Since my “What to Pack… ” Guides are some of my most popular posts, I thought I would share a new one with you all: What to pack and wear to Hawaii and any tropical vacation destination!! I figured with Spring Break coming up, this may be helpful!
No 1 \ Fabulous Sunglasses... you need to protect your eyes from the bright UV. I am loving these sunglasses: Karen Walker, Ray Bans, Dior, aviator sunglasses – a good buy, good buy Cat Eye sunglasses
No 2 \ A wrap… It gets chilly on the beach in the evening. If you intend to stroll the beach at dusk or eat at an outdoor restaurant watching the sun set, I *highly* recommend bringing a wrap with you. Here are my favorites: linen scarf in every color ever!, pink and green scarf, fun fringe scarf
No 3 \ A Hat.. yes, we know you want to get tan but you really need to protect your face from the sun… as you know it causes wrinkles and aging faster. I love this hat, but it is a total splurge. Here are some budget friendly options: straw hat, straw fedora, black and white hat, and my favorite visor
No 4 \ A swim suit… You can’t go to the beach without a swimsuit. Here are my favorite bikinis one, two, three and one pieces: one, two, three
No 5 \ Beach worthy hair products: I love to bring this with me… after I shower from a long day at the beach I spritz a little of this in my hair to keep the beach-wave going, or you can use this Sea salt spray.
No 6 \ Sunscreen... possibly the most important thing to bring to Hawaii! You are much closer to the equator than the continental US so the rays are more powerful which means it’s way easier to burn! I switch between this one and this one for my face and this for my body.
No 7 \ A Beach Tote… you need to haul your sunscreen to the beach somehow. Do it in a stylish beach tote. I am liking these ones: Lilly Pulitzer, blue and white striped, straw tote, a steal deal, tory burch
No 9 \ A Cover Up… if you are staying in a hotel you often cannot go from your room to the beach in a swimsuit so you have to wear a cover-up. I like these ones: boyfriend shirt, fringed tunic,a sarong, a long maxi
No 10 \ Stylish Sandals.. I recommend bringing two pairs of sandals. One pair to the beach and one dressy pair for dinner/wearing around… here are my favorites: tory burch miller (I wear this one), sam edelman plain, valentino rock stud lookalikes, high heeled wedges, total splurge but super cute!
No 11 \ Tank Top… A nice sleeveless shirt or tank top is a must. Preferably one that can be dressed up or down for a day around the island and then to a nice dinner. I like these ones… hot pink, eileen fisher, chambray sleeveless,
No 12 \ Shorts… pretty self-explanatory. You don’t need pants to the island. Only shorts. I wear these pairs: jean cut offs, white shorts, board shorts
No 13 \ Flip Flops… or as the locals say, slippas. A pair of foam flip flops are a must for the beach… don’t wear your fancy sandals in the sand! my favorites, two, three, wedge flip flops
No 14 \ A Maxi Dress… so you know, you can take pretty pictures at sunset with your new tan and go somewhere nice! colorful maxi, striped cute A line, tropical print, cotton dress, like this one too
No 15 \ Dainty Necklace… A little necklace is perfect and something you can wear with your swimsuit or with your flowy maxi dress at nice. This initial necklace with quartz is perfect for the tropics, so is this dainty disc necklace, and this halo pendant is nice too! Oh and I *love* the look of gold stacking bracelets on perfectly tanned skin!
If you need some help about what to pack on your carry-on, check out my useful “What to Pack in Your Carry-On” Guide here!
I wish I needed to pack for a trip to Hawaii, but I probably will take a trip to the beach, so these are great ideas. I used to have a swimsuit cover up that zipped up the front, but I haven't found one in awhile. I don't like having to remove my sunglasses and sunhat to pull a cover up over my head. Thanks for all of the tips..
These tips are great for any beach or tropical vacation! Pretty much all of the coverups I've seen have to be pulled over your head.
I wish we were going to Hawaii but you're right – pretty much any beach. 🙂 Love the Tory Burch sandals!
I love them too – going to get a new pair this year!!
Me too I wish I was packing for Hawaii. I love all of your suggestions for what to pack and bring along for the a tropical vacation! Enjoy the rest of the week.
Julie xo
Thanks! We're leaving next month… I can't wait!!
What a great collection! I do hope you enjoy the islands. Thank you ever so much for linking up at Thoughts of Home on Thursday. Your presence adds such a ray of sunshine!
Thanks for hosting!
I love this post….nice list of must haves. I live in Florida and love mr Ray Bans! hugs!
Thanks! Sunnies are a must in Florida,
Having grown up in Hawaii, may I add a few things to your list that you might need if you are to go sightseeing? 🙂 Pack a pair of good walking shoes or tennis shoes so you can walk to the waterfalls or explore some of the beautiful botanical trails. Also, pack a light jacket that you can throw over your shirt because it does rain and it can get cold in the upper elevations. I would also pack a pair of yoga pants that can be thrown on for warmth when needed. Depending on when you plan to visit the islands, you may be going during the rainy season, or in the case of Kauai, where it rains for at least part of the day year round (which is why is is so lush and green), that jacket will come in very handy. If you are planning on visiting the Big Island of Hawaii and want to visit the Volcano National Park, you will need that jacket and the long yoga pants (or jeans if you prefer) and your shoes. You do not want to miss out on being able to walk through Thurston's Lava Tube pr walking out to some of the viewing areas where you can see the lava flowing. 🙂
Debbie, these are great suggestions! I totally didn't include them in my list because, um, I forgot. I jacket is a must if going hiking – especially to the caves or mountain tops. As are a pair of tennis shoes and some pants! All three for the adventurous type! I suppose my list is more for… the beach!
I want you to pack for me, Angelina! Love your taste, and wish I'd had all of this stuff when I went. Next time!