Wondering what to pack for a trip to Hawaii? See what I brought along for my 2-week Maui vacation and be inspired with this perfect packing list!
I just returned from a blissful 14-day trip to arguably one of my favorite places on Earth: Maui. This was my ninth trip to the island, and over the years, I’ve learned which clothes, shoes, and accessories make the most sense. In preparation for my latest adventure, I spent hours (okay, more like days) planning what to pack so that every outfit felt just right for the tropical vibes of Hawaii.
For my vacation wardrobe, I wanted a mix of style, comfort, and versatility. Not only did I wear every piece I packed (I hate when I bring items and never end up using them!), but I also felt really great in all of the looks.
Needless to say, I’m very excited to share everything I brought along (including links to items and alternatives) —and why each piece made the cut!
Poplin Maxi Skirt and Top Set
I kicked off my packing list with my poplin maxi skirt and top set from Dynamite. Unfortunately, this exact set is older and the skirt is no longer available, but the Bubble Hem Top is, and I’ve got a few great alternatives below:
- MIKOH Delia Skirt and Opihi Top
- Free People Cooler in Capri Set
- Alexis Napoli Skirt and Trisha Top (pricier, but so stunning if you have the budget!)
Poplin, a lightweight and breathable fabric, is a dream come true on warm Hawaiian days. I wore this set for a date night at the Four Seasons in Wailea with my hubby (Ferraro’s is incredible!) and I loved that the skirt and top could be worn separately as well.
Beach Cover-Ups
Next up were my beach cover-ups. I packed these:
- Frankie Shop Ryker Shirt in Blue Stripe (no longer available, here are two great alternatives: Will Oversized Shirt from Reformation and Haven Shirt from Cotton On)
- Artizia Sail Shirt in White (one of my all-time beach faves with the matching shorts)
- Zulu & Zephyr Cotton Swirl Dress (seriously stunning – I wore this to dinner too!)
When you’re hopping in and out of the ocean or pool, you need something that’s both practical and stylish. My cover-ups are like a fashion Swiss Army knife—they protect me from the sun when I’m not swimming, add a layer of modesty when needed, and even work as an impromptu layer for lunch or a casual dinner.
Cotton Sweater
Even in a paradise like Hawaii, evenings can sometimes get a bit breezy. That’s why I packed this striped Quince cotton sweater. I also brought this along for our whale-watching tour (I highly recommend Sail Trilogy) as it can get cooler and windy on the water!
Also, depending on the time of year you go to Hawaii, you may have cloudier, cooler days, so an extra layer is always a good idea. If you want something lighter, this Cotton Linen Oversized sweater is a good option, too!
Knit Cardigan
Closely related to my sweater, the Jenni Kayne Cocoon cardigan is another essential for cooler evenings. I love layering, and this cardigan is lightweight enough for daytime outings yet stylish enough for a dinner—I love to slouch it over my shoulders.
Quince also has a very similar affordable alternative if the Jenni Kayne option is out of your budget range.
Swimsuits
In Maui, I pretty much live in the water, so naturally, I couldn’t leave home without my swimsuits. I actually packed several but only put two on the graphic to save space. Depending on how long your trip is, you might find just two swimsuits sufficient.
These are the swimsuits I packed:
- Everyday Sunday Cut-Out One Piece
- Zulu & Zephyr Harness Top (with a pair of ribbed black bottoms I already had) – very similar to this L*Space swimsuit
- Toteme Monogram Swimsuit
- An older Aerie suit (very similar to this Andie swimsuit)
Sun Dress
When I spotted this Revive Dress at Aritzia I knew it had to come to Maui with me. The top is a stretchy and supportive contour material (no bra necessary) and the bottom is a lightweight poplin.
It was a perfect option for family photos on the beach! I also love the contrast of black and off-white. It comes in other color options and I’ve linked more alternatives above.
Poplin Shorts
I brought my favorite pair of older striped poplin shorts from Zara for their casual comfort and versatility. They aren’t available anymore so here are some great alternatives:
- Madewell Striped Poplin Shorts
- Mango Stripe Poplin Shorts
- Reformation Austin Poplin Shorts (slightly dressier vibe)
Poplin shorts are perfect for throwing over a swimsuit or a day out and about. Not to mention the blue stripe matches my Frankie Shop cover up!
White Cotton Shorts
To match my Sail Shirt I brought a pair of white cotton gauze shorts. The ones I’m wearing are an older style from Jenni Kayne, but these Sail Shorts are almost identical.
I loved wearing these lounging around the pool over my swimsuit, and they look great with a simple black tank or striped cover-up, too.
Black Skort
This Lululemon Align black skort was the MVP on my trip to Maui. I wore it so much!
It was my secret weapon for days when I wanted a bit more freedom of movement while still looking put together. The black color also made it surprisingly versatile for both daytime activities and a casual evening out.
Tank Tops
Speaking of versatility, my neutral tank tops are a must-have in any travel wardrobe. These tanks are my go-to for a laid-back yet stylish look, especially during those long, sunny days spent exploring the island. Here are the ones I brought:
- Citizens of Humanity One-Shoulder Tank (older and no longer available but here’s a great affordable alternative from Free People)
- Twik Finely Ribbed Cami’s in Black and White (these are so soft and comfortable!)
- Aritzia Scoop Tank in Admiral/White stripe
Knit Vest Top
This soft, lightweight, and stretchy Basque Sweater Vest from Aritzia was another indispensable layering piece. I loved wearing it with my comfy beach pants, the Lulu skort, or shorts over my swimsuit.
I have a feeling I’ll be getting this top in more colors, it’s so cute and comfortable!
Beach Pants
Speaking of beach pants, these H&M jersey pants were what I always threw on! Perfect over a swimsuit, for lounging, or even to dress up, these stretchy pants were perfection!
I love the relaxed fit and soft fabric that kept me cool and comfortable on so many of my days in Maui.
White Pants
these white pointelle jersey pants pair from H&M: these white pointelle jersey pants for lounging, by the pool, and even to sleep in! I would also recommend a pair of white linen pants if you want something with more of an upscale look that can go from the beach to dinner.
Black Linen Maxi Skirt
Linen is a tropical staple, and my black linen maxi skirt from the Gap is a testament to that. It’s lightweight, breathable, and effortlessly chic—a combination that’s hard to beat on a Hawaiian vacation. This is an older style so I’ve linked some perfect alternatives below:
Athletic Set
For those days when I felt the urge to break a sweat—whether it was an early morning walk along the ocean or an impromptu workout session—I packed an athletic set. This navy blue Lululemon Align Legging + Align Tank set was perfect.
Pool Slides
My Lululemon Restfeel pool slides are a no-brainer for any trip that involves water. They’re super comfortable, easy to slip on and off, and perfect for the pool or quick trips to the beach. Their simple design meant they went with almost all of my trip outfits, and they were just the right amount of casual for all my watery adventures.
Heeled Sandals
When I wanted to swap casual for a dressy vibe, my heeled Harley Sandals from Poppy Barley came into play. I wore them for date night and loved having them as an option for dressing up a more casual look. These Poppy Barley ones are an older style so here are a couple of great alternatives:
Sneakers
Exploring Hawaii can mean a lot of walking—on trails and around charming streets (Paia is well worth a visit). That’s why my sneakers are an absolute essential. They offer the support and comfort I need for long morning walks and a jog if I’m feeling up to it.
I packed my New Balance 530s for the trip. I love the moonbeam/sea salt colorway, which is the perfect neutral and easily hides dirt.
Black Sandals
For a more refined yet comfortable option, I brought along a pair of chunky black thong sandals from Zara. They’re versatile enough for both day and evening wear, making them the perfect bridge between laid-back and dressed-up. This is an older style so I’ve linked some great alternatives below:
Beach Bag
Of course, no Hawaiian adventure is complete without a capacious, stylish beach bag. My Rio Tote from Anine Bing is one of my travel faves. It is roomy enough for towels, a book, sunscreen, a change of clothes, and snacks. Plus, it’s designed to withstand the sand and saltwater while still looking chic—a true vacation MVP.
The Rio Tote is an investment, so I’ve linked some other affordable options above as well.
Raffia Tote
I decided to pack along my Loewe Small Square Basket Bag for a dressier option when going out for dinner or to the shops. This is an investment piece but I love how it instantly elevated many of my neutral vacation looks.
This Loewe bag is an older style so it can only be found secondhand in the white, but this is a very similar style currently available. I’ve also linked some budget-friendly alternatives above.
Sun Hat
In all honesty, I didn’t pack a sun hat for my trip. I had intended on buying one but ran out of time and ended up going without—and I did miss having it! I decided to still include a sun hat in the graphic because it’s an essential piece to have! I suggest a packable hat that won’t get bent out of shape in your suitcase.
Here are some great options:
- Brixton Packable Sun Hat
- Lyons Packable Sun Hat
- Helen Kaminski Packable Visor (a great option if you wear your hair up a lot)
- Packable Bucket Hat
Cotton Cap
For those days when I was feeling more sporty or wanted sun protection at the beach, my Anine Bing Jeremy hat was my go-to (I own five of these hats in different colors!). It’s light, breathable, and perfect for keeping the sun at bay during outdoor activities.
Jewelry & Sunnies
No outfit is complete without a little sparkle, so I brought along a curated selection of jewelry and sunglasses. Here’s what I packed:
- Celine Triomphe Oval Sunglasses (affordable alternative here)
- Ray-Ban Clubmaster Sunglasses
- Jenny Bird Doune Earrings (in gold and silver)
- Jenny Bird Andi Slim Chain & Matching Bracelet
- Mejuri Pendant (old, similar option)
- Amazon Hoops (perfect cheap option for the beach and water)
- Buccerello Vanessa Necklace
- Numbering Pearl Necklace (I removed the gold bow for a more classic look)
