Avoid these common mistakes when packing for a beach vacation.
As a resident of Hawai’i, it’s not surprising that I spend alottime spent at the beach. With me‘ohana(family) in tow, we discover every part of Hawai’i Island(Big Island) from white, brown, and black sand beaches to rugged coastlines. Although we wish we were the kind of people who enjoy being spontaneous, happy just to lay out a towel and apply some sunscreen, we appreciate our beach gear and know how to make even the most isolated places cozy.
Whether you’re flying to a tropical destination or packing the car for a short excursion, theright beach gear and summer accessoriescan significantly impact the success of your day, just as effective planning and safety research can. After visiting the beach hundreds of times over the past 10 years, these are some of my (and my family’s)favorite beach essentialsfor an amazing day filled with sand and sunshine
Top Beach Must-Haves, As Shared by a Hawaiian Travel Writer
- Arch support and quick-drying:Sanuk Cosmic Shores Flip-flops, $40
- Writer’s pick:Shakalo Sand Screen Sand Removal Bag, $25
- Rare deal:Tommy Bahama 5-level beach chair, $79 (originally $86)
- Sand-resistant:Lay N Stay Beach Blanket, $45
- Hawaiian-founded splash-proof bag:Aloha Collection Holo Holo Tote Bag, $66
Related: 10 Essential Fashion Choices for Your Summer Getaway—Starting at $20 on Amazon
Leave behind: Slick sandals
Bring instead: Water-resistant flip-flops
Sanuk Cosmic Shores Flip-flops
$40 at Amazon
In Hawaii, flip-flops are commonly referred to as “slippahs,” and they are worn in almost every situation and location. However, not all designs are suitable for the beach. If you’re not using water-resistant flip-flops, you may find yourself slipping and sliding, which can be both uncomfortable and hazardous. Flip-flops that are water-friendly usually dry more quickly and don’t develop an unpleasant odor (just remember to rinse them with fresh water after being at the beach). I loveSanuk’s Ziggy flip-flopfeaturing an ultra-soft, padded insole, spacious fit, and structured upper strap. For a women’s tailored design, consider the brand’sCosmic Shores style.
Stay in the house: Chemical sunscreen
Replace with: Mineral-based sunscreen that is safe for reefs
Raw Elements Face and Body Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30
$20 at Amazon
In Hawaii, Maui County mandates that beachgoers use only reef-safe sunscreen, whereas the rest of the state requires reef-friendly sunscreen. This sunscreen regulation aims to safeguard the delicate coral reef environments and ensure their preservation for coming generations. Although there is a distinction between reef-friendly andreef-safecan become a bit confusing, it’s simple to recall that mineral sunscreen is the best choice, not only to safeguard the reefs, but it’s alsohealthier for our bodies, as it forms a protective layer between the sun and your skin.
It would be wonderful to witness other beach locations adopt this regulation, but the absence of a requirement doesn’t prevent us from taking initiative.Raw Elementsprovides a range of mineral sunscreen products, such asface and body cream, a tinted face cream, and tinted lip balms.
More finds:
Badger SPF 40 Sports Mineral Sunscreen Cream
$18$16 at Amazon.com
BLUE LIZARD Sport Mineral Sunscreen Spray SPF 50
$20$15 at Amazon.com
Leave behind: Lightweight attire
Replace with: UPF 50+ sun apparel
Humu Surf Bamboo Ultra-Lightweight UPF 50+ Hoodie
$69 at Amazon
Besides mineral sunscreen, our family also utilizes sun-protective clothing to shield ourselves from ultraviolet rays, particularly during beach outings that involve fishing. My husband really enjoys this.super lightweight UPF 50+ bamboo hoodiefrom Humu Surf because it doesn’t weigh down his skin in the heat, and it dries rapidly. For me, who tends to be lounging in my beach chair reading a book, I prefer something airy and easygoing as a swim cover-up, likethis sun-protective layerwhich provides UPF 50+ protection.
More finds
G Gradual UPF 50+ Swim Cover Up
$30$27 at Amazon.com
Baleaf Sun Protection Shirt
$30$15 at Amazon.com
Leave behind: Baby powder for removing sand
Swap Instead: Shakalo Sandscreen Pouches
Shakalo Sand Screen Sand Removal Bag
$25 at Amazon
Most days at the beach usually mean dealing with sand, but it’s definitely not something you want to take home with you (particularly if you’re driving a rented car). Some beach tips recommend using talcum powder to remove the sticky residue. As more people move away from talcum powder due to health and environmental concerns, there are now non-talc alternatives like theSandscreen from Shakalo(developed in Hawai’i) make a wonderful option. The fluffy bags have a pleasant and delightful scent and allow you to quickly remove sand from your face, body, and hands, using a combination of vegan, ocean-safe ingredients. The sand screen bag comes with its own portable case and is compact and easy to place in a beach tote.
Leave behind: A large camping chair
Replace with: A beach chair featuring backpack straps
Tommy Bahama 5-level beach chair
$86
$79 at Amazon
For us, a day at the beach is focused on comfort, yet it’s also about being efficient. We don’t want to carry our entire home with us, but we still desire a sense of indulgence. Rather than dealing with bulky camping chairs, it’s hard to make a mistake with the classicTommy Bahama Folding Chair, which is available for sale. This chair was designed for the beach and comes with backpack straps making it simple to carry its 7-pound aluminum frame on your back. It also offers several features that typical camping chairs don’t have, such as a cooler pocket, drink holder, cell phone compartment, and towel bar. Additionally, it can be adjusted into five different seating positions, enabling you to relax in the way you prefer.
More finds
Ostrich Lightweight Portable Outdoor Backpack Folding Reclining Chair
$90$82 at Amazon.com
Beach Chair Backpack with 5-Position Reclining Feature
$90$70 at Amazon.com
Leave behind: A weak beach blanket or mattress sheet
Substitute with: A beach mat that resists sand
Lay N Stay Beach Blanket
$45 at Amazon
If you’re aiming for even less bulk, such as when hiking or flying to your beach spot, another choice for beach seating is theLay and Stay beach blanket, which comes with its own storage bag. It is spacious enough for a couple of people to sit on or one person to lie down on, and the microfiber fabric makes it simpler to shake off sand and use as a towel compared to a traditional cotton beach towel. The included stakes are also useful for preventing it from wrinkling or getting blown away on a windy day.
More finds
Lasting Comfort Extra Large Beach Mat Water Resistant and Grain Proof
$28$20 at Amazon.com
WEKAPO Beach Towel Sand-Resistant Water-Proof
$38$34 at Amazon.com
Leave in the house: A polystyrene cooler
Replace with: A strong, temperature-controlled cooler
Kūla by Bote Hardshell MagnePod-Ready Cooler
$299 at Amazon
At this stage, we are all aware that styrofoam is not environmentally friendly. It’s also not the best choice for areusable cooler, as it tends to break easily and end up in the garbage. Indeed, in certain U.S. states and a few countries such as Belize, Scotland, and some island nations, these coolers have been prohibited.
For a day at the beach, you need a cooler that offers excellent insulation to withstand the heat; theKūla by Bote hardshell coolerthat’s exactly what it does. This slim, bucket-style cooler uses a rubber seal to maintain a tight closure, ensuring ice remains for an extended period. Other features consist of a bottle opener, a comfortable handle, and a drain plug at the bottom. Another advantage of its sturdy construction and design is that it can also serve as an additional seat.
More finds
YETI Tundra 35 Cooler
$275 at Amazon.com
WEIZE High-End Deep Freeze Rigid Shell Cooler
$70$47 at Amazon.com
Leave behind: A canvas or cotton beach tote
Instead, bring: A waterproof, moisture-resistant beach bag
Aloha Collection Holo Holo Tote Bag
$66 at Amazon
Although I enjoy using a canvas or cotton beach bag for travel or by the pool, I find that a splash-proof bag is better suited for the actual beach. It prevents water from getting inside. Additionally, it’s made from a material that sand doesn’t stick to easily, and any spills can be simply rinsed away. A zipper top also helps keep your belongings secure while keeping water and sand out. Bags from theAloha Collectionare common in Hawai’i—every person here owns several bags in various sizes, designs, and patterns.
If you’re embarking on an authentic adventure and truly hiking to a beach, or if you’re looking for a versatile travel carry-on bag that serves two purposes, Wandrd offersthe weather-resistant PRVKE bagwith a roll-top closure and side entry, plus additional comfortable straps and back support.
More finds
LEDAOU Big Beach Shopping Bag
$27$20 at Amazon.com
Bogg Original Bogg Bag
$90 at Amazon.com
Leave in the house: A worn, conventional automobile
Replace with: A large-wheeled beach cart
Mac Sports Heavy Duty Collapsible Folding All-Terrain Utility Beach Wagon Cart
$100 at Amazon
One aspect that beach-going families are aware of is the importance of a wagon for transporting all the necessary equipment from the car to the beach, particularly when there are young children who aren’t able to carry items themselves. However, not all wagons are the same, and it’s crucial to have one that can smoothly move across sand.The Mac Sports Off-Road Beach Cart, featuring its big plastic wheels, is an excellent choice; it folds conveniently when not in use, can hold up to 150 pounds of beach equipment, and has practical cup holders for beverages (they can also serve as fast storage pockets for sunscreen, sunglasses, and other items).
More finds
Portal Collapsible Utility Wagon
$105$85 at Amazon.com
TIMBER RIDGE Outdoor Collapsible Cart with Brakes for Easy Transportation and Storage
$136 at Amazon.com
Stay at home: Essential sunglasses
Bring instead: Polarized sunglasses
Maui Jim Kahiko Round Sunglasses
$199 at Amazon
To someone who isn’t familiar with it, your typical pair of sunglasses might appear to be the best choice for a day at the beach, but if you’re spending your time in a place with white sands and clear blue waters, you’d be missing out by not replacing them withpolarized sunglasses. Wearing a pair of polarized sunglasses reveals an entirely new world, offering you nearly-Ariel-like vision of the beach and skyline.
These Maui Jim lensesusually come in various colors, such as pink, yellow, gray, and blue, each producing a different impact on the way colors appear. The advantage is that in clear water, these lenses allow you to see almost straight through the water, making fish, turtles, and other marine creatures visible from above. However, if you often lose your sunglasses in the water, thesepolarized Bomber sunniesare an affordable choice that floats, and you won’t be disappointed withSojos’ classic round sunglasses, which are available for $16.
More finds
WearMe Pro Polarized Square Eyewear
$45 at Amazon.com
Sojos Round Classic Polarized Eyewear
$20$16 at Amazon.com
Leave behind: A plastic or glass water container
Swap it out: A stainless steel water container
Soma Full Circle Home Steel Water Bottle with Straw
$20
$18 at Amazon
This might appear obvious, but glass and plastic bottles aren’t suitable for a day at the beach. You require insulation to fight the heat, which makes stainless steel the optimal choice.Soma’s 24-ounce water bottleis excellent, especially due to the handle at the top that makes it easy to carry. Although it doesn’t keep cold water as cool as some more expensive water bottles, adding a little ice can easily solve this. It is only available in white, but this provides a blank slate for stickers, which can turn your bottle from a practical item into a meaningful keepsake.
More finds
Owala FreeSip Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle with Straw for Fitness
$30 at Amazon.com
Hydro Flask Standard Flex Cap Aloe
$39 at Amazon.com
Leave behind: Regular hair bands or fasteners
Swap instead: Hair ties that don’t tangle
Rip Tie Soft Hair Ties 3-Pack
$30 at Amazon
A day at the beach typically involves heat, sand, wind, and water, all of which can result in a bad hair day—but it doesn’t matter. You’re at the beach. For me, a regular hair day means a tight bun, but at the beach, it’s not suitable; it makes wearing goggles challenging and often turns into a tangled mess when I attempt to remove it.
For a beach getaway updo, I adore theRip Tie hair ties, which gather hair at the top of your head, then spiral down into a ponytail, and secure at the end of the hair. This style effectively prevents hair from becoming knotted and results in a very stylish ponytail (it’s particularly ideal for a side pony as it helps to shape the look), making it a popular choice among athletes, as stated by the brand.
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