Comin at you today with my Hawaii Packing List! FINALLY! When I was in Oahu for a month, I purposely documented everything I packed and what I wished I’d packed in an excel spreadsheet with you in mind! Not even joking. I wanted to be able to come back here and share exactly what to wear in Hawaii.

One thing I’m not good at? Packing! Every trip I take, I way over pack. For this trip, I packed two huge 50 pound suitcases full (for real, they both maxed the weight limit) and ended up only wearing half of what I brought. One, because I didn’t realize I wouldn’t have any air conditioning and two, I really had no idea I’d never wear anything other than a swimsuit and shorts. Really though, I thought I’d have way more opportunities to dress up but my trip was more adventurous than glamorous.

Oahu was the island I stayed on but Hawaii is Hawaii. Whatever island your on, you’ll most likely be doing some type of water activity or spending the day outside everyday, so this list goes is practical for any Hawaii island. You can read more about why I chose to spend a month in Oahu and my recap of Hawaii here!

When I go back one day, I will literally just bring shorts, swimsuits, easy dresses, workout clothes and sandals. Everything else on the list is supplemental. There’s really no need for super fancy clothes unless you have a nice dinner planned or a luau. Neither of which I did ha. Most of the time your swimming, snorkeling, hiking or at the beach. Even when I hiked I wore a swimsuit. On an average day it’s a warm 80 degrees, so make sure you are buying items that are made with cotton, linen or breathable spandex.

Tops

This is one of the items I packed way to much of. I had packed so many nice tops like cute off the shoulder ones from J.Crew and LOFT and really never wore any of them. You best bet is to go with crop tops, solid colored tank tops, t-shirts or striped tops. Then you can mix and match with your denim shorts to have a new outfit everyday.

White Tank

Crop Top

Striped Top

Shorts

Make sure to bring shorts! This is a no-brainer. Throw them on over your swimsuit and your ready for the day! I personally brought denim shorts, cut offs, athletic/lounge shorts and a pair of white ones and had endless options to mix and match with. Hawaii life really is the best life!

White Shorts

Cut Off Denim Shorts

Athleisure Shorts

Swimsuits

When I say all you need is a swimsuit and shorts in Hawaii, I am 100% serious. Every single morning when I would wake up, the first thing I did was throw on a swimsuit and shorts. For 30 days straight I legit wore a swimsuit everyday. You can see 10 outfits I actually wore in Hawaii here (look close, most outfits I’m wearing a swimsuit underneath).

I’d say to bring at least 3 swimsuits. I brought about 10 (ahhhhh, I’m crazy ha) but again, I was there for an entire month. Bring one for tanning at the beach or pool (if your staying at hotel ) for low-key days, a one piece for snorkeling, hiking or cliff jumping and a another bikini that’s cute and functional for all water activities.

One-Piece Swimsuit

Cute Bikini Top & Bottom

Athletic Bikini Top & Bottom

Rompers/Dresses

Depending on how long your trip is, I’d say bring only 1-2 dresses and a romper. A solid dress and romper can double as a casual outfit and also a beach cover up. I actually wore my midi and maxi dresses when I’d spend the day in Haleiwa shopping. That was actually the only few times I “got dressed”.

Romper/Jumpsuit

Solid Dress

Striped Dress

Maxi Dress

Midi Dress

Matching Set Top & Bottom

Shoes

My one piece of advice is don’t bring your fanciest shoes. Anything with suede, felt of velvet will get muddy and dirty super easy. The majority of Oahu is made up of sand, clay and dirt and your shoes will see the wear and tear. I brought a colored sandal to mix and match with all my outfits and also a neutral sandal (white is my color of choice) that goes with everything. Bring shoes that you don’t mind getting wet and are easy to clean.

Colored Sandal

Neutral Sandal

Athletic Wear

A few exercise tops and bottoms are super important to bring! The activity I did most in Hawaii besides go to the beach was hike! I’d wear my swimsuit under my cute tank top and running shorts and head to the beach after a long and hot hike.

One thing I’m so glad I did is bring an old pair of tennis shoes. There’s no need to buy a new pair unless you don’t already own any or don’t plan on hiking. Before I began packing, I had pre-planned to throw away my sneakers at the end of my trip. I knew they’d get muddy and dirty and it would lighten my luggage weight coming home. That’s just a great packing tip in general. I keep a few old pairs of tennis shoes laying around at home and then when I go on trips or do messy yard work, I know I can afford to toss them afterwards.

Tennis Shoe

Athletic Tops

Compression Shorts

Leggings

Accessories

Bringing a backpack is an absolute must. My carry on backpack for the plane doubled as the backpack I carried around the island. Find a durable bag that can get wet, a little muddy and cleans up easy. My second most used bag was a crossbody. If I went shopping or grocery shopped, I just brought a small bag to hold my phone and wallet. Now it’s up to you but earrings or a scarf might be cute accessories to bring depending on what you have planned. If there’s a fancy dinner, luau or a night on town on the agenda – you might want the option of being able to accessorize a dress or romper. I personally didn’t but it’s really personal preference.

Crossbody Bag

Backpack

Earrings

Recent Posts You might Like:

10 Outfits I Wore in Oahu

Why I Went to Oahu, Hawaii for a Month

My Oahu, Hawaii Travel Guide for the Adventurer

Free Packing List

I’ve also included a FREE packing list. It includes what clothes, adventure items, and toiletries to pack. There’s also a BONUS page that includes what to pack in a carry on bag and backpack. Sign Up below to receive it in an email. You can then take a screenshot of the list and keep it on your phone for easy packing!

The post What I Packed for my One Month Hawaii Trip + FREE PRINTABLE! appeared first on Sunshine Style | Florida Fashion and Lifestyle Blog.

Whoa, I am so excited to finally be sharing my Oahu Travel Guide! For those who don’t know or are new here, I stayed in Oahu for the entire month of June this past summer. I was a teacher, had off for two months, took the plunge and decided to live like a local for a month in Hawaii. Read all about why I decided to go specifically to Oahu here and my Hawaii recap here. This guide is full of everything I explored, the best hikes, places to eat at, beaches to go to and so much more!

Before I get started, I just want to clarify that this guide is geared for someone who wants to go on an adventure!!! When I booked this trip, it was with adventure and a budget in mind. I decided to forgo a car rental and explore the entire island by bus to save $. Oahu is actually the only Hawaiian island that is completely accessible by bus. This limited me a tad, as the bus took 3x/s as long to get anywhere. If you do decided to visit Oahu, I would recommend renting a car (unless your like me an on a super strict budget)! Oahu is so beautiful and there is literally something for everyone to do. What you will find are incredible views, fun hikes, the best food trucks, beautiful beaches, snorkeling spots, and all the nature and outdoor adventures you could ever want!

I set out on this trip with an adventurous spirit wanting to be wild and free. This trip was very spontaneous and incredibly fun! I traveled alone but had a few friends come visit. I left with exactly what I was looking for and came back with the desire to travel more and test my limits! If your looking for an amazing place to adventure, I’d 100% recommend Hawaii any time! I’ve broken up this Travel Guide into 6 Categories: Beaches, Hikes, Waterfalls, Food and Dessert, Activities to Do and Shopping. It’s my longest post yet, full of helpful info, so let’s get started!

The Best Beaches of Oahu

Sunset Beach (all three photos above)The famous Banzai PipelineWaimea Bay (taken from the 25 ft rock you can jump off of!)Laie Beach (only a 5 minute walk from my rental on Laie Point!!!)

The beaches in Oahu are completely flat in the summer (April-October). Come winter, swell forms making the waves as big as 30 feet and only those who are professionals should attempt to swim in the waves. Surfers from all over the world come to the North Shore of Oahu in the winter just to surf the waves! So if you are planning a trip to Oahu and don’t want to risk the waves, go in the summer! It’s actually their off season, so it’s less busy!

• Sunset Beach – Super beautiful. One of my favorite beaches and my most visited one on the trip! A local sells fresh coconuts here and they are delish! Perfect place to swim in the ocean and watch the sun set!

• Waimea Bay – FAV beach hands down! The water is crystal clear, has a 25 ft rock to jump off of and tons of sea life for snorkeling!

• Laie Beach – I stayed in Laie and walked to the surrounding beaches. Mostly locals visit the beaches here which is so relaxing and no big crowds.
  

• Sharks Cove – One of the best places to snorkel at! Tons of fish to see. Lots of tourists but I still had tons of fun!

• Turtle Beach – You can snorkel with turtles here and also see them resting on the beach! They are absolutely adorable. Watch out though, their not to be touched.

• Kailua and Lanikai Beach – Prettiest beaches with soft sand and calm water. This is your ideal place for a photo opp with the Mokes in the background! If your looking for the beach that’s on the cover of a Hawaii magazine, this is your beach! Just check for weather conditions before to get your crystal blue water experience!

• Makapuu Beach – A local recommended this beach that’s known for amazing views and big waves in a small ! It was so much fun jumping in the shore break and we also got to watch lots of local surfers and profesh boggie boarders! Also right by Makapuu Lighthouse.

• Sandy Beach – Did not go here but a local recommended it who sells coffee on the beach! Located in Honolulu and looks beautiful in photos!

• Banzai Pipeline (Ehukai Beach) – Kind of small and not the prettiest beach in my opinion but it’s iconic and fun to step foot on the ground where all the famous surfers have surfed at. Home of the several surf competitions in the winter.

• Hanauma Bay – Great snorkeling spot with calm water near Honolulu. It’s a state park, so you must pay $7.50 to get in.

• Waikiki Beach – Perfect spot to learn how to surf but very touristy and insanely busy. Not my type of beach at all, although it’s an extremely famous spot that I felt was a must see at least once. To keep away from the tourists and have a more relaxing beach day, try to stay towards the North side of the beach called Queens Beach or the South side by the Fort De Russy Boardwalk.

The Best Hikes

Ehukai Pillbox Hike (first two photos) Koko Crater Railway Trail (above 3 photos)View of Crouching Lion 5 minutes into the hike

Makapuu Point Lighthouse Trail (all 4 photos above)

Oahu has tonssss of hikes. I was there for a month and I don’t even know if it was possible to do them all in 30 days. There’s some for every level –  some are treacherous and dangerous and others are family friendly. You can certainly never overdo hiking in Oahu! All of them have amazing views at the end! I used the AllTrails Apps to see starting points, find other hikes to do besides the main touristy ones and save the ones I wanted to do! I’m going to link the address to these hikes and also include links to others who have done all these hikes that give much more descriptive details on where to start, etc. Hikes in Oahu are not at all like hikes on the mainland. Many are unmarked and you would easily miss the entrance if you didn’t have the right info.

• Crouching Lion – Perfect for those who want a fun adventurous hike. If you don’t like heights, this is not for you. It’s steep, requires you to be physically fit and there are some parts that you will be on narrow paths.

• Stairway to Heaven – There’s over 4,000 stairs to climb and it’s illegal (located on government property) but if you look on Instagram tons of people still hike it daily. I never got to do this hike but I want to go back to Oahu just to complete the stairway! It looks totally insane but thrilling!

• Makapuu Point Lighthouse Trail – Perfect for families and those who want a spectacular view. It was fairly easy and not super strenuous.

• Koko Crater Railway Trail – This was more of a workout, as you have to climb old railroad parts to get up but it has a spectacular view at the top. Locals were using the hike as a hardcore workout and basically running the entire thing. I thought it was super fun but it does require tons of leg strength. Your legs will feel like jello at the end ha! Everyone from kids to adults were climbing the stairs!

• Diamond Head – Easy and perfect for families. Busy and lots of tourists. Not my favorite and to easy – would not do it again but it was fun to check it off the “hike a volcano” list.

• Ehukai Pillbox Hike – The start to this hike is in the Sunset Elementary School Parking Lot (not even joking!). Fairly easy, I did this by myself a few times and got a great workout in! I saw a mom hike it with 4 kids, so it’s family friendly but still gets your heart racing. There are old military bunkers are at the top and incredible views of the North Shore and Banzai Pipeline!!! Takes about an hour and a half round trip.

• Lanikai Pillbox – Did not do this one but it’s a fairly easy and a short hike with pretty views.

• 3 Peaks – A dangerous hike but if your up for the challenge and an adrenaline rush, you will leave with killer photos!
  

Where to Eat

There is no lack of delicious places to eat in Oahu! This is one part of my trip I did not limit myself on. I tried all the food places! Every single meal I ate was delicious. I ate out for mostly lunch and dinner and then made a vow to myself to try every single acai bowl place. Oahu has some of the best acai bowls in my humble acai bowl opinion. Before I went to Hawaii, I had no idea shaved ice was such a huge deal but it’s HUGE there and the best treat when it’s hot out (which it always is).

Lunch/Dinner

• Kahuku Farms – Hands down my absolute FAVORITE place to eat at on the entire island. Everything is delicious! I would definitely order the Lilikoi Sorbet, Veggie Panini, Farm Pizza and an Acai bowl. They grow their own acai, have a hydroponic garden, give farm tours and even sell bath and body products and natural chocolate! It’s a total experience when you go here! I give this place 5 stars.

• Hukilau Marketplace (Laie) – Touristy but has tons of food trucks. You can also watch a Luau here.

• Mitsuwa Market (Honolulu) – Japanese marketplace with Ramen and the best matcha ice cream I’ve ever had!

• Surf and Turf Tacos

• Kalapawai Café & Deli (Kailua)

• Kona Brewing Co (Haleiwa)

• Pupukea Food Trucks – right across from Sharks Cove and perfect to eat at before or after a day of snorkeling.

• Old Sugarmill Food Trucks

   

  • Aunty’s Lil Green Hut – healthy, vegan and raw options

   

  • Seven Brothers – burgers, salads, sandwiches

   

  • Ono Yo – acai bowls and frozen yogurt

   

  • Giovannni’s Shrimp Truck

• Haleiwa Food Trucks

   

  • V-Land Tacos

   

  • Hapa Tacos

   

  • Crispy Grindz Acai Bowls

   

  • Camaraonshrimp Truck

*NOTE: For those who love seafood, make sure to eat a Poke bowl and try Giovanni’s shrimp truck. I eat GF/DF, love trying raw and healthy food, so most of my go-to food places were exactly that. I am not a huge seafood fan and did not eat any when I was there (I know I know – I’m in one of the best seafood places in the world and, I just could not stomach the idea of eating any) but my friends did and LOVED both.

Haleiwa Bowls located on the North Shore. THE cutest acai bowl place in Oahu and delicious! Blue Majik Bowl at Haleiwa Bowls

Acai Bowls

I tried all of the acai bowl places humanly possible while I was in Oahu. The places I linked below were my favorite in terms of taste, look and experience!

• Ono Yo
• Haleiwa Bowls – CUTEST acai place in Hawaii and perfect for all your Instagram shots.
• Banzai Bowls – BEST tasting bowl in Oahu in my opinion.
• Banan (did not go here but heard they were delish!).

Shaved Ice

You can get shaved ice anywhere! My most frequented places are linked below. Let’s be real, shaved ice is shaved ice – it’s refreshing, flavorful, is pretty for photos and will instantly cool you off no matter where you buy it from.

• Matsumoto’s – Delicious and unique flavors. My fav was Lychee!

• At the Old Sugar Mill

• Aoki’s

Fun Activities/Excursions To Do

All three photos above were taken at Kualoa Farms!Snorkeling at Sharks Cove

Kayaking to the Mokes in Lanikai Beach. Can anyone say holy Kayaks!?

Famous Haleiwa BridgeSurfboards on the North Shore

• Kualoa Ranch – Do the Jeep Expedition. It’s 2 hours, so fun and takes you on a tour of where the Jurassic Park movie was filmed.

• Sharks Cove – Best snorkeling! Lots of tourists but it’s spacious and plenty to see and places to swim. I saw a turtle here!

• Dole Plantation – Very touristy but worth it if you want to do the pineapple maze and eat the famous Pineapple Dole Whip, fun for kids but I would not pay to go here again although it’s super inexpensive.

• Paddleboard in Haleiwa – So fun! I did this and it only cost about $20/person! You can paddle on the river, under the bridge and into the ocean!

• Kayak at The Mokes (Kayak Beach Adventures) – This was one of the highlights of my trip! There’s two islands out in the ocean (takes about 2 hours round trip) that you can kayak to. My friends and I rented double kayaks for $60/kayak and it was such a blast! Make sure to go on a non-windy or rainy day.

• Pearl Harbor – totally worth seeing such a historical place. I did the free museum tour and boat ride!

• Take a helicopter tour – Did not do this but I heard it’s the best way to experience the island. Next time I go, I will save up for this adventure!

Waterfalls to See

• Laie Falls – This is an 8 mile hike round trip. I’d say plan out an entire day if you want to complete this hike and bring plenty of water.

• Manoa Falls – Very touristy, easy hike and you can swim in the falls at the end of the hike (make sure to wear a swimsuit!). To avoid all the tourists, get up early at sunrise and go! If I did this hike, I would not do it again unless I went early for photos!
• Kapena Falls
• Maunawili
• Kalihi Ice Ponds
• Kapena Falls

Where to Cliff Jump

• Laie Point
• Waimea Bay
• Spitting Caves

The Best Shopping

• Honolulu – best high end shopping on Oahu

   

  • International Market Place – I shopped here a few times and loved it.

   

  • Ala Moana Center

   

  • Waikiki Shopping Plaza

   

  • Royal Hawaiian Center

   

  • Kalakaua Ave – right on Waikiki Beach and a long strip with tons of stores such as Kate Spade, H&M, Forever 21 and Billabong

• Haleiwa – Cutest surf town with tons of local beachy stores. I felt most at home here! This was my favorite place to go and casually stroll outside and shop. I bought almost all of my families gifts here.

   

  • HE > I

   

  • Sand People

   

  • Mahina Boutique

   

  • Malibu Shirts

   

  • Splash! Hawaii

• Lanikai – Really upscale surf town and reminds me of Nantucket. There’s plenty of shopping here and delicious places to eat at.

   

  • Target – one of the only 4 Targets can be found here!

   

  • Global Village

   

  • Mahina

   

  • SoHa Living Kailua

Where to Stay

All photos taken 10 minutes from my rental on Laie Point

Now, where you stay all depends on your budget and what you are looking for. My budget was not luxury hotel friendly and I also love staying in houses so I can cook my own food and feel like I’m at home. If your looking for an adventure, there are plenty of options but if your looking for more modern day conveniences (like air conditioning), you might want to splurge on a hotel! No one told me this but about 99% of Oahu homes do not have centralized air conditioning! I was shocked, shocked when I found this out. So keep that in mind when searching for a place to stay!

I stayed in Laie (Upper East Side of Oahu)

I rented a small one bedroom apartment from a local I follow on Instagram and stayed in Laie on Laie Point. It’s a large Mormon community but it was incredible. It was only 30-45 minutes from the North Shore and way out in the country away from Waikiki and tourists. I lived exactly like a local! The closest Walmart or Target was an hour away.  Any town like Haleiwa, Laie, Ewa Beach or Lanikai would be perfect for a more local experience.

Air Bnb

Seriously, I met so many people who we’re staying in an Air Bnb and loved it! If I traveled to Hawaii again, I would find an affordable Air BnB since living in a house with a kitchen is my preferred way to travel!

Turtle Bay Resort

Emily from Cupcakes and Cashmere stayed here! It was only about 20 minutes from Laie and was really beautiful! It has it’s own beaches and it’s known for a really great snorkeling spot!

Waikiki Hotels

I 100% did not want to stay in Waikiki. It was way to touristy for my liking but they have amazing hotels, some of the best shopping in the world in walking distance and it’s a very developed area with modern day conveniences and food places around every corner.

The Royal Hawaiian (a great Instagram spot with pink umbrellas!) – A historic hotel and absolutely beautiful right in Waikiki.

The Modern Honolulu

Now, anyone want to come with me and visit the other Hawaiian islands, say Road to Hana in Maui!? I hope you enjoyed this travel guide! Please let me know if you have any other questions about Oahu!

Recent Hawaii Posts:

Why I Decided to Go to Hawaii for a Month

10 Outfits I Wore in Hawaii

My Top 10 Hawaii Packing Essentials

The post The Oahu, Hawaii Travel Guide for the Adventurer appeared first on Sunshine Style | Florida Fashion and Lifestyle Blog.

Now is the time to swimsuit shop! End of summer sales are in full-swing and swimsuit prices are dropping like crazy! As a Florida native and avid swimsuit wearer (almost) year round, I have found that August is the best month to buy swimsuits on sale for amazing prices! If you don’t live in a warm or tropical place year round, it’s best to buy a swimsuit now and save them for the next season. Seriously, every year I stock up on a few new swimsuits and then when I bring them out after winter, it’s always so exciting!! It’s like getting an entire new wardrobe just for the beach and pool!

Target Tropical Print One Piece Swimsuit

These photos were taken in Oahu at the North Shore. We were at a beach called Turtle Beach and sea turtles would literally come and beach themselves on shore to rest for hours on end. It was so fun to see the beautiful sea creatures up close. They are so pretty and truly look like the turtles you see in movies and videos!!! You could also snorkel in the water and see them up close and personal!!

Target Tropical Print One Piece Swimsuit

My friends and I all brought snorkles and masks with us which was the best decision I made for that entire trip. (Tip: if you go to Hawaii, buy a snorkel and mask because you literally use it everywhere and it’s much cheaper than renting). As soon as we arrived to the beach, we lathered ourselves in sunscreen, grabbed our snorkel gear and hopped into the water. My one piece swimsuit I purchased right before my trip was amazing because I could be active, jump around and swim in the ocean without having to worry about adjusting my swimsuit the whole time. It also acts as a shirt, so you just wear it with denim shorts and you have a casual beach outfit! I also wrote a whole post featuring what I wore in Hawaii for more beach outfit ideas if your interested!

Before my Hawaii trip, I was not super sold on the one piece swimsuit trend. I kept having flash backs of the not super stylish, Speedo swimsuits that give you terrible tan lines. Now after living in Hawaii for a month, it really sold me on the easieness of one piece swimsuits! It also doesn’t hurt when they come in super cute colors, styles and prints like the tropical print one I’m wearing. Just look at that back scoop. I love how one pieces accentuate different parts of your body and I love a good dress that shows off my back, so I knew I’d love a similar one piece style! I like to say it’s my good side? Do you all have a part of your body you like to show off the best?

Currently, there are so many cute one pieces on sale right now. I narrowed down my favorites just to include solid colors, tropical prints, and striped one piece swimsuits. My faves on sale under $50 include this scalloped one,  this one shoulder tropical print one and this one shoulder swimsuit that comes in red, navy, white and a few other colors. Shop more swim styles below!!!

Shop Tropical Print One Piece Swimsuits

Shop Solid Color One Piece Swimsuits

Shop Striped One Piece Swimsuits

Where to Shop for One Piece Swimsuits

Albion Fit (great if you need a tall size!)

J.Crew

Nordstrom

Target

Aerie

Old Navy

Gap

ASOS

Tuckernuck

Dillard’s

Urban Outfitters

Nordstrom Rack

Don’t forget to pin this graphic to your favorite swimwear or summer Pinterest board for reference!

The post The One-Piece Swimsuit I Wore in Hawaii (+ Amazing End of Summer Sales) appeared first on Sunshine Style | Florida Fashion and Lifestyle Blog.

This is a mini diary of what outfits I wore while I was on vacation in Hawaii! After spending the entire month in Oahu, I started to notice several outfits I kept wearing on repeat. You will most likely resort to wearing whatever will keep you coolest! For me, that meant lots of swimsuits, shorts, dresses and sandals!

The outfits below are actual, everyday looks I wore on a weekly basis in Hawaii. Now, if you don’t plan on traveling to Hawaii anytime soon, these outfits will still work for as inspiration for a tropical summer vacation or beach day. To see exactly what clothing items I brought, some items I wish I had packed and a complete packing checklist, read the full post here!

What I Wore in Hawaii:

Beach Coverup

LOFT Beach Dress Cover Up (similar cover up here and here) / Old Navy Sandals (pink pair and neutral pair) / Similar Sunglasses / Straw Hat

A lightweight dress is such a great purchase for a beach vacation! I wore mine all the time when I was walking to the beach or exploring Oahu.

One-Piece Swimsuit

Tropical One Piece Swimsuit (under $30!)

A one-piece swimsuit is an absolute must! I love this tropical print one I purchased from Target! The re-stocked it this year, so if your planning a trip to Hawaii, I would totally recommend this suit! It fits amazing, is so comfy, and you cannot beat the price! I’m 5’8 and purchased a Medium.

White Maxi Dress

White Maxi Dress / Talbots Pom Pom Sandals in Navy / Pineapple Bag (best purchase from The Dole Plantation) / Straw Hat

What is a beach vacation without a white dress!? I did not wear this dress as often as shorts and a swimsuit but it’s perfect for a luau or sunset watching! I watched lots of sunsets and walked on many beaches in this dress!

One day I met up with my friend Brittany who I met through Instagram. We strolled through Haleiwa, ate and took photos by a local surf shop! She picked us up in an air-conditioned car and it was glorious!

Denim Skirt + Tank Top

J.Crew Tank Top / American Eagle White Denim Skirt / Old Navy Sandals / Straw Visor

Denim skirts are my new favorite! I loveeee this white skirt from AE and have worn it so many times this summer! It matches with everything and looks best with crop tops, tank tops or t-shirts tied in knots!

Similar Striped Off the Shoulder Swimsuit

This is what I looked like 90% of the time. Swimsuit, sunnies and a visor to keep the sun off my face. I was living my dream life being able to prance around in a swimsuit all the time! Once a water baby, always a water baby.

White Billabong Dress / White Sandals

Bought this white dress in Honolulu at the Billabong store as a Hawaiian momento. Every time I wear it I’m reminded of all the fun memories of Hawaii!

T-Shirt Dress (similar here)

This was taken at Turtle Beach in Oahu. Turtles actually beach themselves on the shore and are so close you just stare at them along with a million other tourists. My t-shirt dress was perfect to wear as a beach cover up! I tied my dress to give my body more shape!

Denim Shorts

Old Navy Palm Tree Print Button Down Top / H&M High Waisted Jean Shorts / Macrame Bag / Sandals

White Shorts + Girly Top

Similar Gingham Top / J.Crew Shorts / Talbots Sandals (similar)

Denim Shorts + High Neck Swimsuit

Aerie Swim Top (similar here and here) / H&M Denim Shorts

Cut Off-Denim Shorts + Tee

Old Navy Yellow Tee (similar) / American Eagle Denim Shorts / Old Navy Sandals

I hope these looks inspire you and to give you an idea of what to wear on your Hawaii vacation1 Now, if you are going to be staying in a resort, I would recommend packing maxi and midi dresses for dressy nights, denim shorts for the day, swimsuits and a few beach cover up.

Before I went to awaii, I had this glamorized idea that I’d be wearing the most cutest outfits everyday and taking the most amazing photos on my DSLR camera. Then reality hit me in the face when I realized I had no AC, carried a giant backpack with me at all times and had no need to dress up every day.

My trip to Hawaii was super adventurous which is right up my alley. I’m not that fancy anyways. Those cute professional blogger photos I was hoping for just weren’t going to happen. I had to give up my false dreams about being a travel fashion blogger with perfect photos and just go with the flow. I was much happier that way and less stressed.

Other Recent Hawaii Posts You May Like:

What to Pack for a Hawaii Vacation + FREE Printable Packing List

My Oahu, Hawaii Travel Guide for the Adventurer

The One Piece Swimsuit I Wore in Hawaii

P.S. Have a fun Hawaii trip planned? Your in luck! I created a full guide on exactly what clothes to pack for a trip to Hawaii.  It includes a FREE printable packing list you can download and screenshot to save on your phone! So easy!

The post What I Wore in Oahu, Hawaii: A Month of Style appeared first on Sunshine Style | Florida Fashion and Lifestyle Blog.

Aloha! I made it to Hawaii!!!! It’s unreal to be typing this from paradise! Right now I can see the beach from my desk view and it’s breathtaking. After a super long travel day to Oahu and adjusting to the time zone (I’m 6 hours behind here), I have been able to unpack all my bags and settle in for the next month. Life in Hawaii is in-describable. It’s tropical, perfect 80 degree weather, the clearest water I have ever seen, mountains in the background, super interesting architecture and just so different from anything I’ve ever experienced. Everywhere you turn, the scenery is breathtaking. I absolutely love the beach mixed with mountains!!!

So far my friend and I have swam in the beautiful blue ocean, explored around Laie (the town we’re staying in), ate shaved ice on the North Shore, hiked a waterfall and visited the famous Waikiki beach. Today we have plans to go jump off a rock at a Waimea Bay, which was on my Hawaii bucket list! Can’t wait to share my travel guide with you all and give you a list of everything you’d want to pack for a beach vacation!

What I was not expecting to find was that my rental has no AC. Actually, the majority of those who live in Oahu in have no central AC. Yes, I’m serious. I was a bit shocked at first. I’m used to hot and humid weather but it totally brought me back to my youth and summer cheer camp days where we stayed in non-air conditioned cabins. Can any one relate!? We’re definitely a step above cabin life but we have like 5 fans blasting at all time.

When I was planning for my trip, I knew there were items I had to bring with me in order to save money and also adjust to life in Hawaii. To save money I did not rent a car and decided to take the public bus everywhere. This saves money but I had to keep in mind I’d be without a car and needing to carry everything with me at all times. At home I’d bring a cooler full of water and food, pack my car with towels, clothes, a swimsuit, my raincoat and extra shoes. Here I am literally traveling around the island with what I have on my back. Keep in mind, we’ve been having 12 hour exhausting traveling days and I need everything on the list below! I When I started packing, I kept in mind it would he hot, rainy and I’d have to walk everywhere. This list is my top 10 packing essentials you will want to bring for a trip to Hawaii or any tropical, warm-weather vacation.

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I know I’m in Hawaii and this list is exactly what I packed for my Oahu trip but all of these items work perfectly for any tropical beach vacation or warm-weather trip. For those who missed it, read my story on why I came to Oahu for a month! Your always going to want a swimsuit, sunscreen and backpack to carry everything no matter what activity is planned. I use most of these items at home in Florida on a constant basis and am glad I did not have to buy so many new items for my trip.

My Top 10 Hawaii Packing Essentials

ONE // Waterbottle – A water bottle is a must have! I always have water on hand with me at all times no matter what. Being in Hawaii, I knew I needed to carry a water bottle with me everywhere. No way do I want to pay $5 every time I need to buy a water bottle. This Swell wood bottle was a gift from my sister and I literally use this bottle everyday, here in Hawaii and also at tome. A friend also gave me great advice and said to pack the empty bottle on my carry on for the plane and then ask the flight attendant to fill it. Those tiny cups of water they give you on planes don’t do it for me. When I asked the flight attendant to fill it, she was more than happy to do so. This helped so much because normally I am gasping for water the minute I land. I love my water.

TWO // Crop Top – In Hawaii it can get very hot, especially if your not swimming! You will most likely spend all your time at the beach, hiking or exploring the island. Walking around on the road in a swimsuit, with a towel and surfboard is a normal scene, even in the big cit of Honolulu. I brought a bunch of crop tops to wear with shorts and skirts. My favorite right now is this one from Aerie that I own in pink and ivory! You instantly feel super cute when you wear these and extra beachy. Literally, they will be acceptable anywhere you go, especially outside exploring.

THREE // Swimsuit – This is my #1! Absolutely don’t forget to pack a swimsuit. I mean, is this even possible to forget a swimsuit if your going on a tropical trip? Pretty sure I packed ten swimsuits. HAHA! But hey, I already live in a tropical place and you just wear them all the time. If you forget one it’s okay because there’s a million surf stores on the North Shore or by Waikiki Beach. Here you will wear a swimsuit almost daily. I’d say you would be safe with bringing three but I’d recommend at least four with different functions like this palm leaf one piece for jumping off cliffs and one for hanging at the beach.

FOUR // Backpack – Weather you go on hikes, the beach or into town to shop, you will want a backpack to carry all your items. My friend and I stumbled in a super cute surf store on the North Shore and found these adorable backpacks by Herschel that fold up into a small pouch. So great for packing in a suitcase or day trips! The outside is like a windbreaker material and is perfect for getting wet or sandy. You do so much walking, a cross body or regular tote bag won’t work. It doubles a as a purse, beach bag or hiking gear. You’ll thank me later for the backpack idea.

FIVE // Denim Cut Off Shorts – This is the second most packed item I brought. Everyone wears denim cut off shorts here! Especially the teenagers. Super glad I fit into the teen category. I think there’s seven pair of denim shorts in my suitcase. This pair from American Eagle are the exact ones I packed fof my trip! Actually, I am super glad I packed that many since we don’t have AC. I’d pack at least 3-4 pairs of denim shorts, maybe even more if you plan on staying for more than two weeks. Trust me, you literally will just want to wear a swimsuit, denim shorts and a crop top all day, everyday.

SIX // Waterproof Phone Pouch – Since I knew I’d be walking everywhere and spending lots of time outside waiting on the bus, I knew rain would be an issue. Instead of worrying about a waterproof backpack, I made sure to buy a Waterproof Phone Pouch. Their fairly inexpensive and the most I’ve seen one was $20. Anytime I go outside or near water I don’t have to worry about my phone getting wet. This is great for hiking, the beach or to protect it from outside elements like sand and dirt. A waterproof phone case will also work but I find that those decrease the photo quality when it cover’s the camera lens which is why I went with a pouch instead.

Seven // Raincoat – Going anywhere tropical soon? Invest in a raincoat! These are so much better than umbrellas. You can be hands free and still stay completely dry. I’ll never use an umbrella again. Be aware it will rain a ton in Hawaii (it’s rained everyday so far we’ve been here). I wear a raincoat all the time at home and already wore it in Hawaii. I didn’t want the rain to hold me back from exploring and I also don’t like being a soppy wet mess, so I brought my favorite Northface yellow raincoat. I found a cute one here for under $70. If there’s rain on the forecast I’m bringing this in my backpack so I’m always prepared.

EIGHT // Lip Balm with Sunscreen – Wearing sunscreen is so important, especially on your lips. You will be catching tons of sun the entire time on your trip (even overcast days), so it’s absolutely necessary to wear lip balm with SPF in it. My fav lip balm with SPF in it is Sunbum Watermelon and Mango flavors. Sunbum is actually made locally in Cocoa Beach, so it’s super fun to support a local company.

NINE // Slides or Sandals – Open toed sandals will be worn with everything! Especially denim cut off shorts and crop tops. Slides are super trendy for summer and equally as cute on. I’ve not worn closed toed shoes once since I arrived and don’t plan to unless I’ll be hiking. They also go perfect with sundresses, maxi skirts and swimsuits. I’d pack a few pairs in all colors. I brought these neutral sandals, these pair I last wore here and these under $20.

TEN // iPhone 8+ – For my trip, this is actually one of the items I decided to purchase. My iPhone 6 was only 12 GB and my storage was always full. I could never take new photos or practically do anything on it. I also wanted a nicer camera to take better quality full-frame photos. The DSLR camera I own is only a cropped sensor, so I knew I couldn’t get the landscape shots I wanted with Hawaii’s beautiful landscape. The iPhone 8+ is amazing and I would recommend it to anyone! Totally worth it.

Shop the Ten Essentials I Packed for Hawaii:

Are you going on any tropical or beach trips this summer? Let me know in the comments!

The post My Top 10 Hawaii Packing Essentials appeared first on Sunshine Style | Florida Fashion and Lifestyle Blog.

I’M GOING ON A TRIP TO HAWAII FOR A MONTH! It feels surreal to even type it out! I will be traveling to Hawaii for the whole month of June and staying in Oahu! Going to Hawaii has been a dream of mine (specifically the North Shore) for as long as I can remember and that dream is coming true right before my eyes! Never in my wildest dreams did I ever think I would be going to my dream destination this summer! I’M SO EXCITED!

Why I Am Going to Hawaii for a Month

Now, I bet your wondering, how on earth are you going to visit Hawaii for a whole month and why. Short story? The opportunity presented itself and I swept it up in a heartbeat! Long story? Keep reading!

Well, I have wanted to travel to Hawaii since I was little. It’s always been my dream travel destination (specifically my honeymoon, HA!). I love the beach, I love the idea of mountains mixed with crystal blue water and I have always wanted to experience the huge waves on the North Shore (although the giant waves only come in the Winter). In the past, the only thing stopping me from going was money, the courage to go and the right timing. I seriously just thought I had to wait until I went on vacation with my family or to go on a bit trip like my honeymoon which was no where in the near future.

Since I’m a teacher and have the summer off, I started to dream up fun vacations I could take during my two months off. The past year was just an overall tough season in general. I also did not pass a test to teach again next year, so I knew deep down, I may never have two months off in the summer again. I thought of traveling to the Keys or visiting friends in Tampa/St. Pete or just finding random beaches around Florida I could explore.

Hawaii was always in the back of my mind, I just never thought I could afford it or that the timing to go would work out. One night I just started researching Airbnb’s in Hawaii for fun and played around with the idea of just going to Hawaii alone for a week and staying in a treehouse on the North Shore.

After a few nights of researching, I started telling friends about my week summer trip idea to Hawaii. The only problem was that it was just really expensive to stay for only a week. But I kept the thought in my mind, prayed and just really felt I still wanted to go if at all possible. I knew once I verbalized my thoughts, and having faith and hope, my dream could turn into reality and that scared the heck out of me. What was this girl who used to play it safe doing? Being courageous and daring thats what!

Fast forward a week or two, I was on Instagram one morning in early April and I saw an Oahu, Hawaii based photographer I follow posted on her Instagram stories that her and her husband were looking to rent out their place for a potion of the summer. This was my big break! I had been praying, voiced my dream and desire of going to Hawaii this summer and here it was starring me right in the face. THIS OPPORTUNITY WAS EVEN BETTER THAN A WEEK! Within a few hours I had messaged her about being interested in renting her place, the next day we talked on Facetime and within about two weeks I had booked my one month trip to Oahu, Hawaii!

Also, once I started telling people about my possible trip and actually booked it, it’s like God opened the doors wide open. People left and right started giving me advice. Everyone including people who have previously traveled to the island, friends and family telling me about friends who currently live on the island and these random connections that would never have been possible unless I spoke it out loud!

God gave me confidence this was a good choice and that He would provide for me. God is just so awesome! I get to go on my dream trip. Like GOD JUST ANSWERED MY PRAYER AND ONE OF MY TOP 5 BIGGEST DREAMS IS COMING TRUE! The possibilities in life feel endless at the moment! I don’t ever want to stop dreaming!

I’m Flying to Hawaii Alone

Let me just tell you. Purchasing a place ticket and booking my own place was absolutely the most nerve wracking choice I have ever made. I booked this trip not 100% sure I’d have any friends or people to explore the island with. I am flying almost 5,000 miles away to a foreign place alone. It also dips into my very hard earned savings and the cost of Hawaii life is not cheap. Also, there’s no guarantee I will be coming back to a job for the 2018 school year which is a tad unsettling. But I knew when I was making the decision on weather or not to go, I did not want to look back in ten years and wish I would have taken the risk.

Now, I do have some friends who are adventurous, courageous and are planning to come and visit! But it’s still so completely out of my comfort zone. Yet once I pushed back the sickening fear, I just feel free and over the moon excited! I MEAN C’MON, IM GOING TO HAWAII FOR A MONTH.

This is the beach I have access to! Photo courtesy of @ockeydockey.

Where Am I Staying in Hawaii

I will be staying in Oahu, Hawaii, specifically in the town of Laie. It’s super close to the North Shore and I am renting a house that overlooks the beach off a cliff! Did I seriously just type that out? I think I need to pinch myself. The island itself is fairly small and I plan on getting around by bus, bike and longboard!

What I Plan on Doing in Hawaii

BECOME THE BIGGEST BEACH BUM EVER! There’s still a ton of logistics I have to figure out, but there’s so much to do there I am excel spreadsheeting it out like crazy! I want to LIVE IN A SWIMSUIT CAUSE DUH, hike, explore the North Shore, surf, find waterfalls, jump off cliff’s, camp on the beach, eno, watch a million sunsets, eat lots of acai bowls, take millions of photos, bike ride, meet new friends and just live like a local.

People keep telling me it’s a slower pace of life and all you need is flip flops and a swimsuit. I live in Florida and feel our pace is already slow but I’ve been warned Florida is like NYC compared to Oahu. We shall see. I’m just so excited and can’t wait to share my journey with you guys! Honestly, I’m almost afraid I may never want to move back home. THIS IS MY DREAM DESTINATION GUYS!

Since I am there a month and will have plenty of time on my hands, I do plan on praying and talking to my friend God a ton. With the possibility of not coming back to a job in August for the next school year, I may have to do a bit of job searching. Years ago I would have been anxious and fearful of what the future holds. Right now though, I totally trust my Father. He led me to Hawaii, to become a teacher and he will lead me into the next season whatever that may be. But for now I’m going to enjoy my vacation in Oahu, Hawaii!

See yah in one month Hawaii! 

Anyone else have any fun summer trips planned? What’s the craziest trip or opportunity you have ever taken in life?

The post Why I’m Going to Hawaii for a Month!!! appeared first on Sunshine Style | Florida Fashion and Lifestyle Blog.