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From snorkel sets to sun hats, here’s everything you need according to a local.
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Travel + Leisure
If youve alreadybooked your trip to Hawaii, congratulations.
You are in for an unforgettable time on some of the worlds most stunning islands.
(Spoiler alert: you do not need fancy sandals or nice dress shoes.)
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Use this guide as your ultimate packing checklist for Hawaii.
“Packing for Hawaii should be stress-free, as most dining establishments are casual.
And however many swimsuits you plan on taking, pack one more.
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Youll be glad you did.
Thebest swimsuit we testedis theAndie Amalfi swimsuit.
If you havent found denim shorts you love, we suggest these classic Levis 501 Shorts.
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I have several Wondery hiking items, and Im a big fan.
We named the Skims Slipdress one of ourfavorite wrinkle-resistant dresses.
If youd prefer something less form-fitting, opt for another one of our top picks, theEverlane Slipdress.
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For women, a nice dress works well for both venues.
Best Pareo
Tag Aloha Co. Pareo
Not sure what a pareo is?
Tag Aloha Co. makes some of my favorites.
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plastic water bottles, so it’s easy to feel good about this purchase.
What is a chill beach one day may be dangerous the next.
However, if youre tired of wearing swim trunks around town, we suggest these Vuori Kore Shorts.
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These breathable shorts include a boxer-brief liner and come in 14 colors, from hazelnut to sea pine.
According to the locals, the best is Kahala.
Its silky, breathable, and versatile enough to wear to any Hawaiian breakfast spot or nice luau.
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Hawaiis laid-back style applies to footwear, as well.
Comfort is key, and your trips activities will influence your shoe choices.
I love shoes, so I ignored this advice.
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And my pair of nice leather sandals sat unused for the entire trip.
In short, skip the dress shoes and packwater shoesinstead.
Seriously, almost everyone in Hawaii is walking around in casual flip-flops 24/7.
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If youre looking for a more elevated mens flip-flip, opt for theOlukai Tuahine Sandals.
Best Women’s Sandals
Birkenstock Arizona Platform Sandal
I basically live in these Birkenstocks.
This best-selling slip-on is made of soft leather and comes in four colors.
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My dad recently bought a pair, and they look incredibly chic (yet still Hawaii-casual) in person.
(This style comes in amen’s version, too.)
When packing accessories for your trip, take into consideration any non-beach-related activities, as well.
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These specific sunglasses haveMaui Jims PolarizedPlus2 technology, so youll see the islands vivid colors in sharp detail.
Plus, it rolls for easy packability.
These colorful beach totes are water-resistant and have plenty of zippered pockets to keep your belongings sand-free.
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(Its even kept my smartphone safe during several paddleboard falls.)
Even though the overall vibe is relaxed and laid-back, Hawaii is still bursting with things to do.
While you’re able to likely buy gear once you arrive, its better to come prepared.
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I also regretted not purchasing an underwater camera, so I ended up buying one at a local shop.
Youll also want to verify yourdaily face sunscreenand anySPF-powered lip glossyou pack are reef-safe, as well.
It soothes, moisturizes, and smells amazing.
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Best Water Bottle
Hydro Flask 40 oz.
If youre willing to splurge, its definitely worth it.
Re-watchingmy videos of turtlesand vibrant sea life while diving at Electric Beach is priceless.
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Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to visit Hawaii?
How much should I pack for a week-long Hawaii trip?
it’s possible for you to travel relatively lightly for a week-long trip to Hawaii.
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If you’re into water sports, you’ll wantsupportive swimsuitsthat keep everything in place.
Throw a pair of multi-functional sandals and your beach accessories in your suitcase, and youre ready to go.
Do I need to pack a jacket for Hawaii?
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Do I need a car to get around Hawaii?
She also spoke withBonnie Bise,PR Manager atHalekulani, for her expert insights.
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