Hawaii is the ultimate vacation getaway. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a long-time big island-goer, the feeling of paradise never gets old. Although the Hawaiian island atmosphere is relaxed, there’s no shortage of aloha state activities to fill up your days. As you start to plan out your Hawaii packing list, consider options that can be worn interchangeably with different outfits while you visit the best islands in Hawaii. It’ll keep your luggage light and your outfit selection stylishly curated.
Not sure where to get started? We’ve edited a list of beach-ready styles to take with you on your next tropical excursion. Add to it, switch it up, and make it your own. Just keep in mind, it’s a good idea to include fabrics that will keep you cool in colors and patterns that will make you feel inspired. Starting with swimwear and taking you all the way to water shoes and accessories, keeping these key resort wear pieces in the rotation will make it easy come travel time.
Luxury Swimwear Perfect for Fun in the Sun
With steamy temperatures nearly year-round and plenty of coastlines and waterfall hikes to explore, it’s only fitting to pack a variety of bathing suit options, as it’ll serve as the foundation of your unofficial island uniform. No two bathing suit options are exactly the same, but we won’t be surprised if you are drawn to a certain cut and buy one in every color for your Hawaii vacation.
Ripple Bikini
When selecting what to wear in Hawaii, nothing beats the classic style of the Ripple Bikini. It’s comfortable yet chic; essentially, the best of both worlds when it comes to luxury swimwear.Though we love a neutral palette, this season’s Ripple Bikini prints are vibrant and eye-catching in the best way.
The Monet floral print is a beautiful mix of red and orange petals with pops of violet and teal to create an artistic, watercolor-inspired design. Additionally, the warm red and golden hues of the Bandhani Red pattern is another favorite. Inspired by traditional Indian prints, the red lotus flowers deliver an elegant appeal to this go-to bikini. These are two of a variety of bold colors and stunning prints, making it possible to wear a different bikini every day on your Hawaii trip.
Gi Bikini
There’s no denying the unique strap details of the Gi Bikini. The fashion-forward features offer a chic and trendy twist on the standard bikini cut. The double back bands, modern cut top, and knot cord center detailing are part of what creates the entire aesthetic of this all-around flattering swimsuit. The Camouflage pattern is a stylish update on a familiar pattern, elevating the look and style of the swimsuit with a tropical green gradient perfect for a big island holiday.
The Gi Bikini is equally stunning in the popular Bandhani Red print or the sleek, solid Black. Take the look to the beach or style it with a pair of flowy pants and matching sandals for a casual seaside lunch. For more coverage on the shoulders and arms, layer on a kimono and wear it open to maintain its carefree appeal, while highlighting the show-stopping structure of the swimsuit.
Firenze Rai One Piece
The asymmetrical cut and jungle green color of the Bamboo Firenze Rai One Piece delivers both comfort and sophistication. The exclusive Firenze opaque texture fabric adds an element of luxury for a look that works for both day and night. Pair with crisp white shorts and neutral-toned sandals for a bike ride around the island or a day exploring the aloha state waterfalls. Then, swap the shorts for a colorful cover up and wedges to easily convert it to an evening look. This one-piece is quintessential luxury swimwear and can be styled in multiple ways on your Hawaiian island vacation.
There is as much variety when choosing a one-piece swimsuit as there is with the different styles of bikinis. It all depends on the coverage and fashion aesthetic you want. Go subtle with a one-sided strap, opt for fuller front coverage like with the Firenze Bia Tube One Piece.
Chic and Colorful Cover Ups That Are Both Timeless and Trendy
The versatility of a cover up allows you to stay coolly covered at the beach but ready to head straight to the next activity without needing a full change of clothes. With lightweight fabrics that feel good against the skin and an array of design options to complement your swimwear wardrobe, you can’t take a trip to Hawaii without a few cover ups in tow.
Piper Sarong
A gorgeous sarong wrap is another essential item to add to your Hawaii packing list. It’s a wardrobe piece that often pulls double-duty. Wear it while lying beachside or by the pool, or dress it up for dinner or a festive night out. The Piper Sarong is a bold mix of fuschia and orange tones with a creative dot print that achieves a contemporary take on the color block trend. It flows like a skirt or can be tied higher as a strapless dress. Pair it with a sleek, black one-piece swimsuit, or mix and match patterns with your favorite bikini. Either way, the Piper Sarong instantly puts you in vacation mode.
Emily Caftan
Caftan dresses are lightweight, airy fabric, and come in a variety of tropical colors that are perfect as a bikini cover up or to wear during the day as part of a complete outfit. The Emily Caftan is the ultimate wardrobe piece and is a flattering look for everyone. The casual wrap style and short, open sleeves offer a breezy, laid-back style ideal for exploring the island. In addition, the dreamy aqua color mimics the color of the Pacific; although the Kimi animal print and classic Off White options also work well for any vacation-inspired outfit.
Alice Short Chemise
Elevate your cover up style with the Alice Short Chemise. When you want a slightly different structure than the short, sheer caftan, the chemise is a good alternative that’ll still keep you cool. The embroidered sleeve, elbow sleeves, and tulip hemline are distinct style features, while the waist tie and plunging neckline create a sexy silhouette. Black will never go out of style and works with a variety of outfits. Pair with tailored shorts, flowy pants, or even over a fitted pair of jeans to take the look from beachwear to daytime exploration and beyond.
Stunning Dresses to Complete Your Hawaii Packing List
There’s a beautiful simplicity to slipping on a beach maxi dress. Shoes, jewelry, belts, and scarves can all change the look for the occasion. However, when you have a stunning dress to take center stage, there are a few extras necessary to make the outfit feel complete.
Scarf Dress
The easy elegance of the Mika Scarf Dress is suitable for any special occasion. Whether celebrating a birthday, anniversary, wedding, or simply a much-needed break, slip on this dress for an instant mood booster. The vibrant, abstract print combines shades of blue, green, red, and orange prettily placed over a pink background. This resort dress looks fantastic for the beach when paired with a floppy beach hat and resort sandals or dressed up for dinner with espadrilles and metallic accessories. Equally stunning is the Giverny print with violet, pink, and sky blue tones. It’s flirty, flowy, and a true showstopper on its own or well-suited for a fitted jacket or silky blazer and sandals.
Cutout Long Dress
The beauty of resort wear is that it can feel like your comfiest loungewear but with a chic, stylish appearance. The Cutout Long Dress is an excellent example of an outfit that you’ll feel good wearing all day. The deep V neckline and front slit add a flirty spin to this maxi dress. Plus, the rayon-silk blend drapes beautifully, creating a flattering silhouette without being restrictive on the body.
Opt for a pretty burst of color with the Leela pink, paisley print, or reimagine the standard black-and-white palette with the Prya Black pattern. Then, dress either up or down with ease. Wear with a simple pair of slides or sneakers for a pared-down look, or slide toward the fancier side with strappy heels and stunning accessories for a celebratory occasion.
Brigite Detail Long Cover Up
The Grecian influence of the elegant Brigite Detail Long Cover Up is high on the list of what to wear in Hawaii. The cool, green hues and flowy fabric embody easy elegance at its finest. The double front slits add movement and give way to highlighting a gorgeous pair of sandals and a beach hat for adventures both on and off the water. The two-tone hue of the fabric feels like an accessory in itself, but add a delicate rope chain or a pair of sparkly studs to complete the attire.
Complete the Attire with Accessories
With these nine pieces, you can create various looks that will easily take you through an extended island vacation, prepared for any adventure that comes your way. The only other addition is accessories to change up the style and make each outfit feel fresh and new.
With so many things to do in Hawaii, it’s important to pack a pair of flat sandals that are easy to walk around in, but universally appealing. A neutral brown or white goes with everything and can be your go-to shoe without taking up too much room in the suitcase. Also, add in a pair of heels or a dressier pair of sandals to prepare for evenings out. A few inches on the heel or intricate, strappy design instantly changes the shoe style and transforms a look, so have fun when pairing with your resort outfits.
As for jewelry, keep it simple. The amount of color and unique details that are part of this Hawaii packing serve as the focal point. Stick with simple hoops or stud earrings, and don’t forget the designer shades and sun hat as beach necessities. The idea is to complement your curated wardrobe, not overshadow it.
Let the island vibes speak to you and allow you to feel carefree both in what you wear and what you do. It’s vacation time, your women's designer swimsuits, and outfit will set the tone.
