Plunge into Maui's Magic

10 Essentials Currated to Keep Your Vibe High & Wallet Happy, with this Ultimate Packing List

Relax, I’ve got you covered. I pour days into curating lists like these 10 must-haves, and I use many myself—sometimes budget picks, sometimes premium splurges, always solid choices. From reef-safe sunscreen to my go-to “slippahs,” these essentials skip Maui’s bustle, save you cash, and cut hours hunting gear. Whether you’re dodging lava rocks or chilling with keiki, this list nails the basics.

💙 Transparency: Links here may earn me a small commission—at no cost to you. It fuels this site’s aloha. Mahalo! Scroll to the end for my top tip if you’ve got kids.

1.🧴Sunscreens I love

Reef-Safe Sunscreen for Maui Bliss
Slather on protection that loves your skin and Maui’s corals—Hawaii Act 104-compliant picks like zinc-based, non-greasy sunscreens keep you burn-free without harming reefs. From organic tins to vegan sprays, they’re my go-to for trekking Maui. Save time, grab these, and dive into aloha worry-free.

• Tin - Organic 2oz : https://t.ly/2oz

• Tin - Organic 4oz : https://t.ly/4oz

• For Babies - Organic : https://t.ly/babies

• Spray-on | Organic & Vegan : https://t.ly/SprayOn

  Pro-Tip ( 6oz make sure it's in your CHECKED baggage )

2.👟Water Shoes

Water Shoes to Rock Maui’s Trails
Maui’s lava rocks and hot beaches are no joke—these water shoes save your feet. From cheap and sturdy to fancy grippy ones, I’ve worn them hiking Hana’s slick paths. No blisters, just good vibes. Snag a pair, dodge the ouch, and roam with aloha.

• Budget Friendly Men/Women : https://t.ly/Budget2

• Mid-Tier Men/Women : https://t.ly/Mid-Tier2

• Premium Men’s : https://t.ly/P-Mens2

• Premium Women’s : https://t.ly/P-Womens2

3.💧Reusable Water Bottle

• Budget Friendly : https://t.ly/Budget3

• Mid-Tier : https://t.ly/Mid-Tier3

• Premium YETI 36OZ : https://t.ly/Primium3

• Premium YETI 64OZ : https://t.ly/Premium.3

Reusable Water Bottle for Maui Adventures
Stay hydrated—these BPA-free bottles are my lifeline on Maui’s trails. I like to avoid constantly buying 2ltr water on Maui as much as possible, especially with Kuau Mart’s free fill-up. Ditch plastic waste, sip easy, and vibe with the island’s aloha flow.

4.🧥Compact Rain Jacket/Ponchos

Rain Gear to Roll with Maui’s Showers
Maui’s rain hits like a surprise party—these lightweight jackets and ponchos keep you dry without the bulk. Budget or premium, I have gotten DUMPED on unscathed. Toss one in your bag, shrug off the wet, and keep chasing aloha with a grin.

• Budget Friendly Adult/Youth : https://t.ly/Budget4

  Pro-Tip - Grab 1 size for kids if you come annually, they grow faster than a bamboo forest!

• Mid-Tier Unisex : https://t.ly/Mid-Tier4

• Premium Men’s : https://t.ly/P4-Mens

• Premium Women’s : https://t.ly/P4-Womens

5.🦟Bug Repellent did i get ya? ;)

Bug Spray That Doesn’t Suck - Pro-Tip Be sure to pack these in checked bags.
Maui’s mosquitos, need I say more—these natural, DEET-free sprays keep them at bay without the chemical stink. Eucalyptus or citronella, I’ve used both in jungly Upcountry hikes—no bites, just breeze.

• Eucalyptus pump style 4oz-2pk : https://t.ly/Eucalyptus

• Citronella spray style family friendly : https://t.ly/Citronella

• *OFF Alternative “plant inspired” - Picaridin (synthetic) : https://t.ly/OffAlternative

6.👣Anti-Slip Sandals or “Slippah”

Slippahs to Strut Maui’s Shores
Maui’s beaches demand anti-slip slippahs—these sandals grip sand and style alike. From my go-to men’s pair to tropical ladies’ picks, strut with pure aloha swagger. Pro-Tip if you get da spensy kine, cover em up when you go swimming/snorkeling so they don't get "scooped".

• I pretty much live in these | Men’s : https://t.ly/SlippahMine

• You’re Welcome, Ladies | Tropical : https://t.ly/Ladies1

• You’re Welcome, again Ladies | Crystal : https://t.ly/Ladies2

• Ok, last one Ladies | Organic : https://t.ly/Ladies3

• “Slippah’s” for Mama’s Fish House | His : https://t.ly/MamasHis

• “Slippah’s” for Mama’s Fish House | Hers : https://t.ly/MamasHers

7.😎Sunglasses (Polarized)

Polarized Sunnies for Maui’s Glare
Maui’s sun is no joke—these polarized sunglasses cut glare like a pro. From budget unisex to my fave Maui Jim’s, I’ve worn them fishing off Lahaina. Skip the squint, see the island’s colors pop, and roll with aloha in every glance. Pro-Tip budget option great for jungle treks. Sunnies always in an on/off status due to wildly changing lighting conditions. As a result, higher probability of losing em. ( I'm the guy who finds em : )

• Budget friendly (but good!) Unisex : https://t.ly/Budget7

• Mid-Tier Men’s (great clairity) : https://t.ly/Mid-Mens

• Mid-Tier Women’s (great clarity) : https://t.ly/Mid-Womens

• Premium | Men’s Maui Jim’s (my fav) : https://t.ly/P7-Men

• Premium | Women’s Maui Jim’s (wow, just wow) : https://t.ly/P7-Women

8.🌊Quick-Dry Towel (Microfiber)

Quick-Dry Towels for Maui’s Wet & Wild
Ditch bulky hotel towels—these microfiber gems dry fast and pack light. From compact to sand-resistant, I love them to trek Hana’s waterfalls, or far off beaches. No soggy mess. Grab one, toss it in your bag, and call it a day.

• Compact & Highly Absorbent | multi-size : https://t.ly/Compact8

• Super soft, slightly less “Compact” | https://t.ly/SuperSoft

• Best Sand Resistance, less “Compact” | https://t.ly/SandResitance

• Pro-Beach-Tip. Put everything on one of these : https://t.ly/GreatestInvention

9.🎒Dry Bag | Backpack (Small, 5-10L)

Dry Bags to Save Your Gear
Maui’s rain can pounce anytime—these dry bags keep pricey electronics safe for trekkers like me. From budget 10L to submersible backpacks, I’ve trusted them on stormy Napili, ʻĪao, & Hana hikes + many more. Protect cameras & expensive tech, and embrace the island’s wild aloha unpredictability.

• Budget Friendly-Dry Bag (10L) (multi size avail) : https://t.ly/Budget9

• Mid-Tier-Dry Bag (13L) (multi size avail) : https://t.ly/Mid-Tier9

• Premium (photogs) Fully submersible backpack : https://t.ly/P-Backpack

Pro-Tip - If doing that one hike with the ladder, the trek, and the swim, fully submerssible is the way. Or look for the floaty log by the guava tree I left there. Pretty decent for swimming with a regular backpack. Just keep swimming, just keep swimming....

10.💦📱Waterproof Phone Pouch

Waterproof Pouches to Save Your Phone
Most phones laugh off water, but Maui’s salt is a charge port killer—trust me, I’ve learned the hard way. These pouches block sand and brine on Lahaina snorkel sessions. The lanyard is nice too, always iReady to capture the moment.

• Budget Friendly | Pouch : (fully waterproof) https://t.ly/Budget10

• Mid Tier & My fav company | Pouch : (fully waterproof) https://t.ly/Mid10

• 🔻Open Charge Ports & Speaker but RUGGED🔻

• 💥Rugged Cases for your iPhone series : https://t.ly/Search-iPhone

• 💥Rugged Cases for your Galaxy series : https://t.ly/Search-Galaxy

• 💥Rugged Cases for your Pixel Series : https://t.ly/Search-Pixel

• 💥Rugged Cases for your OnePlus Series : https://t.ly/Search-OnePlus

🏥 Important if you have kids ( probably good for you as well )

• Ultra light Medical Kit | Waterproof Bag : https://t.ly/Medical-UltraLight

• Fit in Purse Medical Kit | Water Resistant Bag : https://t.ly/Medical-UltraTiny

• Best for leaving in car or camping | Shoulder Strap Tote : https://t.ly/Medical-ForRentalCar

Pro-Tip = Medical Kit

Maui’s wild beauty can surprise—cuts from coral or keiki scrapes happen fast. A compact medical kit’s my safety net, packed with essentials for unexpected twists. I use mine PRIMARILY for crazy dirt bike adventures but always have an ultra light in my backpack. Be safe out there!

Pro-tip : Fill at Kuau Store for FREE