What to Pack for Hawaii

Bikini Top and Bottom | Sarong | Hoop Earrings | Necklace

Here’s the lowdown on what I recommend packing for Hawaii. I recommend making a basic list that applies to any trip, even a 1 day trip, such as toiletries, minimum number of underwear, medication, 1 outfit, a sweater, etc. From there you can add whatever is specific to your trip such as a winter trip, where you would add beanies and snow boots, or a tropical trip you would need a sun hat and sarong 🙂 So here is my list for Hawaii!

Swimsuits!
Many many underwear haha – Going in and out of the ocean and doing all kinds of activities, you will find yourself showering a lot! If you don’t want to bring a lot (they honestly take the least amount of suitcase space) you can just bring some detergent to hand wash the few you have. Or you can maybe a do a load of laundry if that’s an option!
Towel – Though not always necessary because sometimes it’s provided by the hotel.
Laundry detergent – Something I wished I had to wash my mask everyday and when the birds pooped on us during our last trip.
Reef friendly sunscreen
GoPro! – If you plan on taking any photos underwater or during any kind of water activity, I’d say your safest bet is a GoPro with the floating grip handle so you don’t have to worry about losing it either. My friend just dropped her phone in the ocean last month and I wish she had a GoPro with the floating grip handle!
Swim cover-ups (I just posted some really cute ones in my last blog post!)
Sunglasses – If you do something like stand up paddle boarding or surfing, bring a pair you don’t mind losing in the ocean. The crew that rents out boards told me once a long time ago that people lose their sunnies in the ocean every day!
Hiking outfits – Sneakers, shorts, leggings, wind breaker, sports bras, tanks, water bottle (recommend hydro flask!), mini backpack.
Water shoes – These are a must if you decide to explore the Makapu’u tidepools or rivers, anything that involves rocks and water! The ones I’ve linked are great for trekking in water but I don’t recommend them for hiking.
Wetsuit – If you get cold easily! I visited Hawaii over 10 times before I finally bought a wetsuit– I wish I did it earlier! I got this one in size 6 (wetsuit measurements are strange! My normal size in clothing is size 0 or 2.)
At least 1 going out to a bar or a nice dinner outfit – Every trip deserves at least one.
Casual outfits that go best with slippers or sneakers
A hat! – Protect your face and scalp! Always! I love this straw one. Bucket hats are also in! I was trying to not bend to the pressure but I finally tried one on and it’s pretty cute 🙂
White button up shirt – This is just a classic piece that you could probably bring almost anywhere. For summer, the best kind of white button up shirt is softer and more flowy.
Hair ties – Bring a few because they always seem to go missing.
Cash – If you visit the north shore on Oahu, many vendors only take cash. Also if you are staying at a hotel, cash is always good for tip.
Beach bag – Straw beach bags are super cute and photogenic but if you’re tight on suitcase space, a foldable beach bag is going to be your best option!
Flip flops (Hawaiians call them slippers and these are my absolute favorite!) – You can go anywhere in these! However, you can go barefoot if you really want!
Steamer – A travel steamer isn’t a necessity, but when I travel to tropical places, I somehow always find my suitcase packed full of flowy wrinkled items.
Bandaids – You never know!
A physical book – It’s best for beach reading!