It’s time to finally to pack your bags and head off to your Hawaii destination wedding and honeymoon. Here are some of the essentials to pack.
Packing for any vacation can be an overwhelming and now the day has finally arrived for you destination wedding in Hawaii and if you’re like me, I love to stay organized. Besides the obvious things you’ll need for your wedding day, here is my list of the 17 essential items you’ll want to take with you. Get the FREE downloadable pdf here.
Table of Contents
In case you forget anything, Hawaii does have regular drug stores/pharmacies such as Long’s (CVS and Walgreen’s and Costco).
Bringing a ton of luggage with you can be well, heavy… If you are planning on bring favors and welcome bag items with you, how about looking into shipping these items a bit early via UPS, FedEX or USPS (something with tracking). If you’re staying at a resort, they’ll be happy to accept your packages and hold them for you. Just be sure to contact someone in the sales office on how to address your packages and where they’ll be held. Your wedding planner is also another resource to send your items to as well, simply ask them.
A wedding day is exciting as it is stressful as you want it to be PERFECT! For all the little emergencies download my “43 Must Have Items to Have in Your Wedding Day Survival Kit” to ensure that your are ready for anything on your big day.
My favorite travel guides for all the Hawaiian Islands are the “Revealed” series. This series is what I used when I first traveled here and I actually still use them!
They recently added a mobile app which you can get here.
These Essential Items are Great to Pack In Your Checked Luggage for Your Destination Wedding in Hawaii
1. Travel Guide(s):
My favorite travel guides for all the Hawaiian Islands are the Revealed series. Now available as an app!
2. Sun Glasses:
A pair with Polarized lenses are best for the bright Hawaiian sun.
3. Packing Cubes
To help with my packing challenges, I recently discovered packing cubes! I was totally apprehensive at first but found a set on Amazon. These cubes are great for organizing your clothes where I simply take them out of my suitcase and place them in the dresser where I’m staying.
4. Reef Safe Sunscreen:
Even out and about exploring the islands in the intense Hawaii sun and playing in the water, Reef Safe Sunscreen is a must. (reef safe as it is now the law of the land to help protect our natural resources) bring a bottle of aloe too (incase you sun burned)
5. Two Swimsuits
You’ll be playing in the water a lot. One can dry while you swim in the other.
Sarong/ Beach Cover up
Rash Guard and reef shoes if you plan on going snorkeling / surfing
6. Packable Straw Hat
A hat is essential to keep from getting sunburned while touring around the island, shopping or the day at the beach. I also will pack a baseball cap when I’m out and about.
7. Slippers and Sandals:
AKA: Flip-flops I love Olukai’s for casual outings and the beach
A pair of sandals for evenings out
8. Evening Dress (Maxi Dress or skirt)
Hawaii is still a pretty casual place and unless you’re having a Black-Tie/Formal affair, there’s no need to bring the sequins. Pack a couple of evening outfits to go with the vibe of your event.
9. Toiletries:
Shampoo/conditioner, Anti-perspirant, Face wash. Facial moisturizer. Toothbrush & toothpaste , Make up and remover, Tampons/liners, Hair spray etc.
10. Zip-Lock Bags
I use them to put my phone, headphones and anything else I don’t want to get wet while out and about or my wet bathing suit if we’re out driving around.
Use Your Carry-On to Pack These Essential Items for Your Hawaii Destination Wedding
11. Medications:
Remember to bring any prescription meds with you.
12. Print out Important Documents
Even though I’m all about digital everything and eco-friendly, I’m still a bit of a luddite when it comes to printing out my confirmations and itineraries. You just never know… s**t happens and having a paper back-up.
Organize copies in to a Travel Document Organizer
Driver’s License and Insurance Card Passports (if you are traveling abroad), Plane Tickets, Flight information and trip itinerary, Printout of Hotel with confirmation number, car rental agreement
Health Insurance Card
Birth Certificate
Travel journal (for writing your adventures in!) I like one that is unlined so you can sketch in
13. Marriage License:
Printout of online application
You can apply online before you make your way to Hawaii head over to the State’s website for more information.
14. Electronics:
iphone, ipad, headphones, phone and chargers (and car charger), notebook if you need to get some work done.
15. Camera:
Hawaii is the most photographed state in all of the USA remember to pack your memory cards too and a way to download them and back them up on the cloud each day (Dropbox or Amazon Photos).
16. Snacks:
Snacks (fresh fruit must be consumed before you deplane in Hawai’i)
Granola bars, cashews, chocolate, and peppermint essential oil
Water bottle
Remember to also bring a pen as you’ll need to fill out an Agricultural form upon entering Hawaii
17. Remember this Essential Item to Pack Wedding Bands:
And any other jewelry of value. I always pack these in my carry-on or even in my handbag to keep it close to me at all times.
I hope this helps you with your packing, planning and, organizing your destination Wedding in Hawaii. If you’re going to be doing some island hopping, pack lighter as you might be paying baggage fees for each flight (Unless you’re flying SouthWest) and un-packing and packing for each jaunt.
Bonus Tip: Plan your activities well in advance and send out activity schedule to your guests. in advance.
Confirm all your activities with each venue/activity (and bring the a printouts of your confirmations).
To download my this packing list for your Hawaii Wedding and honeymoon list get the guide by clicking here.
Love this list? I would be so thrilled to talk more about how I can capture your romantic love story! To inquire, please click here or use the link below. Jeannemarie Photography is based in Charleston, SC and Hawaii and serves beautiful and exotic destinations world wide.
