweight Packable Rain Jacket
Kauai gets surprise showers even in summer
Full Face Snorkel Mask
Tunnels Beach & Poipu Beach are world-class
Waterproof Dry Bag 20L
Na Pali Coast boat tours and kayaking
Water Shoes / Reef Shoes
Lava rock entry points at many beaches
Waterproof Phone Pouch
Protect your phone in the water
Snorkel Fins
Makes a huge difference at Tunnels Beach
Trail Running Shoes (waterproof)
Kalalau Trail is muddy year-round
Trekking Poles
Steep switchbacks on the Na Pali Coast trail
Hydration Pack 2L
No water sources on the Kalalau Trail
Insect Repellent (DEET-free)
Jungle sections have mosquitoes
Lightweight Hiking Backpack 20L
Day hikes to Hanakapiai Falls
Blister Prevention Balm
Miles of uneven terrain — protect your feet
Insulated Cooler Bag
Keep poke bowls cold on beach days
Reusable Water Bottle 32oz
Stay hydrated — Kauai tap water is fine
Collapsible Silicone Food Containers
Leftovers from the shrimp truck
Portable Bluetooth Speaker
Sunset picnics at Ke'e Beach
Beach Blanket / Picnic Mat
Hanalei Bay sunset dinners
GoPro Hero 12 Action Camera
Na Pali Coast boat tours and snorkeling
Waterproof Phone Pouch
Keep your phone dry at the beach
Compact Travel Tripod
Sunset shots at Hanalei Bay
Extra Camera Battery Pack
Long hiking days drain batteries fast
ND Filter Set for Drone/Camera
Waterfall shots at Waimea Canyon
Portable Car Phone Mount
Kauai roads require navigation
Car Trunk Organizer
Keep beach gear and hiking gear separate
Portable Tire Inflator
Dirt roads to some beaches can be rough
Collapsible Beach Wagon
Haul gear from parking to beach
Portable Camping Chairs (2-pack)
Sunset watching at Ke'e Beach
Compact First Aid Kit
Trails are remote — be prepared
After-Sun Aloe Vera Gel
You will get more sun than you expect
Motion Sickness Bands
Na Pali Coast boat tours can be rough
Electrolyte Packets
Hiking in humidity depletes electrolytes fast
Waterproof Blister Bandages
Kalalau Trail is unforgiving on feet
Snorkel Gear Set (Mask + Fins + Dry Bag)
Cheaper than renting daily at the beach
Packable Day Backpack 20L
One bag for beach, hike, and town
Polarized Sunglasses
Reduces glare on the water — makes snorkeling clearer
Waterproof Sandals
From beach to restaurant without changing shoes
Compression Packing Cubes Set
Fits 30% more in your bag for a week in Kauai

Universal Travel Essentials

RFID Blocking Passport Holder
Protects against digital pickpocketing
Travel Money Belt
Hidden under-clothes security
Compact Travel Wallet
Slim card organizer
Universal Travel Adapter
Works in 150+ countries
20,000mAh Power Bank
Charges 3 devices simultaneously
Compression Packing Cubes Set
Fits 30% more in your bag
Portable Luggage Scale
Avoid overweight bag fees
Travel First Aid Kit
Compact 100-piece kit
Compression Travel Pillow
Memory foam neck support
Noise Cancelling Ear Plugs
For flights and noisy hotels
Ready to book kauai?
See hotels, tours, and transfers →
View kauai Guide

Disclosure: Links above are Amazon affiliate links. Bites & Borders earns a small commission at no extra cost to you. We only recommend gear we've personally used or researched.

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