Ahh, Hawaii. A Polynesian island paradise filled with lush tropical forests, sandy beaches, and unlimited views of the ocean. Speaking of the ocean, the waters surrounding the islands of Hawaii are a destination of their own. Teeming with colorful tropical fish, sea turtles lazing about, and quite possibly the most amazing coral reef formations in the world, Hawaii is a tropical treasure trove waiting for you to geek out at its splendor.
Hawaii and its islands are really fun to explore, and you’ll soon find that Hawaii has everything — the good, the bad, and the ugly. Sunburn-causing ultraviolet rays? Check! Rabid mosquitoes looking for the tiniest exposed bit of skin to suck on? Present! Rough waves that can cause you to wipe out hard on coral reefs? Yep! Oh, and what about the likelihood of dropping your phone in the ocean? A definite CHECK!
So unless you were actually planning to experience those aspects of Hawaii, knowing what to pack for this island destination is important. Even if you’re just planning to roam around in Maui, you still need to pack right.
So here is a list of items that should be stashed in your Hawaii travel pack:
Rash Guard
I recently attended a wedding in Maui, but the day before the wedding I was out and about snorkeling and gawking at the marine life. I was so distracted by the fish I saw that it was only until I got back to the hotel that I realized how bad my sunburn was. Thankfully the event had a large tent that they got from https://www.accelrentals.com, and I was able to stay in the shade all throughout the ceremony. But boy did that sunburn spoil my mood throughout the entire event!
So learn from my mistake and pack a rash guard with you. I know removing a wet piece of clingy clothing seems the worst, but having tender and raw skin is worse. If it helps, you can choose a rash guard that zips up. This way, you get to enjoy your water activities without fear of burning your back and shoulders from the intense Hawaiian sun.
Non-slip Footwear
Leave those fancy schmancy shoes at home and go for shoes or sandals that offer good traction. If you’re planning to do a lot of hiking when in Hawaii, your best bet is to get a pair of Keen sandals. They’re famous for offering your feet the comfort and protection both in and out of the water.
Even in Maui, the style of dress is pretty laid back. You can attend parties and semi-fancy events wearing only flip-flops. That’s because some of the best hangout spots in Hawaii can be located in places that heels or dress shoes can’t survive in. As long as your flip-flops have a thick sole and offer good grip for your fit, you’ll be allowed entry in most establishments.
Reef-safe Sunscreen
When packing for a trip to the tropics, I’m sure the item you will never forget to pack will be sunscreen. The thing about Hawaii is that they’ve outlawed any sunscreen that isn’t reef-safe. Sunscreen is actually made with chemicals that can greatly damage coral reefs over time. And because Hawaii is constantly filled with tourists who are slathering sunscreen on their bodies and frolicking in Hawaiian waters, all those chemicals stay in the water and kill their precious coral.
When shopping for sunscreen, look for brands that don’t use oxybenzone or are made without parabens or chemicals. For starters, you can buy SPF 50 reef safe sunscreen online, or you can go the extra mile and try DIY-ing your own reef-safe sunscreen.
Hawaii offers a lot of beautiful places to visit, so make sure your skin and your outfit are prepared to conquer the islands.
