We’re heading back to Hawaii this December, and I’ve started packing early (for once!). Here’s my essential, tropical packing list for effortless travel to Hawaii, or any other tropical destination! 

If you’re spending the holidays somewhere tropical, lucky you! While I’m not exactly a minimalist packer and will be checking a bag, I’m also not going to recommend buying a gadget or outfit for every scenario. That said, this is not a comprehensive packing list, but rather, a packing list of the essentials that matter most. These are my essentials for a thoughtful, sustainable, and effortless tropical vacation. Here’s what to pack for your next tropical vacation!

 Dive in!

Pack the Essentials, Leave the Rest

I consider “essentials” to be the items that help me travel better, keep me feeling good, or are difficult to buy on vacation. Since it’s rarely possible or practical to bring everything from home, I also leave some room in the budget for purchasing items while on vacation.

These are the tropical travel essentials we’ll be packing for Hawaii. 

Tropical Packing List: Sunscreen & Sun Protection

Of course a hallmark of a tropical vacation is (hopefully) the abundant sunshine and warm weather! Even in the winter, tropical climates close to the equator will have intense sun. Skip the suntan and instead choose to protect your skin from the sun’s rays. At the top of my tropical packing list are these essentials; they’ll help keep your skin healthy and radiant for years to come!

1. Clean Sunscreen

If you’ve read my post about Choosing a Clean Sunscreen, you know that I wear it constantly, and that I’m picky. So, I always pack plenty of my favorite reef-safe sunscreen for a tropical trip. This two pack is the perfect size to toss in a beach bag or a backpack for day trips. The Sunscreen Butter is the ultimate protection during surfing or intense water activities, but a little goes a long way!

2. Hats for Running & the Beach

But sun protection doesn’t end with sunscreen. An essential part of my sun protection strategy involves making my own shade, so I pack several hats: one to run in, and two to wear on the beach or by the pool. My Vitamin A Swim wide brim hat is an older style, but I’d recommend this recycled straw bucket hat! 

Cannes Straw Bucket Hat – Natural

Tailor-made for sunny days, this chic, hand-woven bucket hat is crafted from recycled s… [More]

3. Linen Shirt for Chic, Lightweight Sun Protection

Lastly, I swear by the Vitamin A Playa Linen Boyfriend Shirt. It’s lightweight, comfy, and breezy in the tropical heat while also offering sun protection. Toss it on as a coverup for the pool bar or lunch. You can also wear it at home as a summer layer for running errands or just going for a walk! Buying pieces you’ll use outside of vacations is more sustainable for the planet, and your wallet. 

Playa Linen Oversized Shirt – EcoLinen Gau…

Breezy, light, and airy from the beach to cocktails. Our best-selling linen cover up is… [More]

Tropical Packing List: Sustainable Swimwear

A tropical vacation needs swimsuits, of course! This is an item where you definitely want to avoid fast fashion, and opt for a sustainably-made suit that will last for years–and not just one trip. 

4. Sustainable Swimwear

Vitamin A makes my favorite sustainable swimwear. Their pieces are high quality, flattering, and have lasted me for years. If you’ve been wanting to try them, I highly recommend the California High Leg Bottom and the Gia Triangle Top. I’ll be taking this exact ‘kini with me; the Aloe Bloom print just screams “Hawaii!”

California High Leg – Aloe Bloom EcoLux BT

Small but mighty, the California High-Leg is the perfect low coverage swim bottom to fe… [More]

Tropical Packing List: Carryon

Travel can be hectic and stressful, especially during the holidays. To make the process as effortless and enjoyable as possible, here’s how I pack my carryon bag. 

5. Stainless Steel Water Bottles

For every flight, I take at least one 20 oz stainless steel water bottle for myself. If the flight is 4 hours or longer, I also take a 40 oz S’well bottle. Staying hydrated helps me feel better on long flights! S’well bottles are my favorite. They’re durable and stylish, come in lots of color and prints, and of course they’re more sustainable than plastic!

6. Headphones

Block out the noise and relax with a pair of good noise-canceling headphones. I prefer over-the-ear styles, and have been wanting to upgrade my Beats Studio Pro Headphones to the AirPod Max. 

7. iPad or MacBook

Whether you prefer to watch movies or get a little work done on the flight, I highly recommend a tablet or laptop for long trips. For some things, a bigger screen and keyboard is so much easier. Some versions of the iPad are even on sale on Amazon, up to 22% off right now! 

Tropical Packing List: Effortless Vacation Style

8. Beachy Hair Essentials

On vacation I tend to wash my hair more than at home, since I’m usually swimming every day! To keep my hair hydrated, I pack my favorite hair products, which can be hard to find on location. While you can use hotel sizes, bringing your own reduces single-use plastic and ensures you’ll have the ingredients you want, and none of the fragrances or ingredients that you don’t. I just bought the Shampoo and Conditioner from Necessaire and love them. 

9. Relaxed but Stylish Vacation Dresses

On vacation, I gravitate toward dresses more than at home because they’re so easy to slip on and get ready. I’m taking this L*Space favorite on our trip and can’t wait to wear it! 

The Strapless West Dress from Vitamin A would be another great vacation option!

Strapless West Dress – Black Organic Rib

Super soft, super sustainable. This side-slit strapless dress perfectly hugs your curve… [More]

10. Effortless Vacation Makeup

“Effortless” is the theme, here. I almost never wear makeup at home, so I don’t wear much on vacation, either. For fresh skin and easy makeup, I’ll be taking these products with me. 

Ilia’s Super Serum Skin Tint is a lightweight, minimal coverage tinted SPF that’s perfect for vacation. It’s my go-to for my no-makeup makeup routine.

I also love Kosas Wet Lip Oil for an easy gloss with some color. I like their shade “Dip.”

Add on some Merit mascara and voila, vacation makeup, done. Or skip the mascara and accent your eyes by using some clear brow gel on your eyebrows. This one from Milk is my favorite.

I hope that adding these essentials to your next tropical packing list helps to make your next vacation a little more effortless.

Mele Kalikimaka, and Safe Travels!