Most visitors to Hawaii want to spend at least some time enjoying the beach. Whether you’re hoping to swim, surf, or just lay out, there are a few must-have items that every traveler should consider bringing along. Let’s talk about what to pack for a beach day in Hawaii.
Reef Safe Sunscreen
Even if you’re used to spending a lot of time in the sun, it’s a good idea to pack sunscreen for your beach trip in Hawaii. Believe it or not, Hawaii is the most sunburned state! No one wants to have painful burns that can potentially ruin a wonderful vacation. That’s why it’s important to pack and apply sunscreen throughout each day in Hawaii.
Certain sunscreens are not permitted in Hawaii because of the damage they cause to the coral reefs. Find out which sunscreens are allowed and make sure to bring one or two bottles for your beach trip. (Get one coral reef-friendly sunscreen on Amazon.) Too many people have forgotten about the importance of sunscreen, only to suffer from painful sunburns through the rest of the trip.
What to Pack for a Beach Day in Hawaii? Swimming Shoes!
While it can be nice to feel the sand between your toes, being barefoot on the beach all day eventually becomes impractical. From sharp coral pieces to hot sand, it’s a good idea to protect your feet from burns and cuts by wearing swimming shoes. Not only that, but some beaches are only accessible by hiking, and can have muddy eddies or sharp driftwood. Additionally, swimming shoes can prevent painful jellyfish stings, which are uncomfortable enough to ruin your day.
Waterproof Phone Case
Most of us don’t go far without our cell phones. But even if you don’t use your phone to check social media or email, you’ll still want to snap lots of photos with it at the beach. That’s why a waterproof phone case should be on your list of what to pack for a beach day in Hawaii. Water and sand can cause permanent damage to your smartphone.
Think ahead and place your phone in a waterproof phone case before heading out for the day. This will protect your smartphone and allow you to take photos of your Hawaii vacation.
Sunglasses: What to Pack for a Beach Day in Hawaii
Even if you don’t usually wear sunglasses, they are a necessary item for Hawaii beaches. Make sure your sunglasses offer “100% UV protection” so that your eyes aren’t damaged by the sun’s rays reflecting off the sand and sea. Remember that dark glasses don’t indicate whether sunglasses actually block UVA and UVB rays. Additionally, ensure that your children’s sunglasses also block the sun. Toy sunglasses used for dress-up play may not actually protect young eyes.
If you plan to get into the water, be sure to add eyeglass holders so that your sunglasses don’t fall off in the surf. Protect your eyes and enjoy your day at the beach!
