Ultimate Hawaii Packing List

You bought the tickets, booked the room, and now you’re wondering, “What to Pack for Hawaii?” – Enter my Ultimate Hawaii Packing List. In this Hawaii packing guide, you’ll find the essentials, extras, and some ideas as far as what types of clothes to pack for Hawaii.

hawaii packing list - what to wear in hawaii

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What to pack for Hawaii – Essentials

Reef Safe Sunscreen

Don’t forget to pack sunscreen! The sun in Hawaii can be very intense, and the last thing you want is a sunburn making your life miserable. Just make sure you pick up some that’s reef safe. For your face I recommend Supergoops! Unseen Sunscreen and for body I like the Black Girl Sunscreen for a cream and Sun Bum or Bask for a spray.

Aftersun Care

In case you do get a little sunburned, make sure to bring some aftersun care. Aftersun care also helps rehydrate your skin after baking all day and helps prevent peeling.

Water shoes

Some of the beaches in Oahu have pebbles present. Save your feet and bring a pair of water shoes.

Collapsible Cooler

These come in clutch for beach days, and while on the road to keep your poké and beverages cold.

Waterproof Phone Case

As you’ll more than likely be spending a bunch of time around water (hotel pool, beach, waterfalls, etc.), a waterproof phone pouch or case is necessary to protect your phone. The phone pouch I bought from Amazon came with a lanyard strap, which was really handy for being hands free.

Beach Towel/Blanket

Hotels near Waikiki sometimes offer beach towels as part of the resort fee. However, if you don’t want to bank on them having some available, bring your own. I really like my Balmy Towel, it’s sand free and dries quickly.

Reusable Water Bottle

A reusable water bottle comes in handy for hiking, and long stretches on the beach. There’s plenty of affordable options on Amazon.

Sunglasses

Protect your eyes with a stylish pair of sunglasses! Amazon has some good pick as well as Quay Australia.

Sun Hat / Visor

Another good piece to add to you Hawaii packing list. Like sunglasses, a sun hat or visor will protect you from those powerful sun rays.

Hawaii Packing List Extras

GoPro Camera

If you’re planning on doing some snorkeling or surfing, definitely consider bringing a GoPro camera with you. Some tours provide them for an extra fee, and the Hyatt Centric Waikiki actually includes GoPro rentals in their resort fee (reservation required).

Snorkeling Gear

If you’re an avid snorkeler or you just don’t want to use the tour company’s equipment, bring your own snorkeling gear.

Hiking Sandals or Boots

Depending on what hikes you’re doing in Oahu, you may want to bring a pair of hiking boots or sandals. I love my Tevas, which come in a bunch of different color options. Some of them can also double as water shoes.

Makeup, Skincare, and Toiletries

On top of your normal makeup and toiletries (shampoo, conditioner, etc.), here’s a couple of other things to pack for Hawaii.

Tinted Moisturizer

For beach days when you want a little coverage but don’t want to wear a full on foundation. I really like the Fenty Eaze Drop and Rare Beauty Tinted Moisturizer.

Body Shimmer

You’re taking a tropical vacation, which means cue the body shimmer. The Summer Fridays Pool Time Glowing Body Oil smells amazing, and provides the perfect, subtle shimmer.

Vacation Perfume

During the most recent Sephora Sale, I picked up two fragrances with Hawaii in mind. The first one was Ellis Brooklyn SUN FRUIT Eau de Parfum and the other was SOL Cheirosa ’62 Eau de Parfum. SUN FRUIT is a fruity flowal scent, while Cheiroisa ’62 is more warm and spicy. They were the perfect scents to bring to Hawaii, and I highly recommend them.

Clothes to Pack for Hawaii / What to Wear in Hawaii

Bathing Suits

Bring bathing suits, and plenty of them. You can wear them pretty much anywhere, and everywhere in Hawaii with a cover up and some denim shorts. If you’re curvier or have a larger bust like me, Shein, Cupshe, and Bare Necessities are some of my favorite places to get swimwear.

Maxi Dresses / Jumpsuits

Flowy maxi dresses and jumpsuits are great for dinners during a tropical vacation. They look great with flats or a pair of wedges, and can be dressed up or down with accessories.

Mini Dresses/ Rompers

Mini dresses and rompers are perfect for all times of day. Throw one on with a cute pair of sandals or some sneakers if that’s more your style.

Denim Shorts

I’m a big fan of throwing on denim shorts with a tee or cute blouse. The Abercrombie Curve Love shorts are my favorites.

Tanks and Tees

If you’re like me, you probably want to pack all these cute dresses and tops, but don’t forget to pack a couple of basic tees and tanks. You can throw them on quickly to pop out to grab coffee before you get ready for the day, or just lounging around your hotel room or Airbnb.

Sandals

Bring multiple pairs of sandals. I’d recommend at least one beach pair, and then a couple to go with dinner outfits.

Matching Sets

Sets take out the guesswork of what to pair together. Shein, Pink Lily, Express, and Abercrombie all have really cute sets that are midsize friendly. For plus size options check Pink Lily, Shein, and Eloquii.

Planning a trip to Oahu? Here’s some more inspo for your trip:

FAQS

What Should I Pack for One Week in Hawaii?

I would recommend bringing at least 2 outfits per day, so 14 outfits. One for day time exploring and tours, and one for night time/dinner. Also, don’t forget some loungewear/ athleisure for morning coffee runs before you get ready for the day. And bring lots of swimsuits and coverups!

What’s the Dress Code like in Hawaii?

In Oahu, the dress code is very laid back. You’ll see lots of people roaming around in their swimsuits and coverups and flip flops. However, I would still pack some dressier clothes if you plan on doing some nicer dinners.

Ultimate Hawaii Packing List – What to Pack for Hawaii

Ultimate Hawaii Packing List