What to Pack for Oahu in 2025 (Besides Sunscreen and Flip-Flops) 🌺
You're planning your dream vacation to Oahu. Flights are booked. Tours scheduled. You’ve got your flip-flops and SPF 50. But what about everything else?
Here’s the unexpected, essential, and brilliant packing list for Oahu in 2025 — straight from local insights and seasoned travelers.
🎧 1. Noise-Canceling Headphones (for the plane... and Waikiki)
Yes, Hawaii is paradise — but those red-eye flights from the mainland? Not so much.
Block out crying babies, engine noise, and yes… late-night street music from your Waikiki hotel room.
🧴 2. Reef-Safe Sunscreen (Actually)
Regular sunscreen is banned in Hawaii if it contains oxybenzone or octinoxate.
Buy reef-safe sunscreen before you arrive or pick some up at a local ABC Store.
🐠 It’s about keeping our coral reefs — and that selfie in Hanauma Bay — alive and vibrant.
🩳 3. Two Swimsuits (At Least)
Why two? Because there’s nothing worse than putting on a damp suit the next day.
One for the beach. One for the hot tub. One for the catamaran cruise. You get it.
🥾 4. Sturdy Water Shoes or Hiking Sandals
You'll thank us when you're:
Hiking to Manoa Falls
Walking over lava rock at Shark’s Cove
Jumping in at Waimea Bay
Bonus: Some tours require water shoes — including some of our Next Level Island Tours!
📸 5. Dry Bag or Waterproof Phone Case
Oahu = water, water, everywhere.
Protect your phone during kayaking, paddleboarding, or waterfall hikes.
You’ll look smart. Everyone else’s phone will be in a rice bag.
🧼 6. Packable Microfiber Towel
Dries fast. Takes up zero space.
Perfect for impromptu beach dips or wiping sand off your legs before getting back in the car.
🥶 7. A Light Jacket or Hoodie
Yes, really.
It gets cool at night — especially if you visit the North Shore or go up to higher elevations like Tantalus Lookout.
Plus, indoor A/C in restaurants? Arctic.
🌋 8. Small Daypack (Not a Giant Suitcase)
You’ll want something light for hikes, beach trips, or touring Pearl Harbor.
Keep your hands free for shaved ice, pineapple Dole Whip, and more.
🏝️ 9. Respectful Attire for Cultural Sites
Visiting Iolani Palace or a Hawaiian temple site?
Pack something respectful — a light dress or button-up goes a long way.
It’s about showing aloha for the culture, not just the vacation vibes.
💊 10. Personal First-Aid Kit
Nothing wild — just the basics:
Blister Band-Aids (hello, flip-flops)
Ibuprofen
Motion sickness tabs (boat tours!)
Aloe for sunburn regrets
🕶️ Bonus Tip: Don’t Overpack
You’ll be in swimsuits, casual clothes, and tour gear most of the time.
Hawaii is about ease, not fashion shows. Leave the stilettos at home.
✈️ Final Thought: Travel Light, Adventure Big
Packing smart = less stress, more aloha.
And if you really want a stress-free vacation?
Let us show you the island. Book your Next Level Circle Island Tour, Pearl Harbor trip, or Luau night with us — and we’ll make sure the only thing you worry about… is what flavor shaved ice to get.