Oahu Packing List

Intro

When packing for a warm and sandy place like Oahu, it can feel a little chaotic while trying to gather and pack things you need to have a great trip. When I travel by plane, I usually start packing a week early. And the reason why I pack so far ahead of time is because I usually forget to add things. So by giving myself extra time, it helps me remember what I need to bring. But even then, I still find myself with that “I know I am forgetting something” feeling which I can’t stand. And I definitely understand the stress of preparing and packing a suitcase to get ready for a trip. So I thought I would try to alleviate some packing stress by providing a packing list to Oahu or you.

Hawaii is a beautiful but expensive place. You really don’t want to forget too many things or you will end up with so many unnecessary expenses. No one wants to spend their vacation spending money on something they have at home. So posted below is a packing list for Oahu. Now you (hopefully) won’t forget all of those essentials that you need to make your trip to Oahu amazing!

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Intro
Packing List for Oahu
When packing for Oahu, here are some things to consider:
Additional Information:

Packing List for Oahu

Loose t shirts/blouses (Hawaiian themed is a plus)
Shorts/skirts
A nice dressier outfit. If you know you’ll be at an upscale event while in Oahu (for me, I had a wedding to attend to) then make sure to pack a nice island themed outfit for the occasion.
Rain poncho/ or a raincoat (optional)– I think this item sorta depends on your tolerance level to the rain. Being from Oregon, I am very used to the rain so I didn’t bring anything to keep me dry. You could also bring a thin rain jacket just in case it rains. When I visited in June, it rained off and on about four out of the ten days I was there. It isn’t a *must* but something to consider if you think you might need it.
Sandals– I wear Tevas to every warm place I visit. At first, I thought they were super ugly, I admit. But then I found a color scheme that looked alright so I went for it and bought them. And now I am a big supporter of Tevas. They are perfect for wearing on the beach, in the ocean and small hiking trails. I have had mine for over a year and they are still well kept and working great.
Walking shoes. If you don’t own a pair of Tevas or a durable walking sandal, then you should consider bringing a pair of walking shoes. I personally did not only because I had my Tevas, but if you’re uninterested in making that kind of purchase, then you’ll want to bring something sturdy to support your feet while out walking.
Hat
Swimsuit
Rash guard. I always recommend this when snorkeling because when I was in the US Virgin Islands, I got the worst snorkeling sunburn of my life. My back was cooked. As it was healing, I got a rashguard to wear for the remainder of my time there and I have taken it to every warm place I have visited. It has prevented some gnarly sunburns. While it is definitely not a “must” for some, I think it is worth packing if you plan on doing a lot of snorkeling.
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Chapstick
Aloe Vera
Bug Spray
Insect bite salve. This is a specific and amazing product that I have that has saved me time and time again from the discomfort of itchy bug bites. This salve is made with an indigenous Navajo herb blend combined with beeswax and jojoba oil to create the best remedy for those pesky bites. This is not an affiliate link but just a link to the website which I recommend checking out if you’re interested in supporting indigenous businesses.
Skincare
Toiletries (i.e shampoo, conditioner, lotion, toothbrush, toothpaste, hair brush, hair styling products, etc.)
Phone charger
Camera/ GoPro
Any prescription/over-the-counter medications( i.e ibuprofen, tylenol, tums, alka-seltzer, etc.)
Liquid IVs/hydration packets
Backpack/ Tote bag. I have been using an REI Flash backpack for almost two years and it has been fantastic. I have taken it to the U.S Virgin Islands, Florida and multiple different national parks as well as on dozens of hikes. It’s dirty but I absolutely love it. It is fairly cost efficient so I think it is a great option for someone who doesn’t want to spend a lot of money on a new backpack. It works great as a personal item for flying. The only drawback is that it doesn’t have a zipper but a drawstring pouch at the top but it honestly never bothered me. I have not had anything fall out of it and I would consider it to be very durable!
Water Bladder. This may not be what most people think of when they start packing for a trip but let me explain. Having a water bladder in your backpack is a great easy way to stay hydrated. Depending on the size you chose, you can carry up to 3 liters of water which really comes in handy when you’re spending all day at the beach. Just make sure you get a backpack that is water bladder compatible so that your bladder doesn’t just sit at the bottom of your bag. They are very conveinent to have which is why I feel it deserves a spot on this Oahu packing list.
Compact towel. This is a towel that I bought at REI over a year ago and I really like it because it’s long enough to cover my body yet it’s thin enough to easily pack into my backpack. If you are staying at a hotel, they will usually have towels for you but if you’re someone who likes packing for being on the go and enjoys packing light, this might be a good option for you.
Water Bottle. Avoid buying the disposable plastic ones in stores when possible. You’re just throwing your tourist dollars away. Purchasing literally any water bottle is a simple way to not only save you money but to also slightly reduce your garbage on the island. I recently purchased a LifeStraw water bottle and I have been enjoying it because it comes with a filter in the middle to give you a better taste. When I bring this water bottle, I have zero problem using plain tap water to fill it knowing that I have a strong filter.
Solar lantern/headlamp
First aid kit. Always bring a first aid kit with you wherever you go. You might think that nothing will happen until it does. I was out walking near my campsite once when I just slipped and sprained my ankle. Thankfully, I had a first aid kit in my car with an instant ice pack in it. My over preparedness really saved me that day. But even just getting little cuts, having band aids handy goes a long way.
Kool ties. If you can’t find your way to the ocean and you’re getting a little overheated, just wrap a kool tie around your neck. These babies are so great at keeping cool. They are inexpensive and will last you a really long time as the hydration beads inside are reusable.
Snorkel gear. If you’re doing snorkeling tours, then you probably won’t need your own. But if you plan on just hoping around from beach to beach, then bringing your own snorkel gear will be really beneficial for you. This snorkel gear is what I have been taking on tropical trips and it has done a great job. No breaks or tears. It’s a little more costly, but it really does last. My boyfriend opted for a cheaper one and it broke on its first use. I am not a professional snorkeler by any means, but this kit has served me very well for the year and a half that I’ve owned it.

When packing for Oahu, here are some things to consider:

Don’t over pack on clothes.

Unless you got a stain or a bad odor on it, do not be afraid to wear a shirt or some shorts more than once. If having clean clothes is a big deal for you, then consider looking for accommodations that have a washer and dryer. I personally do this if I’m staying in a place longer than a week. Then I know I can take less clothes because I’ll be able to wash and keep them decently fresh.

Give yourself extra time to pack.

Maybe you don’t need a week like I do, but give yourself a few days at least so that you are able to remember everything you need.

Consider taking less/Only use a carryon.

I think this is a very debatable topic among travelers. Everyone travels differently and I completely understand that. Some people do not mind spending extra to have an extra bag. All that I am arguing is that less is more. When you don’t have as many things, you have less to worry about. You have less to keep track of. It’s really a freeing feeling knowing that you came ready with only what you need. Granted, what some people need can be more than for others. I really love packing light, but I also know that it isn’t for everyone and I get that. All that matters is the beautiful destination that is waiting for you!

Hopefully this packing list helped narrow down the things that you need to pack for your trip to Oahu. Make sure to check out my other articles on Oahu for your future planning!