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Destination: Hawaii
Time of Year: March, April, May, June, July, August
Average Temperatures: 70° F to 85° F
Typical Weather: Warm, humid, tropical (sun mixed with rain)
Hawaii is a dream trip, and from its screensaver-worthy tropical beaches and rainforests to its incredible wildlife and natural wonders, it’s hard to believe it’s part of the United States.
But while you won’t need to pack your passport for your Hawaiian vacation, you will need to pack for a tropical climate, which can be tricky. You’ll likely encounter a mix of sunshine and rain, and a good variety of activities, from watersports and hikes to resort lounging, festive luaus, and dinners out — both casual and dressy.
You’ll need practical items, like rashguards, trail shoes, and reef-safe sunscreen, but you’ll also want to bring your A-game when it comes to cute, colorful dresses and fun accessories. When your backdrop is this gorgeous, you don’t want to be spotted with a drab travel wardrobe.
In Hawaii, “aloha” doesn’t just mean “hello” and “goodbye.” For Hawaiians, living with aloha means bringing good vibes and positive energy to everything they do. So why not pack with aloha, too?
This Hawaii packing list will have you prepared for any island, whether you’re driving the Road to Hana on Maui, strolling the black-sand beaches of the Big Island, zip lining and surfing on Kauai, or sipping Mai Tais on Oahu.
For the Beach
Surf, snorkel, and lounge in style.
Reef-Safe Sunscreen: COOLA Suncare Travel Set, $39.99
Beach Backpack: Roxy Island Key Backpack, $50
Active-cute Swimsuit: Andie Swim The Jetties One Piece, $112
Comfy Shorts: Roxy Sweet Souvenir Cotton Drawstring Shorts, $50
Knit Tank: (IVORY) Free People Love Letter Cami, $38
Sensible Sandals: (HONEY OR IVORY) Anthropologie Nisolo Go-To Platform Sandals, $138
Cool Yet Protective Sunglasses: LE SPECS Bandwagon Sunglasses, $75
Breezy Bucket Hat: Florabella Dylan Luxe Hat, $154
Surfer’s Rashguard: Free People ONEONE Palmer Rashguard, $75
For the Resort
Make a statement without sacrificing comfort at your home away from home.
Bright Bikini: Good American Always Fits Sculpt-Twist Top and Sculpt Bikini Bottoms, $59 and $49
Statement Swimsuit: MIKOH Malta Square Neck High Leg One Piece, $234
Funky Sunnies: Le Specs Outta Love Sunglasses, $79
Poolside Lounging Pants: Roxy Jetsetter Smocked Waist Wide Leg Pants, $60
Chic Tote: Mar Y Sol Skye Tote, $165
Colorful Slides: Steve Madden Slinky30 Natural Multi, $89.95
Light Pajamas: Lunya Washable Silk Tulip Back Set, $188
For the Rainforest
Flexing your sporty side is much more fun in the tropics.
UV-Protective Top: Lululemon Fold-Over Running Long-Sleeve Shirt, $88
Airy Shorts: Vuori Seabreeze Short, $68
Vacation Cap: Roxy Woman’s Next-Level Baseball Cap, $9.97 (originally $28)
Dependable Sunnies: Ray-Ban Wayfarer Ease Sunglasses, $163
Waterproof Trail Shoes: Allbirds Women’s Trail Runners, $140
Sporty Backpack: Athleta Excursion Backpack, $119
Reusable Water Bottle: Lululemon Back to Life Sport Bottle, $44
For the Dining and Nightlife
Sunset tiki bar, romantic evening dinner, or lively luau? Dress for it all.
Printed Maxi Dress: FARM Rio Blooming Garden Orange Maxi Dress, $275
Top and Shorts Set: LPA Cropped Peasant Top and High Waist Shorts, $146 and $138
Day-to-Drinks Cover-Up: Farm Rio Copabanana Tassel-Trim Cover-Up, $155
Bold Jewelry: Shashi Throne Earrings, $55
Woven Clutch: BTB Los Angeles Riley Clutch, $88
Splurge Sandal: Cult Gaia Jila Sandal, $428
