November 17, 2022

Ultimate Beach Prep List

The sun-drenched beaches of Hawaii beckon travelers with crystal-clear waters and wide shores. Whether you’re planning on bodysurfing, swimming, or simply digging your toes into the soft golden sands, consider this beach prep list before setting out. Aloha!

Quick Dry Towel

Great for beach days with the kids, quick dry towels don’t take up much space, are lightweight, and dry within minutes, not hours. Fast-drying towels are so compact and useful, it’s helpful to pack several for a long day at the beach.

Reusable Water Bottle

Keeping hydrated is easy on you and the environment with a reusable water bottle made of food-grade stainless steel. Many of today’s options are double insulated and will keep your water or tropical juice ice cold, even on the hottest of days.

Mesh Water Sandals

Mesh water shoes are a smart choice for the whole family. Whether you are boogie boarding, playing paddle ball, or simply chasing the waves, these sandals are non-slip, breathable, and ensure water drains out quickly.

Rash Guard

Long-sleeve rash shirts, or rash guards, are lifesavers for anyone with fair skin – especially if you’re a dedicated swimmer or simply love lolling around in the ocean. It reduces the likelihood of sunburn and can be worn over or in lieu of a swimsuit top. In addition to sun protection, rash guards are great for snorkeling and swimming, as they keep your body warm.

Broad Spectrum Reef-Safe Sunblock

A water-resistant reef-safe sunscreen is a must in your beach repertoire. Pack lots of it, and make sure the lotion you select protects against both UVA and UVB rays. Look for eco-friendly formulas that are free of chemicals (like PABA, oxybenzone, and homosalate) known to damage coral reefs. Opt for a sun protection factor of at least 50 or higher that contains physical UV-blocking actives like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide.

Quality Beach Sunglasses

A broad-spectrum sunscreen protects skin from harmful UVA and UVB rays, but what about your eyes? Quality beach sunglasses are a must, whether you’re exploring the coastline of Maui, Oahu, Lanai, or the Big Island. Located 20° north of the equator, Hawaii has a high UV index compared to the majority of states. On a scale of 1 to 15, the Hawaiian Islands average a UV index of 7 in the winter and 11 during summer months. And remember that clouds don’t block UV rays, so eye protection is a must, even on overcast beach days.

Protect Your Eyes From Sun Damage

By wearing polarized, UV-blocking sunglasses, you can enjoy the sun and sand safely and lower your risk for eye damage. Maui Jim beach sunglasses feature industry-leading PolarizedPlus2® lenses that banish glare and provide broad spectrum protection against UV rays. Swim, play, and revel in the beauty of the seashore with stylish sunglasses that protect your vision while amplifying the vivid colors of the Hawaiian Islands.