Hawaii is a beautiful destination to visit in the United States. The islands are perfect year round and the natural beauty is just astounding! There are many different ways to explore the islands. Depending on your travel style, you may want to do a luxury shopping excursion along Waikiki Beach or discover the many hidden waterfalls in the National Parks.
We have compiled a list of what to pack for your vacation to Hawaii below. For smaller items, you can just pick those up at the ABC Stores found across the island but for more specific items, you need to plan ahead. Whatever your dream Hawaii vacation may entail, you are going to want to make sure you pack the right gear.
Vacation to Hawaii Packing List
Sunglasses
You are probably headed to the beach to relax in the sun on your vacation to Hawaii. Eye wear is important to protect your sight from the UV rays that warms your skin. Make sure to find something that will filter out those rays and help with glare.
You also want something that will help improve the color you see through the lenses. I love Maui Jim glasses specifically for those reasons with their PolarizedPlus2® technology. PLUS this company was founded in Hawaii so what better brand could there be for this destination?
Swimsuits and Cover Ups
You probably have a stash of swimsuits already but now is the perfect time to take inventory of what you do have. Are they in good condition? Throw away the older ones that are stretched out and faded. You probably are not going to wear those. Try on the remaining ones. Do they fit well?
If you are like me, my weight fluctuates throughout the year so a winter beach vacation and a summer vacation to Hawaii may be different sizes. Which are going to fit when it is time to leave? My personal favorite brand is CupShe. They have cute suits for a broad range of body types and mine have lasted a lot longer than others I have purchased.
Snorkel Gear
If you are like me and love the water, you are going to want to see more around you. If you decide to take a snorkel tour to see the turtles or a night dive excursion to see the manta rays, they will have equipment for you to use but I prefer to bring my own. I don’t like sharing things especially if it is going to be by my face or in my mouth.
I like snorkel masks that cover your whole face. This helps with seeing more of what is around you on your vacation to Hawaii plus many are anti fog and even have a place to attach a camera. If you want to go all out, get a snorkel set with a mask and fins. Some even come with a bag to keep all the pieces together for you.
Books
When I am tired from swimming, I like to sit back and relax with a great book. With so many out there, I like to find one that tells a story about my destination. Maybe not a travel guide but a fiction novel that highlights the area and tells a story set in the local culture.
I have found that a lot of those can weave in local hot spots that may not be in a travel guide. You may not get an exact name but with a bit of research you can find those hidden gems they may be basing their story around. Are the characters at a restaurant on Waikiki Beach drinking a Mai Tai with their toes in the sand? Something like that is an easy Google search. Even if you don’t find the exact place the author was referencing, you can still have a similar experience. (Answer: Duke’s Waikiki)
Underwater Camera
I love taking pictures under the water. You can see really fun things there like different colors of a coral reef or an interesting fish swimming by. I even saw one of the most poisonous snakes in the world while snorkeling in Fiji! You are going to want a quality camera that takes a great quality picture under the water. GoPro is a brand that I generally look for because they are built specifically for action and durability. They have great quality and live streaming capabilities as well.
Hiking Boots
With so many National Parks to explore, you are going to be getting out there in the wild. Remember to pack comfortable hiking boots or shoes to make sure your feet survive all of the exploring you are going to be doing. I would also recommend something that is waterproof. Hawaii has a lot of rainfall so you never know when your path will be damp or when you will have to cross a stream. Another good pair of shoes to bring are water shoes for playing in waterfalls or walking on some beaches that may be a bit rocky.
Click the images above for my recommendations and enjoy your shopping experience!