Beach Bag Essentials – Here’s What’s In My Beach Bag

UPDATED MAR 2020. Today was such a beautiful Aloha Friday. Traveling down the highway to one of my favorite beaches, I looked out the window to see the sun was shining down, creating an Edward Cullen-like sparkle on the surface of the ocean as the rays met the water. It was the perfect day to be outdoors and the perfect day to take some pictures of the waves and document my beach bag essentials. These are the things I always have with me when I go to the beach, whether that is to snorkel, swim, or simply laze on the beach with a book.

Beach Bag Essentials – Here’s What’s In My Beach Bag

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The basics

• Bag
• Sunscreen
• Tanning lotion
• Water bottle
• Energy Gels
• Lightweight towel
• GoPro
• Floaty selfie stick
• Snorkel gear – Fins, mask, and snorkel (these are best to try on, not buy online)
• Bag for sea glass
• Bag for rubbish
• Baby shampoo
• Hat
• Sunglasses

My beach bag

First up, here is my beach bag. It is from a brand called Fighting Eel, located at a couple of stores around the island.

They also sell cute outfits and accessories. I loved the tropical design on this backpack so much that I couldn’t resist using it for my beach bag.

THE #1 beach bag essential – sunscreen

Naturally, sun protection is quite crucial when you are out and about outdoors and since I burn easily I definitely always carry sunscreen with me.

I use a 50+ sports sunscreen for my face to give it a good amount of protection.

I also always pack a 30+ spray-on sunscreen because it is super convenient since I am usually going solo.

Tanning lotion

I also swear by the Maui Babe tanning lotion for those times when you want to get a little color for that ‘I live in Hawaii’ look.

Water bottle

I’m such a stickler for keeping hydrated, especially on beach and adventure days.

No matter what I’m doing, I always carry a water bottle with me. I usually take a Hydro Flask and fill it with ice water.

I’ll leave that as a back-up supply of water and take a smaller bottle to the beach with me.

Energy Gels

Another beach bag essential that I always have with me is Clif Shot Energy Gels. Razz is my favorite flavor.

These are so handy because sometimes you spend a lot of time in the water and don’t feel the effects of the heat until it is too late.

If I am doing a big swim or big adventure day, I’ll pack a couple of these and have one as soon as I get out of the water.

Lightweight towel

I always take a lightweight towel to the beach with me.

Currently, I use a Turkish beach towel from Sand Cloud. It’s so lightweight and convenient, rolling up into a small package and drying quickly in between beach hops.

Perhaps the best thing about this merchandise is the fact that a portion of the proceeds is donated to marine conservation.

Waterproof camera

I use a GoPro as my waterproof camera as well as my adventure camera. I’ve been using them for years and absolutely love them.

Floaty selfie stick

When I am going to the beach, I use the GoPole Evo floaty selfie stick.

It extends quite long so you can get photos of animals without being up close with them.

Even if I’m not snorkeling, I will use this one at the beach and take the GoPro in the water with me because I wouldn’t leave it on the beach to get stolen.

Snorkel gear

I use fins from Da Fin Hawaii and they are the Zak Noyle edition.

My mask and snorkel are just basic ones from a sporting store. When you buy yours just make sure they fit your face and get a snorkel with a valve on the top so water can only go out.

This will stop water from coming down your snorkel and into your mouth.

Baby shampoo

I always have a travel-size container of baby shampoo in my beach bag to use when I snorkel.

I buy the big bottle and pour it into a travel size bottle for convenience.

At the beach, I put a little bit on the inside of my goggles, rub it in, then rinse it off before putting them on. It’s the best thing I have found for keeping my goggles clear while underwater.

Bag to collect sea glass

A ziplock bag is one of my beach bag essentials because I use it to collect sea glass that I find.

It’s not super trendy, but it does the job well. I empty it after the beach day and reuse the same one over and over so I don’t waste them.

Bag to collect trash

I keep a bag with me to collect trash while I’m at the beach.

If I find it while I’m in the water, I pick it up and put it in my bag after the snorkel.

Otherwise, after the swim, while I’m drying off I will walk the beach and pick up as much as I can. Every little bit helps.

Trucker hat

My favorite adventure day hat is one from Venture Hawaii and bears the slogan “Home Sweet Hawaii”.

Whichever one I choose on the day, I always have a hat. I clip it to the strap of my beach bag while I’m swimming so it doesn’t fly away.

Sunglasses

I also always have some trendy adventure day sunglasses to look cute and protect my eyes – I have actually sunburnt my eyes before and I can tell you that it is not fun at all!

Other guides to help you plan your beach adventures on Oahu

• Best Beaches On Oahu – Here’s The 10 Beaches You Don’t Want To Miss

• Swim With Turtles On Oahu – A Guide To All The Best Places

• Beginner Snorkeling Tips For Awesome And Safe Adventures

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