Hawaii Packing List

David and I went to Oahu this last April, and it was simply magical. Although I have been to Oahu and Maui a few times in the past, this is the first time I really nailed the packing aspect. I felt super organized and prepared, and it definitely added to the relaxation of the trip. Here is a round up of what I see are as essentials to bring on a Hawaiian vacation, my Hawaii Packing List:

[Suitcases]  [Packing Cubes]  [Toiletry Bag]  [Straw Bag]  [Leather Tote]

This last trip to Hawaii we stayed for a week so I definitely needed a checked bag, sunscreen and beauty products are not cheap in Hawaii, so checking a bag with full sized products was the right move. I literally bought this (now sold out but found an alternative I LOVE) Calpak Suitcase the night before our 6am flight. Classsssic Kylie. I loved the Sunset color and it’s so sturdy. It’s also SO easy to spot on the baggage carousel, plus I know no one will mistake it for their bag (I’ve heard horror stories), and it looks just like a real Hawaiian sunset 😉

These packing cubes have been a travel staple for me for years, it’s amazing how much more organized it makes things. I got two packs and it seems to be the perfect amount no matter the amount of packing.

I have had this hanging toiletry bag forever! Great for a gal who likes her products, as you will see from me below. Again, keeps everything organized, and I love that you can hang it up to keep bathroom counter space free.

So this little straw bag is oh so trendy right now, but you will definitely need a little bag, and Hawaii is absolutely the best place to wear a straw bag.

This leather tote bag is SO versatile, not only is it reversible (black vs tan leather), but you can use it as your carry on, AND beach bag. It’s faux leather so it’s super easy to wash off and remove sand. I love things have multiple uses! I easily fit my big camera, sunscreen, wallet, phone, change of clothes, and towel, she’s a big one.

[Facial SPF]  [Body SPF]  [After Sun Lotion]  [Hair Sun Protectant]  [Moisturizing Travel Shampoo/Conditioner]  [Restorative Hair Mask]

If you’re going to Hawaii, there is no escaping the sun, so good sun protection, and sun recovery, is necessary. Another thing to keep in mind is that Hawaii has just banned the sale of SPF that can damage coral reefs, but even if they hadn’t it really is best to go for the most chemical free sun protection. I love the Drunk Elephant Umbra Broad Spectrum Sun Screen (SPF 30) for my face because it’s super moisturizing but not greasy, and it’s one of the few facial SPF that will not damage coral reefs or wildlife.

For sunscreen for the body, I love the COOLA Eco-Lux Sport SPF 50 Organic Sunscreen Spray, again, not damaging to the environment, super effective, easy to apply, and smells SOOO good.

And for my favorite post sun lotion, the COOLA Radical Recovery After-Sun Lotion is my go-to. It contains Agave and Aloe Vera, so extra moisturizing and healing for sun exposed skin. My skin used to peel all of the time after being in the sun, even if I didn’t get burnt, and this has completely stopped that from happening. Anything for an even tan, amiright?

Now for hair products. I have really fine hair that breaks SO easily, so a day in Hawaii that usually consists of swimming in the ocean, relaxing in the pool, in the sun, in the wind, would normally have caused so much damage to my hair. Even worse, it would take months to fix, ugh. However, I finally found the cocktail of products that helps prevent all of the breakage and damage, and repair any past trauma as well. First off is the Bumble and Bumble Hairdressers Invisible Oil Primer – it’s what I use as my heat protectant daily, but this also protects from harmful UV rays, prevents breakage, plus tames frizz and adds a nice softness to my hair.

Next is my favorite moisturizing shampoo/conditioner, Alterna Hair Caviar Anti-Aging® Replenishing Moisture Shampoo and Conditioner. This duo ensures my hair doesn’t get too dry from the salt water and chlorine that it’s not used to. I linked to the mini travel sizes too, so cute!

Finally, nothing like a great hair mask to make you feel like you are on vacation! This mask is crazy effective, AND you only need to leave it on for 5 minutes to get the full effects, so you aren’t wasting precious time in Hawaii waiting for your hair mask to be done. It’s called the Olive Fruit Oil Deeply Repairative Hair Pak by Kiehls and it’s specifically made for sun damaged hair. Perfecto.

[Red Bikini]  [B+W One Piece]  [White Shift Dress]  [Blue Floral Dress]  

Packing clothes can get a bit tricky in Hawaii just from the sheer diversity of the activities you can partake in. In one day we took a hike, went to the beach, went to town for lunch, and had a nice dinner at the resort, which means you can either change 5+ times, or just make sure your clothing can be used for multiple activities.  I personally brought 5 swimsuits, a few cute, loose dresses that could be used as a cover up or casual dinner dress, plus, not shown here, some workout crops and tanks for hikes. Here are the links for cute and insanely inexpensive Red Bandeau Bikini,  incredibly flattering Striped One-Piece, then the white and blue Shift Dress, and blue Floral dress. you need at least a few floral pieces for Hawaii!

[Block Heel Sandals]  [Yellow Slingbacks]  [Hiking Boots]  

Again, Hawaii is diverse, so footwear will need to be a bit diverse too. I was actually shocked by how comfortable and perfect these Rebecca Minkoff block heel Sandals were in Hawaii. I wore them to dinner most nights and the light blue color worked so well with all of the flamboyant florals I was wearing.

A flat sandal that’s both excellent for walking AND cute is hard to come by, but that’s why I love these yellow Caslon Slingbacks.

Finally, if you planning on doing some hiking, I do recommend bringing a shoe with a good grip. These Danner Hiking Boots are incredibly well made (and good looking!!) but just as long as you bring a sneaker or sandal that will give you traction on a potentially wet or slick hike, you are good to go. I did not not pack shoes with good grip, and had to hang on to David for dear life on our way down the mountain. I felt like a toddler. But not as cute.

[Sun Hat]  [White Kindle]  [Waterproof Phone Protector]  [Fringe Earrings]  [Polarized Sunnies]  

Finally, some added goodies that I couldn’t live without on our last trip to Hawaii. I actually bought my sunhat at a drugstore when we were already in Oahu, and I honestly don’t know if I could ever rationalize buying a more expensive one ever again.  These structured hats get immediately flattened and never look the same after stuffing it back in your suitcase. And I don’t think I will ever be classy enough to travel with a hat box, so cheap drugstore sunhat is the way to go. This one from Amazon is cute though. This is me in my drugstore sun hat – it was so cute!

Next, is the Kindle Paperwhite – this is an absolute must if you like to read outside. There is no glare so reading is easy, and you don’t have to worry about getting actual books wet and sandy. Look how clear it is when the sun was directly on me. (You can also see my faux leather beach bag on the reversed tan color side!)

If you want to hang out in the water with your phone without fear  and take advantage of some cool underwater photo opportunities this waterproof phone case is perfect for you. I’ve used it sailing in the British Virgin Islands, kayaking, and now in Hawaii as well. Really great ratings on Amazon too. Just make sure to get the right size.

You have to have a pair of cute fringe earrings in Hawaii!

And last, but definitely not least, my favorite sunnies! You can also see an example of them above with my sunhat 😉 These are the best looking, economical, and most importantly, polarized so you can actually see all of Hawaii’s beauty without being blinded. I actually just left my pair in a restroom at the Kenny Chesney concert a few weeks back and I’ve been dying without them. Buying a new pair right now.

Well, there you have it! My tried and true packing list for Hawaii. Whether you are going to Maui, Oahu, or any island, you are bound to need the same things, but be sure to tell me if you find any goodies I must bring on my next trip. If your flight to Hawaii is a longer one (lucky we live on the West Coast!) be sure to check out my long flight essentials post as well.

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xx Kylie