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It’s been over thirteen years since I last visited Hawaii, so I was really looking forward to this trip. The summer months, from June through August, bless the island with highs in the mid-eighties and lows comfortably resting in the seventies.

Here is what I wore and packed for Hawaii from June 20 - 27.

Swimwear

It would be unusual to forget to pack at least one or two swimsuits when traveling to Hawaii given that the primary allure of the destination is its stunning beaches. It has been over five years since I purchased a swimsuit, so when I started looking at the newest swim styles my eye was drawn to Quince’s Italian Plunge One-Piece Swimsuit. 

Quince labels this one-piece swimsuit as a triple threat due to its durable construction, Italian-crafted fabric, and eco-conscious use of recycled materials. In addition to its impressive features, it remains attractively affordable, priced at just under $50.

It was such a flattering fit, accentuating my curves in all the right places, and I loved how the front plunge was just enough to add a touch of allure without being overly revealing. The swimsuit exuded a sense of class and elegance that made me feel sophisticated and confident.

I also made sure to pack my Marcella Molly Swim Top, which I have been obsessed with ever since I saw Crystal wearing it last year in Dubrovnik, Croatia. This 2-in-1 silhouette can be worn as a bandeau-style bikini or I can choose to add a single shoulder strap.

Whether I was relaxing by the shore, exploring the town in shorts, or dining out in pants, this top proved to be a chic and practical choice that I reached for repeatedly during my travels.

The night before my flight, I realized that I should probably pack a swimsuit cover-up. Luckily, I live close to a TJ Maxx and found the perfect cover-up from Haute Hippie. I feel more comfortable walking to and from the pool or beach when I’m wearing a cover-up.

Tops

I threw in a handful of tank tops in my suitcase and one top I was looking forward to wearing was my Francisco Top from Sezane. This organic cotton top has a beautiful crochet finish and the v-shaped neckline was just the right depth. 

Crochet tops are perfect for summer and add a touch of bohemian flair to your wardrobe and complement various warm-weather essentials in your closet. If you're unsure about the ideal bra to pair with them, the Gatherall’s Backless Bra (further details in the next section) provides the perfect solution.

While the daytime temperatures are warm, the evenings were slightly cooler, so it’s a good idea to bring a light cardigan, or a long-sleeved shirt. I brought my Baby Alpaca-Wool Cropped Card which ended up being perfect. It is extremely lightweight, making it easy for me to simply toss it into my tote bag whenever I am not wearing it.

Bottoms

I typically prefer wearing pants, but for Hawaii I opted to bring along my Rome Shorts from Sezane to work on getting a tan on my legs. These shorts have become my staple for vacations, having accompanied me on my previous trip to Coronado Island. I instantly knew they would be ideal for my Hawaii getaway. These bottoms paired perfectly with my crochet Francisco Top.

I also wore my Alanya pants from Aritza, which are a comfy pair of white wide-leg pants. The elastic back waist gives me some wiggle room and the crepe fabric (a type of crinkle-textured fabric) has a gorgeous effortless drape. 

This bottom looked great with the Marcella Molly Swim Top and when it got a bit chilly I just threw on my Quince cardigan. Another bottom that paired well with the Marcella Molly top and Quince cardigan was my high waist shorts from Zara. These shorts can be dressed up or down and make your legs look really long.  

Dresses & Jumpsuits

I wanted to pack some cute outfits for the nights we went out to a nice dinner or bar. Recently, I've been loving the new styles that Zara has been releasing. One particular favorite of mine is the floral print midi dress, which I found myself reaching for multiple times. It pairs perfectly with a simple pair of flip flops, making it versatile for dressing up or down based on the accessories I chose to complement it.

It’s been a while since I purchased a jumpsuit since they can be a hassle when going to the bathroom, but this Striped Linen Jumpsuit from Zara had a front zip and button closure which provided a seamless experience for slipping in and out effortlessly.

Undergarments

I usually keep my choice of undergarments private, but during this trip, I found these specific undergarments to be extremely useful for the outfits I had packed.

Gatherall Backless Bra

For my crochet top and midi dress, I didn’t want to wear a regular strapless bra. Personally, I have always had a dislike for strapless bras since they tend to slip and slide, resulting in me having to readjust them frequently throughout the day.

Gatherall effectively addresses this issue with its innovative design. This reusable and washable adhesive silicone bra provides you with a comfortable strapless and backless solution. Unlike previous adhesive bras that I have tried, Gatherall stands out by offering long-lasting wear without irritating my skin. Additionally, it has been so easy to wash and store after each use.

CAKES Body

You might wonder why another silicone bra is necessary when owning the Gatherall Bra, but this alternative serves a unique purpose. I wear CAKES body with my fitted tops. On certain occasions, all I require is a basic nipple concealment without the need for adhesives, and that's precisely what CAKES offers. Their design relies on the skin's natural warmth for a gentle, adhesive-free fit.

I remember when I used to wear similar nipple covers like those, but they would always end up drawing more attention to that area since the size was never quite right. That's why I switched to CAKES, since they offer a wide range of size options and features a super tapered edge, providing truly seamless and no-show coverage.

Thigh Society Shorts

Sometimes I wonder why brands even bother making pants that are white because the majority of them are see-through. I just love an all-white look, especially in the summer season. So instead of tirelessly searching for the perfect shade of nude undies for see-through pants, I've found a simple solution - wearing Thigh Society Shorts underneath for that added peace of mind.

These are my must-have essential shorts that I always reach for when wearing my white pants and shorts. Lately, I've found myself layering these underneath my dresses and skirts as well, and they have become a staple in my wardrobe.

What I love most about these super-versatile shorts is their ability to stay in place without rolling down or riding up, ensuring a comfortable fit without adding any unnecessary bulk under my clothing.

Footwear

I honestly believe that you can easily pull off wearing flip flops no matter where you find yourself in Hawaii. It seems like nearly everyone embraces them there. Given the seamless blend of the beach and the city in places like Waikiki, sand often creeps its way into your shoes. Considering how much time one tends to spend by the beach in Hawaii, opting for flip flops is an obvious choice.

I used to wear Havianas, but unfortunately, their straps ended up giving me blisters. My favorite flip flop brand is Ipanema. I found their flip flops to be much more comfortable. Not only do they provide better heel support, but their straps also do not cause any irritation.

Most days I opted for the casual comfort of my trusty flip flops. However, on certain occasions, I favored my leather-toe ring beek sandals. These sandals have been a part of my wardrobe for more than five years, and remarkably, the leather shows no signs of wear.

While they may have been a splurge compared to typical sandals, the longevity and quality have proven to be a worthwhile investment.

Accessories

Hats

I absolutely couldn't imagine heading to Hawaii without bringing along a couple of hats. Throughout my trip, I found myself frequently reaching for my beloved black Jolie Boater Hat by Gigi Pip. The chic and timeless design of this hat has me contemplating adding another color to my hat collection.

I enjoyed pairing my favorite Brixton Joanna Hat with my white Quince swimsuit for my beach days. For hat enthusiasts exploring options, American Hat Makers stands out as another reputable brand known for crafting high-quality hats in a myriad of styles, backed by exceptional customer service.

I carefully packed one of my hats inside my suitcase. As for the other hat, I secured it to my carry-on luggage using a convenient attachment from Toptote, allowing me to transport it with ease wherever I go.

This is the perfect solution for staying hands-free at the airport and ensuring that my hat doesn’t get crushed while on the move. Throughout the day, especially when it became a bit breezy, my Toptote proved to be incredibly useful in keeping my hat secure and stylish.

Straw Tote Bag

I packed one of my leather tote bags for my trip, envisioning it as the perfect accessory. However, upon arriving in Waikiki, I decided to switch to a straw tote bag that captured the island vibes.

I stumbled upon a beautiful one on sale by Karl Lagerfeld, a delightful discovery since I was only familiar with his designs for Chanel. It was a spontaneous purchase that added a touch of Hawaiian flair to my vacation wardrobe.  

Jewelry

I like to layer my necklaces and bracelets, so my go-to necklaces are from Gorjana. They have so many styles that are great for layering and my current favorites are the Griffin Dog Tag Necklace and Venice Mini Necklace.

Just before leaving for my trip, I stumbled upon a water-resistant jewelry brand named Atolea on Instagram. They assert that their jewelry is not only waterproof but also sweat proof, allowing you to wear them while showering, swimming, and exercising. Their affordable prices convinced me to test them out.

Pearl necklaces have been my new obsession, so I ordered the Aloha Bundle. It was a surprise to receive the package all the way from China (I thought it was a European brand), and even more so that it arrived within just a week.

The quality of the freshwater pearls and the 18k gold plated necklace looks great for the price, and they seem to be holding up well, even in water. As for their longevity, only time will reveal their durability. 

Accessories You Won’t Regret Packing

CaseMate Waterproof Phone Pouch

I made this purchase specifically for this trip because I didn’t want to leave my phone unattended while in the water. There is just too much valuable information on my phone these days.

This pouch was great because I can still easily use my phone while it’s in the cover. I was skeptical about the touchscreen working while in the case, but it worked without any issues. I also love that it came with a strap so I can wear it as a crossbody. The case also floats in case you happened to drop it in the water. 

Atumtek Bluetooth Compact Selfie Stick Tripod

If you want a compact and sturdy selfie stick, I say go for this one. After scouring through numerous Amazon reviews, I finally decided on this particular model, and I must admit, I am quite satisfied with my choice.

This selfie stick accompanied me everywhere - be it in restaurants, at luaus, or even on the sandy shores of the beach. Its convenient built-in tripod allowed for easy camera setups, while the wireless bluetooth remote made capturing moments a breeze.

The remote connected to my phone super fast, catching me off guard with its seamless pairing. I marveled at the fact that I didn't even need to point the remote directly at the phone for it to capture a photo.

Final Thoughts

I had a great time in Hawaii and wish I could have stayed longer. In hindsight, bringing an extra swimsuit would have been wise, considering my days revolved around beach activities.

The only items I packed but didn't use were my yoga outfits. Despite my intention to join the early morning yoga classes offered at the hotel, I never managed to wake up early enough to attend them.

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