hawaii trip outfits

What To Wear In Hawaii: The Complete Packing Guide

Save money on your next flight

Skyscanner is the world’s leading flight search engine, helping you find the cheapest flights to destinations all over the world.

With its tropical climate and casual culture, deciding what to pack for a trip to Hawaii can be tricky. If all you pack are shorts and flip flops, you may find yourself unprepared when wanting to dine at a fancy restaurant or hike to a waterfall.

If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to what to wear in Hawaii: pack lightweight, breathable clothing along with some pants, closed-toe shoes, and layers for outdoor activities and evenings . Don’t forget the sunscreen either!

In this complete guide on what to wear in Hawaii, we’ll cover everything you need to know about Hawaiian attire so you can effortlessly blend in with locals and handle the island weather during your upcoming trip.

The Basics: Light, Casual Clothing

T-shirts & tank tops.

When packing for Hawaii, lightweight t-shirts and tank tops are essentials . The sunny, tropical climate calls for breathable fabrics that will keep you cool and comfortable. Cotton or moisture-wicking performance fabrics are great options.

Tank tops allow maximum air flow, while tee shirts provide a bit more sun protection for the shoulders. Bring several in bright colors or fun Hawaiian prints to embrace the island vibe.

Shorts & skirts

Pack at least a couple pairs of shorts or casual skirts for the islands. Temperatures typically range from 70°F to 90°F year-round, so you’ll want lightweight shorts and skirts in lightweight fabrics like cotton or linen. Knee-length cuts are versatile for daytime adventures and casual evening wear.

Mini shorts and skirts also work well when paired with bathing suits at the beach or pool.

Don’t forget the bathing suits! Even if you don’t plan to spend all day at the beach, you’ll still want swimwear for poolside lounging or spur-of-the-moment dips in the ocean. Pack 2-3 swimsuits so you have options. Choose supportive fits with UPF protection built-in when possible.

Rash guards, board shorts, and coverups are also great extras for modesty and sun protection.

Light dresses & rompers

In addition to separates, pack sundresses, maxi dresses, or rompers for feminine style options. Flowy cotton or rayon fabrics feel dreamy in the balmy island weather. Solid colors and prints are both attractive – just be sure any prints aren’t too bold or busy, as the natural beauty of Hawaii takes center stage.

The most useful dresses offer a bit of coverage – short sleeves rather than strapless or mini lengths.

No Hawaii shoe collection is complete without sandals . Pack an assortment of casual sandal styles like flat slides, sporty athletic slides, or strappy walking sandals made for adventure. Consider quick-dry materials that shed ocean spray easily.

And don’t forget a spare pair in case your go-to pair gets soaked! Flip flops work well as backups.

Hat or visor

Round out your Hawaii capsule wardrobe with a hat or visor to protect against the intense subtropical sun, which shines brightly almost 360 days per year ! Wide-brim sun hats provide excellent coverage and style.

Baseball caps also work well, especially while hiking or participating in active pursuits. Visors keep the sun off your face without hat head. Choose breathable cottons, performance synthetics, or classic straw hats.

Considerations for Outdoor Activities

Hiking shoes or sneakers.

When planning outdoor adventures in Hawaii, proper footwear is essential. Many trails can be rough, rocky, muddy or slippery. Quality hiking shoes provide necessary traction and support to minimize injury risk. They should have good tread depth for grip and be waterproof or quick-drying.

Low-cut trail runners are another option – they sacrifice ankle support for enhanced breathability and comfort in Hawaii’s hot climate. Packing both hiking shoes and sports sandals or water shoes will prepare you for diverse settings from rainforests to beaches.

Hawaii’s balmy weather enables a variety of outdoor pursuits. Packing lightweight, moisture-wicking activewear makes outdoor adventures more pleasant. Synthetic fabrics like polyester blends pull sweat from the skin towards the fabric surface for quicker evaporation.

This prevents overheating and chafing issues. For aerobic activities, sports bras, tank tops, shorts and skorts allow lots of breathability. Having long sleeve options, pants and lightweight jackets provides protection from the sun or wind when needed .

Aim for versatile multi-use pieces in dark colors that won’t show dirt easily. Quick-drying fabrics reduce the need to pack excess changes of clothes. Consider items with UPF-rated sun protection. Columbia, Athleta, Patagonia, The North Face, Outdoor Research and similar brands offer suitable activewear choices.

A rash guard – long sleeve swimming shirt made of stretchy, lightweight fabric that blocks UV rays – is a must-have for hours of snorkeling, surfing or other water sports . The tight-fitting, breathable material prevents skin irritation and rashes that can result from prolonged rubbing against a surfboard or exposure to sun and saltwater.

Rash guards sit close to the body so they won’t interfere with movements in the water.

Vibrant prints and colors provide aesthetic appeal while also being more visible to others. Reputable watersports brands like Billabong, O’Neill, Hurley or Roxy offer quality, durable options designed for intense activity.

Men will want a swim shirt with extra room, while women often prefer a snug-fitting swim dress with attached shorts for extra sun coverage.

Reef-safe sunscreen

When bathing outdoors always wear broad spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen. However, standard formulas with oxybenzone/octinoxate are toxic to Hawaii’s fragile coral ecosystems. Instead, pack reef-safe sunscreen that skips these chemicals.

Popular options meeting reef-safe criteria include Stream2Sea, Badger, Raw Elements, Thinksport, Alba Botanica and sunscreens certified by organizations like Sunscreen Safe .

Apply liberally and reapply often, especially after heavy sweating, swimming or vigorous activity. Wearing a hat and UV-protective clothing reduces how much sunscreen you’ll need.

Also read: What To Bring To Hawaii To Save Money: The Complete Packing Guide

Items for Evenings and Special Occasions

Light sweater or cardigan.

Hawaii can get a bit chilly in the evenings, with temperatures dropping into the 60s Fahrenheit after sundown, so packing a light sweater or cardigan is recommended. A thin cashmere sweater is perfect for throwing over your shoulders at an oceanside resort.

For casual sweaters, cotton or bamboo cardigans are lightweight and breathable options. Be sure to choose neutral colors that will match everything. And don’t forget to pack a pashmina or scarf too!

Pants or jeans

Having a pair of pants or jeans on hand allows you to go seamlessly from a day at the beach to dinner at a nice restaurant. Dark-wash denim shorts are ideal, as are linen or chambray pants. Flowy harem pants or cropped culottes work well too.

Just steer clear of light washes, as sand has a habit of sticking around. And make sure your evening attire pairs nicely with your chosen footwear.

No wardrobe for Hawaii is complete without a breezy sundress or two! Look for styles and patterns inspired by traditional Hawaiian fabrics. Solid colors like coral pink or seafoam complement any island tan. Wraps dresses and maxi dresses allow versatility from the poolside to an evening luau.

Consider pairing your sundress with a denim or leather jacket for the cool nights. And don’t forget the ultimate vacation essential ― a hat and sunglasses to finish off your look.

Wedges or nice sandals

While flip flops may rule the daytime, you’ll want a slightly dressier shoe option for the evenings. Canvas lace-up espadrilles add a dash of style while retaining comfort, and are available in endless colors. Leather or suede wedges lengthen legs; just stick to a 2-3 inch heel for stability.

Sparkly Havaiana flip flops instantly glam up any outfit. And classic Birkenstocks go with everything. Opt for neutral and metallic hues over bright colors. Having proper footwear means you’ll be ready for impromptu excursions during a magical Hawaiian sunset.

Rainy Day Attire

Lightweight rain jacket.

A lightweight rain jacket is a travel essential for Hawaii. Sudden showers are common, so having waterproof outerwear is key. Pack a jacket made of waterproof and breathable fabric like Gore-Tex. This will keep you dry without getting too hot. Some features to look for include:

• Hood to keep rain off your head
• Vents for breathability in muggy weather
• Packable design that folds up small

Try brands like The North Face , Patagonia , and Columbia for quality picks. A minimalist rain jacket lets you add layered warmth underneath as needed.

While less practical for adventures, an umbrella still comes in handy in Hawaii. Keep a folding travel umbrella in your bag for sudden downpours. This shelters you while walking around towns and cities. Opt for a wind-resistant, inverted design .

The inversion prevents the umbrella from catching wind like a parachute and flipping inside out.

Handy features include auto open/close functionality and a carrying case. Packable umbrellas collapse down small enough to fit in purses or backpacks. Popular picks are the Repel and Totes brands , available on Amazon .

Waterproof Shoes

Proper footwear shields you from both rain and mud in Hawaii’s tropical climate. For serious hikers, trail-running shoes with waterproof membranes are ideal picks. Brands like Salomon , Merrell , and Keen offer styles with grippy soles to prevent slipping.

For casual walkers, pack a pair of waterproof Chelsea or duck boots. Look for natural rubber bottoms and coated leather or nylon uppers. Popular options are from Hunter and Sorel . Bring an extra pair of dry socks as needed after getting soaked!

Packing Tips

Choose lightweight, breathable fabrics.

When packing for Hawaii, focus on bringing lightweight, breathable fabrics that will keep you cool in the tropical climate. Great options include:

• Linen shirts and pants
• Loose-fitting cotton dresses and skirts
• Lightweight shorts and swimsuits
• Breathable athletic wear for activities

Avoid heavy fabrics like denim, fleece, or leather which will lead to sweating in Hawaii’s heat and humidity. By packing lightweight, you’ll stay dry and comfortable exploring the islands.

Bring layers you can add or remove

Hawaii sees temperatures ranging from 60°F at night to 90°F during the day. Pack clothing layers so you can adjust to the changing conditions:

• Light cardigans or kimonos to throw over dresses or tanks
• Pashmina shawls or scarves
• Jean or cargo jackets for evenings

Having removable layers means you won’t have to carry extra outfits or return to your hotel room to change. Simply tie a shirt around your waist or throw on a cardigan to stay comfortable all day long.

Pack color palettes that mix-and-match

To keep your suitcase light, bring clothes in coordinating colors that can be mixed and matched for countless outfits. Consider packing in one of these color schemes:

• Neutrals like white, tan, black, gray
• Ocean blues and greens
• Bright tropical tones like fuchsia, turquoise, yellow

Stick to 2-3 color families and choose patterns and prints that blend well. You’ll get more versatility with fewer pieces when everything works back to your core color scheme.

Prepare for both warm and cool weather

Hawaii’s weather varies between the islands and even within the same island. According to research from Hawaii Guide , Kauai and Hilo see over 120 inches of rain per year, while Kona averages under 25 inches annually.

To be ready for anything, pack:

• Lightweight rain jacket or poncho
• Few long sleeve shirts for cooler mountain areas or evenings
• Wide-brim hat for sun protection
• Light sweater or wrap for air conditioning

Checking forecasts ahead of time can help guide your choices, but having gear for both warm and cool weather means you can freely explore without getting caught off guard.

Leave the heels at home

While exploring Hawaii’s beautiful landscapes, you’ll likely do a fair amount of walking on uneven terrain. Bulky heels can make mobility tricky:

• 23% increased risk of ankle sprains according to research from NCBI
• Less comfortable for long days of adventure

Instead, opt for supportive footwear like sandals, athletic sneakers, or hiking boots. Go for traction on the soles to prevent slips on wet surfaces. Your feet will thank you after long days of Hawaiian fun!

Also read: What To Pack For Hawaii: A Men’S Checklist For The Aloha State

By packing a versatile mix of casual and outdoor attire along with some evening choices, you’ll be ready for anything Hawaii throws your way, from beach days to waterfall hikes. Just don’t forget the sun protection!

The laidback Hawaiian culture embraces comfort, color, and self-expression. So make sure to toss in a few statement pieces you love to wear to let your personality shine bright under those island skies.

Sharing is caring!

Jane Smith is a Hawaii resident and author born and raised on the island of Oahu. Her Hawaiian heritage shines through in her writing, infusing it with the Aloha spirit and local flavor.

Jane draws inspiration from the tropical island lifestyle - outrigger canoeing at sunrise, beach picnics, hiking to hidden waterfalls. Her works immerse readers in the beauty and culture of Hawaii.

An avid surfer since childhood, Jane often wakes early to catch waves along the North Shore. She also enjoys practicing Hawaiian crafts like lei-making, lauhala weaving, and kapa cloth printing.

When not writing or adventuring outdoors, you can find Jane sipping mai tais at the local tiki bar, listening to ukulele music at the night market, or cooking up a big pot of stew at home.

Similar Posts

Mma Gyms In Honolulu: Top Spots to Train & Practice Mixed Martial Arts

Looking to train in mixed martial arts while visiting or living in Hawaii’s capital city? This guide covers…

The Meaning And History Of The Hawaiian Word Luna

The Hawaiian language is full of beauty and meaning. Many Hawaiian words give insight into the history and…

Oprah’s Hawaiian Hideaway: Unveiling the Mystery of Her Maui Estate

Ever since talk show queen Oprah Winfrey acquired land in Maui, speculation has swirled about the exact location…

The Hawaiian Flower: All About The Beautiful And Exotic Plumeria

The alluring islands of Hawaii are well known for their lush rainforests, volcanic mountains, and of course, beautiful…

Hawaii’S Notorious Ghetto Neighborhoods

The beautiful islands of Hawaii are known for their sandy beaches, laidback culture, and tropical paradise environments. However,…

Inactive Volcanoes In Hawaii

Hawaii is well-known for its active volcanoes that frequently erupt and spew lava. However, the Hawaiian Islands are…

comprehensive tourist maps for busy professionals

What to wear in hawaii: 10 perfectly cultivated outfits for hawaii.

This is your ultimate guide for what to wear in Hawaii. This isn’t your ordinary packing list for Hawaii (Disclaimer: We’re not going to tell you what kind of sunscreen to buy 😉 ). Instead, we’ll help you plan cute outfits to wear in Hawaii for every occasion. 

What to Wear in Hawaii

Table of Contents

1. Luau Outfit 

2. hiking outfit , 3. water sport outfit, 4. wedding outfit , 5. island exploring, 6. night out, 7. sexy resort outfit , 8. casual daytime outfit , 9. plane outfit , 10. excursion outfit .

Regardless of the island in question, we’ve got your back! We will discuss all of the following:

• What to wear in Maui? Yes, girl.
• What to wear in Kauai? Absolutely! 
• What to wear in Oahu ? Most definitely. 
• What to wear in Kona Hawaii? You better believe it!

We will help you figure out what clothes to wear in Hawaii so that you’ll have an amazing look for each activity. Meaning… amazing vacation photos, improved confidence, and big smiles. 😃

The best clothes to wear in Hawaii depend on the weather and the activity. One of the things that makes Hawaii such an incredible destination is the wide range of activities and attractions. Visitors can enjoy relaxing beaches, high-energy thrill rides, and glamorous shopping. 

There’s no universal style approach. Rather, you’ll need a variety of outfits to wear in Hawaii depending on your plans. 

In this guide, we’ll go over the basic weather information and several classic outfit types you should plan for. We’ll tell you what to wear and what not to wear in Hawaii. So, listen up! 

What to Wear in Hawaii: 10 Essential Outfits

Hawaii is a pacific island chain within the United States of America. There are several islands within the chain, but the most popular island is Oahu.

Hawaii is a popular destination year-round due to its temperate weather. Meaning you can expect the temperature to stay in the 70s-80s. The sun shines bright, and the surrounding Pacific waters are quite cold! 

Let’s talk rain. If you don’t like the rain, book your trip sometime between April and October. November through March is typically when you’ll see the most rainfall. Kauai usually gets the most rain, Maui gets the least. So, if you’re thinking about what to wear in Hawaii in March — don’t skip the rain jacket! 

The cooler months in Hawaii are December through April. Visitors can expect lows in the 60s and highs in the low 80s. If you’re wondering what to wear in Hawaii in January or what to wear in Hawaii in February, you’ll want to pack a light jacket! 

In general, Oahu and Kona tend to be a bit warmer than Maui. You’ll see the highest temperatures between June and October. So, if you’re thinking about what to wear in Hawaii in October, or what to wear in Hawaii in July — don’t forget your sunhat!

It’s also important to remember that each Hawaiian island has a range of microclimates . Some areas are constantly rainy, others are especially windy and yet others are super dry. So, whether you’re planning what to wear in Hawaii in April, or what to wear in Hawaii in September –bring a range of items to ensure your comfort! 

Nothing’s worse than being uncomfortably cold on your vacation. So, it’s important to think about layers when you’re planning what to wear in Hawaii. Plus size, tall or petite girls… no one is exempt from packing an additional layer! 

Let’s first start by discussing what to wear at a luau in Hawaii. A Luau is a traditional Polynesian celebration. It’s one of the top things to do in Hawaii! Essentially, a luau is a big party with food, live music, and dancing. One of the staple dishes is the kālua pig. It’s cooked in a traditional underground oven. You’ll likely get to see how it’s done during your luau. 

Luaus are fancy events usually held on a beach or at a fancy resort in Hawaii . They start in the evening with drinks and entertainment. This is the perfect opportunity to get dressed up and take beautiful vacation photos. 

So, I’m sure you’re wondering what to wear to a luau in Hawaii? Or, what to wear to a luau in Maui? 

For a luau, a maxi dress is perfect! It’s long, flowy, and beautiful. It will make you stand out. Maxi dresses also look amazing in travel photos. They flow in the wind and add depth and dimension. 

Now, let’s discuss color. If you’re on the beach or in the jungle, your landscape (background) will be overpowered by blues and greens. Make sure to choose a maxi dress in a warm tone. A yellow or red dress will contrast the ocean and trees. It will make you stand out and shine. 

A tropical flower hairpin from Vivid Bloom on Etsy will complete your look!

So, what to wear to a luau in Hawaii with your maxi dress? At a luau, you’ll often be given a lei. This is a floral garland . It’s presented to guests as a symbol of hospitality and affection. Keep this in mind when you’re planning accessories. A flower pin might look especially beautiful with your lei. If you are feeling bold, you could opt for a flower crown. There are some clothes to wear in Hawaii that you can’t get away with wearing anywhere else! 

Now, what to wear for a luau in Hawaii if it’s a little chilly? You should plan to bring a kimono of some kind to drape over your shoulders . It can often get chilly or cool near the water. Let’s say you got a bad sunburn that day… you’ll be feeling cold! A crochet kimono might be especially cute with this look. 

Now, what shoes to bring to Hawaii to wear during a luau? This may depend heavily on the dress. If your maxi dress covers your feet, you might be more comfortable in some concealed flip-flops. Otherwise, you could wear heels or beachy wedges. 

Hiking is one of the top activities in Hawaii. No matter which island you choose to visit, you can rest assured that you’ll find plenty of scenic hiking spots. 

Whether you’re planning what to wear in Hawaii in June, or what to wear in Hawaii in December, you’ll need the perfect hiking outfit! 

Speaking of hiking, let’s discuss what shoes to wear in Hawaii while hiking. On most hikes, you’ll be able to get away with (and you’ll be most comfortable in) a pair of hiking sandals. We recommend Chocos, Tevas, or similar. Hiking sandals are perfect for easy-going travelers that aren’t going anywhere extreme. 

If you’re a hard-core hiker, or you plan to hike somewhere crazy like the Haiku Stairs… you’re probably wondering what shoes to wear hiking in Hawaii for intense hikes. You’ll be better off with some sturdy hiking boots. 

This outfit style is the most causal. It most closely resembles how to dress like a Hawaiian local , so it’s perfect for those wondering ‘what do locals wear in Hawaii?’ 

So, what to wear hiking in Hawaii with your Tevas? Grab a pair of athletic shorts and a sporty top. 

I suggest bicycle shorts and a crop top. Depending on your confidence level, you can swap out the crop top for a sports bra ( this will also help you to avoid an embarrassing farmers tan ). Pairing a sports bra with bicycle shorts can preserve some modesty, vs. the traditional short-shorts. 

Hawaii is an adventure destination . There are so many fun ways to experience Pacific Island life. Some of the popular things to do in Oahu include snorkeling with sea turtles, learning to surf, and cage diving with sharks ( seriously! ). 

On Kona, you can swim with Manta Rays and snorkel in pristine coral reefs. No matter what island you choose to visit, you’ll need to plan a water sports adventure during a day in Hawaii! 

So, what to wear snorkeling in Hawaii? What to wear on vacation in Hawaii while you’re enjoying water sports? What to wear parasailing in Hawaii?

Grab a one-piece swimsuit! There’s nothing less fun than constantly adjusting a two-piece while you’re trying to have an adventure. 

I made the mistake of wearing a bikini when we went to jump off the giant rock at Waimea Beach and my top nearly flew off. It’s not worth the hassle. Save your bikinis for a chill beach day on Waikiki.  

The next important part of this outfit is water shoes. Hawaii is full of sharp, volcanic rocks . Water shoes will save your feet and let you explore with ultimate freedom and comfort. 

Next, you’ll complete this outfit with a floral sundress. A simple cotton dress that’s easy to throw on. Floral pieces are some of the best clothes to wear to Hawaii! Floral is on theme for the tropical vibes, but it also contrasts the scenery very well.

To keep track of all your gear, add a clear backpack to this look. They’re super trendy. Also, they’re the perfect thing if you’re wondering what to wear in Hawaii when it rains. 

The Hawaiian islands are notoriously beautiful. They’re a popular spot for engagements and weddings . Many visitors arrive on the islands as guests to a wedding. So, one might be wondering, what to wear to a wedding in Hawaii? What do people wear in Hawaii on special occasions? This is your guide!

We recommend a solid color midi sundress. Again, warm tones are your friend .

We suggest something flowy. Picture your skirt catching in the wind. These are the best dresses to wear to Hawaii weddings! 

Consider accessorizing with a layered necklace and stud earrings for a simple, classically elegant look. 

We suggest a simple, nude pair of heels . Patent leather or suede will do. 

LOVE these solid gold layering necklaces from Blushes and Gold on Etsy. 

Maui is a popular destination for weddings. Many wonder what to wear in Maui in December or what to wear in Maui in September if they’re visiting for a wedding. 

You may want to pair your maxi dress with a kimono or pashmina in case of cooler weather. 

This outfit is perfect for taking a stroll around the Polynesian Cultural Center or walking through botanical gardens . You can wear this while you visit Pearl Harbor or any other museum. Wear this outfit walking around your resort or shopping along Waikiki Beach.

You’ll want to wear this on a day that doesn’t involve any strenuous hiking. Ideally, you’ll be visiting a scenic area with some light activities. So, you can dress up a little bit. 

Now, what to wear in Hawaii in August? What to wear in Maui in August? The following island explorer outfit is perfect! 

Grab a pair of high rise shorts . So, what to wear in Maui in October with your high rise shorts? Pair them with a cute crop top . Remember, we’re going for comfortable-enough but cute! We suggest a white-navy, or white-pink stripe for classic ladies. Consider a loose flowy crop top for bohemian flare. 

This looks great with a straw hat — these are the recommended hats to wear in Hawaii. Specifically, a Panama hat or boater hat would work well.

So, what to wear in Maui in January with your crop top and shorts? You’ll also need a wicker crossbody bag with this outfit! It’s a vacation island staple. You need this in your wardrobe if you haven’t got it already! 

What are the best shoes to wear in Hawaii for island exploring? Espadrillas , no doubt! Espadrilles are comfortable canvas slip-ons that are perfect for a casual stroll. Espadrilles are one of my favorite shoes to wear in Hawaii. 

Now, it’s time for a fancy dinner and a photo shoot on the beach. Whether you’re staying on a resort or heading out for a lively night of dancing in Honolulu… we’ve got the perfect outfit for your night out !

So, what to wear in Hawaii at night? What to wear in Honolulu Hawaii for drinks? Or, what to wear to dinner in Hawaii ? We will address all of these questions, so sit tight! 

One outstanding option for a night out is a two-piece set. I love two-piece sets because they’re super trendy and flattering. They tend to create a slimmer waist look. You can pair a floral two-piece set with wedge sandals and a wicker purse. 

If you’re thinking about what to wear in Hawaii in May — this is! You can even choose atop with long sleeves if you’re worried about being cold at night.

Another excellent option is wearing a maxi skirt with a crop top . Think long, flowy, statement skirt. Think about a tightly knit, tiered, bodycon maxi for a sexier look. Consider a tight-fitting crop top to pair, and stick with neutral colors for this top — pink or white would be excellent! 

This outfit works best with fun, statement jewelry. Grab a pair of frilly, fringe earrings, or a chunky necklace. 

What about if you’re visiting in the winter… what to wear in Hawaii in November with your two-piece set? Or what to wear in Maui in November with your maxi dress and a crop top? A jean jacket is the perfect layering accessory for a night out in Hawaii. 

Hawaii isn’t just a jungle playground, it’s also a glamorous destination. Each island has incredible luxury resorts that cater to your every need & desire. Although, you don’t have to stay at a 5-star hotel to enjoy the finer touches of Hawaii…

You can choose to spend a day at a private beach (it’s cheaper to rent chairs and towels than it is to spend a night)! So, it helps to bring a sexy outfit to wear on a beach in Hawaii.  

So, what do you wear in Hawaii when you’re relaxing and trying to impress? Or, what to wear in Waikiki? 

We suggest a cutout bikini. Cut out bikinis have a lot of appeals . They’re fun and sexy. Also, they won’t create disastrous tan lines (most often). At least, the odd tan lines are in areas that are easy to hide. 

Next, we’ll discuss what things to wear in Hawaii with your cut out bikini… we suggest some dramatic flip flops . Think bright color, a huge platform, or a distinguished brand. These shoes aren’t made for walking. They’re made for sitting pretty.

So, what to wear for Hawaii vacation relaxing with your sexy bikini and statement flip flops?

Pair with a cover-up that’s sheer and flowy. Something that barely covers your bikini. This goes great with a giant, floppy, sunhat. 

Finally, you’re probably wondering what to wear in Maui in May with all this? Where will you stash your beach gear? You’ll need a beachy woven tote bag.  

So far, we’ve discussed pretty specific situations that you’ll encounter on your vacation in Hawaii. Now, we’ll discuss more casual dresses to wear in Hawaii. 

So, what do women wear in Hawaii? What to people wear in Hawaii when there straight chillin’? We hope to answer this question!

A great outfit for a casual day in Hawaii consists of those lovely hiking sandals we talked about and a relaxed sundress. I love to pair cute dresses with more causal footwear because it gives an outfit so much more versatility! You’re essentially down for whatever comes your way that day. 

This is great no matter the season. So if you’re wondering what to wear in Maui in February or what to wear in Maui in March, it’s the same thing. Just add a jean jacket on top if necessary . 

For your items and accessories, you’ll grab a purse to complete this look. A wicker crossbody is your friend here. 

We’ve talked about it before, but it’s worth another mention. A wicker crossbody is an excellent wardrobe piece . It can be dressed up or down. It’s perfect for your trip to Hawaii! It’s absolutely perfect if you’re wondering what to wear in Honolulu. 

Now, many of you are wondering what to wear on flight to Hawaii… the flight to Hawaii is often long. Even if you’re on the West Coast, you can expect to be in the air for more than 5 hours. 

Unless of course you are flying from one Hawaiian island to another…it’s going to be a long flight.

So, what to wear on a plane to Hawaii? What to wear on a flight to Hawaii? Answer: Something comfortable, but cute.

Personally, I love dressing up a little for travel. There’s no better way to get into the mood for your vacation! You’re looking good, you’re off of work, and you’re feeling amazing. Although, you don’t want to overdo it and regret it (for example by picking an uncomfortable pair of shoes). Ugh 😩

These are the best outfits to wear to Hawaii: Grab a pair of cargo pants, a graphic tee, and a backpack. Alternatively, consider a pair of distressed jeans and a graphic tee . 

So then, what to wear to Hawaii with your pants and a cute tee?  We suggest grabbing a backpack. This will provide the most utility during your travels. 

Finally, we’ll discuss another excursion outfit. .. a tour or activity outfit that doesn’t involve water sports. Since some of you are wondering what to wear ziplining in Hawaii or what to wear ziplining in Maui. 

We’ll talk about what to wear on Hawaii vacation activities like ATVing, horseback riding, or helicopter tours. These are some of the unforgettable activities to enjoy in Hawaii! 

You’ll definitely want to bring a backpack during your activity day. You’ll need to stash your sunscreen, snacks, and other essentials.

You can consider an active top or tee with this look. Shorts are a necessity! 

Thanks for reading our guide on how to dress in Hawaii. We hope that you now know what kind of clothes to wear in Hawaii, so you can create amazing outfits. 

This post may contain compensated links. Please read our disclaimer for more info.

Best Hotels in Vilnius

16 best cities for shopping in europe, you may also like, best places to stay in oahu: your guide..., free & interactive oahu attractions map, 12 best places to eat in oahu: the..., 18 unforgettable oahu bucket list adventures, leave a comment cancel reply.

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Hella Wanderlust

What to Wear in Hawaii (Our Complete 2024 Guide)

Planning a trip to Hawaii in 2024 and wondering what to pack?

Look no further! In our complete guide to what to wear in Hawaii, we’ve got you covered from head to toe.

Whether you’re hitting the beach, going on a hike, or exploring the town, we’ll help you navigate the diverse climate and culture of the Hawaiian Islands with style and comfort. From breathable fabrics to stylish swimwear, we’ll show you how to dress like a local while staying cool and protected from the sun.

So whether you’re lounging in Waikiki, snorkeling in Maui, or chasing waterfalls in Kauai, we’ll make sure you’re dressed for every adventure and ready to soak up the beauty of Hawaii in style.

Let’s dive in and discover the ultimate packing list for your Hawaii getaway in 2024!

General Tips: Dressing Appropriately For Hawaii

Before we dive into specific scenarios, let’s establish some general principles for dressing in the Aloha State:

• Embrace Comfort and Practicality: Hawaii’s warm climate calls for comfortable, breathable clothing. Opt for lightweight fabrics like cotton and linen. Lighter colors will generally absorb less heat than darker colors. If you can, pack versatile pieces that can be mixed and matched.
• Respect Local Culture: Hawaiians have a rich and diverse culture. Be mindful of cultural sensitivities when choosing your outfits, especially when visiting sacred sites. While an itty-bitty bikini might be perfect for the beach, it won’t fly at the Byodo-In Temple, for example.
• Embrace Aloha Shirts and Floral Prints: Aloha shirts (known as Hawaiian shirts) are a staple of Hawaiian fashion. Don’t hesitate to incorporate them into your wardrobe for a touch of local flair.

Your journey to Hawaii begins on the plane. To ensure a comfortable and stylish flight, consider the following:

• Comfortable Attire: When it comes to choosing an outfit for a plane ride, comfort should be your top priority. Choose loose-fitting, breathable clothing for long flights. Leggings or joggers paired with a cozy sweater are great choices. Comfortable attire ensures you can relax during the flight and reduces the risk of discomfort.
• Layering: Airplane cabins can vary in temperature, so it’s a good idea to dress in layers. Start with a lightweight, long-sleeved shirt or blouse as your base layer, which can be comfortable for both warm and cool conditions. Over this, add a cardigan, hoodie, or light jacket that you can easily take off or put on as needed. This way, you can adapt to the changing climate on the plane and stay comfortable throughout your journey. You can even use your jacket as a makeshift pillow if you decide not to wear it!
• Travel-Friendly Footwear: Choose your footwear wisely for plane rides. Slip-on shoes or sneakers with cushioned insoles are ideal because they are easy to take off during security checks and can be quickly slipped back on when you’re onboard. Avoid wearing shoes with complicated closures, as they can be a hassle. Additionally, opt for socks to keep your feet warm so your bare feet don’t have to touch the dirty airport floor. 😛

The Beach + Pool

The beaches of Hawaii are a paradise, and your beach/pool attire should reflect that:

• Swimsuits: When heading to the beach or pool, choosing the right swimsuit is key for both comfort and style. Opt for a swimsuit that not only complements your body type but also suits your water activities. A one-piece swimsuit can provide more coverage and support and will not accidentally slip off when swimming. On the other hand, a bikini offers more flexibility and tanning options. Make sure the material is quick-drying, and consider bringing an extra swimsuit for variety or in case one gets wet.
• Cover-Ups: A stylish cover-up is a versatile addition to your beach or pool outfit. Whether it’s a flowing maxi dress, a sarong, a lightweight tunic, or a casual button-down shirt, a cover-up provides protection from the sun and adds a touch of elegance to your beach attire. It’s also handy for transitioning from the beach or pool to other activities without needing to change completely. Look for cover-ups made from breathable fabrics like cotton or linen for comfort in the sun.
• Sun Protection: Sun protection is essential to keep your skin safe from harmful UV rays. Along with wearing sunscreen with a high SPF, consider adding a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses with UV protection, and a lightweight, long-sleeved beach shirt to your outfit. These accessories not only shield you from the sun but also enhance your beach or pool look. Don’t forget to reapply sunscreen throughout the day, especially after swimming, to maintain effective protection and enjoy your time in the sun responsibly. Remember to use reef-safe sunscreen if you plan on taking a dip in the ocean.

The Outdoor Hike

Hiking is a popular activity in Hawaii, and dressing right is essential for both comfort and safety:

• Moisture-Wicking Clothing: When hiking in Hawaii, where the weather can be hot and humid, it’s crucial to wear moisture-wicking clothing to stay comfortable and avoid overheating. Opt for lightweight, breathable fabrics like synthetic blends or merino wool that can efficiently wick away sweat from your skin, keeping you dry and preventing chafing. Choose moisture-wicking base layers, T-shirts, and hiking shorts or pants to ensure your clothing doesn’t become heavy and uncomfortable during your hike. This type of clothing will help regulate your body temperature, making your hiking experience more enjoyable.
• Sturdy Footwear: Hawaii’s diverse terrain, from lush rainforests to rocky volcanic landscapes, requires sturdy and supportive footwear. Invest in a pair of hiking boots or trail shoes with good arch support and durable soles that offer excellent traction. Make sure they fit well and provide ample ankle support, especially if you plan to tackle more challenging trails. Some hikes can get very wet and muddy, so hiking sandals will allow your feet to dry quickly without sacrificing comfort (nobody likes soggy shoes!). Proper footwear will not only prevent slips and injuries but also enhance your hiking experience by allowing you to explore the beautiful Hawaiian landscapes confidently.
• Bug Repellant: Do not go on a hike without bug repellant in Hawaii! It’s essential to protect yourself from pesky insects like mosquitoes and ticks. Apply a reliable bug repellent on exposed skin and clothing to minimize the risk of insect bites and potential diseases they may carry. Choose a repellent with an effective active ingredient, such as DEET or picaridin, and follow the product’s instructions for proper application. Additionally, consider wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants to provide an extra layer of protection against insects, particularly during hikes in areas known for higher bug activity. This precaution will help you enjoy your Hawaiian hiking adventure without the annoyance of itchy bug bites.

A Hawaiian luau is a festive and cultural experience that requires appropriate attire. You can opt for a more casual vibe or you can choose to dress up a little more for such a fun and special occasion:

• Aloha Attire: For a Hawaiian luau, embracing the Aloha spirit with traditional Hawaiian attire is a wonderful way to immerse yourself in the experience. Men can opt for aloha shirts, commonly known as Hawaiian shirts, in vibrant floral or tropical patterns. Women can choose Hawaiian print dresses or muumuus, which are loose-fitting, colorful dresses often adorned with floral designs. These outfits not only make you look the part but also help you feel the relaxed, festive atmosphere of a luau.
• Resort Wear: If you prefer a more casual yet elegant look for a luau, resort attire is a great choice. Men can go for lightweight, linen shirts paired with khaki shorts or slacks, while women can choose stylish sundresses or maxi dresses. This attire combines comfort and style, making it suitable for a luau at an upscale resort or beachside location.
• Leis and Floral Accessories: To complete your luau outfit, consider wearing a lei, a traditional Hawaiian flower garland, and a symbol of aloha. Lei’s come in various styles and can be made from a variety of flowers, including orchids, plumeria, and hibiscus. Wearing a lei not only adds a touch of Hawaiian tradition to your outfit but also serves as a symbol of warmth and hospitality. Many luaus include shell or floral leis with your ticket purchase. You can also enhance your look with other floral accessories like hair clips or jewelry for an extra tropical flair, creating a perfect ensemble for a memorable luau celebration.

The Sightseeing Excursion

When preparing for a sightseeing excursion in Hawaii, it’s all about striking a balance between comfort, practicality, and style. Hawaii’s warm and often humid climate calls for lightweight, breathable clothing, so opt for comfortable linen or cotton shorts, light t-shirts or tank tops, sundresses and comfortable walking shoes or sandals with good arch support. Try to plan your outfits around the same pair of shoes so it’s one less thing to worry about once you’re on vacation.

• Practicality & Comfort: When embarking on a sightseeing excursion in Hawaii, prioritize practicality and comfort in your outfit. Opt for lightweight, breathable clothing, such as moisture-wicking fabrics and comfortable walking shoes with good arch support. Dressing in layers can be beneficial, as you can adjust to changing temperatures throughout the day. A comfortable outfit ensures you can fully enjoy the sights and activities without feeling restricted or uncomfortable.
• Varying Weather Conditions: Hawaii’s weather can greatly vary depending on what side of the island you are on, so it’s essential to prepare for anything and everything. Generally, the eastern (Windward) side tends to be wetter and more jungle-like than the western (Leeward) side, which can be hotter and drier. Consider packing a light, foldable rain jacket or a windbreaker. Bringing a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses for sun protection is also a good idea. By layering and having weather-appropriate accessories, you can stay comfortable and enjoy your sightseeing excursion regardless of the weather.
• Bag or Backpack: A bag or backpack is a handy accessory for a day of sightseeing in Hawaii. Choose one that is comfortable to carry and has enough room to store essentials like sunscreen, water, snacks, a camera, and any souvenirs you may pick up along the way. Having a backpack allows you to keep your hands free while exploring, and it’s a practical way to ensure you have everything you need readily available. We prefer something that is lightweight and small but roomy enough for all of our essentials – too large of a bag can be cumbersome and might not be allowed at some sites. Brownie points if the bag is water-resistant and folds up, like the Le Pliage M Backpack by Longchamp!
• Culturally Appropriate Clothing: Hawaii is rich in cultural heritage, so it’s important to dress modestly and respectfully when visiting cultural sites, such as temples, historic sites, or museums. Avoid wearing revealing or beachwear-like clothing in these areas, and consider covering your shoulders and knees out of respect. Some sites may also require specific dress codes, so it’s a good idea to research and follow any guidelines provided to show respect for the local culture and traditions.

Our Final Thoughts

Your Hawaii vacation is a chance to relax, explore, and immerse yourself in the beauty of the islands. By following our guide to Hawaii vacation outfits, you’ll not only feel comfortable but also look the part. Remember to respect the local culture and have fun with your fashion choices. Hawaii is a paradise, so embrace the Aloha spirit and make the most of your tropical adventure. Aloha!

*FREE* Hawaii Vacation Packing Checklist

To help you start planning for your Hawaii vacation outfits, we have created a FREE in-depth packing list just for our readers! We use this list every time we travel to Hawaii to save time and to ensure we don’t forget the essentials. Once you enter your email address below, you will receive an email from us with the PDF. We promise we will not spam your inbox. Thank you!

What are some outfit ideas for a Hawaiian vacation?

We recommend packing sundresses, shorts and tank tops, sandals, and comfortable clothing for the warm and humid weather in Hawaii.

What should I wear when I arrive in Hawaii in 2024?

When you arrive in Hawaii in 2024, it’s a good idea to bring outfits suitable for warm weather, such as lightweight clothing, flip-flops, and beach attire.

How should I dress for a Hawaiian vacation?

Make sure to wear comfortable and breathable clothing that aligns with the Hawaiian style, such as flowy dresses, Hawaiian prints, and casual wear suitable for beach activities.

What clothing items are important to pack for a trip to Hawaii?

It’s important to pack items like swimsuits, cover-ups, sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, and comfortable shoes for walking or hiking in Hawaii.

What is the weather like in Hawaii, and how should I dress accordingly?

Hawaii is warm and humid throughout the year, so wear lightweight and breathable clothing, such as shorts, tank tops, and fabrics that keep you cool.

What are some outfit options to wear in Hawaii for both summer and winter months?

For the summer months, opt for light and airy outfits like sundresses and shorts. In winter, consider layering with cardigans or light jackets over your outfits to stay warm but comfortable.

Is it a good idea to bring denim when packing for Hawaii?

While denim can be versatile, it may not be the most comfortable choice for Hawaii’s warm and humid weather. Consider packing lightweight alternatives like linen or cotton fabrics.

Edgar and Amanda are the founders of Hella Wanderlust.

We're a happily married couple living in the San Francisco Bay Area. We're passionate about exploring new places and experiencing different cultures firsthand. We started Hella Wanderlust to take you on a journey through our lens and share our adventures with you!

Similar Posts

Top 6 Best Shave Ice in Oahu 2024

At Hella Wanderlust, our mission is to provide you with insightful guides and honest reviews. To…

10 Hidden Gems in Oahu You Need to Visit

7 Best Ultimate Road Trip Essentials for Couples: 2024 Guide

What to Pack in Carry-on for International Flight

Top 10 Things to Do in Lihue | Kauai Hawaii | Our 2024 Guide

Unusual Things to Do in Maui (Our Top 7 Pick)

Leave a reply cancel reply.

You must be logged in to post a comment.

• Skip to primary navigation
• Skip to main content
• Skip to primary sidebar
• Skip to footer

The Opinionated Travelogue of a Photo Maniac

• Middle East
• North America
• South America
• Pacific Islands
• FOOD & WINE
• TRAVEL GUIDES
• TRAVEL RESOURCES
• Rants & Raves
• Travel Blogger Interviews
• Contact Form
• Privacy Policy
• Featured Elsewhere

What to Wear in Hawaii – the Ultimate Male & Female Packing List

Last Modified: September 11, 2023 //  by  Anda //   18 Comments

Whether you are going to Maui, Kauai, or any other Hawaiian island, packing for Hawaii shouldn’t be as stressful as packing for Europe . And yet, if this is your first time on the Hawaiian islands, you probably wonder what to add to your packing list. Whether you chose Hawaii for a romantic getaway , a honeymoon, or for a vacation, you surely want to look your best and be ready for the fun.

Hawaii is one of the most amazing destinations in the world! It offers challenging hikes , friendly beaches , first class restaurants and a wide variety of activities , like kayaking, horseback riding, or sailing. No matter which island you’ll visit – whether it’s Oahu, the Big Island , Kauai or Maui , what you wear in Hawaii won’t change.

How Much Luggage to Pack for Hawaii

Hawaii is all about the beach, so you don’t need to pack the entire closet for a Hawaiian vacation. This is the tropics, where less is more, where sandals take the place of high heel shoes, and strings of shells replace the diamonds.

When you pack for Hawaii, think light. Depending on the kind of activities you’ll want to do on the islands, you may even get by with just a carry on. We usually check a bag because we do a lot of snorkeling and hiking. As such, we carry our snorkeling equipment, long fins, hiking boots and pools. But if it were just for our clothing, a single carry-on would be enough for the two of us.

The everyday wear in Hawaii are shorts and T-shirts, which people wear almost everywhere. Women wear tank tops and shorts, or light dresses.

Hawaii weather is warm and humid, with temperatures between 70ºF to mid 80ºF and the pleasant trade winds. Even so, you’ll need pack at least one pair of long pants and a light sweater.

We’ve been to the Islands many times before, but on our first visit we didn’t know what to expect and carried way more stuff than we needed. So in this post I’ll give you a list of essentials that you’ll need to pack for your trip to Hawaii. I’ll also tell you what we usually wear when we are in Hawaii, so that you’ll always feel appropriately dressed.

What to Wear in Hawaii – Beach Essentials Packing List

Like I said before, Hawaii is all about the beach, so there are few things that are absolutely essential for your packing list. But in case you forget to take any of these with you, don’t worry. You’ll find a wide variety of stores on the Islands that specialize in beach apparel, so you can always buy any of these items in Hawaii as well.

Beach Sandals/Flip Flops

You could technically wear flip flops and beach sandals 24/7 in Hawaii. Even in bars and restaurants. I am not a big fan of flip flops, which is why I always bring a pair of more elegant sandals for the evening.

There is a wide variety of beach sandals to choose from at Amazon . I like Clarks because they have sleek look and are very comfortable. Ideally, you should buy some sturdy, waterproof ones, since you’ll be wearing them in sand, mud and over lava rocks all day long.

Beach Slip On Water Shoes

These shoes are great for water and boat activities and even for some easy hikes. You are going to wear these shoes a lot in Hawaii! They are quick-drying and lightweight and they will protect your foot from scratches. I take them both in the water and on trails. They are unisex and come in many colors. View on Amazon.com

Long-sleeve Rash Guard

Rash guards are a must on your packing list for Hawaii. They are very popular both among locals and tourists, and for a good reason. They protect you not only from the UV exposure, but also from contact with coral, or surfboards and also keep you warm in the water.

If you like to do a lot of snorkeling , like my husband does, you won’t get cold after a while. His favorite brand is AXESEA Rash Guard UPF 50 . Rash guards are very comfortable to wear, but they have to be very tight on you in order to keep you warm. View on Amazon.com

When it comes to beach bags, women and man have very different tastes and purposes. I want to carry my belongings in a stylish assorted bag , that is also easy to carry and comfortable. My husband on the other hand, prefers a sturdy, big mesh duffle bag in which he can carry all his snorkeling equipment, his fins, and his underwater camera. View on Amazon.com

Waterproof Phone Case

This beach accessory probably should be at the top of your packing list for Hawaii. Cell phones accompany us everywhere and should definitely not be left unattended on the beach while we are in the water. This is a big size waterproof phone holder that can fit up to 7 inches phones, compatible for iPhone 12 Pro Samsung and others. We tried these ourselves and they really work! View on Amazon.com

Reef-friendly Sunscreen

A big concern among ocean scientists and beachgoers is the impact that chemical sunscreens are having on the marine environment. Which is why, packing a reef-friendly sunscreen when you come to Hawaii is always recommended. This is free of PABA, durable and water resistant for 80 minutes. And when using it, the water around you is not going to be murky. Buy it on Amazon.com

Without a doubt, the item that you’ll be wearing the most in Hawaii is a swimsuit. We usually bring around 3-4 for each one of us, as we like to change into dry swimsuits after we get in the water.

One thing I am concerned with in my swimwear is the quality of the fabric. I am always looking for swimsuits that dry fast, since there are times when I can’t always change.

I usually order mine at Lascana , but I have also heard positive things about  Cupshe swimwear , on Amazon. As for my husband, he loves Tommy Bahama and Speedo , which you can also buy at Amazon.

Swimsuit Cover-up

As a woman, I find a swimsuit cover-up very convenient for the beach. You’ll want something stylish to throw on over your swimsuit so that you don’t have to change before going to a local eatery or store. I also wear it to protect my skin from the strong sun. Or if I want to walk around the pool, or go back to my room. Or if I am on a boat.

Floating Waterproof Dry-bag

If you are into water sports, this item is a must for your trip to Hawaii. It is light, easy to carry, durable and compact. Perfect for almost any adventure you can imagine. It will keep your valuables dry whether it rains, or you go swimming, or kayaking. The bags come in multiple sizes and can float on water after being rolled and buckled, so you can track your gear easily.  Buy it on Amazon.com

You’ll be wearing sunglasses all day, every day so bring at lease pair or two that are comfortable and offer UV protection. My favorite sunglass brand is Tom Ford, while my husband prefers the classic Oakley. However, you don’t need to buy expensive brands for your trip to Hawaii, just make sure they have UV protection and are comfortable. Amazon has a few good options .

A hat is a lifesaver in Hawaii! Not only it protects your face from the sun, but it also does a really good job in covering up your crazy looking hair when you just don’t feel like doing it. And after all, who doesn’t look good in a hat?!

Waterproof Digital Camera

You can take tons of magnificent pictures in Hawaii . So a waterproof camera will allow you to take pictures in and out of water, and can even capture underwater video with sound! This camera has an advanced video capability of 2.7K resolution and features 48.0 Megapixel image resolution. View at Amazon.com

What to Wear in Hawaii in the Evening

Most people change into dressy casual attire in the evening, which is slightly dressier than their daytime attire.

You’ll find a wide array of fancy resorts and many famous restaurants in Hawaii. Therefore, if you want to spend a beautiful night out, you’ll have plenty of venues where you can dress up. When I say dress-up , I don’t mean high-heels and cocktail dresses. I just mean khaki shorts or trousers, polo shirts, aloha shirts, skirts, sundresses, and so on.

My favorite apparel for the tropics are sundresses. Not only are they comfortable to wear in the humid, hot weather of Hawaii, but they are also easy to pack and appropriate for any occasion. You can wear them during the day time at the beach, when you visit a coffee farm, in the afternoon when I go shopping, or in the evening when you go out for dinner.

I tend to bring a sundress for each day that I am in Hawaii, but I would recommend a minimum of 4-5 at least. They don’t take much space in the luggage. Besides, as a woman I’m sure you’ll love to change outfits often.

If you are looking for affordable sundresses, Zesica Fashion has a good collection, but you can also check Zappos.com or your local T.J. Max or Marshall stores.

Dressy Sandals

For the evening, I recommend a pair of dressy sandals. I wear a pair of Athlefit thong T-strap sandals that have an excellent arch support. They are very comfortable and sleek and go with just about any dress I have. But there are other brands out there that you can choose from.

For Gentlemen

Hawaiian shirts or short-sleeve button down shirts.

Since you’d probably wear Aloha shirts only in Hawaii, I assume you don’t have many of them, so any short-sleeve button down shirt would do in Hawaii. I would recommend cotton or linen shirts, that are breathable and absorb the sweat.

Khaki Shorts

Some men just like their shorts. If that’s you, rest assured that in Hawaii you’ll be welcome in any high end restaurant in khaki shorts and a Hawaiian shirt. I like the khakis because they are made of cotton, so you don’t sweat in them.

It’s tempting to leave your pants at home, but nice pair of simple, loose-fitting linen pants or travel chinos are a great way to add a little sophistication to your evening look. Buy on Amazon .

What to Wear in Hawaii – Active Wear Packing List

Whether you’ll be hiking in Kauai , visit waterfalls on the Big Island , or watch the sunset atop the Haleakala volcano in Maui, you’ll need activewear. What to wear depends on what kind of trail you’ll be tackling in Hawaii.

Hiking Boots

If you plan on immersing yourself in the great outdoors of Hawaii, I strongly recommend a pair of hiking shoes with good tracking soles that will keep you from slipping when you’re hiking up and down trails. There is a lot of mud in Hawaii, especially after a rain, and many trails can be rocky and slippery.

Some brands that I like for hiking shoes are Merrell , La Sportiva , Salomon , and Asics . And since they are pretty bulky to pack, you can wear them on the plane.

Shorts & Tee Shirts

If you are planning to do some easy coastal hikes, then a pair of comfy shorts and some tee shirts will be OK. Shorts and tee shirts are also a good attire for walking around the islands, when you go shopping, visit botanical gardens, coffee plantations, go out for lunch, or at the beach.

A pair or two of leggings are ideal for longer hikes, as many trails are along the slopes or in the forest where you’ll find lots of vegetation and thus mosquitoes. If you’re packing light, you can also wear these on the plane and layer them up for visiting the summit of Haleakala.

Track Jacket

The weather is consistently warm in Hawaii and rain is always possible, especially on the northeastern part of any of Hawaii’s islands. Therefore, it’s a mistake to pack nothing but shorts and T-shirts for a trip to Hawaii.

A track jacket , windbreaker or long sleeve athletic top will keep you warm in the on some hikes and it comes in very handy if you plan to go atop the Mauna Kea and Haleakala volcanoes. View them at Amazon.com

What Not to Pack for Hawaii

High heel shoes.

Hawaii is a very casual place where females don’t wear high heels. In fact, rarely see women wearing any kind of elegant shoes at all, even for weddings. A nice pair of flats or sandals will be sufficient.

Elegant Evening Attire

Unless you are in Hawaii for a very forma event, or indoor wedding, you most likely won’t be needing any ballroom dresses and tuxedos. Hawaiian Islands are hot and humid, so plan on bringing thin, breathable cloths.

Beach Towels

While you’ll obviously need towels for the beach and pool in Hawaii, your hotel or rental property will almost certainly provide them. There is no need to overload your luggage with them.

Expensive Jewelry

While crime is not particularly high in Hawaii, there is always a chance for your expensive jewelry to get lost or stolen. Besides, when you spend so much time outside, you probably won’t need gold and diamonds.

Mosquito/Insect Repellent

It may seem counterintuitive not to bring mosquito repellant in Hawaii. After all, the tropical forest is where you’ll need it most. The problem is that insect repellents are designed to be sprayed and aerosol release devices are not allowed in either carry on or in the checked baggage. But you can always buy them very cheap at any local store in Hawaii.

RELATED POSTS:

• How to Dress Like a European – The Ultimate Packing List for Europe
• 30 Amazing Pictures of Hawaii to Inspire You to Visit the Islands
• What to Wear in Greece – the Ultimate Packing List
• Patagonia Packing List – Essential Items to Pack for a Patagonia Trip
• What to Buy in Hawaii: 19 Authentic Hawaiian Souvenirs

Anda is an award winning travel writer, avid globetrotter and passionate photographer. She is the voice behind "Travel Notes & Beyond," a collection of stories and travel impressions from her wanderings around the world. When she is not busy writing, traveling, or editing photographs, you can find her hiking in the foothills behind her house together with her husband and their dog.

Reader Interactions

Ankita Sharma

October 8, 2023 at 11:38 pm

I absolutely loved this article on what to wear in Hawaii! Planning a trip to the islands can be overwhelming, but this comprehensive packing list for both men and women makes it so much easier. I appreciate the practical tips like lightweight clothing, swimsuits, and sunscreen – essentials for enjoying the beautiful beaches and tropical weather.

Thomson John

September 2, 2022 at 6:11 am

Thanks for sharing informative stuff on the ultimate Male and Female Packing list for Hawaii . Informative words….Thanks for Sharing.

April 19, 2022 at 8:43 pm

This is an amazing guide to what to pack and what not to pack for Hawaii, it has to be lesser the better and I completely agree with you on this. I had no idea aerosols were not allowed in Hawaii, which is a great piece of information I got from here. Definitely saving this for future reference.

April 20, 2022 at 1:59 pm

Aerosoles are not allowed on any plane, not only in Hawaii.

November 3, 2023 at 10:52 pm

Where are you seeing the info on aerosols? Is the US information? Because TSA says they are OK in checked baggage.

November 4, 2023 at 2:14 pm

I only travel with a carry on, but I was told they are not allowed even in the checked baggage.

March 26, 2022 at 3:16 pm

I am all about sun dresses and sun hats, so I was happy to read that will be a good fit for a trip to Hawaii. Love that they roll right up for packing and are so versatile. You’ve made some other excellent suggestions I may not have thought of, like the floating waterproof dry-bag and reef-friendly sunscreen. Those were totally off my radar, and now I will be sure to pack both!

March 26, 2022 at 7:14 am

Thanks for the comprehensive checklist for Hawaii packing. I’ve become quite enamored with the benefits of using a dry bag recently, for the beach and for camping or kayaking. Also love my water sandals!

Maria Veloso

March 25, 2022 at 8:51 am

Hawaii is the ideal destination for travelers like me who may not want to bring too many clothes and valuables. Now I know what I’d take if I ever got the chance to visit Hawaii. I’m bookmarking this post for future reference. Very useful!

March 25, 2022 at 1:57 pm

Great! I’m glad you found this information useful, Maria.

March 24, 2022 at 12:16 pm

This is so helpful. I agree with you that we should think light when traveling to Hawaii. Saving your post for future reference. Love your packing list.

March 23, 2022 at 12:02 pm

Very useful tips for a trip to Hawaii. I would not have thought of a rushguard, but it seems to be an useful item to have. Also good to know that you do not have to dress up in the evening. Sundresses are a good idea too.

March 23, 2022 at 1:23 am

We had this issue when we went to Fiji. We knew it would be tropical and hot but didn’t know what to expect in the shoulder seasons or how well the trails were marked for a hike and if we would be walking through scrub and bush. We ended up over packaging and could have saved ourselves time and effort with this. I’m saving this for our trip to Hawaii. Planning this at the moment… any recommendations of activities to do there are welcome.

March 23, 2022 at 8:21 am

Overpacking always happens when you don’t know what to expect, Nicole. But in Hawaii, less is always more, hahaha!

Linda (LD Holland)

March 21, 2022 at 6:35 pm

Sadly we have not yet made it Hawaii. I would expect it to be hot and humid – so that would drive my thoughts for what to wear in Hawaii. And of course, we would travel with gear to get us in the water! We alway travel with a rash guard to help keep the sun off for long times in the water. I will definitely leave my high heels at home.

March 21, 2022 at 11:17 am

It is very good to know that you can go to Hawaii carry on only. This is the only way I travel. I like that you included what to not pack as well. It’s great to know not to bring but repellent – I had no idea that aerosols were not allowed to Hawaii. Are roll-ons ok? The ones that my pharmacy sells are mostly roll-on.

March 21, 2022 at 12:25 pm

Aerosols are not allowed on any plane, not only in Hawaii.

March 21, 2022 at 9:38 am

This is a great packing guide for Hawaii. I never heard of reef-friendly sunscreen before, that sounds so interesting. I always have a cover-up with me, they’re so comfortable for the beach too. I don’t pack high heels on my trips so they would be staying at home!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

COPYRIGHT NOTICE

All rights reserved © Travel Notes & Beyond. The material on this website is protected by copyright law. Republishing the content on this blog (including text, photography, etc.) is strictly prohibited.

AFFILIATE PROGRAM DISCLOSURE

Some of the pages and posts of this blog contain links to products and services that may be useful for my readers. When clicking on these links you will have the option to purchase or register for a service at no extra cost to you, but doing so can help me offset the costs associated with running this blog. Thank you for your support!

• All , Travel Wardrobes

Hawaii Capsule Wardrobe: What to Pack (& What to Leave)

• February 22, 2024

In this Article

Well hello there, Hawaii bound babe. You’re in the throes of trip planning and I’m here to help.

With a thoughtfully planned Hawaii capsule wardrobe, you’ll have the essentials for your vacation without the excess bulk to drag through the airport.

PACKING FOR HAWAII’S CLIMATE

Before you throw a lot of unneeded items in your luggage, take a moment to understand Hawaii’s climate. This will give you a solid starting point when planning your Hawaii capsule wardrobe. 

Unlike my turbulent flight on the way over, the weather in the Hawaiian Islands is as steady as can be. The temperature is relatively stable throughout the year. 

Here’s what you should know:  there are only  two main seasons on the Islands.  First up, we have the summer season, known as “kau,” which graces the islands from May to October. Then we have the wonderful winter season, aka”hoʻoilo,” which stretches from November to April.

Now, let’s talk seasons.

During the summertime,  when you’re soaking up the sun at sea level, you can expect the average daytime temperature to hover around a balmy 85°F (29.4°C).

In the wintertime,  things cool down just a tad. Daytime temperatures average a delightful 78°F (25.6°C).

When night falls, temperatures dip about 10°F lower than during the day. So it’s helpful to  have a light sweater handy for those cozy Hawaiian evenings. 

Emphasis on light. Light clothing and fabrics are ideal.

Note: This post may contain affiliate links meaning I earn a small commission when you shop the links, at no cost to you.

HAWAII CAPSULE WARDROBE FOR EASY PACKING

When packing for Hawaii, prioritize comfort. The islands are stunning and you want clothing that will move with you and keep you cool of course.

This Hawaii capsule wardrobe features lightweight fabrics and versatile basics. 

Linen Button Down 

Smocked Summer Blouse 

Off the Shoulder Top

Linen Wide Leg Pants

Denim Shorts 

Linen Shorts  

Maxi Skirt 

Tiered Maxi Dress

Mini Linen Dress

Light Rain Jacket 

Athletic Sneakers 

Strappy Sandals (dressy)

Hiking Sandals (casual)

Spring travel plans?  This carry-on-friendly spring wardrobe is calling your name .

HAWAII OUTFIT IDEAS FOR A WEEK-LONG TRIP

From farmer’s markets to volcano hikes, these functional island outfits don’t skimp on style.

HAWAII BEACH OUTFITS

I spent 70% of my time in Kona at the beach. And I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Here’s some Hawaii beach outfit inspo.

SHOP LOOK ONE

One Shoulder Swimsuit

Breezy Black Linen Shorts

Chic Sun Visor

Black Strappy Sandals

SHOP LOOK TWO

Cream Bucket Hat

Blue Balconette Bikini

White Linen Shorts

SHOP LOOK THREE

Organic Cotton Bucket Hat

Sophisticated Ivory Bikini

A-line Denim Shorts

Strappy Sandals

HAWAII HIKING OUTFITS

The views in Hawaii are spectacular. Add these to your packing list and your hiking outfits will be too.

SHOP OUTFIT ONE

Athletic Tank Top

Hooded Rain Jacket

Relaxed Joggers

Hiking Sandals

SHOP OUTFIT TWO

Purple Tank Top

Matching Biker Shorts

Crossbody Pack

SHOP OUTFIT THREE

Ventilated Baseball Cap

Weightless Tank Top

Water-Resistant Hiking Shorts

 Lightweight Sneakers

WHAT TO PACK FOR A WEEK IN HAWAII

• Swimwear- bring a high coverage one for water sports
• Lightweight tops- t-shirts, tank tops
• Beach Cover-ups
• Summer dresses
• Shorts- linen and denim
• Lightweight pants
• Crossbody bag
• Rain jacket
• Lightweight jacket
• Comfortable shoes- sneakers and hiking sandals
• Beach shoes- flip flops
• Dressier shoes
• Small backpack
• Dressy outfit

HAWAII DRESSY OUTFITS

A nice dinner? An evening Luau? Whatever you have planned, pick a breezy yet elevated look to step out in.

Freshwater Pearl Drop Earrings

Smocked Midi Dress

Dressy Sandals

Statement Earrings

Cut out Maxi Dress

Seashell Earrings

Linen Mini Dress

HOW TO BUILD A HAWAII CAPSULE WARDROBE

Consult your itinerary.

What’s on the schedule? Create your packing list with your activities in mind.

Your clothing needs for fancy dinners and farmers markets will be different from volcano hikes and ATV rides. 

My Hawaii trip involved lots of outdoor activities like paddle boarding and swimming with manta rays (a surreal experience).

In light of this, I packed lots of beach wear (sundresses, sandals, shorts). I also brought hiking pants, shoes, and tops to keep me protected on the trails. 

SET YOUR COLOR PALETTE

Allow me to simplify your outfit creation process. As you plan your Hawaii capsule wardrobe, create a defined color palette.

This way, everything you pack can mix and match with each other. 

In my  capsule wardrobe color palette guide , I suggest 4-6 colors to keep things simple.

Neutrals are supremely simple to mix and match. But don’t you worry, there’s room for color in your Hawaii wardrobe.

TLDR:  Plan your color scheme ahead so you have pieces that play well together.

CHOOSE VERSATILE PIECES

Bypass the pain of battling with a suitcase that won’t zip. Instead, reach for clothing items that you can wear in multiple ways.

Multipurpose pieces that you can dress down for the beach or dress up for a luau will be perfect. 

White linen pants are a great example of a day-to-night piece. You can style them casually at the beach and dress them up with a cute top and earrings for dinner. 

My sister’s vibrant hair scarf is another multifunctional piece. It looks equally chic with casual and dressy outfits. Plus, it takes up next to no room in a suitcase.

Hi there! You can explore a whole list of versatile basics in this  capsule wardrobe checklist.

PACK FOR THE CLIMATE

In my  ultimate guide to building a capsule wardrobe , I talk about the power of layering. Well, let’s put a pin in that. In your Hawaiian wardrobe, less is more. Thanks to the warm climate, you won’t need lots of layers. 

Pick lightweight materials like cotton and linen. Think breezy, not bulky.

One exception to this rule is your airport outfit. You can pack a comfy sweatshirt for the freezing plane.

Just remember to prioritize light fabrics for the rest of your capsule wardrobe. 

PACK LIGHT FOR HAWAII: WHAT NOT TO BRING

After spending a week in Hawaii, I realized certain items are just unnecessary. Here’s what you can leave at home.

Your suitcase zipper will thank you. 

Uneven terrain, beach walks, and impromptu adventures are all par for the course in Hawaii. So heels will more than likely hold you back. Instead, pack a pair of pretty sandals for dressier activities. 

BULKY LAYERS

Good news for your suitcase weight limit- there’s no need for big jackets or thick pants in Hawaii.

The breezy, beautiful environment pairs well with simple  capsule wardrobe essentials  like t-shirts and linen pants. 

FORMAL WEAR

Yes, you should pack a couple of dressy options. But remember that the island atmosphere is a casual one. It’s unlikely that your fancy dinners and events will call for super formal attire.

Instead of a ballgown or sequined number, choose dresses or skirts that are elegant yet understated. 

TOO MANY OUTFITS 

As you pack for paradise, less is more. A capsule wardrobe like the one above is helpful since it contains versatile pieces that pair well with each other.

Even if you don’t embrace a full capsule, bring along pieces that can be dressed up or down. 

THICK FABRICS 

Velvet, fleece, and wool are all unfriendly fabrics in the Hawaiian heat. So are unbreathable options that trap heat against the body.

Embrace lightweight fabrics like linen and cotton for comfortable outfits.

If you do wear jeans, go for lightweight denim or a denim blend.

SIMPLIFY YOUR PACKING PROCESS. EXPLORE 3 TRAVEL CAPSULE WARDROBE IDEAS FOR A WEEKEND, A 2 WEEK, AND A MONTH-LONG TRIP.

Hawaii packing faqs.

In search of a simple approach to building a travel capsule wardrobe? The 5-4-3-2-1 method is one you may enjoy.

To follow it, you bring:

3 dresses and 3 pairs of shoes

2 swimsuits and 2 bags

1 hat, 1 watch, and 1 pair of sunglasses

Of course, you can edit this to make it work for your style. For instance, maybe you pack one dress and 2 rompers. But the goal is to streamline packing so you have what you need and nothing more.

If you are a repeat over-packing offender, this method is worth a try.

Bring multifunctional pieces.  Versatile pieces are the backbone of a well-packed wardrobe. Take a white linen shirt for example. You can wear it over your bathing suit as a cover-up, tuck it into a silk skirt for dinner, or layer it over a tank top on a hike.   

Pack outfits instead of individual pieces.  If you know what you’ll be doing each day, plan your outfits so that each activity has a corresponding look. For instance, you could pack 3 hiking outfits, 2 dressy outfits, and 3 beach outfit options. That way, you don’t pack a bunch of items you never end up wearing. 

Figure out laundry options.  One way to pack less and not stress? Find out if the place you’re staying has a washer and dryer. In Kona, I stayed in a beautiful Airbnb that had a full laundry room. This made cleaning clothes a breeze.  

Limit shoes and accessories.  Shoes can quickly add bulk to your luggage so be selective about the pairs you bring. I ended up wearing strappy hiking sandals 80% of the time when in Hawaii and dressier sandals the rest. I only wore sneakers to the airport.

Next Articles

21 Modest Summer Outfits | Dress Modestly in Summer

Want to look modest without overheating? Below, I’m sharing my best lessons on how to dress modestly in summer along with chic yet modest summer

Here’s How to Dress Modestly Yet Stylish in 2024

Knowing how to dress modestly empowers you to move with poise and confidence each day.  Whether you’re embracing modest dressing for the first time or

Nuuly Review Unfiltered | Petite vs Tall Sisters

Considering a clothing subscription? Wondering if Nuuly is worth it? Ready for us to get on with this Nuuly review? After a full year using

Chic Summer Capsule Wardrobe: 25 Pieces, 100+ Outfits

The sun is shining, heavy clothing layers have been peeled away, and summer travel plans are coming into view. Yes, it’s time for a summer

I’m Celeste Renee, the author behind The Elegance Edit and host o f A Better Way to Say podcast. 

  Capsule Wardrobes   ·    Blog   ·  Podcast

for exclusive content and sales

By subscribing to our newsletter you agree to our Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy

• la-féminité

Borders & Bucket Lists

9 Best Hawaii Outfits for Your Island Getaway

Are you looking for the best Hawaii outfits for your island vacation? This guide from a Hawaii local has all of the best recommendations!

So you’ve booked your Hawaii vacation and now you’re wondering what to wear when you get there. You’re not just looking for a Hawaii packing list . You’re looking for specific Hawaii outfit ideas. Well, you’re in luck! This guide from a local covers all of the Hawaii outfits you’ll need during your trip – from beach outfits to hiking outfits to luau outfits.

To make things even better, I’ve recommended quite a few Hawaii clothing brands for you to check out. In other words, you can make sure that your wonderful Hawaii vacation outfits have an added touch of island culture.

A Casual Hawaii Outfit: T-Shirt & Shorts

Many people picture themselves dressing up every day during their Hawaii getaway. While you can do that occasionally (and we’ll talk about that later), it’s definitely not going to be your go-to look if you want to explore the beautiful nature of the islands.

Instead, most of your clothes for Hawaii will be casual. A t-shirt and shorts will likely be your most worn outfit – for both women and men. While I’m sure you have plenty of both in your closet, there are still a couple of local brands that deserve to have their time in the spotlight.

Dolkii has some of the best Hawaii-inspired women’s graphic tees around. The Aloooooha shirt , the Hawaii is my happy place shirt , and the Wahine shirt are just a few of my favorites. And for men, there are the earth-toned and neutral tees from Aloha Modern .

As for the shorts, American Eagle , Anthropologie , and Levi’s are all good places to look.

A Hawaii Beach Outfit: Swimsuit

When thinking of what to wear in Hawaii, a swimsuit is likely the first thing that comes to mind. After all, Hawaii beaches are some of the best in the world! So of course, swimwear has to make it onto this list of the best outfits for a Hawaii vacation.

Sundaze Bikinis is my go-to Hawaii swimwear brand . Not only are their pieces cute and functional, but they’re also eco-friendly . To address the ocean plastic pollution problem, Sundaze Bikinis reuses these plastics and abandoned fishnets by turning them into amazing swimwear.

Use the code BORDERS15 on the  Sundaze Bikinis website  to get 15% off your order!

That said if you’re more of a one piece swimsuit person, you may want to consider purchasing something from Issa de’ Mar or Kalo Kini . And if you’d prefer a custom swimsuit that perfectly matches your measurements, KaiKini Bikinis is here to help!

Men have loads of great Hawaii swimwear options as well. Honolua Surf Co . and Maui and Sons both produce quality products.

Footwear-wise, flip flops ( locally known as slippers ) are a must. Olukai is one local slippers brand that you won’t want to miss out on.

Last but not least, if you’re looking to accessorize, the sunglasses from Maui Jim are an awesome choice.

A Hawaii Hiking Outfit: Exercise Clothes

One of the best things to do in Hawaii is hike . There are just so many beautiful natural landscapes to see! But it’s important to have a fantastic Hawaii hiking outfit in order to make your hikes as enjoyable as possible.

Kaira Active is an incredible local brand for women’s activewear. With sports bras, biker shorts, and leggings, you’ll find everything you need for your Hawaii hiking adventure.

There aren’t quite as many men’s activewear brands in Hawaii, but Mahiku Hawaii does have a small line of men’s active shorts available for purchase. These active shorts come in both solid colors and Hawaii-inspired patterns.

For most hikes in Hawaii, a typical pair of athletic shoes will do the trick. I’ve been using my  Fila Women’s Day Hiker Shoes  for years – and there’s a handy men’s version as well. But if you want to take on some of the more challenging hikes, consider investing in a solid pair of hiking boots. Eddie Bauer has some amazing hiking boots for women and men .

A Beach-to-Hike Outfit: Swimsuit & Exercise Clothes

I’ll be upfront and say that this Hawaii outfit idea won’t work for everyone. But I personally wear it all the time. Whenever I plan a dedicated Hawaii adventure day, I’ll hike in the morning and then go to the beach in the afternoon.

That said, I don’t like to change between the hike and the beach. Many times, there just isn’t a great changing spot. So I’ll just wear a comfy bikini underneath my hiking clothes, and I’ll have both situations covered in one outfit!

The same concept can apply to men’s Hawaii outfits too. Boardshorts and a t-shirt may work out well.

A Cold Weather Outfit: Sweatshirt & Jeans

I know what you’re thinking. What do you need a cold weather outfit for in Hawaii? Isn’t it always warm there? Well, there are actually a couple of different scenarios where this will come in handy.

First, nights can get a little chilly sometimes, so it’s nice to have a sweatshirt to throw on. But these cold weather clothes are most important when you’re visiting Hawaii mountaintops.

The tallest mountains in Hawaii, like Haleakala on Maui and Mauna Kea on the Big Island, get very cold. Mauna Kea actually gets a bit of snow each winter! On top of that, people tend to visit these mountain peaks to watch the sunrise or go stargazing, meaning that the temperature is even colder during those times of day. In other words, you’ll be very glad that you made a sweatshirt and jeans one of your Hawaii outfits.

If you’re looking for sweatshirt recommendations, Kahana Clothing (women’s) and Pineapple County are two local brands with great options. As for the jeans, you can’t go wrong with Levi’s .

A Luau Outfit: Aloha Wear

A luau is your chance to wear Hawaii traditional clothing. Most people only know about the bright, exaggerated version of traditional Hawaiian clothing – and they often call it the wrong name: “Hawaiian wear” or “Hawaiian shirt.” (It’s a pretty common mistake to make in Hawaii .) But locals wear a more toned-down version, and we call it aloha wear.

For some reason, men’s aloha wear tends to stick to the more traditional designs. Rix Island Wear and Western Aloha are both fantastic stores for this type of Hawaii attire. Look for shirts with nature- or tribal-inspired prints in more muted colors.

Women’s aloha wear, on the other hand, has taken a more modern turn. Companies like Kahulalea , Lola Miller Designs , and Kamea Designs all create aloha wear with a fun contemporary twist.

A Hawaii Picture-Taking Outfit: Instagram-Worthy Clothes

Now, despite the fact that I run a Hawaii website and its accompanying Instagram page , I’m not much of a picture-taker. That said, I know most people – especially visitors to Hawaii – are, so I had to include a picture-taking outfit.

There are a couple of different ways to do this. You can either pick an outfit that you like best for yourself or you can try to coordinate it with your group. Or you can do both!

For non-coordinated Hawaii outfits for women, Yireh and Mahina are lovely little shops to check out for dresses, jumpsuits, and two piece sets (usually crop top and flowy pants pair). And men can stick with some of their aloha wear from Western Aloha or Rix Island Wear .

Now, if you do want to coordinate, you have two different options. First, you can just coordinate by color. For example, everyone in your group can just wear white in whatever style they’d like.

The second option is for everyone to wear variations of an outfit with the exact same print. While this option can seem difficult to pull off, Pohaku is here to help! As a matter of fact, family aloha wear is their specialty!

A Wedding Outfit: Fancy(ish) Clothes

Given how many people come to Hawaii each year just for weddings, this list of Hawaii outfits wouldn’t be complete without a wedding outfit.

For women, I’d recommend getting your wedding guest outfit (or I suppose wedding outfit, if you’re the bride) from wherever you prefer, whether that be Anthropologie , Lulus , or Nordstrom . While maxi dresses are typically the most popular choice, it’s not unheard of to see wedding guests in fancy midi dresses or stylish two piece sets.

Then, once you’ve chosen your Hawaii wedding outfit, consider styling it with local jewelry, like the beautiful ocean-inspired pieces from Rise Jewelry . After all, there are loads of gorgeous Hawaii jewelry pieces .

Use the code BORDERS15 on  the Rise Jewelry website  for 15% off your order!

Men might actually have a slightly more complicated situation when it comes to Hawaii wedding outfits. It all depends on the dress code. While some weddings prefer men to wear full suits others are okay with casual aloha wear. Simply put, be sure to read the wedding invitation carefully. Then, you’ll be able to decide whether you need something from Men’s Warehouse or Western Aloha .

A Plane Outfit: Comfy Clothes

At the end of your Hawaii trip, you’ll need to travel back home. Unless you’re taking a long-haul cruise, you’ll likely be flying at least a five-hour flight on a plane. And you’ll want to make sure that you’re wearing a comfy, cozy outfit on your long journey.

Loungewear is your best bet for your flights to and from Hawaii – for both women and men. As far as I know, there aren’t any Hawaii-based companies that specialize in loungewear. (If you know of any please let me know in the comments!). That said, American Eagle is always a great place for loungewear.

Are there any other Hawaii outfits that you think should be on this list? Let me know in the comments!

Want to remember all of these outfits for Hawaii? Pin this article for later!

Sharing is caring!

Born and raised in beautiful Hawaii, Sarah is now a successful travel writer, secret adrenaline junky, hater of potatoes, and, of course, author of Borders & Bucket Lists.

Similar Posts

A local’s guide to laie point, oahu, hawaii.

Affiliate Links Searching for the ultimate guide to Laie Point? This guide written by a Hawaii local has everything that you need to know about Laie Point. If you find yourself having a day trip on the North Shore of Oahu, Hawaii, Laie Point is definitely a stop worth your time. As a matter of…

18 Mistakes to Avoid on Your Waikiki Vacation

Sponsored Affiliate Links Are you planning your next Waikiki vacation? Here are a few mistakes that you should try to avoid during your trip – according to a Hawaii local! A Waikiki vacation is on just about everyone’s bucket list. After all, with sunny skies, turquoise waters, and swaying palm trees, what more could you…

Hawaii’s Aloha Stadium Swap Meet

As of 2023, Aloha Stadium is closed, BUT the Aloha Stadium Swap Meet has not. While the plan is unclear, it seems that the Aloha Stadium Swap Meet will continue to open in the Aloha Stadium parking lot until the demolition of the stadium begins in early 2024. Even though I was born and raised…

3 of the Best Beaches on the Big Island of Hawaii to Visit

Are you looking for the best beaches on the Big Island of Hawaii? Here are some of the coolest shorelines, courtesy of a Hawaii local. Sometimes it can be hard to pick the best beaches on the Big Island of Hawaii. After all, there are stunning sandy nooks tucked away all over the island’s coastlines….

12 Weird Hawaii Laws That Will Surprise You

Affiliate Links There are quite a few weird Hawaii laws that you may not expect. From traveling with fresh produce to having a pet hamster, here are some things that are illegal in Hawaii that will probably surprise you. Many of the weirdest laws in Hawaii are only “weird” in the sense that they’re uncommon….

9 Best Hawaii Coffee Companies for You to Enjoy (From a Local)

Affiliate Links Are you looking for the best Hawaii coffee companies? This guide from a Hawaii local has everything that you need to know! Hawaii is known for quite a few things. Beautiful beaches, juicy pineapples, sugarcane fields, and sunny skies are just the start. But if there’s one thing that may surpass all of…

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

What to Pack for a Trip to Hawaii – Cute Hawaii Outfits and Packing List

If you’re planning a trip to Hawaii, you’re going to want to start shopping for some cute Hawaii vacation outfits !! Whether you’re traveling to Maui , Kauai , Oahu, Lanai or the Big Island, the style of dressing in Hawaii is casual-chic, and it’s a great chance to break out your most vibrant tropical prints that you otherwise can’t wear this time of year.

During the day, you’ll want some resort-ready bikinis , cover ups, and sun hats , and at night, you’ll want some easy, flowy resort dresses and cute tropical dinner outfits for going out on the town. In this Hawaii packing guide you’ll find all the best outfits for Hawaii, from swimwear and cover ups, to resort dresses and vacation outfit inspo from my own trips to Maui, Kauai, Honolulu, the Big Island and beyond!

What to Pack for Hawaii : Hawaii packing essentials

• Sunscreen 
• Swimwear + Cover ups (I have lots of recommendations below!)
• A pair of comfy tennis shoes for hiking or resort-gym-ing (my absolute favorite of all time are these, they’re so lightweight for travel and SO comfy)
• Comfortable shoes for hiking
• A cute beach bag
• Casual daytime outfits / chic beach outfits
• Dressier nighttime dinner outfits
• Tropical upscale Hawaiian shirts for the guys

Cute cover ups, resort pants & dresses for a trip to Hawaii:

Your suitcase for a trip to Hawaii is going to be 90% swimsuits and cover ups – so you’ll want to make sure you’re packing some cute ones! I love these cover ups because they’re all comfy, flattering, and have a little Hawaii pop to them with their designs. 

my favorite melon green ribbed bikini – I’m obsessed! 

Pictured here with this top , this hat, this suitcase , and these shoes

Pictured here with this dress , and this hat

The comfiest stretchy linen vacation dress.

If you have a little.one you’re bringing with you, make sure to pack him a matching mommy and me hawaiian shirt ! 

Cute dinner dresses and rompers for Hawaii:

this dress is a SPLURGE , but I love it

Cute family matching vacation outfits for Hawaii

Big Island inspired Hawaii dress with pretty turtle print

What to wear to workout, do yoga, or play tennis while on vacation! 

If you’re planning on doing any resort sports, this exercise dress works great for golf or tennis or pickleball! it has a high-quality full-body spandex lining that makes it oh-so-comfy to wear all day long!

In Hawaii, the style is casual but cute, and you’ll want to dress up a little for resort dinners! I like to pack tropical printed rompers and maxi dresses, as well as always some white dresses (to show off that tan, duh).  

You can also include flowy beach pants & sarongs for your upcoming trip to Hawaii. 

The best swimsuits to pack for a trip to Hawaii

and don’t forget a matching sarong for your bikini!

Kenny and I are always wearing matching couples swimsuits

The best athleisure wear to pack for a trip to Hawaii 

Whether you’re planning to golf, play tennis, hit the resort gym, or just enjoy the gorgeous scenery for walks, it’s SO easy to stay active on a trip to Hawaii and packing warm-weather athleisure wear that fits the tropical vacation vibe is a must! 

The best accessories to pack for Hawaii

A good sun hat or visor is an absolute must for pool or beach side days in Hawaii! 

What else do you need to pack for a trip to Hawaii?

Sunglasses –  my favorite brand that you guys always ask me about on instagram is Bisous, they have mens and womens and are so chic

Beach bags!

Reef-safe sunscreen – Here are all my favorite sunscreen brands for face and body.

Sun hat(s) – all my favorite sun hats are in this post here

Swimsuits, bikinis and cover-ups

Flip flops ( I’m obsessed with this pair right now, and my fiance has their mens ones )

1 pair of sneakers for hiking/the hotel gym 

1 Snorkel mask! I have this one . 

1 flying outfit ( these are always my in-flight leggings because they’re SO soft )

A travel face mask and for going around the island (check out my list of the cutest travel face masks here)

Cute pajamas!! Love these

Check out these related blog posts

The ultimate Maui travel guide

The best beach vacation outfits

The ultimate Kauai travel guide

The best white outfits for the bride to be for every wedding-related event

The best gifts to send in quarantine

My favorite sunscreens

Seared Tuna With Volcano Sauce Recipe

What to Wear to A Summer Wedding - The Best Dressed Wedding Guest Looks

WRITTEN BY: Christina

Christina is a leading luxury lifestyle and travel blogger with over 2 million readers. Follow her on instagram @jetsetchristina.

RELATED POSTS

The Ultimate Honeymoon Packing List for Every Destination

The Ultimate Maui Travel Guide [ 2024 ]

The Ultimate Big Island, Hawaii Travel Guide

Leave a comment cancel reply.

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

• Skip to primary navigation
• Skip to main content
• Skip to primary sidebar
• Skip to footer

What To Wear In Hawaii | Hawaii Outfit Guide For Each Season

Outfits , Style , Style Guides , Travel

White sand beaches, breathtaking coral reefs, lush rainforests, and good food: with all these on one island, it is no surprise that the Hawaiian islands are a dream for many travelers. There are gorgeous views and so many activities in Hawaii, f rom surfing, and snorkeling, to hiking and spiritual activities. But t he catch is knowing exactly what to wear for every activity — including spontaneous ones. After all, going to Hawaii is a big deal, so what do you pack?

In this article, we’ll dive into the main style, the essential pieces you should pack, and the Hawaii outfits you can wear for every season. We’ll talk about how to dress on each island, what to wear in Hawaii for the most common events, and how to match the local style. So let’s dive in!

Hawaii Style

Hawaii is no place for stilettos and blazers. Unless you’re in Hawaii for a corporate trip, there’s really no reason you should bring formal clothing. 

As much as possible, you would want to choose clothing that’s casual, stylish, and most importantly, comfortable. At some point, you’ll want practical clothing too, like a pair of non-slip hiking footwear. 

One of the reasons why I love Hawaii is the fact that the clothes that most tourists wear do not set them apart from locals. Most locals have the same approach in style, almost looking like tourists themselves. Think aloha tops, floral shirts, maxi dresses, and flip flops. The typical Hawaii style is all all about being open, carefree, and charismatic! 

While packing, keep your itinerary in mind. After all, it all boils down to what you will do on the island AND what island you’ll spend the most time on.

What NOT To Wear In Hawaii 

Hawaii is an island full of fun activities, so generally, you would want to avoid clothing that limits movement. Jeans, blazers, silk/satin dresses, stilettos, trousers, and leather boots are just some of the clothing you should pack less of. Instead, focus on comfortable, breathable pieces.

Opt for beachy fits like linen dresses and/or floral maxi dresses for formal wear rather than satin dresses.

Avoid excessive gold and silver jewelry, too. Focus on a few classic pieces and add in some beachy Puka shell jewelry and Macrame anklets, instead. 

Essential Pieces To Pack

Here are some of the top Hawaii style pieces that you should definitely consider packing. 

Some of my favorite places to get these Hawaii outfits/pieces include:

• Free People
• Hello Molly
• Tommy Bahama
• Vineyard Vines
• Vix Swimwear
• Love Shack Fancy

15. Luau Outfit 

Click here to shop

A luau party is one of the most anticipated events on the island. It is a Polynesian and Hawaiian ritual featuring vibrant live performances and music.

The best Hawaii outfit you can wear to a Luau is a floral maxi dress or skirt. You can also play with a dainty off-shoulder top and a maxi skirt if you prefer something more flexible. 

14. Aloha Shirt 

In Hawaii, Aloha shirts are everywhere! Both locals and tourists wear this shirt because of its airy and relaxed feel — perfect for lounging by the beach. Usually made with rayon, this shirt is great for humid and warm days. You can style an Aloha shirt by wearing it with a pair of shorts or by knotting it and wearing it with a maxi skirt. 

13. Flip Flops

Of all footwear, the shoes that you will most need are flip flops! This may come as common sense, but flip flops are sometimes overlooked during packing. And you’ll want a casual pair as well as a more formal pair for dinner!

If you’re planning to go on several activities (hiking, biking, etc.), you can go for sandals or Jandals (short term for “Jesus” sandals). Next to flip flops, these sandals are the most popular types of footwear for Hawaii outfits.

12. Flight Fit

Planning your flight fit is a bit tricky. Should you wear loungewear or should you get going with your floral dresses? When you get there, you want to look like you’re going there without overdressing.

It really depends on where you’re coming from, but what I would wear is an Aloha shirt or a white polo shirt, an inner tank top, shorts, and sandals. If you’re expecting a longer flight, you might want to wear knit-ribbed pants instead or light-colored leggings.

11. Kimono 

A Kimono has a lot of purposes. One can be used as a bikini cover-up, a light jacket, or a knotted blouse top. These styles are possible with a long-sleeved button-up, but it’s great for a change. I just think wide sleeves are chic and timeless! 

10. White T-Shirt

No matter where you go, bringing a good-quality t-shirt is a must and a convenience. White shirts are versatile — they can be knotted, cropped, tucked, or worn as is. If you’re staying for a long while, white shirts can be really handy! 

9. Bright-Colored Swimwear 

Since water activities are the main event on this stunning island, swimwear is a must. Pack a couple of bikinis (if that’s your thing), a rashguard, and a one-piece. It may seem a bit extra, but bringing a variety of swimwear gives you more flexibility, even if you reuse the same coverups.

Bright colors like orange, pink, and yellow are great swimwear colors because they reflect the vibe of the island. But if you want to keep it minimal, you can choose black sets instead and add fun, beachy accessories like jewelry or hats.

8. Hiking Footwear

If you’re planning a hiking trip in Hawaii, definitely choose Oahu! Oahu is abundant with diverse trails, including amateur and advanced level summit and waterfall hikes. A couple of them include the Koko Crater, Diamond Head Summit Trail, and Manoa Falls Trail. 

Generally, the hiking shoes you would want to bring depends on what type of trail you’re going for. Waterfall summit trails usually require sandals, while steep, long, and strenuous hikes may require appropriate hiking shoes when you’re figuring out what to pack for Hawaii.

You’ll  definitely want some good footwear that you can work into your Hawaii outfits. Even if you don’t think you’ll hike a lot or aren’t athletic, trust me: you’ll end up needing sneakers!

7. Quick-Dry Clothing

Along with appropriate shoes, keep a set of quick-dry clothing for adventures and hiking trips. If you’re going on a waterfall trail, quick-dry shorts and light Dri-fit tops are ideal. Cotton can absorb sweat and water easily (which can weigh you down), so that type of fabric should be avoided in physical activities. 

For rainy months, a light rain jacket or a windbreaker is also recommended. 

6. Boho-Style Formal Dress (Optional)

A formal dress is optional, but having one comes in handy during spontaneous cocktail events or birthday parties. If you’re attending a wedding or other formal event, a boho-style dress is recommended – especially if it is to be held on a beachfront. Think linen, fringe, and muted colors. When in doubt, ask the hosts!

5. Night Out Outfit

Hawaii nightlife is one of the anticipated events in a trip next to the water and in-land adventures. Some people prefer wearing a bikini bra top and a shawl cover-up while others like wearing more coverage. If you like a bit of coverage, you can wear a halter top/dress with a pair of shorts.

And don’t be afraid of bright colors! Unlike other places, going-out Hawaii outfits can be as vibrant as you’d like.

4. Linen Romper/Set

If bright colors are not your thing, having an unbleached linen set can be a lifesaver and is a piece you’ll wear over and over. Linen is elegant, timeless, and feels close to nature, so it’s the perfect material for Hawaii outfits. It’s the island’s “little black dress” and is definitely a must-have!

3. Crochet Tops 

Crochet is not just built for winter seasons! Crochet is a fun element to incorporate into your summer fits, especially if you’re on vacation.

Personally, I think the best crochet pieces to have are a bandeau top, a lace cover-up, and a cotton mesh bag for beach essentials. Anything with fringe and/or grandma squares also looks vibrant with any island fit. 

I buy a lot of my crochet pieces at Beginning Boutique and (weirdly enough) on Amazon . Plus, Shein has great crochet bags!

Aside from sunscreen, a stylish way to keep the sun out of your face is a woven sun hat. Choose sun hats made of straw and avoid sweat-absorbing materials like cotton. A little air circulation around the head on warm days is important. 

1. Culottes 

A great piece to wear while strolling around the island is a pair of culottes. They’re neither shorts nor pants but rather in between. Culottes with stretchy lounge fabric are usually the best ones to wear.

During the Hawaiian winter, you can opt for ribbed knit culottes to keep your legs from the cold wind. This is one of the best pieces if you’re wondering what to wear in Hawaii in the winter!

Other Pieces To Consider Packing:

While these are the essential pieces for any island in Hawaii, here are some of the other pieces I personally used quite a bit when I visited. I linked some of my favorite places to buy each place here!

• Casual, beachy jewelry
• A bucket hat OR a baseball hat for the beach
• A crochet bag
• Fabric shorts (these are literally the best and can pair with any crop top for the perfect Hawaii style)
• Self-tanner (if you want to look tan without burning)
• Maui Babe browning lotion : the best tanning lotion ever!!
• Basically any floral clothing

If you’re shopping to match Hawaii style, focus on casual, breathable pieces and ground your outfits with brown pieces like a brown beachy crossbody bag or brown leather sandals.

What To Wear On Each Hawaiian Island:

If you’re heading to one of the more rural islands, you’ll want to dress casually and practically. Focus on hiking outfits, especially if you’ll be doing activities, beach outfits, and linen dresses. There isn’t much nightlife on the quieter islands so it’s really the daytime outfits that matter!

If you’re visiting Oahu then you might experience a bit more nightlife. It’s a little trendier here, so you can definitely up your game a bit (think wedges instead of flats) but the island is still relatively casual compared to other vacation places. While you  can pack going-out outfits, you can still stay relatively casual because most bars are outdoors, allowing for a bright and beachy Hawaii style.

What To Wear In Hawaii For Every Season

Shop The Look

Wondering what to wear in Hawaii during a particular season? While Hawaii is super warm most of the year, the styles do change a bit during the various seasons.

Read on to learn what to wear in Hawaii for the specific months you’re visiting!

What To Wear In Hawaii During Winter:

Winter in Hawaii is unlike any other winter that you experience in four-season countries. Instead of temperatures that lie below 3 degrees Fahrenheit, Hawaii can only get cold as 63 degrees to 80 degrees Fahrenheit during the winter.

For people living in the US, this temperature feels like summer approaching autumn. In Hawaii, snow can only be seen and experienced on mountain peaks with high elevations. 

When you put together Hawaii outfits for winter, know that knits, sweaters, and winter coats are not necessary. People still walk in their flip-flops, their sandals, and their shorts.

It is only during the night when the air becomes a little chilly. When they get cold, locals/tourists usually put on a cardigan, a flannel, or a windbreaker.

Rains are also expected during winter, so rain jackets come in handy – especially on hiking trips and tours when you ought to stay dry.

Cardigan + Sleeveless Top + Shorts

What I love about this ensemble is the fact that I can still pose with my ‘Hawaiian approved’ outfit in photos just by taking off my cardigan! Hawaiian winters are not particularly cold but they can be a bit chilly, especially if you’re not doing anything streneous, like strolling or lounging by the beach. When it’s time to take photos, just take the cardigan off. 

Another stylish alternative for a cardigan is a woven shawl. 

Flannel + Sports Bra + Cycling Shorts + Hiking Shoes

Dressing up for a hike during Hawaiian winter can be a bit tricky. First of all, you have to know the elevation and the terrain of your destination. Will it be a mountain hike or a waterfall hike? There are so many factors that you should consider, which is why I don’t claim to generalize this part of the article. 

For lower elevations and waterfall trails, I would suggest wearing a flannel or a windbreaker over a sports bra and bicycle shorts ensemble. For mountains higher than 1,000masl, I suggest wearing leggings, a light quick-dry shirt, and a windbreaker. Bringing a hard shell or rain jacket is also ideal for days with expected rainfall. 

Rayon Long-Sleeved Top + Shorts + Sandals

For some people, layering is the last thing they would do when they’re in Hawaii. If you don’t have light cardigans on hand, you can opt for a long-sleeved rayon top instead. This can give enough coverage to keep you from chilly afternoon strolls. Great for people who love minimalist styles.

Bright Colored Maxi Dress + Rattan Beaded Bag 

In Hawaii style, winter is no time for blues! Keep it bright and vibrant with an orange (or light green) maxi dress. For formal events, I like pairing this simple ensemble with a statement purse/bag. I recommend wearing this for Luau too. Add a Plumeria flower to your hair and you’re ready to go!

Printed Bikini + Bright-Colored Linen Pants 

On warmer winter days by the beach, this ensemble can work wonders. Just add bright-colored linen pants to complete your outfit. Keeping it loose is ideal. You would want to stay flexible for any activities. If you’re planning to do yoga on the beach, this outfit works too! 

Just bring a shawl or light cardigan to cover up when the temperature goes down. 

What To Wear In Hawaii During Summer:

In this next section, I’ll talk about what to wear in Hawaii in the summer, but most of this info applies to Hawaii outfits in spring and fall, too. The temperatures are super warm year-round so there really isn’t too much of a difference!

Printed Maxi Skirt + Tank Top/Sports Bra + Layered Necklaces 

One of my favorite Hawaii outfits to wear during summer is a cropped tank top and a boho-printed maxi skirt. I love how a flowy maxi skirt transforms my body ratio, making me look taller in pictures.

Add layered necklaces for a dainty accent and you’re good to go, all decked out in Hawaii style!

Tube Top + Flow Beige Ribbed Pants + Platform Sandals + Statement Hair Clam

Looking for a loungey outfit to wear during your stay in Hawaii? Drop the sweats for a pair of flowy ribbed pants with a multi-purpose tube top. Style this ensemble with platform sandals and an eye-catching hair accessory to complete the look.

Linen Romper Set + Bandeau + Walking/Hiking Shoes or Sandals

Going on a day tour? A matching linen romper set is a no-brainer when it comes to Hawaii style. Add a couple of accessories like a hair bandeau and layered puka shell chokers/anklets for a relaxed beach-chic fit.

A pair of sunglasses can be handy too, though that’s a given for all of your Hawaii outfits!

Bikini Top + Cardigan + Culottes 

A bikini top paired with linen culottes and a light cover-up is one of the most versatile Hawaii outfits. You can wear this for strolling in the market, walking by the beach, or partying at beachside clubs. If you’re too busy to change outfits in between itineraries, this Hawaii style ensemble is for you! 

Long Kimono + Bikini + Sandals (Left) 

A simple but head-turning addition to a bikini ensemble is a long kimono. I would wear this outfit for brunch-outs and surf time-outs. I just like how the wind blows it like a cape! You’ll see how this looks good in pictures.

Crochet Dress Cover-Up + Bikini + Rattan Bag + Sunglasses/Statement Earrings (Right) 

There are no words for this crochet dress/cover-up! I think it’s a way to stay chic, classy, and elegant during your stay on the island. I would definitely wear this with a black bikini! For my accessories, I would keep it simple with gold-plated statement earrings or animal-printed sunglasses. 

This Hawaii outfit is perfect for afternoon cocktails and nighttime socials.

Bodysuit/Swimsuit + Denim Shorts + Long Kimono

Let me tell you this: this beach is the only place where you can wear a swimwear suit while strolling on market grounds. So if you can, take that chance to finally wear your one-piece with denim shorts. A long kimono balances the volume of your outfit by bringing some of the visual weight down to the floor. Add a sunhat and sunglasses to your Hawaii style and you’re ready to go!

Sports Bra + Tied Tank Top + Bicycle Shorts + Sandals

During summer, you have more freedom to wear shorts to a mountain/waterfall trail with your Hawaii outfits. Some people like wearing bikinis, but I would take caution in that as the sun can get dangerously hot. Sunburn is not really what you want to get in Hawaii. If you’re planning to wear a bikini bra for your top, just make sure you apply sufficient protective sunscreen.

Bikinis To Bring In Hawaii 

Check some of our favorite bikini looks that you can take inspiration from for your Hawaii style.

Bright Colored Bikini

A vibrant and shocking color speaks of the energy of this island! A set of pinks, oranges, and greens are some of the best options you can choose from. These colors are perfect for all Hawaii outfits!

I recommend shopping for these tops at Vix Swimwear (SUCH cute stuff), Shein , Cupshe , or Peony Swimwear (for ultra-trendy Hawaii outfit pieces).

Inverted Bikini Top

By inverting your triangle bikini top, you can make a whole different look! If you choose neutral or monochrome colors, no one will ever know that you used the same bikini twice. Plus, this look is  so popular right now with Hawaii style.

Groovy Bikini

The more color and print, the better! I love how she styled this green groove bikini. Reminds me of Y2K styles!

Patchwork Bikini

I just love how dressy this bikini looks! Imagine wearing this with a white maxi skirt. Divine!

Colorful Floral Bikini Set

I just love how vivid the colors are in this bikini set. So lively! If you’re wondering what to wear in Hawaii, you really can’t go wrong with florals.

Black Bikini

When in doubt, wear black! 

I recommend shopping for these tops for your Hawaii outfits at Vix Swimwear (SUCH cute stuff), Shein , Cupshe , or Peony Swimwear (for ultra-trendy Hawaii outfit pieces).

Belly Waist Jewelry 

Whoever made this is a genius! For a versatile alternative, you can opt for pieces made with white/beige shells and cotton ropes. This is one of the cutest Hawaii outfits for the beach!

More Hawaii Outfits For Inspiration:

If you want to get the feel of Hawaii style, browse through these photos for inspiration.

Hopefully, this post helps you figure out what to wear in Hawaii regardless of what you’ll be doing while you’re there. Remember that Hawaii style is always bright, happy, and relaxed!

• How to Use Points for Free Flights
• The Best Carry-On Luggage
• The Ultimate Guide to Traveling Like a Pro
• My Favorite Travel Credit Cards
• lake louise
• new orleans
• new york city
• palm springs
• packing lists
• product reviews
• How to Use Vitamin C Serum
• Easy Step-by-Step Skincare Routine
• Drunk Elephant: Best & Worst Products
• Fitness & Wellness
• How I Edit My Photos for Instagram
• Furniture My Interior Designer Loves
• Best Strapless Bras
• blogging & business
• Amazon Finds
• Hotel Lobby Candle
• Shop My Faves
• Promo Codes and Discounts
• Shop My Instagram

What to Wear in Hawaii

Whether you’re traveling solo or with your family, a Hawaii vacation is the perfect way to escape and reset. It’s one of the best vacation destinations in the world because it’s not only stunning but it also offers a well rounded experience for every type of traveler.

From active adventures like surfing and paddle boarding to relaxing activities like lounging poolside, frequent travelers to Hawaii know that the mix of entertainment on the island makes it a standout spot. And if you’re coming from across the U.S. , just know that island living (even if it’s temporary) is totally worth the trek.

While the weather in Hawaii is consistently beautiful, the temperature at night can certainly dip. During certain seasons, it can also be quite rainy. March through September is considered the busy season for Hawaii, with the months of April, May, and September being the best from a weather standpoint. Those months are known to not be too hot, too cold, or too wet.

Before you visit Hawaii, it’s important that you properly plan out your vacation outfits . No matter what your preferred activities upon arrival are, there are some wardrobe essentials that everyone needs to pack —swimsuits, sunglasses, shorts, tank tops, and flip flops are at the top of the list.

However, making the most out of your travel outfits means packing strategically and making a checklist so you don’t forget anything. Trust me, you don’t want to end up on an island feeling unprepared and under-packed. This destination is undoubtedly known to have a relaxed and laid back vibe , so it’s nice that you don’t have to pack your entire closet to look great during your trip to Hawaii.

What to Wear In Hawaii

Regardless of which island you’re visiting (check out my Maui itinerary ), I put together this list of what to wear in Hawaii so you can have a smooth, comfortable, and successful trip. These suitcase staples will help you comfortably and stylishly make a statement during your getaway.

10+ Hawaii Vacation Outfits

A matching set.

On my latest trip to Hawaii (and Matt’s first time visiting!) I wore this pink knit set and got so many questions about it. A matching set is always a cute outfit idea but it’s especially practical when you’re traveling/vacationing because it takes the guesswork out of getting ready—no need to spend a lot of time picking what you’ll wear.

If you want to dress things up, you could always add a fun clutch or some earrings. And as far as shoes go, you could either go with comfy sandals or some heels.

Floral Maxi Dress

A good go-to while visiting Hawaii? A simple maxi dress.

They’re perfect for wearing on the beach, to dinner, and out and about town. They can also be thrown on over a swimsuit and they go with pretty much any type of sandals or flip flops. Another perk is that they’re really comfortable to wear but they make you look and feel so put together.

Regardless of the weather on the island, I think it’s always a good idea to bring a cardigan or a denim jacket to wear after the sun goes down. Even if the temps are warm and humid during the day, things can certainly cool off at night.

As far as accessories go, I’d recommend adding a sun hat (which will double up as extra sun protection) and a basic pair of sunglasses. Beach bags are another must-bring!

Pink Bikini

Is it just me or does a bright bikini seem like a must-wear while visiting Hawaii? I practically lived in the swimsuit pictured above during my own trip (this exact bikini is sadly sold out but this one is similar.)

During my trip, I always just slipped into some denim shorts or put a kimono or cover-up on over my bikini when I wasn’t lounging on the beach. If you don’t love pink but still want to add some liveliness to your Hawaiian wardrobe, opt for a bright blue, green, or yellow bikini—anything goes!

Bright Athleisure

Whether it’s your first time visiting the island or your fourth, it’s a fairly safe assumption that you’ll spend some time walking or hiking during your trip. Hawaii has such an active lifestyle which means that packing athleisure and comfortable shoes is essential—don’t forget a belt bag and baseball cap!

Again, depending on the time of year you’re visiting the big island, the mornings and evenings can get kind of chilly, so I’d recommend bringing layers. Try wearing a white t-shirt, half-zip jacket (I love the ones from Vuori ), or crew neck over your workout top—you can always tie your extra layer around your waist if you get too hot.

Silk Slip Dress

While most of your time on a Hawaiian island will likely be spent in a bathing suit , be sure to also pack some nice dresses that you can wear out.

I loved wearing silk slip dresses during my visit but any dress would do. If you’re going during a time that’s particularly hot and sticky, silk probably wouldn’t be the best option. In the warmer months, opt for cotton or linen fabrics instead.

These dresses pair well with flat sandals, wedges, or little heels . They aren’t overly fancy but they bring things up a notch, making them perfect for a special dinner or a night out for drinks.

Comfy Kimono

When you pack for Hawaii, cover-ups are an obvious must-include on your checklist. They’re great for wearing to the beach, around the pool, and to and from your hotel room. If you’re looking for another practical addition to your suitcase that’s even more stylish, try a kimono.

When thrown over a swimsuit, a kimono can make for one of the most chic and easy Hawaii outfit ideas. They’re so pretty and feel highly appropriate for island living. Wear one over your one piece with flip flops or pair it with denim shorts and a white tank for a casual but cute daytime look.

Striped Swimsuit

Yes, any style bathing suit will work in Hawaii but there’s something about striped swimwear that pops in photos. If you plan to have some Instagram-worthy moments on the island, a striped bikini is the way to go. Add a wide-brimmed hat to not only accessorize your look but also to protect your skin from the sun (a win-win!)

Floral Dresses

One non-negotiable on your Hawaii packing list? Floral dresses. They’re so versatile, keep you cool, and look just as stylish poolside as they do at a fancy dinner. Just swap out your footwear to make the dress more appropriate for wherever you’re going (wear sandals to the beach and low heels to dinner.)

Floral dresses are also a good closet staple that can be reworn after you get back from your vacation. You can wear them throughout the spring and summer months and style them a variety of ways—with white sneakers , a denim jacket, heels, or a cardigan.

Workout Set

Frequent travelers to Hawaii know that the lifestyle on the island is very active. From hiking and rafting to casual morning strolls, a workout set is one of the best outfits you can wear on the Big Island (aside from a swimsuit.)

Make a statement with a set that’s bright and cheerful then pair it with your go-to tennis shoes or hiking sneakers. I’d also recommend wearing a baseball hat and sunglasses to keep your skin and eyes protected from the sun .

When hiking in Hawaii, I’d also suggest bringing a rain jacket because you never know when a storm can hit (honestly, Hawaiian rain storms are so much fun to experience.) And in general, layers are smart to bring when hiking, especially when considering that higher elevations can equal some cooler temps.

White One-Piece

When packing light is a priority, it’s important that you try to score multiple outfits from one single item in your suitcase .

One clever way to do that is to bring a white one-piece that not only works on the beach but also pairs nicely with denim shorts , linen pants, and skirts. A white one-piece swimsuit can easily turn into a full outfit if you slide some bottoms and shoes on.

Also, there’s no denying that a white one piece makes you look more tan —an added benefit!

I hope that this list of what to wear in Hawaii helps you plan and pack for your trip! It’s such a dreamy place to visit any time of the year and for any occasion, whether you’re celebrating your honeymoon or unwinding on a girls trip .

I’ll leave you with one last piece of advice as you pack for Hawaii: Try to have fun with your outfits and mix things up. Reach for bright colors, unique fabrics, lively prints, and varying textures. Sure, Hawaii is casual, but it’s still a great place to showcase your taste and personal style.

You Also Might Like

Best Bras for Big Boobs: 10 Supportive Styles for Fuller Chests

How to Style Chunky Loafers for Any Occasion

The 12 Most Comfortable Heels for Women

No comments, leave a reply cancel reply.

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

How to Use Hyaluronic Acid The *Right* Way

Behind-the-scenes of a photoshoot for hotel lobby candle.

• Oahu’s Top Rated
• All Kualoa Tours
• Kualoa Ranch Movie Site Tour
• Circle Island Tours
• Dinner Cruises
• Dolphin Excursions
• All Helicopter Tours
• Shoreline Flight
• Magnum P.I. Experience
• Photography Flight
• Northshore Horseback Riding
• Parasailing
• Pearl Harbor Tours
• Private Charters
• All Rock-A-Hula Packages
• Rockin’ Show
• Rockin’ Show & Luau Buffet
• Rockin’ VIP Package
• Shark Tours
• Snorkeling Tours
• Waikiki Trolley
• Zipline Tours
• Helicopter Tours
• Snorkel Tours
• Whale Watching Maui
• Historical Dinner Cruise to Kealakekua Bay
• Deluxe Snorkel & Dolphin Watch
• Super-Raft Snorkeling Experience
• Super-Raft Sunset Cruise
• Volcano Tours
• Whale Watching

• Tropical Vacation Outfits: Hawaii Trip Essentials

Aloha, fellow travelers! If you're planning a trip to the magnificent Hawaiian Islands, you're in for an experience of a lifetime. To make your journey unforgettable and stress-free, it's essential to pack smart. And that's where we come in! Our comprehensive guide will cover everything from the best clothes to pack for Hawaii, to essential travel accessories and unconventional items that you shouldn't forget. So let's get started!

Best Clothes to Pack for Hawaii  

Packing for the Hawaiian Islands weather means preparing for mild, tropical climates. You'll want breathable fabrics, and it's always better to stick to versatile styles that can transition from day to night. Keep in mind to pack:

• Light clothing like T-shirts and shorts
• Sundresses or skirts
• Light jackets or cardigans for cooler evenings
• Comfortable Sleepwear

Outfits Suitable for Family Photoshoots and Dinner Outings

Maxi dresses are versatile pieces ideal for family photoshoots or dinner outings, with vibrant colors or floral prints embracing the island vibe. Linen pants paired with Aloha shirts are perfect to fit in with the Hawaiian ambiance and its warm weather.

Floral Prints to Embrace the Island Vibe

Dresses : Floral print dresses are essential for any tropical vacation outfits, perfect for daytime sightseeing or evening wear for that cute flowy fit. Rompers: A cute floral romper is perfect for a day at the beach or exploring local attractions. An animal print jumpsuit is also perfect for evening events in Hawaii, providing comfort while making a bold fashion statement. Two-piece sets : A matching floral top and bottom set is another stylish option for embracing the island vibe.

Incorporating these outfit ideas into your Hawaii packing list will ensure a fashionable yet functional wardrobe to fully enjoy this tropical paradise.

Swimwear for Your Hawaii Vacation  

If you're planning a trip to Hawaii, swimwear is an essential item that should be at the top of your packing list. With warm weather and beautiful beaches, it's important to have the right swimsuit for any activity. Here's your beach packing list for Hawaii when it comes to water activities:

Swimsuits – One-piece swimsuits are always more comfortable for active pursuits like snorkeling or paddle boarding. Rash guard – This will help protect your skin from the sun and keep you warm if you're swimming in colder waters. Beach cover-up – For modest beach attire, a lightweight beach coverup is convenient and fashionable. Water shoes – To protect your feet from sharp rocks or rough coral, you may want to consider investing in a pair of water shoes.

What Type of Swimwear to Pack for Hawaii

A bathing suit is a vacation must-have when visiting Hawaii. Whether you plan on lounging by the pool or taking a dip in the ocean, having a flattering fit will make all the difference. Look for styles like bikini tops with adjustable straps or one-piece suits with ruched detailing to help create a customized fit.

Bathing Suits

While spending time outside in your swimsuit can be fun, sometimes it’s nice to have some extra coverage while walking around town or grabbing lunch after hitting up the beach. Resort wear like a casual dress or beach tunic cover-up provides just enough protection without feeling too heavy during warm weather. Overall, when packing for your Hawaii vacation, remember to choose breathable fabrics and relaxed or flowy fits.

Best Type of Shoes to Pack for Hawaii  

As far as footwear goes, you'll need different types depending on the activities and sightseeing on your itinerary:

Closed-toe sandals – Ideal for hikes or walks on rocky trails. Flip flops or slides – Perfect for days spent at the beach and casual strolls around town. Sneakers – For those embarking on long treks, a good pair of sneakers is essential to protect your feet from fatigue.

Sandals (slippahs!) are perfect!

A pair of strappy sandals is a vacation must-have for any trip to Hawaii. Opt for wedges or heeled sandals if you're planning on dressing up at night, but don't forget to pack some flat sandals too! They are perfect for daytime activities such as hiking or walking around town. Selecting versatile footwear allows you to mix and match with different outfits throughout your trip. Pack denim shorts or a mini skirt with casual dress shoes such as flats or sneakers, so that they can be worn both day and night. With these shoe options, you'll be ready to take on any adventure Hawaii has to offer while still looking stylish and comfortable.

Essential Hawaii Travel Accessories  

Don't forget must-have travel accessories like hat clips, sun protection hats, turban-style headbands, sunscreen setting mists, body luminizers and more. These items not only enhance your outfit but also ensure comfort during hot sunny days in paradise. To make your Hawaiian vacation even more enjoyable, let's explore some of the must-have travel accessories.

Turban-Style Headbands for Effortless Style & Sun Protection

Body luminizers for that sun-kissed glow.

Achieve a gorgeous sun-kissed glow without spending hours under the sun by using body luminizers in makeup products or reef safe "radiant" sunscreens.

Don't Forget To Pack a Beach Bag!

If you're planning a tropical vacation to Hawaii, important items to pack is a beach bag. Not only will it hold all your essentials while lounging on the beach or exploring the island, but it can also be a stylish accessory that completes your resort-wear look.

When choosing the perfect beach bag for Hawaii, consider these features : Breathable fabrics : Opt for materials like canvas or mesh that allow air flow to prevent mildew buildup from wet towels and bathing suits. Relaxed fit : Choose bags with plenty of room so you can easily store all your essentials without feeling cramped. Durable straps : Make sure handles are sturdy enough to support weight when carrying heavy items such as water bottles and books. Vacation Must-Haves in Your Beach Bag : Bathing suit : Whether you prefer a bikini or one-piece, make sure to bring at least two so you always have a dry option

Sunscreen : Protect your skin from harmful UV rays with an SPF of at least 30. Towel : A lightweight and quick-drying towel is essential for any beach day. Sunglasses : Keep your eyes safe and add some style with trendy shades.

Other Things to Pack for Hawaii  

Packing Beauty Products & Gadgets: When heading to Hawaii, pack beauty products and gadgets designed for the tropical environment to look and feel your best. Foundation with SPF 15 provides coverage from the shining sun without feeling heavy or cakey in humid conditions, keeping your skin safe from harmful UV rays.

Additional Must-Have Hawaii Vacation Items : Noise-canceling Headphones : Have a pleasant flight over to Hawai'i by wearing headphones that can also be used for relaxing in paradise. Sunscreen Setting Mist : Get that tan without the burn by carrying reef-safe sunscreen at all times! Pack these beauty products and gadgets to look fabulous and protect yourself from potential harm caused by tropical elements.

Conclusion:

Heading to Hawaii? Pack like a pro with these tropical vacation outfits ideas, including animal print jumpsuits and versatile skirts and blouses that can be dressed up or down. Make sure to also pack the right swimwear and travel accessories, like matching bikini tops and bottoms and beach bag full of sunscreen and towels. With these tips and tricks, you'll be ready to hit the beaches of Hawaii in style and comfort.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should i pack for a hawaiian vacation.

The best clothes to pack for Hawaii are lightweight, breathable items such as t-shirts and shorts, sundresses or skirts, light jackets, comfortable sleepwear, swimsuits, rash guards, beach cover ups and water shoes.

What type of shoes should I bring for my Hawaiian vacation?

You'll need closed toe sandals for hikes or walks on rocky trails, flip flops or slides for days spent at the beach and casual strolls around town, and sneakers for long treks.

Are there any unconventional items I should pack for Hawaii?

Yes, you should also pack a waterproof phone case, beach towel and folding fan to stay protected from the elements.

What type of swimwear should I bring for my Hawaiian vacation?

You should pack one-piece swimsuits that are more comfortable for active pursuits such as snorkeling or paddle boarding, a rash guard to protect your skin from the sun and keep you warm if you're swimming in colder waters, and a beach cover up for modest attire.

Are there any other tips for packing for a Hawaiian vacation?

Yes, it's best to stick to versatile styles that can transition from day to night and bring an adequate number of items so you don't have to do laundry while on the island. Additionally, be sure to check the weather forecast before you leave so you can pack

Real Hawaii Tours

Free oahu e-guide.

Your browser's Javascript functionality is turned off. Please turn it on so that you can experience the full capabilities of this site.

Hawaii Outfit Ideas: What to Wear in Hawaii

Dressing for your trip to Hawaii can be overwhelming, especially if you’ve never been to the state or any other tropical destination before. Like with most trips, it’s important to pack the essentials to keep you comfortable and looking your best so you can focus on having a good time while in Hawaii. 

Our article gives you essential Hawaii outfit ideas and some important considerations to keep in mind when selecting your outfits for Hawaii. Keep reading to learn what to wear in Hawaii during your next tropical trip.

Dressing for Hawaii: Important Considerations

The following considerations are important to keep in mind as you figure out how to dress for your trip to Hawaii. These factors will ensure you pick the best outfits that will help you stay comfortable and look your best.

Consider the Weather

The weather in Hawaii is fairly warm and pleasant year-round, but you can expect the spring and summer months to stay on the warmer side, near the 80s, and the fall and winter months to stray between the 60s and 70s. 

Keeping the time of year and expected weather, including any periods of rain, in mind while you pack is essential. You will want to pack clothing that helps you stay safe from too much sun exposure while still being light enough to keep you cool.

If you plan on going out at night often, you may need a sweater or a light cardigan to complete your outfit so you don’t get too chilly.

Factor in Important Events

If you are traveling to Hawaii for a specific reason, such as a wedding or a family reunion, you will need to factor these events into your packing list. 

Make sure you have appropriate attire to attend any wedding ceremony, reception, or more formal dinner planned, but still remember to keep clothing light, airy, and beachy, as these outfits make for the best options even for a Hawaii wedding.

Reference Your Itinerary

Taking into account your itinerary is important as you start to pack outfits, as you will want to be sure you dress for all of the activities you have planned. 

For instance, if you are planning on several hiking days, you will need more activewear and clothing that allows you to walk and climb, plus appropriate hiking shoes.

If you are more of a beachgoer, you may need a couple of pairs of swimsuits on hand so you can visit all of the beaches you wish to lounge on in style.

Aim to Stay Comfortable

Staying comfortable is one of the best tips to follow when it comes to packing clothing for your Hawaii trip. You will want to wear lots of cottons and loose, airy clothing, as these items offer sun protection and help you stay cool in the hot sun. 

Anything too tight or ill-fitting is also likely to be a poor choice for your Hawaii vacation, as these items will take your focus away from relaxing on the beach or at a luau.

Hawaii Outfit Ideas and Inspiration

The following outfit ideas are great inspiration for your packing list as you get ready to travel to Hawaii. Review our ideas for both male and female Hawaii outfit ideas below.

Hawaii outfit ideas for women:

• A maxi dress, with or without a pattern, including tie dye
• A two-piece skirt and shirt outfit, or a pant and shirt outfit
• Camis and shorts
• Cotton sportswear, like leggings, shorts, and other active items for hiking
• Flat sandals for visiting beaches, and flip-flops for visiting pools
• Flowy skirts and summer dresses, in classic colors, fun patterns, or even bright neon colors
• A light cardigan or light sweater for cooler evenings
• A cover-up to wear over your bathing suit
• One or two swimsuits for beaches and pools

Hawaii outfit ideas for men:

• Hawaiian shirts and shorts
• T-shirts and shorts
• A pair of light-colored slacks or dress pants if you’re attending a beach wedding or a formal event
• Sandals and hiking shoes
• A light sweater or jacket
• One or two pairs of bathing suits and flip-flops for pool areas
• Activewear for hiking and other outdoor activities

You can mix and match items from this list to create a packing list personalized to your trip activities and your personal preferences.

It’s always a good idea to bring a spare outfit or two so you have options while on your trip and so you aren’t making any last-minute stops trying to find a cardigan or a pair of shoes to complete your look.

And again, dressing for comfort is the number one rule to follow when it comes to your Hawaii outfits.

What Not to Wear in Hawaii

While dressing for Hawaii is fairly flexible, there are a few items that you might want to rethink adding to your suitcase. Because of the warm and humid temperatures in Hawaii, denim is usually best avoided – it can be too hot and heavy to dress in denim like jeans or denim jackets, though denim shorts might be acceptable depending on the time of year you are traveling.

Another important item to reconsider is high heels. Most of the time, visitors to Hawaii relax on the beach, visit the pool, and go hiking around the beautiful islands of Hawaii. High heels don’t really fit any of these situations, especially heels with points, and it can be difficult to work these into your outfits. 

If you really do want some elevation in your shoes, consider a small wedge heel that is much easier to wear when walking through sand and across grassy areas.

Hawaii Outfit FAQs

Still have questions about your Hawaii outfits? Review our answers to frequently asked questions about dressing for a Hawaiian vacation.

What Should I Wear on the Plane to Hawaii?

No matter where in the United States you live, you will have to take a flight to Hawaii that is at least a few hours long. It’s important to maximize your comfort on your flight and wear items that you can potentially wear again once you reach your destination. 

This means that comfortable layers, leggings, light cardigans, and comfy shirts are all good choices for your plane journey. You can use these items to stay warm and comfortable on the plane and recycle them into other outfit options once you arrive in Hawaii.

Can I Accessorize My Hawaii Outfits?

Accessorizing your Hawaii outfits is perfectly acceptable, as long as you aren’t overdoing it with items that will be uncomfortable to wear or travel with. Sun hats, sunglasses, beach bags, totes, and simple beachy jewelry are all great options for accessorizing your Hawaii outfit. 

Make sure that you don’t pack anything you would want to risk losing, as vacation traveling and visiting the beach or spending long days outdoors may lead to misplaced items from time to time.

Which Essentials Should I Pack for My Hawaii Trip?

Like any other vacation, it’s important to pack your essentials such as your skincare, haircare, and clothing items. You will need a few decent pairs of shoes, including hiking shoes if you plan on doing this, and you will likely need to bring sunscreen. 

The climate of Hawaii is often hot and humid, so make sure comfort and sun protection are at the top of your list as you pack items for your trip.

Do I Need Formal Outfits for Hawaii?

In most cases, casual outfits are the best option for Hawaii, no matter which island you are visiting. However, if you are planning on staying in a more upscale resort or taking advantage of the nightlife offered in some areas, you may want to bring warm-weather outfits that would be appropriate for these situations.

A dressy summer dress, maxi dress, or semi-casual cocktail attire that gives beachy and airy vibes are all good choices for these locations.

Dressing Your Best for the Tropics

Hawaii is considered a dream destination by many, and it can be stressful ensuring that you are dressing your best for your trip to the tropics. 

As you start thinking about which outfits to pack, keep in mind the general weather and time of year you are traveling, any activities you have planned, and your comfort.

All of these factors will help you narrow down your outfit options and ensure you look your best while visiting Hawaii.

Trending Tags: 

Related Posts

Apr 10, 2024

What to Wear to a Ballet: Your Style Guide

What to Wear to the Symphony: Our Expert Tips

Mar 28, 2024

What to Wear to a Winery

We use cookies and other tracking technologies to improve your browsing experience. By clicking agree and browsing our website, you consent to our use of cookies and other tracking technologies. More information can be found on our Privacy Policy.

• Search Please fill out this field.
• Manage Your Subscription
• Give a Gift Subscription
• Sweepstakes
• Travel Products
• Packing Lists

The Ultimate Hawaii Packing List

From snorkel sets to sun hats, here's everything you need for a Hawaiian escape.

In This Article

Jump to a Section

Packing Checklist for a Hawaii Trip

• Why Trust T+L

We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more .

Travel + Leisure / Alli Waataja

If you’re considering a trip to Hawaii, you’re in good company. Hawaii tourism has nearly bounced back to its pre-pandemic numbers, and the “Aloha” spirit is alive and well. If you’ve already booked your trip to Hawaii, congratulations. You are in for an unforgettable time on one of the world’s most stunning islands. 

I live in Hawaii and trust me, it’s impossible to accurately describe the beauty of the islands and the friendliness of the locals, but I can tell you what you should pack and what you can definitely leave behind. (Spoiler alert: you do not need fancy sandals or nice dress shoes.)

Use this guide as your ultimate packing checklist for Hawaii. And, of course, make sure to pack your everyday travel essentials like your passport, toiletries, and a favorite book or two.

Each island is unique, and no two people will have the same experience while exploring the state — some will hike the Na Pali Coast in Kauai while others will enjoy fruity drinks at a Maui resort — but anyone can use this as a general guide. If you know you’re more into watching surfers do their thing than exploring historic volcanoes, skip the hiking boots and throw in an extra bathing suit instead. If you’ve got your sights set on the trails, pack an extra set of hiking shorts and leave behind the underwater camera.

• Best Swimsuit: Left on Friday Sunday Top and Hi Hi Bottom 
• Best Board Short: Hurley One and Only Solid Board Short
• Best Swimsuit Cover-up: Vitamin A Playa Linen Boyfriend Shirt
• Best Casual Shorts: Levi’s Women’s 501 Shorts and Men’s Vuori Kore Shorts
• Best Hiking Shorts: Outdoor Voices Women’s Warmup 5-inch Shorts and Men’s High Stride 7-inch Short
• Best Lightweight Layer: REI Co-op Women’s and Men’s Co-op Sahara Shade Hoodie  
• Best Sundress: Molerani T-shirt Dress
• Best Flip-flops: Havaianas Top Flip Flops
• Best Sandals: Chaco Women’s and Men’s Zcloud 2 Sandals
• Best Water Shoes: DLGJPA Quick-drying Women’s and Men’s Water Shoes 
• Best Hiking Boots: Columbia Women’s and Men’s Newton Ridge Hiking Boots
• Best Snorkel Set: Zenoplige Adult Snorkel Set
• Best Reef-safe Sunscreen: Sun Bum SPF 50 Vegan and Reef-friendly Sunscreen
• Best Water Bottle: Hydro Flask 40 oz. Lightweight Wide Mouth Trail Series
• Best Disposable Underwater Camera: Fujifilm Quick Snap Waterproof Camera

Accessories

• Best Sunglasses: Maui Jim Starfish PolarizedPlus2 Sunglasses
• Best Sun Hat: Coolibar Wide Brim Beach Hat
• Best Beach Towel: Tesalate Sand-Free Beach Towel
• Best Beach Tote: Aloha Collection Day Tripper
• Best Small Cooler: Icemule Collapsible Backpack Cooler

The local “Aloha” spirit of friendliness, ease, and relaxation extends to apparel in Hawaii. Casual, comfortable, and breathable clothes are the name of the game on the islands, and you’ll likely end up with your bathing suit doubling as a top (or bottom) to many of your outfits, whether that was the original plan or not. After all, the Hawaiian shirt has become a staple in many wardrobes thanks to this laidback ethos.

When it comes to swimsuits, make sure you can really move around in your suit choice, as there’s a large chance you’ll end up doing some kind of water activity — again, whether that was the original plan or not. You don’t want to be pulling at your suit while you’re looking into the eyes of a sea turtle or finally catching your first wave. And however many swimsuits you plan on taking, pack one more. You’ll be glad you did.

Best Swimsuit

Left on friday sunday top.

The right bathing suit (or suits) can make or break your trip, so it’s essential to choose one that you can move around in. After all, you’ll likely find yourself snorkeling, swimming, or even attempting to surf, so you want your suit to feel secure. These Left on Friday Hi Hi Bottoms are flattering and activity-approved, while the Sunday Top can easily take you from the ocean to your favorite lunch spot — just add a pair of denim shorts.

Best Board Short

Hurley one and only phantom board short.

The Hurley One and Only Solid Board Shorts are stretchy (read: comfortable), quick-drying, and semi-customizable: You can show as much or as little thigh as you like simply by choosing a length between 28 to 44 inches. The solid pattern makes these board shorts appropriate for lunch in town followed by a dip in the Pacific, and they're made from recycled P.E.T. plastic water bottles, so it's easy to feel good about this purchase.

Best Swimsuit Cover-up

Vitamin a playa linen boyfriend shirt.

There are many swimsuit cover-ups to choose from , but this oversized top from Vitamin A will be your go-to when running out the door for some quick beach time. Pair with the brand's Tallows Linen Shorts over your swimsuit for a breezily casual look that's perfect for your favorite beachside restaurant or toss it in your beach bag for cool sunset evenings.

Best Casual Shorts for Women

Levi's authorized vintage 501 shorts.

If you want to dress like a local, denim shorts are a must, so don’t forget to throw your favorite pair in your bag. If you haven’t found denim shorts you love, we suggest these classic Levi’s 501 Shorts. Slip them over your bathing suit for an easy transition from the beach to your next activity, or pair them with a simple tank for a true local look.

Best Casual Shorts for Men

Vuori kore short.

In the same way that a bikini top can double as a casual top for women, men’s board shorts can double as casual shorts for almost any meal or event you’ll attend in Hawaii. However, if you’re tired of wearing swim trunks around town, we suggest these Vuori Kore Shorts. These breathable shorts include a boxer-brief liner and come in 14 colors, from hazelnut to sea pine.

Best Hiking Shorts for Women

Outdoor voices warmup 5-inch shorts.

Outdoor Voices

If you’re planning on hiking some of Hawaii’s beautiful trails , pack shorts that you can comfortably move and sweat in. Slip on a pair of these Outdoor Voices 5-inch Warmup Shorts before hitting the trails. Not only are they stretchy and comfy, but they feature textured compression that offer plenty of support for any activity. They also feature a waistband pocket that is perfect for storing room keys and credit/debit cards.

Best Hiking Shorts for Men

Outdoor voices high stride 7-inch short.

These High Stride 7-inch Shorts from Outdoor Voices can go from the trail to the smoothie shop with ease, and they include a hidden phone pocket, so while you may not be able to store any snacks in these shorts, you can easily access AllTrails or your favorite travel app while exploring the Hawaiian outdoors.

Best Lightweight Layer

Rei co-op hoodie.

If you’re planning on enjoying Hawaii’s sunsets from the beach (as you should), you don’t want to get chilly and have to cut your viewing short. I knew I would need an extra layer but opted to buy a light sweatshirt from a local shop in Oahu. If you’d rather be prepared, pack at least one lightweight jacket or hoodie like the REI Co-op Sahara Shade Hoodie (which comes in an option for women or for men ). This will not only give you an additional layer of warmth, but it will also provide you with additional sun protection.

It’s also worth packing an extra layer (or beach towel) to wrap around you during the almost-daily afternoon showers. A few minutes of rain doesn’t sound like much, but if you’re only in your bathing suit, it gets chilly quickly.

Best Sundress

Molerani molerani t-shirt dress.

If a luau or beachfront dinner sounds more enticing than a multi-day hike, consider packing a sundress or two. While you may not need to pack a dress, a casual sundress like this Molerani T-shirt Dress isn’t a bad idea. It can double as a cover-up for a beach day, or you can dress it up with some jewelry for a nice dinner or sunset cruise.

Hawaii’s laid-back style applies to footwear, as well. Comfort is key, and your trip’s activities will influence your shoe choices. If you plan to spend most of your time at the beach, a pair of Havaianas may be all you need. But if you’re going to split time between exploring sea life and exploring trails, a pair of Chaco’s multi-functional Z/Cloud sandals need to go in your bag.

When packing for my trip, I read multiple packing guides, and almost all of them said not to pack dressy sandals. I love shoes, so I ignored this advice. And my pair of nice leather sandals sat unused for the entire trip. Casual sandals are appropriate for luaus, sunset cruises, and tours, so there’s no need to pack a fancy pair unless you’re staying at a five-star resort or planning a lot of upscale activities. In short, skip the dress shoes and pack water shoes instead. 

Best Flip-flops

Havaianas men's top flip flops.

Havaianas still reign supreme in Hawaii — among both locals and tourists. The Top Flip Flops were named “Best for the Beach” in our most comfortable flip-flop roundup , and while that style can be worn both on men and on women , some may prefer the best-selling women’s Havaianas Slim Flatform Flip Flop for a slightly more refined look.

Best Sandals

Chaco z/cloud 2 sandals.

If you’re looking to hit the beach, shops, and several trails all in the same trip, we recommend these Chaco Z/Cloud 2 Sandals. They come in both a men's and women’s version , and not only did I wear them almost daily for my six-week trip, but we recently named them “Best Durable Sandal” for women and “Best for Water” for men . These sandals are casual, comfortable, and will give you the support you need to hike to some of Hawaii’s most beautiful lookouts . 

Best Water Shoes

Dlgjpa women’s quick-drying water shoes.

While you can certainly wear your Chaco sandals in the ocean, it’s a good idea to pack a water shoe that protects both the top and bottom of your foot, like the DLGJPA Water Shoe. The quick-drying women’s version was our favorite tested water shoe because it offers great protection, has a non-slip bottom, and looks just like a sneaker, so you can easily transition from wading in the water to your next activity. (This style comes in a men's version , too.)

Best Hiking Boots

Columbia women’s newton ridge plus hiking boot.

If you’re lucky enough (and confident enough) to hike the Kalalau Trail along Kauai’s Na Pali Coast , you’re going to need more than just a multi-purpose sandal or sneaker-like water shoe. Even shorter trails, such as the Wiliwilinui Ridge Trail in Oahu or the Kilauea Iki Trail on the Big Island, are much easier to tackle when you’re wearing the appropriate footwear. This Columbia Hiking Boot ( for women and for men ) is waterproof, durable, and won’t break the bank (because we know a trip to Hawaii can add up quickly). 

Even though the overall vibe is relaxed and laid-back, Hawaii is still bursting with things to do. While you can likely buy gear once you arrive, it’s better to come prepared. For instance, I did not pack a snorkel set, but I bought one as soon as I saw everyone exploring in the ocean. I also regretted not purchasing an underwater camera, so I ended up buying one at a local shop. On top of that, I had to purchase an additional water bottle because one water bottle full of H2O was not enough to last through a full morning at the beach.

If you’re planning an activity-heavy trip, you might want to also back some ibuprofen, blister bandages , and pain relief patches because your body might not be used to working the muscles required to surf, dive, and hike long distances.

Best Snorkel Set

Zenoplige adult snorkel set.

There are people who love splashing around in the water and those who would prefer to keep their toes in the dry sand. For the former, it’s essential to pack quality snorkeling gear if you plan on checking out some of Hawaii’s beautiful sea life . Before visiting Hawaii, I was one of those people who kept their toes in the dry sand, but once I saw everyone snorkeling, I had Amazon rush-ship one of its best-selling snorkel sets to my vacation rental.

Best Reef-safe Sunscreen

Sun bum original spf 50 sunscreen lotion.

Wearing reef-safe sunscreen while vacationing in Hawaii is essential (and once you see the beauty of the islands, you’ll understand why). Sun Bum earned the “Best Vegan” option in our reef-safe sunscreen tests, and World Surf League professional athlete Kirra Seale trusts it to protect her skin while competing. If you’re trying to stick to carry-on requirements, opt for the 3-ounce version to start and pick up a full-sized bottle upon arrival. You’ll also want to make sure your daily face sunscreen and any SPF-powered lip gloss you pack are reef-safe, as well.

Best Water Bottle

Hydro flask 40 oz. lightweight wide mouth trail series.

Hydro Flask

If you plan on exploring any remote locations (or just don’t want to leave the beach to fetch a drink), you’re going to need a water bottle that will hold a good amount of liquid. After about a week in Hawaii, I bought an additional bottle because I needed much more water than one bottle could provide for a day on the beach. I wish I had packed something like this 40-ounce bottle from Hydro Flask. It’s lightweight, so if you’re planning on hiking or carrying it around all day, you’ll only have to equate for the weight of the actual water — not the water and a heavy water bottle.

Best Disposable Underwater Camera

Fujifilm fujicolor quicksnap marine.

A disposable underwater camera is a fun piece of gear to add to your suitcase if you’re hoping to snap a quick picture of colorful fish in the ocean or just want to make funny faces underwater. While there are many high-end underwater cameras on the market , this disposable one is great for vacationers looking to capture memories above and below sea level.

Whether you’re staying in a vacation rental home for months or spending a week at a resort, you can’t take a trip to the islands without a good pair of sunglasses, a chic and functional hat, and a roomy beach or travel tote . And even if your hotel or rental provides beach towels, it’s worth investing in a sand-resistant towel that you can take with you. 

When packing accessories for your trip, take into consideration any non-beach-related activities, as well. For instance, if you’re renting a car, you may need to pack a portable phone mount for easy navigation. Additionally, a fanny pack or small waterproof bag might be a worthwhile addition to your suitcase if driving down the scenic Hana Highway and stopping to hike to some waterfalls is on your must-do list.

Best Sunglasses

Maui jim starfish 56mm polarizedplus2 cat eye sunglasses.

Maui Jim sunglasses were born in Hawaii, so it’s no surprise that they offer the best, most clear look at the Pacific Ocean. These specific sunglasses have Maui Jim’s PolarizedPlus2 technology , so you’ll see the islands’ vivid colors in sharp detail. I knew Maui Jim’s were great, but when I took off my $10 Target sunglasses and put on my Maui Jim’s, the difference was astounding. Suddenly, I could clearly see the sea turtles, tiny shells, and colorful fish in the shallow water. It was incredible.

Best Sun Hat

Coolibar upf 50+ women's.

The sun shines bright on the islands, so after you pack a pair of quality sunglasses, reef-safe sunscreen, and sun-protective clothing , throw a hat in your suitcase, too. I had a baseball cap in my bag at all times, but this Coolibar Wide Brim Beach Hat is a much more fun choice. It was named “Best Overall” in our packable sun hat roundup , and the dermatologist we consulted revealed it’s the one she personally packs for trips.

Best Beach Towel

Tesalate the alchemist beach towel.

A beach towel is a must-pack item, and this Tesalate sand-resistant beach towel is our top recommendation. We tested 35 different beach towels and decided we loved this one the most because it’s lightweight, dries quickly, and won’t take sand back to your rental.

Best Beach Tote

Aloha day tripper.

You'll likely see Aloha Collection beach bags everywhere on the islands — carried by both locals and tourists. These colorful beach totes are water-resistant and have plenty of zippered pockets to keep your belongings sand-free. The brand also makes water-resistant pouches in several colors and sizes, which come in handy when corraling sunscreen bottles and damp bathing suits at the end of a long beach day.

Best Small Cooler

Icemule jaunt 15l soft-sided cooler.

If you’re planning to stay on the beach from morning to night, you’ll need more than just a water bottle and a snack. This small backpack cooler is lightweight, waterproof, and even floats. It was our favorite backpack cooler in our testing because it’s large enough to fit six cans and will keep them cold for up to 24 hours. Plus, when you’re not using it to keep your food and drinks cool, it easily compresses to a smaller, packable size.

While Hawaii experiences warm temperatures throughout the year, if you’re looking for the best weather, schedule your trip between April and October (although, take note that hurricane season can last from June to November). If you’re hoping to save a little money, book a vacation around the “shoulder seasons” in April, May, September, and October. Those hoping to watch pro surfers and or take a whale spotting tour should book a trip during the winter months. The busiest months for tourism are usually June, July, and December, so the best time to visit Hawaii really depends on your preferences.

You can travel relatively lightly for a weeklong trip to Hawaii. Your itinerary will ultimately guide your choices, but generally speaking, three bathing suits, a cover-up (such as a sarong ), a few pairs of shorts and tank tops, a sundress, an extra lightweight layer, and a hiking outfit will more than cover your week’s looks. Throw a pair of multi-functional sandals and your beach accessories in your suitcase, and you’re ready to go. 

The weather cools off when the sun sets on the islands, so even in August, you’ll need an extra layer of clothing, such as a long-sleeved shirt, hoodie, or light jacket. Also, afternoon rain showers are frequent (but short-lived) in Hawaii, so having a light jacket or additional piece of clothing can make those five minutes of rain more tolerable.

Yes. You will need a car to get around Hawaii, and car rentals can add up, so start saving now. While you can always rent a car from a local car shop or a big-name supplier like Enterprise or Avis, the car rental app Turo is really making a splash in Hawaii. Turo is essentially the Airbnb of cars as this app lets you rent a car from a local Hawaii resident (at a lower price than a standard car rental). I used Turo in Oahu, Maui, and Kauai, and I was not alone — every other tourist I met during my time in Hawaii also used Turo. 

Take note that if you’re going to rent a car without an integrated head-unit, make sure to pack a phone mount so you can safely navigate. 

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

Erin Johnson is a senior commerce editor at PEOPLE and lives in Hawaii. She is always in search of the best beach, and Sunset Beach on the North Shore of Oahu currently holds that title. To compile this ultimate packing list, Erin used her personal experience and spoke with other Hawaii residents who shared their must-haves. She also relied on Travel + Leisure ’s tested data to ensure she only recommended products that either she or the team had personally tested.

Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we'll send you our favorite travel products each week. 

What to Pack for Hawaii: Packing List for Vacation

Beach , North America Packing Lists , Packing Lists , Travel Packing Lists

Support TFG by using the links in our articles to shop. We receive a small commission (at no extra cost to you) so we can continue to create helpful free content. We earn from qualifying purchases made to the featured retailers. Thank you, we appreciate your support!

Wondering what to pack for Hawaii? Here’s a sample Hawaii packing list to help you prepare for your vacation!

What to Pack for Hawaii: Packing List

By: Rachel Campbell

Table Of Contents

The Hawaiian Islands are a dream vacation for many, and for good reason! With stunning white sand beaches, beautiful coral reefs teeming with schools of tropical fish and brightly colored coral, lush mountain backdrops, inviting resort pools, and tasty dishes served beachside, it’s hard to go wrong.

And we’ve got the insider tips on what to pack for Hawaii! Along with our own first-hand experience, we interviewed fashionista Erika Hollweg, who attended university in Honolulu for 4 years, and Sheila Beal, a Hawaii vacation enthusiast who shares award-winning travel advice on her website Go Visit Hawaii . Sheila travels to Hawaii 2-4 times per year to stay up to date on all the latest trends that Hawaii vacationers want to know to help you decide what to wear in Hawaii.

Start by reading these general tips on packing for summer travel:

• Capsule Wardrobe for Summer
• Lightweight Jackets for Easy Layers
• Best Beach Bags and Totes for Vacation
• Versatile Beach Dresses
• Summer Maxi Dresses
• 11 Beach Sandals 

Even though there’s a lot to see and do on the islands, you’ll find that you don’t need much on your Hawaii packing list, so your favorite carryon is really all you need!

Tip: The key to traveling lights to create a capsule wardrobe , which can easily fit into your carryon with the help of packing cubes!

All together, there are 5 main Hawaiian Islands that are popular with visitors; the most popular are the main hub of Oahu (where you’ll most likely fly into) the grand island of Hawaii, more commonly referred to as The Big Island, Maui , and then the beautiful Kauai .

Qearal Boho Floral Printed Summer Dress

Hawaii Clothing Style

When you’re planning what to pack for Hawaii, choose clothing that’s casual and comfortable. The islands invite you to relax. That attitude spills over into clothing for both locals and visitors. Flip flops are a staple in this chilled out paradise.

Check out my favorite flip flops !

V-neck | Blouse | Tank | Top | Maxi | Dress | Romper | Shorts | Trouser | Sweater | Blouse | Denim Short | Flats | Flops | Hat | Tote

Hawaii Packing List

The great thing about planning your Hawaii packing list is that the weather doesn’t fluctuate significantly from season to season; however, it can vary depending on your elevation level and which island you’re on, so pack according to your activities. But for the most part, it’s easy to decide what to wear in Hawaii.

It’s wonderfully warm year round–not cold and not too hot. Daytime highs typically average from the mid-70s to the mid-80s. Throughout the year, don’t be surprised if it rains a bit; they are tropical islands!

At the highest elevations on some of the islands, it can get quite cold, so do your research and if you’re heading that way, bring some layers.

Breathable fabrics and fabrics with cotton tend to be the most comfortable to wear in the somewhat-humid environment.

Find out how to choose the best fabrics for travel to Hawaii!

Winter evenings can sometimes have a bit of a chill in The Big Island, with temperatures dipping down to an average of 65°F. So a light jacket or sweater is useful. The rainy season is October through April, so pack your umbrella and a patient smile. The weather stays warm when it rains, so not many people wear rain jackets or boots. You’ll still see flip flops all around.

When planning what to pack for Hawaii, choose breezy tops and casual shorts or capris. Swimsuits with cover-ups are perfectly fine for daytime wear beachside.

For dinner or luaus in the evenings, a pretty top with capris or casual skirts will be perfect for what to wear in Hawaii. If you’re a dress girl, go all out! Hawaii is the perfect destination for lovely summer dresses like these . Trade your basic t-shirt for a nice blouse.

And don’t worry–if you forget to add an item to your Hawaii packing list, you can find Walmart and Costco on each of the 4 major islands to purchase anything you’re missing or if you want to stock up on essentials.

Pack these dress sandals for an easy day-to-night look!

What Not to Wear in Hawaii

Along with knowing what to wear in Hawaii, you’ll want to know what to not wear. Avoid getting overly dressy in clothing like sequined dresses–you’ll stick out like a sore thumb. Relax and get into the island vibe when planning your Hawaii packing list!

Avoid wearing a dress or skirt on boat tours (unless you have a swimsuit underneath that you don’t mind being seen). Once you’re on the water, the wind picks up and can easily lift a skirt or dress. In general, short, flowy skirts and dresses are not a good idea as the trade winds are almost constantly blowing.

Headed to Maui ? Check out packing list just for this island!

Let’s take a look in more detail at items you may want to include in your packing list:

Tempt Me Bikini Set

For your beach and ocean adventures on The Big Island, you’ll especially want to focus on bikinis that you’re able to move around in easily, without worry of accidentally falling out! The Big Island is considered an “adventure island” and to reach some of the best snorkeling spots, you’ll need to venture on a hike or two.

For your Hawaii packing list, try one of these trendy one-piece styles on and off the beach with a pair of denim shorts for the day or with a nice skirt at night!

Getting an accurate bra fitting can be life changing, it was for me, and it’s made it so much easier to find stylish, flattering swimsuits. The video below might help you find the best swimwear for your vacation.

Watch this video to learn more about some of my favorite bra sized swimwear!

Here are some tips and tricks on how to choose the best swimsuit for your body type !

Ekouaer Vintage One-Piece

When planning what to pack for Hawaii–specifically Oahu–you’ll be able to get away with more fashion-forward bikinis that will look just as good at the resort pool as you relax with a pretty drink in hand as they will on one of Oahu’s beautiful white sand beaches.

If you plan on visiting the Big Island and another island or two, bring 2-4 bikinis or one-pieces so you can mix and match throughout your stay. This also offers you variety for what to wear in Hawaii.

Bikinis, tankinis, one-pieces, and even suits with board shorts! Every woman has a different preference for what feels the best, and these popular picks cover it ALL !

ATTRACO Rashguard Swimsuit Zip Front

A Rash Guard

If you plan on spending a lot of time in the ocean, consider adding a rash guard or two to your Hawaii packing list before you leave. You may think a rash guard is for sun protection (which is true!) but in this case, it’s more to help keep you warm while swimming and snorkeling.

Unlike the Caribbean, where the water is mostly shallow and warm, the ocean around the Hawaiian Islands can be cold throughout the year. Even through the reefs are right off shore and easy to reach, the ocean floor drops at the edge of the reef, sometimes hundreds of feet, making for a darker abyss that light can’t reach, which in turn creates cold water.

Wearing a rash guard like these over your bikini will help keep you warmer during your snorkeling trip while still being picture-ready. 

Want to try snorkeling? Here’s the best snorkel gear for beginners !

Vionic Rest Kirra Thong Sandal

Fashion Sandals

Though you could easily wear a pair of cheap rubber sandals, at the end of the day, they’re not the best island wear. Instead, when deciding what to wear in Hawaii, you’ll want to opt for a pair of nicer sandals that you can take for a stroll downtown in Honolulu or elsewhere. Because you’ll only need one pair, you’ll save a lot of carryon space, so you’ll have room for a pair of hiking shoes.

When decided what to pack for Hawaii, the key is to choose a shoe color that matches several different outfits. White or tan are great choices.

Take a look at the best beach sandals our readers rave about!

Chaco Classic Athletic Sandal

Shoes Suitable for Hiking

In addition to your beautiful sandals, if you’re planning on taking a hike or two, invest in a stronger pair of shoes that can handle a rougher terrain for your Hawaii packing list. This way you’ll also have a backup pair of shoes, just in case.

Read these tips to learn how to choose the best hiking shoes for women !

ALOHA Collection Day Tripper Tote

A Water-Resistant Beach Bag

Great for carrying your little beach finds as well as your money, credit cards, and I.D., water-resistant beach bags can be used both in town and on the beach. They come in lots of designs, colors, making it so you can customize your bag with your outfit.

There are several different options available, but the best come from the islands themselves. This means that you can either buy them ahead of time and have them shipped or you can buy them while in Hawaii.

Here are the best beach bags and totes for a pool or seaside trip!

Columbia Packable Rain Jacket

Waterproof Shoes and Jacket

Rain may not be the first thought when planning a Hawaiian vacation, but it’s likely you’ll experience it during your stay, so factor it into your decisions for what to wear in Hawaii. Hilo, on the Big Island, is especially wet. Kauai is home to Mt. Waialeale, one of the wettest places on earth. Even if you don’t plan to trek up the mountain, be prepared for rain during your spring vacation.

A rain jacket is a good item to have, but make sure it’s lightweight as the temperatures will likely still be hot even in the rain. Waterproof shoes are also helpful to staying comfortable through a rainy afternoon. When planning what to pack for Hawaii, you may opt for an umbrella over a rain jacket, but high winds may make the umbrella tricky to use.

The sun can be intense so it’s important to pack a sun hat to help keep the sun off your face.

RAY-BAN 58mm Aviator Sunglass

Stylish Sunglasses

Sunglasses are a no-brainer for a Hawaii packing list! You can easily buy a pair or two once you’re there, but you’ll find that the prices are a bit higher than on the mainland. Besides, sunglasses are so lightweight, you’ll have no problem fitting a pair in your carryon, and they’re the easiest decision you’ll make when choosing what to wear in Hawaii. Make sure they’re polarized!

Here are our favorite polarized sunglasses for every face shape!

Milumia Flowy Maxi Dress

A Maxi Dress or Skirt

Whether you plan on spending most of your time at your resort or a few days strolling around town, you’ll want to bring a maxi dress and maybe a maxi skirt to pair with a tank top when considering what to pack for Hawaii. These flowy outfits can then be mixed and matched with your favorite pieces of jewelry for daytime and nighttime looks. Plus, dresses make it easy to decide what to wear in Hawaii!

Update your travel wardrobe with these beautiful summer maxi dresses !

Ekouaer Beach Cover Up Shirt

A Swimsuit Coverup

A swimsuit coverup will likely be a big part of your decision-making when choosing what to wear in Hawaii. There are lots of great swimsuit coverups to choose from, but the best option is a playful romper . This way, you’ll not only have a stylish coverup that’s easy to wear on the beach, but a great daytime outfit that will work anywhere.

Instead of packing two pieces of clothing into your carryon, you’re only packing one. Add this item to your Hawaii packing list!

These are the  best swimsuit coverups of the season!

Three Quarter Sleeve Convertible Cardigan

A Lightweight Sweater

You’ll likely only need a sweater for The Big Island. When driving through the center of The Big Island from Kona to Hilo, you’ll find that the higher elevation equals colder weather, sometimes down to the 50°s F.

After living on the island for several years, I’ve found that the ultimate answer for what to wear in Hawaii is a maxi skirt , tank top , and a white knit sweater on top. Once you reach your destination, all you have to do is take the sweater off and you’re good to go!

Find out why we love these lightweight jackets for summer travel !

AquaFrut Fruit Infuser Water Bottle

A Water Bottle

If you plan on spending more than a few hours at the beach or on a hike on either island, you’ll want to make sure you have water with you at all times. Even though you could easily buy drinks around the island, from plain water to fresh-pressed juice, if you’re looking to save a bit of money, bringing your own water bottle is the way to go.

Love vitamin-infused water? Try this great bottle when planning what to pack for Hawaii trips! All you have to do is buy your own fruit at the local farmer’s market and you’re all set.

Is your skin dried out from too much time in the sun and wind? Read these after sun skin care tips to help rejuvenate dull, dry skin!

Sea to Summit Drylite Towel

A Fast-Drying Towel

Great for small spaces, beach days, and keeping your rental car clean, a fast drying towel is a must-have for your Hawaii packing list! Not only do they hardly take up any carryon space, but they’re great for those who’d rather not walk to the beach with a big load of items.

Also, more likely than not, you’ll be in a rental car, right? Because these towels dry quickly, you can place the towel underneath you, your beach items, or your sandals, which makes it less likely that you’ll have a sandy mess to clean up before returning your rental at the end of your stay.

Check out these ultra-light fast-drying towels for travel!

Dragon Touch Underwater Waterproof Camera

An Underwater Camera and Accessories

A trip to Hawaii isn’t complete without some underwater photos. When deciding what to wear in Hawaii, consider a camera as one of your accessories. The ocean right off shore is filled with beautiful coral and schools of brightly-colored tropical fish, most of which are tame, making it easy to snap a few shots with them.

The key is to use a small underwater setup instead of a large, multi-thousand dollar setup that would end up taking all the space in your carryon.

When planning what to pack for Hawaii, the always popular choice is the GoPro, and for good reason. Not only is it super small and lightweight, but you can really play with accessories–like a color filter and a dome. The color filter is great for darker, deeper reefs and the dome is great for those cool half under the water, half over the water shots.

To help you choose your next camera for your travels, here’s a list of the top waterproof cameras !

Sun Bum Premium Day Tripper

Of course it almost goes without saying: reef safe sunscreen is super important in Hawaii! Your skin is important so protect it every day.

Skyler Travel Pant

Outdoor Adventure Accessories

If you plan on participating in activities like horseback riding or all-terrain vehicle tours, It’s a good idea to add at least one pair of long trousers to your Hawaii packing list.

For what to wear in Hawaii for outdoor adventures, don’t forget  hiking sandals for trails and crossing small streams. Hats are also a great accessory for adventures and hanging out at the beach.

For non-traditional hiking sandals, take a look at these water shoes . You might be surprised!

Compass Rose Packing Cubes

How to Organize Your Hawaii Packing List

Once you have chosen your outfits for this exciting trip,  we recommend using packing cubes to organize. We designed these ourselves and they’re the only ones that have a unique color and numbering system, so it’s easy to remember where you’ve packed everything on your wardrobe list which is demonstrated in the video below!

Learn our packing hacks with packing cubes in this video !

We also put together a five-part YouTube series showing the different methods to use packing cubes for travel. If you use this specific packing strategy, packing cubes can also compress your belongings. This is the secret to traveling carry-on only!

What are your tips on what to pack for Hawaii? Share and comment below!

We also recommend these packing tips for Hawaii:

• What to Pack for Maui
• 11 Fashionable and Versatile Beach Sandals
• What to Pack for Kauai
• Beach Dresses You Can Wear On and Off the Sand

Suggested travel resources:

• Lonely Planet USA (Country Guide)
• Lonely Planet Hawaii(Travel Guide)

LIKED THIS POST? PIN THIS PIC TO SAVE IT!

We hope you’ve enjoyed this Hawaii packing list. Please share it with your friends on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest. Thanks for reading!

Author Bio:  Rachel Campbell is a professional travel writer who has been slowly exploring the globe since 2013. Though her heart belongs to Florida and the Caribbean, she can still be found making snow angels in the cold white north from time to time. For more, follow  The Florida Living Magazine  along with her adventures on  Instagram .

61 Comments

Thanks for all of the great tips! I’m in Hawaii right now and packed carryon for eight days, with room for a couple of souvenirs-never would have been able to do this without TFG!

I visited Hawaii in 2017 and this list (and the one for Kauai) was so helpful! I overpacked anyway, but I learned from the experience – I used my swimsuit, two pairs of shorts, about 4 tops and one dress for most of the trip. Next time I hope to not just do carry on, but pack in an underseater and a small backpack! My hiking/water sandals have been warm weather staples for me as I love to hike. One suggestion that I make is to buy your sunscreen there – esp if you are on Oahu or Maui. It will save your packing more than a day’s worth of it and you can always get to a supermarket or drugstore there – plus, all sunscreen used in HI should be reef-safe (I think it’s a law now) and by getting it there you can ensure it.

Thanks so much for this detailed and helpful article. My husband and I are travelling to the Big Island in January in celebration of 40 years married! We’ve packed carryon only for over 10 years and wouldn’t do it any other way!!

Long time reader, 1st time commenting. I’m going on a girls trip to Hawaii in November, and my 1st thought was to check your site for tips on what to pack. Your tips and tricks have made my life so much easier. I’ve always been the one lugging around 3 checked bags(not including whatever I could cram into my carryon bags). Not anymore! Right before Covid shut everything down, I went on a 5 day cruise, with 2 days spent at my friends house in Florida on either end, and only had 1 rolling carryon and 1 smaller bag with me. And we flew from VA for the trip. My boyfriend couldn’t believe it and still talks about how impressed he was. (13 years traveling together and I’ve heard LOTS of complaining from him about my bad packing). Thank you so much for your help! I love your site and appreciate you doing this and helping all of us who overpack!!

Great suggestions! I’d recommend leaving a little room so that you can buy one or 2 outfits while you are there :-).

I’ll be cruising to Hawaii in December, and this post was so helpful! I love how the capsule wardrobe graphic makes it easy to see that every top goes with the pants and both pairs of shorts! And thanks for the tip about dresses and skirts flying up in the wind, good to know.

I’m traveling to Lahaina early October this year. Will there be a big change in weather where I’d have to rethink wearing dresses most days?

Love your site btw.

Aww, thanks Valerie! We do have more tips here: https://www.travelfashiongirl.com/what-to-pack-for-maui/

I would suggest you check the weather forecast closer to your departure dates to ensure that you have the most appropriate clothing and footwear packed.

To get the best advice for packing for that time of year, I would highly recommend that you join our TFG facebook group and post any questions you have there: https://www.facebook.com/groups/travelfashiongirls/ Its a fabulous community of helpful female travelers that love to share their advice and experiences.

Have an amazing time!

Please note that sunscreens must be reef safe! I was told that it will become the law in 2020. This means a lot of popular sunscreens cannot be used. Most major beaches in Maui already had the posts up when I went in April.

Hi Kari, thank you for taking the time to share this with us, it is very helpful to know. Happy travels! ?

What brands are reef safe?

Hi Amy, thank you for reaching out. Check out our roundup of the best reef safe sunscreen here: https://www.travelfashiongirl.com/reef-safe-sunscreen/ Happy travels! ?

I have been to the Big Island many times, but going to Kauai the end of January and don’t know if I should pack the same. More rain and cooler temps?

Hi Joy, for other packing suggestions for Kauai, have a look at this article: https://www.travelfashiongirl.com/what-to-pack-for-kauai/ Also check the weather forecast a few days before you leave to to ensure that you have the most appropriate clothing. Hope this helps. Have an awesome trip!! 🙂

So the styles stay about the same year-round, but does the color palette change?

Hi Pat, thank you for your question! Here is a helpful guide that explains more about how to use our packing lists: https://www.travelfashiongirl.com/how-to-use-the-travel-fashion-girl-packing-lists-and-guides/ The clothing images shown in the packing lists are simply to provide you with ideas that you can use, you can then adapt the items to suit your own style, preferences and colors. Hope this helps! 🙂

Hi Alex, This year’s trip in January ( 2020) was especially memorable. For unknown reasons the whale gathering was larger than normal and they all put on a show on our last day! All were leaping, flapping and generally having a great time! I would ( seriously!) estimate that there were more than 100 that afternoon! It gave as much joy to watch as it apparently gave them. Connie Q

I agree with the advice here! Leaving for our 4th trip to Oahu, Hawaii May 6. Most “mainlanders” make the mistake of overdressing for Hawaii. You live in swimsuits/coverups during daytime. Even at the nicest restaurants in the evening on Waikiki, I wear island top/capris/ sandals and my husbnd wears golf or polo shirts and shorts.

Have fun Tammy!

I didn’t know about reef friendly sunscreen, and now that I have already arrived in Hawaii I am reading about what I might have added to my packing lost!

Hope you get to try it out 🙂

Thank you so much for this list!! I’m going to Hawaii in May and was clueless about what I should bring since I’m only taking a carry on

Happy to help Stephanie! Enjoy your trip! Sounds fantastic!

Going to Big Island in March for 3 weeks , any suggestions what to pack???.

I tried using the ‘sign up’ for free packing downloads. It asked me to enter ‘the password’ here–but there was no password….????? I was going to print the ‘what to pack for Hawaii’ but it was 10 pages long and I couldn’t edit out all the extra stuff. How do I get a short, concise, printable list for traveling? Thanks!!

Hey Bonnie, there is a technical error with the site, I apologize. If you check the email account you signed up with there should be an email with the password in that. I hope this helps 🙂

Hi, I can find a password in my email. Thanks

Hi Jodie! Sorry for any inconvenience, we are changing email providers so this may affect the emails. If you have received the email, the password will be contained within it 🙂 Thanks

Thanks so much …… Really helped me

Happy to help 🙂

Leaving for Hawaii in a couple of hours and your packing list was so helpful as I finally start packing from the mounds of clothes on my bed. Thanks!

Yay! Have a great trip 🙂

Perfect advice. However, imperfect grammar. Please correct spelling of “beckon” in the “Island Vibe” paragraph. A beacon is a light that guides you. However, to beckon means to encourage one to follow. As you are using the word as a verb, not a noun, I’m guessing you meant beckon. 🙂

Respectfully submitted.

Thanks Deb 🙂 Will fix it asap

Leaving for Hawaii this week. So excited. Thanks for the advice.

Have a great trip!

This is pretty good. Two things though. I would take a light rain jacket instead of an umbrella. Most of the islands can get a little breezy and an umbrella will be difficult. Also if you do a whale watching or snorkel tour, it leaves very early in the morning and is chilly. It can also get a little chilly in the evening. I would also take comfortable hiking/water sandals. There is wonderful hiking and site seeing that requires more substantial shoes than little sandals. Also many beaches can be rocky and many excursions require water shoes. AND don’t forget that sunscreen!

Awesome tips Claire, thanks!

Thank you – these tips are wonderful we head to Hawaii for the first time soon – many thanks Sarah

I’m confused. There are more than 10 items in your 10 piece time capsule. You have 16 items listed underneath the photo. Which are the 10 essential items you are recommending?

Sorry for the confusion – the clothing not the accessories always make up the capsule wardrobe

Hi Alex….question: How many days for the 10 piece packing list for the Hawaii trip?

Hi Julie, you can use all the capsule wardrobes for anywhere from 3 days to a year. all that happens when you travel longer is that you do laundry more often 🙂 I would take any 10 piece capsule I make then add up to 5 extra pieces of your own to customize according to your plans. hope this helps!

Thanks!!! I am so glad I found your page! I usually pack WAY to much or WAY to little. I’d really like to get this right…. 🙂 50th Birthday here I come….ORGANIZED….lol

Glad to help! Have a great trip and happy birthday!

Perhaps she was referring to Hawaii Pacific University, in Waipahu?

Not sure…

Thanks!!! If you can offer any more fashion tips for a September Hawaiian vacay that would be awesome!

I think the weather is pretty similar year round 🙂

Starting in September, the humidity is up, winds are a little stronger, weather just a little cooler, and there may be some rain. But most of the summer crowd has left and you feel as if Hawaii belongs to you.

thanks for the feedback 🙂

Hi my husband and I will be going to hawii in February and we would like any and all info if we were going to renew our wedding vows while there

Hi Deb, I only offer packing info here but you can check out GoVisitHawaii.com for travel tips. Thanks!

we are leaving 2/3 4 Honolulu what clothes do I need? thank u so much!!!!

Hi Theresa, if you just follow the suggested clothing guide above you should be good to go 🙂

I’m going to hawaii tomorrow and I didn’t know what to pack. And the I fount ur list and it REALLY Helped. Thanks bye:)

That’s great to hear! have a great time 🙂

I am heading to Hawaii at the beginning of May. Your posts are always super inspiring Alex!

Thanks Kate! I’m glad you like them 🙂

First off I want to say that I love your site! But as someone who works in the travel industry and lives in Hawaii, born and raised, I am compelled to point out a few things in this article.

There is no such thing as Honolulu University so I wouldn’t trust the advice from someone that did.

I’ve never seen or heard of Kauai having snow. The highest elevation that does get snow is Mauna Kea which is on Hawaii, the Big Island.

Thanks Lyn! I think the errors are on my part for misreading the info I was given but I’m sure she went to a university (maybe got the name wrong) as I went to visit her several times. I’ve also removed the snow part due to several conflicting sources as I’ve added it and removed it now a couple of times so I’ll just leave it out.

I would love to get more information from a Hawaii resident, though if you’d be willing to help out? I’ll send you an email! Thanks 🙂

Submit a Comment Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

What To Pack For Hawaii: Perfect Hawaii Outfits & Packing List

Wondering what to pack for Hawaii? My Hawaii packing list will help you get organised for your trip. What to bring to Hawaii depends a little on the type of vacation you’re going on and the types of activities you’ll be doing on your trip. No matter what your plans, I’ll show you  what to wear in Hawaii and help you put together some cute Hawaii outfits that will look great in your vacation photos. I’ll also give you some tips for packing for Hawaii . You’ll be totally prepared and ready for your vacation once you go through this packing list for Hawaii! You don’t need to think about what things to bring to Hawaii as I’ve done all the work for you!

I’ve been on several trips to Hawaii, covering all four of the major islands – Oahu, Maui, Kauai and the Big Island. Hawaii is a magical place and the perfect place for a memorable vacation. After traveling to Hawaii so many times, I feel like I have a great idea on what should be on your Hawaii vacation packing list. You can use my ideas and expertise to pick your Hawaii vacation clothes and work out what to take to Hawaii. You can read more about my travels in Hawaii with my family in my Hawaii blog posts .

What You'll Find in This Post

What to Wear in Hawaii Outfit Ideas

These Hawaii outfits ideas will help you plan what to wear in Hawaii with ease. The best Hawaiian outfits for a vacation are light, cool, colorful clothes. You also want cute outfits for Hawaii in all your vacation pictures! Because the weather is warm and the living is easy, outfits for Hawaii trip can be quite casual and comfortable. You don’t need to get super dressed up for anything unless you want to get dressed up for an evening Luau and take some nice family pictures or you’re attending a wedding. (I have some ideas for what to wear to Hawaii weddings below.)

I’ve listed some specific outfits for Hawaii vacation below so you can get an idea of what you can wear. Take my cute Hawaiian outfit ideas then go through your own wardrobe to see what suitable clothes for Hawaii vacation outfits you already have. Lay it all out on your bed and start mixing and matching your existing clothes to come up with some outfits for Hawaii. Then start making a list of the things you don’t have and shop for a few key pieces like some nice sundresses for Hawaii.

Dresses for Hawaii

The  best dresses for Hawaii are comfortable, easy to wear shapes made from lightweight, breathable fabrics. You want to be relaxed and keep cool so pick  comfortable dresses to wear in Hawaii. Cotton is great but something with a bit of stretch is even better. Choose sundresses for Hawaii in tropical prints or bright colors. Maxi dresses for Hawaii vacation are also a great choose and can be dressed down with flip flops and sun hat in the day or dressed up with wedge sandals and a purse for evening. You’ll want to pack around 3-4 dresses for Hawaii trips around a week long. Use your existing summer dresses for Hawaii or buy a few new ones in bright, tropical prints especially for your trip.

Casual Hawaii Vacation Outfits

You’ll need some casual outfits to wear in Hawaii during the day if you’re wandering around Waikiki, driving around Oahu for a day of sightseeing, visiting Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island , watching the sunset over Haleakala in Maui or taking a helicopter ride over the Napali Coast in Kauai. Pick easy to wear outfits like shorts, tank tops, capri pants, loose cotton shirts. Stick with one color scheme so you can create lots of cute Hawaii outfits from a few pieces. See the suggestions I have in the graphic above for how you can combine your tops and bottoms into a complete Hawaii wardrobe for your vacation.

Hawaiian Luau Outfit

You’ll definitely want to pack some cute luau outfits for your family! Getting a little dressed up for a fun night out at a luau is a great ideas. You Hawaiian luau clothing will also make for excellent family photos. You can purchase really nice matching sets of luau attire for families in gift shops in Hawaii or just have everyone wear their tropical best. A maxi dress in a fun tropical print is the best luau attire female travelers can wear. Men can wear a short sleeved shirt, plain or printed paired with either shorts, khakis or chinos. Girls can wear a tropical or bright sundress or party dress and boys can wear a cute shirt and shorts.

Hawaiian Beach Wear

You’ll need at least 2-3 nice Hawaiian beach outfits for your trip. Hawaii has fantastic beaches! You can either enjoy those right outside your resort door or drive to the all over the islands seeking out the best ones. Waikiki, although crowded, is one of the best beaches in the world. It’s best to bring a cover up or sarong for walking to and from your hotel room and the beach or pool.  You’ll need at least 2 or 3 sets of the following – swimsuit, cover up or sarong, flip flops and a decent sunhat. I would recommend adding a UV rash vest to your Hawaiian beach attire especially if you’re planning on being in the sun a lot or doing any snorkelling or kayaking where your back & shoulders are exposed for a long time. They are absolutely essential for kids! But great for moms and dads too.

Hiking in Hawaii – What to Wear

Wondering what to wear hiking in Hawaii? If you’re planning a few short hikes or walks you actually don’t need any special hiking gear for Hawaii. Bring along some light workout wear like a sport tank and yoga top, a cap for sun protection and a backpack for snacks, water bottles, sunscreen, sarong and swimsuit (as many of the hikes end at a waterfall!) See below for my specific recommendation on what shoes to bring for hiking in Hawaii.

Hawaii Outfits for Men

Men have it pretty easy when thinking about what to pack to Hawaii. Hawaii outfits for men are pretty simple think short and t-shirts in the day. Shorts and a polo shirt, short sleeved shirt or Hawaiian shirt in the evening. Throw in some sports gear for golf or hiking, swim trunks, sandals and swim trunks and you’ll have all you need to pack! There’s no need to worry about what to wear in Hawaii men!

What to Pack for Hawaii – Complete Packing List!

Now that you know how to dress for Hawaii, I’m going to tell you exactly what to pack for Hawaii with quantities, shoes, accessories…. the lot! My complete Hawaii packing list will help you get super organised for your trip. This list covers what to take to Hawaii for a week long vacation. You can always pack more if you’re staying longer or just plan on doing laundry at your vacation rental or hotel during your trip.  Print out this packing list for Hawaii and mark things off as you select your clothes to wear in Hawaii so you know what to purchase in addition to your existing wardrobe. Simple!

The quantities in this list are for women. For kids, I would add in a few more outfits in case of messy eating or play. For men and boys, skip the dresses obviously and add in a few more pairs of shorts, swap the tank tops for t-shirts and add in a few more shirts. There is a link for a printable Hawaii vacation checklist PDF at the end of this post in which I go into exact quantities for what to bring for men and kids as well.

Clothes to Pack for Hawaii

• Dresses x 3-4 – A mix of knee-length sundresses and maxi dresses. This is the sundress as pictured above and this is the colorful print maxi dress pictured above. Packing both lengths is a good idea for some variety.
• Lightweight tunic tops or shirts x 1-2 – Lightweight tunic tops are great for travel in general as they instantly smarten up our look in hot climates while remaining comfortable & cool. They are perfectly Hawaii wear! The lightweight tunic pictured above is made from UV resistant fabric to protect you from the sun. You can also wear it with leggings for the plane. Or just go for a simple cotton shirt like the one I have pictured above.
• Tank tops x 2-3 – These Chiffon tank top pictured above is easy to wear in the day or evening. Pack a mix of nicer ones and easy cotton ones.
• Sport tank top – The sport tank pictured above works for hiking or just wearing around
• Shorts – The Dickies Women’s Stretch Performance Shorts pictured above have quick dry moisture wicking fabric that will keep you dry in warmer weather
• Capri pants – A lightweight pair of capri pants are useful if you don’t like showing a lot of leg. You can wear them in the day with sandals or with wedge sandals for evening. The ones pictured above have UV sun protection and are made from cooling material.
• Denim shorts – An easy go to for women, if you’re comfortable wearing them. Otherwise pack another pair of capri pants! These are the denim shorts pictured above.
• Yoga pants – The crop yoga pants pictured above are perfect for hiking or other active activities
• Leggings – For the plane, wear a pair of comfy leggings or yoga pants, especially if you’re coming from somewhere cold!
• Cardigan or sweatshirt – Bring one for the plane but also for any altitude activities like visiting Haleakala or Mauna Kea.
• Bras – 3 bras works best for travel. I always pack one nude everyday bra, one black bra, and one white sports bra.
• Underwear – 10 pair of underpants is about right for what to pack for a week in Hawaii
• Sleepwear x 1-2 – Bring whatever you sleep in during the summer
• Compression socks – If you have a flight of over 5 hours to get to Hawaii then I would suggest wearing compression socks during your flight .
• Swimsuit x 2-3 – Whatever swimsuits you like! Just make sure you bring 2 or 3 pairs as you might do both beach and pool in the same day and you don’t want to put on a soggy swimsuit! Tankini swimsuit pictured above
• Beach cover up x 2 – A loose fitting cotton beach cover up is perfect for around the resort pool or at the beach. You can also throw it on over a tank top and shorts and easily add more Hawaii vacation outfit ideas to your repertoire. These are the beach cover ups pictured above – white beach cover up and striped beach cover up.
• Sarong – This is the Sarong pictured above, it’s beautiful!  A sarong is a very useful item to have! You can use it as a pool cover up, as a beach blanket or towel, even around your shoulders for some extra sun protection.
• UV rash vest – UV rash vest pictured above . The sun is strong in Hawaii so wearing a UV rash vest is a good idea when you’re swimming, paddle boarding, kayaking or just hanging out in the beach. It protects your skin and prevents burning without having to cover your whole body in sunscreen.

Accessories

• Sunhat – A large packable sunhat with a wide brim like this  so it’s very useful for travel
• Sun-visor – A packable sun-visor like this is great to roll up and have in your purse for when you’re wandering around and don’t want to wear a large hat but still want to protect your face from the sun.
• Sport cap – For hiking or activities, Nike cap as pictured above .
• Sunglasses x 2 – One good pair and a cheap pair like these that you can wear in the water
• Tote bag for beach
• Folding backpack for hiking or day trips – Folding backpacks like this are so useful for travel!
• Necklace – Turquoise necklace pictured above
• Flower hair clip – A cute flowered hair clip for a Hawaiian feel as pictured above
• Clutch for evenings – Pack this if you need a nicer purse for evenings, gold foldover clutch as pictured above

Best Shoes for Hawaii

When asking working out what shoes to wear in Hawaii you need to take into account what you’ll be doing on your trip. The best shoes for Hawaii depend on your activities schedule and how adventurous you plan on being. For example, if you don’t plan on hiking on your trip to Hawaii hiking shoes can be left at home. If you’re doing a lot of snorkelling in Hawaii water shoes are essential for comfort. Here are the best shoes to wear in Hawaii:

• A pair of flip flops – Definitely pack a pair of flip flops for Hawaii! These Havianas as pictured are an easy choice for the beach or pool.
• Best sandals for Hawai i – I would recommend a pair of comfortable sandals that still look nice with dresses. My favourite sandals for travel are these ones but I also have a whole post on comfortable travel sandals that you can read here .
• Wedge sandals for evening – If you like to dress a little nice in the evening then pop a pair of wedge sandals into your suitcase too. The gold ones I have pictured here by Aerosole are very comforable.
• Best water shoes for Hawaii – These are great, affordable water shoes Hawaii vacations might require these if you’re more active and doing kayaking, snorkelling etc.
• Best hiking shoes for Hawaii – The best shoes for hiking in Hawaii are sturdy sneakers that can handle slighty wet ground, slippery rocks and a little mud. You don’t need serious hiking shoes, Hawaii hikes aren’t that tough! These type of trail workout sneakers are ideal Hawaii hiking shoes.
• For kids – My kids wear Croc sandals the entire time we’re in Hawaii. They have a sandal pair also made by Crocs.
• Socks – If you’re bringing sneakers for hiking, throw a few pair of sport socks into your suitcase too!

Other Things to Pack for Hawaii

In addition to clothing here are a few other things to pack for Hawaii. Because Hawaii is isolated from the continental United States, a lot of items are more expensive here due to the cost of importing them. I recommend you bring these Hawaii essentials with you . You can buy things like sunscreen, diapers and deodorant there once you arrive but they are more expensive, especially if you’re looking at resort gift shop prices.

Toiletries for Hawaii

• Shampoo – Packed in  GoToob Travel Bottles (unless you’re traveling as a family in which case I’d suggest bringing full size bottles to wash kids hair after all the swimming!)
• Conditioner – If you’re swimming a lot, bring plenty of conditioner. Hotels never supply enough!
• Hair brush, comb and hair ties
• Dental floss
• Moisturiser
• Facial wipes or cleanser
• Coconut oil – Packing in a  GoToob , it is so useful for travel as a moisturiser, after sun, shaving gel, hair treatment, make up remover etc. If you plan on using this, you can omit other items on this list.
• Lip balm  – Put this in your carry on bag for the plane
• Hand cream – Put this in your carry on bag for the plane
• Shaving kit
• Nail file / clippers
• Small magnifying mirror
• Sunscreen  – This is the best smelling sunscreen!
• Insect repellent spray
• After sun lotion
• Anti-chafe balm – Humidity + activitiy = chaffing!
• Make up remover
• Solid perfume – These are great for travel! The Pacifica brand has some lovely Hawaiian scents in their range.
• Small first aid kit – Band aids, Neosporin, inscet bite cream, asprin etc
• Medication and vitamins
• Flat iron for your hair – If you have hard to control hair, consider bringing a flat iron to Hawaii as the humidity will wreck havoc on your hair do! Here’s my list of the best travel flat irons.  (Most resorts will supply a hair dryer so you don’t need to bring along a travel hair dryer .)

Electronics

• Kindle – A paperwhite Kindle is best for sunny destinations
• All chargers
• Waterproof phone case – So you can use your phone at the beach or pool without it getting wet or sandy. Great for taking pictures in the water too!

Best Camera to Take to Hawaii

You’ll definitely need to bring a camera with you to Hawaii. Whether you use the one on your phone or a camera is up to you. If you do want to get a new camera for your Hawaii trip, here’s what I would recommend:

• Sony a6000 mirrorless camera – This is the best camera for Hawaii because it is lightweight and much smaller than a large dSLR camera but still takes very high quality pictures. It’s a great camera if you want to improve your photography without getting too complicated. You can see the quality of the photographs in my Big Island photographs compared to my previous photos on my other Hawaii trips which were just taken with my iPhone camera.
• Nikon Coolpix L840 – If you want something more affordable and easy to use then this Nikon Coolpix is the best point and shoot camera on the market.
• Gorillapod – Flexible tripod that can grip to trees, fences, balconies to create cool shots! Just be sure to get the right size for your camera. You can even buy one that works with your phone.

Hazel receiving a Lei at the Luau Hilton Waikoloa Village Big Island Hawaii

What to Bring to Hawaii for Kids

In addition to the vacation clothes for Hawaii that I’ve mentioned above, you’ll need a few more things if you’re traveling with kids. Most vacation rentals will have a closet full of sand toys, pool toys and body boards available for you to use which is convenient but if you’re staying in a resort or hotel you won’t have access to these so you should bring your own. Add you whatever you need to my travel list for Hawaii based on how old your kids.

• Car seats – Hiring a car is essential in Hawaii and it’s cheaper to bring your car seat from home if you can manage it along with your luggage
• Stroller – A lightweight folding umbrella stroller with a sun shade is easiest for travel
• Pack n play – Don’t rely on the hotel or vacation rental having an adequate pack n play crib for your baby. It’s better to bring your own. Here’s my list of best pack n play cribs.
• Inflatable toddler bed – If you’re traveling with a toddler who is too big for crib then I recommend bringing one of these along. Here’s my list of the best inflatable toddler beds.
• Sandproof beach mat
• Inflatable pool toy
• Sand toys – You can buy them in resort gift shops but they are way over priced so if you can fit them into your suitcase then bring some along.
• Plastic bowls, cups & spoons – So you can give your kids a quick and easy breakfast in the hotel or not worry about them breaking the china in your vacation rental
• Ziploc bags – For snacks when you’re out all day
• Drink bottles
• Toys / Books – A few toys, books and coloring supplies for the plane or using in the hotel room
• Diapers & wipes
• Swim diapers for babies – One of the key Hawaii travel essentials when traveling with babies! This brand are great.
• Kids swim ponchos – Like these, very useful for when resorts won’t let you take pool towels back to you room or use them on the beach.

What to Wear to a Wedding in Hawaii

Wondering what to wear to a Hawaiian wedding? Resort-style clothing is ideal for what to wear to a wedding in Hawaii. Smart but comfortable and cool. Most weddings in Hawaii take place either on the beach or grassed lawn in a resort so heels are a no-no. Here are some Hawaii wedding outfits that would be appropriate:

• For women – Either a nice sundress, maxi dress, strappy dress or jumpsuit paired with flat sandals or wedge sandals. You can always dress yourself up with nicer hair and make-up!
• For men – Khakis or linen pants and a short sleeved shirt worn with leather sandals.
• For children – Sundress or a light party dress for girls with sandals and short sleeved shirt and nice shorts with sandals for boys.

Tips for Packing for Hawaii

Now that you know what toput on your Hawaii trip packing list, I’m going to show you how to pack for Hawaii. Unless you’re a very light traveler, I recommend checking a suitcase when you fly to Hawaii as you won’t be moving around too much or using public transport. It’s easier to unpack a suitcase in your vacation rental or hotel. Just remember if you’re renting a car, allow for enough room in your trunk to fit your suitcases. You should be able to travel with one suitcase per couple or family for a week long trip using the packing list for Hawaii vacation I have listed above.

• Suitcase – A large spinner suitcase is ideal for Hawaii. I would say 25″ suitcase for a couple or a 29″ suitcase for a family for a one week vacation. Here’s my list of the best spinner luggage to help you pick if you need a new suitcase.
• Laptop backpack – If you’re traveling with a laptop it’s best off in a backpack. Here is the one we have which easily fits two laptops, chargers and iPads.
• Tote bag for carry on – Here’s what to pack in your carry on bag for a long flight!
• Packing cubes – If you’re not already using them, then definitely get a set of packing cubes for your things to take to Hawaii. If you don’t know what packing cubes are or how to use them then I highly recommend you read through my packing cubes guide .
• Wet-Dry Bags – Great if you want to swim on your last day before your flight but don’t want to have wet swimsuits dampen everything in your bag!
• Mesh beach toy bag – If you’re traveling with kids this is so useful as it lets all the sand shake free from the toys! Folds up for storage in your suitcase too.

Printable Hawaii Packing List

Print our this Hawaii checklist and start organising your packing today! Using this checklist for Hawaii will help you pack efficiently and know what to wear in Maui, Kauai, the Big Island or Oahu. You can print of the Hawaii trip checklist by clicking the link below.

>>> Download my printable packing list for Hawaii by clicking here. <<<

Hazel and Bethaney Using Ergo Baby Carrier on the Beach in Hawaii,

Got comments or questions about what to pack for a trip to Hawaii?

Whether you’re wondering what to pack for Kauai or you’re packing for maui or trying to figure out some Hawaiian resort wear looks, I hope my guide to what to wear on vacation in Hawaii has been useful for you. Feel free to ask any questions in the comments below if you’re still wondering clothes to wear to Hawaii.

What do you wear in Hawaii? What are your top Hawaii vacation essentials? What do you think are the best clothes for Hawaii? I’d love to here from you. If you’ve got any feedback or comments or packing tips for Hawaii then leave me a comment below.

• Send to a Friend

Well that’s it I’m not going. If I can’t wear my jeans I’ll stick with not-Hawaii. 😉

Haha. Yeah I don’t think I’ve ever seen anyone wear jeans in Hawaii!! 😛

I’ve been wondering what to wear on the trip there and back. Travelling with hubby and 2 teen girls. Thankfully we can all take two 26kg bags each so no probs with luggage for a change!

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Flashpacker Family is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com and its partners.

Affiliate advertising is used throughout this site. These affiliate ads allow me to earn a small commission on any bookings you may make but they do not incur any extra cost to you.

You can read our privacy policy here.

Start typing and press Enter to search

What to Pack for Your Hawaii Vacation (2024)

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning if you decide to make a purchase through my links we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. Read about our affiliate policies here .

Share with your friends!

We get no satisfaction from watching people overpack for a trip to Hawaii. But, with so much to see and do on the Hawaiian Islands, we understand why you might pack too much. As a frequent visitor to Hawaii and a former resident who loved to island-hop, here is what to pack for your trip to Hawaii in 2024.

Your essential packing list for Hawaii includes the following:

• Shorts and T-shirts
• One Gorgeous Island Style Outfit
• Comfortable Footwear: sandals and hiking or walking shoes
• Swimsuit (of course)
• Sun-Protective Clothing
• Mineral-Based Sunscreen
• UV-Protective Sunglasses ( we love these! )
• Backpack (we’ve been using this one as it’s easy to pack)
• Water Bottle (our whole family uses these )
• Beach Bag (we have this zippered one )
• Natural Bug Repellent (Kauai)
• Warm Clothes (Maui and Big Island)

And as someone who loves to be extremely organized and efficient when packing, we love a fun (and sturdy) packing cube and use them on every trip, whether to Hawaii or elsewhere.

We aren’t loading this article full of things you need to buy. We focus on what you plan to do so you can pack the right stuff for your Hawaii vacation. Especially if you’re bringing the family, you want to keep your packing list to the essentials. 

Read on for the right packing list for your Hawaii itinerary, based on what island you plan to visit!

Now that you’re about to have your packing list sorted, make sure you have the other parts of your trip figured out: 1. We use Discount Hawaii Car Rental 95% of the time and it has saved us thousands 2. If you haven’t booked your stay, check out our Where to Stay database 3. We’ve searched high and low for the absolute best tours & activities 4. Don’t leave home without our itineraries . Really.

Packing for the Hawaiian Islands Weather

The major Hawaiian Islands sit between 19.5 degrees to 22 degrees north latitude, putting it just in the Tropic of Cancer in the northern hemisphere. Don’t let people convince you that you might get cold. Unless 61 degrees Fahrenheit during the depths of a Big Island winter will make you shiver, you don’t need jeans or sweatshirts for a beach vacation.

61 degrees may seem cold, but that is the average low temperature in January, meaning the coldest at dawn. Looking at the temperature charts below for the four major Hawaiian Islands, you will find average daily temperatures in the 70s and 80s, even during winter. 

We find the best temperature and the least rain to be in September, the best time to visit Hawaii (in our opinion).

The resort areas in Hawaii are located on the leeward (dry) side of the islands. You will find the warmest temperatures and the fewest rainy days. That is why these resort areas are so popular. 

Now, if you plan to climb to the top of a volcano for sunrise or hike into a high-altitude rainforest on Kauai, then see below for what to pack. 

Related articles: 

• Planning a Trip to Hawaii: 15 Essential Details
• How Much Does a Trip to Hawaii Cost for a Family of 4

This is the Best Hawaiian Island to Visit in the Winter

Unless the temperatures above are cold for you, plan to dress in light, breathable clothes. The best island wear is clothes that are light in color and weight. Light, cotton clothes are popular.

Most locals wear t-shirts, tank tops, and shorts when in town. The Hawaiian Islands have a laid-back, casual vibe. You won’t find people dressed in their Sunday best or wearing resort wear.

Hawaii residents wear Aloha Shirts for work in offices and resorts. An Aloha Shirt is business formal or if going out for a nice dinner.

Hawaii’s popular resort areas are found on the leeward or dry side of the islands.

To get more familiar with each Hawaiian Island, check out our free travel guides below:

• Oahu Travel Guide
• Maui Travel Guide
• Big Island Travel Guide
• Kauai Travel Guide

Complete Packing List for Hawaii

Here is our full list of recommended items to pack for your Hawaii vacation. Whether you need to know what to pack for a 7-day trip to Hawaii or a 3-day trip, we have you covered with this complete Hawaii packing list.

• Shorts and T-Shirts
• Warm Clothes (Maui and Big Island Volcano Tours)
• Reusable Shopping Bags
• Chopsticks or Metal Utensils
• Beach Bag or Backpack
• Handbag (fanny pack is best, we use this one !)
• Comfortable Footwear
• Swimsuit Cover-Up
• Flotation Strap for Underwater Camera or Phone Case
• Waterproof Phone Pouch or Waterproof Waist Pouch
• Underwater Camera
• Eco-Friendly Bug Repellent (Kauai)
• Hiking Shoes or Tevas
• Rain Jacket (hiking)
• Water Bottle
• Adjustable Hiking Poles (if hiking)
• Pants and a Long-Sleeve Shirt (if hiking)
• Light Jacket
• Backpack (we just got this one and this one , which we love)
• Reef-Safe Sunscreen

Don’t worry about forgetting something at home. Hawaii is full of convenience stores, Costco, Target, grocery stores, and shops for you to purchase a toiletry you forgot, extra reef-safe sunscreen, or aloe in the event you get burned at the beach!

See below for more details on what to bring for the type of trip you are planning. A beach bum vacation versus a jungle hiking adventure requires a far different packing list. But we have you covered for both.

When you see us touring Hawaii, you find us in our finest t-shirts and shorts.

Remember to pack these common Hawaiian Pidgin phrases!

Clothes to Pack for Hawaii

Island wear brings images of Tommy Bahama for resort wear or Quicksilver for more of that surfer look. These are all good examples of island wear you will find in the resorts. 

But, wear what you are comfortable wearing. There are no fashion rules in Hawaii. 

The main idea for packing for Hawaii is to pack clothes for a warm climate. Dinner at night does not mean it will be cold.

• Shorts and T-Shirts  – Due to the warm climate, you will wear these daily. I wear a tank top 90% of the time in Hawaii. It is hot and sunny, so soak up those rays while staying comfortable.
• Comfortable Footwear  – this may mean wearing sandals, called slippers in Hawaii, or bringing a comfortable pair of sneakers
• Handbag  – bring something you won’t be worried about getting sand inside or being out in the sun. If you have kids, consider a fanny pack so you can chase the kids around the beach while wearing your valuables.
• One Gorgeous Island Style Outfit  – be this a favorite sundress or resort wear for guys, bring at least one outfit for a nice dinner with your partner. Besides fine dining or a luau, you won’t find other opportunities to get fancy in Hawaii.

Scale appropriately. Pack more t-shirts and shorts if you plan to spend 7-days on the islands versus 3-days. You will find yourself going through more daily wear like t-shirts and shorts compared to evening wear which will stay fresh in the cooler and breezier evening weather. 

The trade winds pick up in the late afternoon, helping to cool off the lounge area just in time for happy hour.

Unique Items to Pack for Each Hawaiian Island

Each Hawaiian Island is not created equally. You will find different climates and can’t miss activities on each island. Here are some unique packing items for each island. See if you will do the activities that will warrant packing a rain jacket or a sweatshirt and winter hat.

Clothes to Pack for Maui

A popular activity to do on Maui is to visit Haleakala National Park. The dormant volcano has a summit of 10,023 feet. Read more about  Maui’s volcanoes here and decide between a Haleakala sunrise vs sunset .

During the winter, the summit of Haleakala can receive a light dusting of snow. 

Even during the day in the summer months, the summit area with all the views and hiking trails can be in the 50s. When the clouds come in, the temperature can drop even more. If you plan to do a  Haleakala sunrise tour  or sunset viewing, then you need to pack winter clothes. 

• Winter Jacket or Thick Sweatshirt
• Sweatpants (jeans are not recommended)
• Closed Toed Shoes
• Winter Gloves

If you can’t fit that into your suitcase (it can be a lot for a family), you can attempt to layer your Aloha Shirts. 

Clothes to Pack for Oahu

As an older island, Oahu doesn’t have high-elevation volcanoes like the Big Island and Maui. There are some incredible hikes to the top of the ridges (see here for our  favorite Oahu hikes ) where you may get wet and shivery. 

So if you plan to do some skilled, long hikes on Oahu, then we recommend packing a  light rain jacket  for Oahu.

But if you plan to stick to  Oahu’s easy hikes , then don’t worry about bringing warm clothes to Oahu.

Clothes to Pack for the Big Island

The Big Island’s packing list is similar to visiting Maui. The Big Island has polar regions at the top of Mauna Kea ( 13,803-ft elevation ) and Mauna Loa ( 13,679-ft elevation ). Mauna Loa frequently gets snow-capped during the winter. Pack your skis!

If you plan to go  stargazing on the top of Mauna Kea  or visit Hawaii’s Volcanoes National Park, pack warm clothes. During the day and evening, you will want to have a sweatshirt on at the least.

Here is what to pack for visit to the Big Island if touring the volcanoes:

Even during our visit to Volcanoes National Park in May, the temperature was 53 degrees in the evening as we watched Kileaua glow during the recent eruption. For people living on Maui, that is freezing.

Clothes to Pack for Kauai

Kauai is the most ancient of the major Hawaiian Islands, so you won’t find massive volcanoes. You will most likely find yourself exploring the island near the coast. A lot of people visit Kauai for hiking as it is a jungle paradise. 

If you plan to hike a lot on Kauai, then plan to get wet. Here are the extra clothes to pack for Kauai:

• Light Rain Jacket
• Pants and Long-Sleeve Shirt for Hiking (bugs!)
• Natural Bug Repellent

Kauai has a lot of bugs, like mosquitoes, that may make you go crazy during even a short hike to a waterfall, like the  kayak and hike to Secret Falls  or  Mountain Tubing Adventure . 

Please consider the environment when packing bug repellent as what you put on will end up in the freshwater rivers and streams of Kauai

Here are some recommended natural bug spray brands:

• Sawyer Products 20% Picaridin Insect Repellent
• Natrapel Picaridin Insect Repellent
• Murphy’s Naturals Lemon Eucalyptus Oil Insect Repellent
• Murphy’s Natural Insect Repellent Wipes
• Babyganics Travel Size Bug Spray

In my opinion, the only reason to bring pants to Kauai is if you plan to do a lot of hiking; pants and long-sleeved shirts are the best for fending off bug bites. Reducing the amount of bug spray is always the best option.

See our full list of  What to Pack for Kauai . 

Kalalau Lookout at the top of Waimea Canyon, Kauai can get cold when in the clouds, but I don’t think that warrants packing a bulky sweatshirt.

Unconventional Packing Items for Hawaii

Here are some packing items you may not have considered for Hawaii.

• Reusable Shopping Bags  – Counties in Hawaii are transitioning away from single-use plastic bags. Grocery stores provide paper bags or you have to buy a reusable shopping bag.
• Chopsticks or Metal Utensils  – Hawaii is going through a transition away from plastic utensils. Wood utensils or chopsticks are becoming common for take-out and food trucks. Bring your own favorite utensils if this is important to you.

Beach Packing List for Hawaii

The Hawaiian Islands have so many amazing beaches to visit . The nice part of Hawaii is the best beaches are state or county parks so you will find lifeguards on duty, toilet facilities, showers, and a decent amount of parking.

You can fly from home without these items as they are all readily available for purchase in Hawaii. But if you own them already, don’t want to stress about buying them upon landing, or they will be cheaper to buy at home, like sunscreen or a beach bag, then throw them in the suitcase.

• Mineral-Based Sunscreen  –  Hawai’i banned certain types of sunscreen  in 2021 as they damage the reefs. While most of the country now sells reef-friendly sunscreen, we recommend mineral-based sunscreen (zinc oxide and titanium dioxide) as they are the least likely to cause the reefs to stop growing. Non-reef-safe sunscreen can’t be sold in Hawaii.
• Sun-Protective Clothing  – Rashguard or sun shirt and a sun hat will be your best friends at the beach. We recommend wearing sun-protective clothing so you can minimize the amount of sunscreen you need to wear. 
• Sunglasses  – UV-protective is best for safety. Polarized is best for viewing the ocean and makes the island’s vibrant scenery really pop!
• Beach Bag or Backpack  – a must-have item for the beach. Plus, a beach bag serves as a bag for grocery shopping. 
• Underwater Camera  – Perfect for snorkeling, an affordable underwater camera is a must, or use a waterproof phone case that enables pictures.
• Flotation Strap for Underwater Camera or Phone Case  – you will thank me for this one.
• Waterproof Phone Pouch or Waterproof Waist Pouch  – if you need to keep valuables off the beach, then consider bringing this for peace of mind when swimming.

While you can purchase these items readily in Hawaii, you may not be able to find a convenience store close to your favorite beach. 

There is an ABC Store every five feet in Waikiki, but on Kauai, you will be hard-pressed to find a shop close to the best beaches. So, plan ahead by packing these items before you leave the resort or your vacation rental.

How to Keep Valuables Safe on the Beach in Hawaii

This is a popular question. Sorry to say, there is no easy answer. First, beach theft is not as common as one hears in the news in Hawaii. Theft can happen so be prepared but don’t fear getting robbed on a Hawaii beach. 

Snorkeling safety includes bringing a buddy out with you. If you are a couple (enjoying this  Kauai honeymoon itinerary ), leaving things on the beach is highly probable when you go swimming or snorkeling. 

I know you will not bring valuables to the beach, but it is hard to leave home without your phone, wallet, and car keys. 

Leave valuables in the trunk of your car. Out of sight is best! In the best-case scenario, you only have your car key with you at the beach. Try to hide it in a food container or other nondescript location Leaving it in your backpack makes it an easy target for a grab and go.

While Apple Pay and other touchless payment methods are becoming more common in Hawaii, we find it hard to have a day out exploring Hawaii without your physical credit cards and cash. So let’s discuss some ideas for keeping your few valuables safe.

Beach lockers are extremely rare in Hawaii. I can’t think of one beach that offers them.

6 Tips to Keep Your Valuables Safe at a Hawaii Beach

• Waterproof Phone Pouch or Waterproof Waist Pouch – remember a floaty to attach to the pouch in case you drop it!
• Lockbox for Your Car – surfers like to keep a combination hide-a-key lockbox attached to their car. A perfect place to hide and protect your car key. We recommend a  Key Lockbox with Combination Lock or a  Magnetic Hide-A-Key, No Lock .
• Waterproof Dry Bag – hopefully, you don’t have a lot of stuff, but if you do, grab a dry bag for the kayak or to tow behind you when snorkeling. 
• Pick a Spot Near the Lifeguard Tower – the lifeguard won’t watch your stuff for you but their presence may deter thieves. It is a small island, the lifeguard will know the characters that cause mischief.
• Take a Newspaper or Book, Leave the E-Reader at Home
• Keep Your Backpack in Front of You – fast-acting thieves can grab your bag as you gaze out on the water

Packing List for Hiking in Hawaii

Hawaii has some amazing hiking trails. While our favorite  Hawaiian Island for hiking is Oahu,  hiking on each island is a must. Consider packing the following items if you plan to go hiking in Hawaii.

Bug Repellent is Optional

While Kauai has a lot of bugs out on the trails, we haven’t noticed a lot of bugs when we hike on the other islands. I hiked all over Oahu for two years without needing bug repellent.

But, if the bugs love you then  consider bringing a natural bug spray and wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants.

Please consider the environment when packing bug repellent as what you put on will end up in Hawaii’s freshwater rivers and streams.

Countless studies show the damaging effects of chemicals such as DEET, pyrethroids, permethrin, and cyfluthrin. All of these can be found in most commercial bug sprays.

You can keep the bugs away with natural insect repellant without ruining your skin or the environment. These bug repellants use ingredients you can pronounce, like baking soda, mineral oil, rosemary, citronella, or peppermint. 

See the Kauai section above for our recommended natural bug sprays.

The Right Hiking Shoes for Hawaii

Our favorite hiking shoes are Teva sandals or the equivalent design. We like these because they are light and small to pack compared to hiking boots, are perfect for crossing streams and muddy paths, and have good traction.  Shop 30% Off Teva Sandals, Shoes and Boots

You don’t need the Teva brand, but a similar type of water and hiking shoe will be a welcome addition to your suitcase. 

Here is a complete packing list for hiking in Hawaii:

• Eco-Friendly Bug Repellent
• Hiking Shoes
• Pants and Long-Sleeve Shirt  – fend off the bugs in an eco-friendly manner
• Rain Jacket  – getting wet and muddy is highly likely. Embrace the warm rain or pack a light rain jacket.
• Adjustable Hiking Poles  – muddy slopes are common so hiking sticks may be a good idea for you. Erica always brings them as she has a bad knee.
• Water Bottle  – a no-brainer but bears repeating. Bring plenty of water to stay hydrated in the hot and humid climate!
• Iodine Tablets or a Purification Water Filter  -if you plan to go on an extended hike, the water in the streams is not safe to drink so bring iodine tablets to purify the drinking water. 

Packing for Boat Tours in Hawaii

Our favorite Hawaii activities usually include getting out on the ocean. On Kauai, you can’t miss a  Napali Coast snorkeling tour  or  Napali Coast sunset and dinner cruise . On Oahu, a Waikiki sunset sail that leaves from the beach is a must. On Maui, you better get out on the water for  whale watching season !

To pack for a morning whale watching tour or a sunset dinner, this is where we recommend packing warm clothes, and remember to bring your sun-protective clothes!

Hawaii Boat Tour Packing List

• Towel  (for snorkeling and rafting tours)
• Backpack  (dry bag isn’t required)

Pack light for a boat tour as space on the tour boats is limited, but most tours do provide dry storage. Minimize bringing valuables as most of the time, your backpack will be in the common area in the galley while you are on the deck checking out the views. We have never had an issue or heard of theft, but you still want peace of mind!

On the Big Island,  manta ray night snorkeling  is a must! While they will give you a wet suit, bring a towel and sweatshirt for when you get out of the water. 

What Not to Pack for Hawaii

Let me share some common items visitors like to pack for Hawaii. Review the list to determine if you’d prefer to pack these items for your Hawaii vacation. 

For example, many people like to have an umbrella in hand for a quick downpour. We don’t mind getting wet in warm rain or running for shelter to wait for the rain cloud to pass. But if you don’t want to get wet, then bring a travel umbrella and keep it in your backpack so you are always ready.

Even with rainy Kauai, I still wouldn’t recommend packing an umbrella for Hawaii!

We are caught in a downpour every time we visit Kauai as we like to stay or frequently visit the North Shore of Kauai, the windward or wet side of the island. We don’t mind the rain, nor have we ever wished we had an umbrella. With two kids in tow, an umbrella is low on our list of things to bring for the day.

A list of what not to pack for a trip to Hawaii:

• Water Shoes  – mesh with rubber soles, slip-on shoes are made for walking over rocky beaches. These are nice to have but not recommended. Most of Hawaii’s popular beaches are sandy. You won’t find yourself walking over rocks for long, if even necessary, to enter a good snorkel spot. Plus, mesh water shoes may tempt you to walk on the reef, which is not good for the world. 
• Jeans  – Some people say to bring them just in case. I can’t think of a single case to wear jeans for your vacation. Bring light cotton or khaki pants if you like to wear pants in the evening. Jeans are not comfortable clothing in Hawaii.
• Dress Clothes  – Hawaii has plenty of fine-dining establishments. You can find a list of our favorite restaurants in our  itineraries . If you plan on going out to dinner, one nice outfit is recommended. Packing numerous dress clothes isn’t recommended. In Hawaii, you won’t find people wearing diner jackets, suits, or formal dresses. 
• High Heels  – comfortable shoes are a must. High heels are not recommended island attire.
• Beach Towels  – hear me out on this one. Beach towels, even fast-drying, sand-resistant, quick-dry beach towels like Live Sandy, are condensed, so they pack well, but they still take up a lot of suitcase space. You don’t need to pack beach towels because hotels and resorts provide beach towels to guests. The vast majority provide beach towels if you’re staying in a vacation rental. If they don’t, you can pick up souvenir beach towels!
• Snorkel Equipment  – If you have a favorite mask, snorkel, and/or fin or plan to snorkel every day, then we recommend you make room for your snorkel gear. But for most, save room in your suitcase by renting equipment. Local rental shops are well priced, have quality equipment, and are located near the best snorkel spots. 
• Heavy Jacket or Sweatshirt  – We recommend a light jacket or long sleeve t-shirt over packing a thick jacket or sweatshirt. Hawaii’s climate is not conducive to wearing a heavy jacket. 
• Umbrella  – if you don’t like getting wet, then pack a travel umbrella. We find the warm rains to be refreshing, and the sun will dry you quickly, so an umbrella isn’t recommended. 

Leaving these items at home gives you space in your suitcase for souvenirs like an Aloha Shirt, ukulele, or macadamia nut chocolates. 

Craving more wisdom on traveling to Hawaii? Sign up to get our cheat sheets, and you’ll also get our twice-monthly newsletter where we share the best Hawaii travel advice! 

Free Download!

Hawaiian island cheat sheets.

Sign up & we’ll send you our island cheat sheets so you can get to know the islands like the back of your hand!

We’ll share 4 can’t-miss activities on each island, a map with the main sights in town, & famous local grindz (eats)!

where should we send your free Island Cheat Sheets?

By signing up, you agree to our Privacy Policy . We hate spam and promise to keep your email safe. Unsubscribe at any time.

The Last Thing to Pack for Your Hawaii Vacation

Packing these items for your Hawaii vacation will save you time and money once you land. But don’t forget the last thing to pack for your vacation. Finish your Hawaii vacation packing by downloading our  Hawaiian Island Wayfinder Itineraries .

Packing is just the beginning; let us plan the rest of your trip. Our itineraries are better than guidebooks.

We’ve done the hard work for you. Living in Hawaii, we’ve spent thousands of hours (and thousands of dollars) exploring and curating the best experiences. 

Learn more here –  Our Best Hawaiian Island Itineraries .

Oahu Wayfinder Itinerary

Maui Wayfinder Itinerary

Kauai Wayfinder Itinerary

Cruising Hawaii Guide

Big Island Wayfinder Itinerary

Have a wonderful trip to Hawaii!

If you love this list, Pin it!

Thanks for reading The Hawaii Vacation Guide! I'm the co-founder, with my wife Erica, of the best Hawaii travel guide on the internet in our biased opinions. We enjoy traveling throughout Hawaii after living on Maui and Oahu. We share our adventures, travel tips and resources, and honest reviews so you can easily plan your dream vacation to Hawaii. Editing our videos, teaching the kids how to snorkel, and learning about the 'aina (land) and Hawaii culture are my favorite things to do. Have a wonderful trip to the Aloha State.

Similar Posts

Can You Travel to Maui Right Now? It’s a complicated answer

Oahu vs Big Island: Pick The Right Island for Your Trip

18 Great Things to Do in Lihue (near the harbor + in town)

5 of the Best Napali Coast Boat Tours

Don’t Miss the 15 Best Restaurants in Wailea & Kihei (by category!)

This is the most comprehensive Hawaii vacation planning resource on the internet!

TOP RESOURCES

• Join Our Newsletter
• Hawaii Itineraries
• Tours & Activities
• Top Travel Gear
• Discount Car Rentals

ISLAND GUIDES

• Planning A Trip To Hawaii
• Oahu Island Guide
• Maui Island Guide
• Hawai’i (Big Island) Guide
• Kauai Island Guide

Your use of the information provided in our Content, Itineraries, Site, and Services is for your informational purposes only and is subject to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. Your use of the information described in, your participation in activities presented in, and/or your engagement of any Travel Service Providers presented in our Content, Itineraries, Site, and/or Services may carry the risk of illness, bodily injury, disability, death, or property damage. You voluntarily and freely assume all risks and dangers that may occur pursuant to your access, use, purchase, or participation in any information, activity, good, or service described in our Content, Itineraries, Site, and Services or provided by any Travel Service Providers.

Don’t start planning without our cheat sheets

You’ll get:

• 4 can’t-miss activities on each island,
• a map with the main sights in town,
• and famous local grindz (eats)!

Review Cart

No products in the cart.

BY DESTINATION

OUTFIT OF THE WEEK

ALL FASHION

coupon codes

ALL OUTFITS

MY INSTAGRAM

links to my clothes

WEEKLY WRAP UP

MONTHLY FAVES

ALL LIFESTYLE

TYPE OF TRIP

OUTFIT GUIDES

TRAVEL GUIDES

At the beginning of January, I fulfilled my dreams of traveling to Hawaii and it was amazing, to say the least. We swam in the bluest waters and hiked next to the greenest greens. While it seemed crazy packing twenty outfits + a dozen swimsuits for our ten-day trip, to my surprise, I ended up wearing  all   but three items in my suitcase!

That being said, today I’m recapping everything I wore while sharing direct links for you to shop the items. Throughout this trip, I quickly learned which items were practical/not and racked up quite the list of must-haves/things to leave at home.

For reference, I visited Hawaii in January and it was eighty degrees and sunny every day. The winter is also known as their “rainy season” so almost every afternoon it would rain for about thirty minutes leaving things muggy and wet. Temperatures drop to the sixties in the evening so a few light layers are definitely needed. And, becuase there is so much more to do in Hawaii besides just lay on the beach, you’ll want to pack a wide variety of items.

As per usual, I’m giving you the full scoop throughout this post! Enjoy.

(click pink text for links to clothing items and/or photo locations)

There’s nothing I love more than a matching set for a day of travel. We had a long flight from Los Angeles to Hawaii so something comfy was a must. I loved that this set came with a cami-style top. I popped a hoodie over for the flight and shed the layer as soon as we stepped off the plane. Plus, this color was perfect! You can find me wearing these high top sneakers almost every travel day.

As for this fanny pack, it’s Lululemon and was life-changing on this trip. Adds a cute touch toe very outfit + is so convenient having all of your essentials within easy access.

set // sneakers // fanny pack

photo location  ✈ 441 Lewers Street

OFF TO THE BEACH

Spending our first day in Hawaii at the beach. We quickly learned that people here wear swimsuits just about anywhere, even to grab their morning coffee. So I slipped into a cute kini and then popped over a white linen two-piece set. I ended up mixing and matching these pieces quite a bit throughout our trip. You def need a pair of flowy shorts and a light long sleeve layer like this button-up for the evening as temperatures do drop quite a bit.

set // bikini // shoes 

photo location  ✈ Honolulu Coffee

Downtown Days

Trucker hats are back and better than ever this season. I figured this trip was the perfect time to pull out this smiley face one. It matched this pink top + white shorts combo perfectly. Of course, I had to slip into my white high tops and added a simple baguette bag to match!

top // shorts // sneakers // hat // purse

Keeping It Simple

I didn’t get a great photo in this fit but it was perfect for outdoor dining that I felt the need to include it in this outfit guide! As I said, it does get a little chillier at night here so definitely bring a pair of jeans. I just got this straight-leg pair from Express and have been wearing them a ton, especially throughout this trip. Keep em cuffed for a chill vibe. This tank is a sweater-like material with a fun open back.

As for shoes I have on a pair of baby block-heeled mules from Steve Madden. I have these in two colors and they were the only “nicer” shoe I ended up wearing on this trip.  Leave your heels at home;  I promise you won’t need/wear them. However, something short like these, that are easily walkable, can come with!

tank // jean s // shoes // purse

photo location  ✈ Waikiki Food Hall

Streetside Sass

Before dinner one evening, Sam and I set out to grab some streetside photos. I got these adorable matching sets from Zaful and they were so fun to photograph. Definitely a little dressy for your typical Hawaiian night out, but still a fun photo op. Plus, these pants are so flattering along your tush.

my set // sam’s set

photo location  ✈ 441 Lewers Street Crossroad

Rainforest Hike

Off to the rainforest for a morning, hike to see the waterfall! For this event, I wore my favorite Spanx pieces together. I swear by their longline sports bras as they are long enough to be worn on their own as a cropped tank. I also love their Get Moving Skorts. Have them in every color but black is definitely my most worn. They have built-in shorts + pockets which are both pluses.

Definitely do not wear white sneakers like I did and make sure to have a fanny pack and bug spray on hand!

sports bra // skirt // sneakers // fanny pack

photo location  ✈ Manoa Falls Trail

Coffee Date

Popped on this cute tee shirt dress for coffee and donuts. Something casual yet bright and happy like this piece is exactly what you’ll see tourists wearing around the area! Sneakers kept this fit casual and a matching claw clip was just what my humidity-ridden hair needed to keep it tamed.

dress // sneakers // claw clip // purse

photo location  ✈ Holey Grail Food Truck

Just Another Beach Day

Another day at the beach calls for a bright, happy bikini. This one is from Shop Aurelle and runs true to size. Rather than a cover-up, I’m slipping a pair of denim shorts over my bikini bottoms and calling it a day. These are from Princess Polly and I like them more than any other pair of denim shorts I’ve ever had. A  must.  As for my straw bag, she’s new from Banana Republic and I carried her around for most of the week. Can be worn on the crook of your arm or as a crossbody which is a plus!

bikini // shorts // bag // sunglasses 

photo location  ✈ Waikiki Beach Access

Balcony Beach Fit 

I know, I know tons of photos along our balcony. Our Airbnb had the best view so I made sure to take multiple photos along it. This suit is another Aurelle find. It runs a little small so I would definitely recommend sizing up. Added tons of gold jewels and a cute straw visor to complete this beach fit.

bikini // visor 

Palm Tree Laying

I loved this suit the second I laid eyes on it. I knew this blue and orange tropical print would be perfect for Hawaii and that it was. It has a tiny triangle top and cheeky bottoms to match. Lug a floppy hat 4,000 miles across the country. I promise it’s worth it for the photos.

bikini // hat

photo location  ✈ Kulaoa Ranch

If you’re doing any sort of surfing, paddleboarding, or water activity, I highly recommend this suit. It’s a long-sleeve one-piece and acts almost like a wetsuit, keeping you protected from the sun. I love the zipper front detail—you can leave it all the way up or even down to give it a plunging effect. I promise you’ll get lots of use out of a suit like this in Hawaii!

Orange You Glad 

Having myself the perfect beach day in this smocked suit. For starters, this bright orange is everything + makes you look so incredibly tan. I’ve got dozens of suits but this is by far one of my favorites, the triangle style top is incredibly flattering + gives you a basic tan line. As for these bottoms, they sit high up on your hips to slim the waist and elongate your legs.

bikini // cover up // hat

Exploring Pearl Harbor

This is another outfit that I *sadly* didn’t get that great of a photo in (sorry!). However, it was perfect for a day at Pearl Harbor so I’m including it regardless. You def want a tank top and shorts for this, no matter what time of year it is! It gets hot being outside all day and the sun is beating on the boats. I loved these light linen shorts—not too fancy but not too casual.

I got these color-blocked sneakers specifically for this trip and they matched beautifully. They have several different colors in them so they match a ton of outfits and were very comfortable for a day of walking around. Don’t forget sunglasses!

top // shorts // sneakers // fanny pack

photo location  ✈ Pearl Harbor USS Missouri

Beach Babe 

Sam and I wandered off to Lanaki Beach for the afternoon and I wore this adorable suit from SheIn. I’m obsessed with the mix of bright colors and these triangle tops this season! These bottoms are ruched so they are super minimal in coverage. For that reason, I popped on these white knit beach pants to cover up a bit! They are (obviously) super breathable and make this more of an “outfit”.

bikini // pants // shoes // sunglasses // bag

photo location  ✈ Lanikai Beach

Up In The Sky

I wore this bikini for a day at the Ko Olina Lagoons and it was perfect. I love this tropical print and the bright blue! Everything about these triangle tops is ideal. Not only are they crazy flattering but they give you a very basic tanline without moving around too much. These bottoms have a straight across fit that can be pulled a little higher up on the hips. They run a little big so I recommend sizing down.

photo location  ✈ Ko Olina Lagoons

Peachy Keen 

I’ve never gotten as many questions about a bikini as this one! It’s from SheIn and is adorable yet so tiny. These bandeau-style tops are adorable but definitely don’t work if you have a larger chest. As for the bottoms, the coverage along the back is next to nothing. Just a heads up!

bikini // hat 

Coffee Date 

Morning coffee along our balcony in a cute two-piece set. I brought so much green on this trip and honestly loved it. I felt so happy wearing so much color. This two-piece was complete with a halter tank and a mini skirt. Both pieces look adorable together and yet can be worn separately to get three outfits for the price of one. I always recommend sets on vacation as they help maximize your space + outfit choices. Those slip-on Steve Madden shoes were perfect with this. They are a great neutral that pairs well with everything.

set // shoes

photo location  ✈ Residence Inn Kapolei

Another Fav Kini 

One last bikini for ya! As you can tell, I did my fair share of swimsuit wearing on this trip. Honestly, it felt so good to be in a bikini laying under the sun. My body needed the Vitamin D badly! This bikini is another fav however, similar to the pink floral one, it’s super tiny in coverage all around. Bandeau tops are ideal though for no tan lines!

On The Move 

We switched locations a few times throughout our trip and on the morning we checked into a new hotel, I was wearing this fun color-blocked dress from Princess Polly. It’s a light, sweater-like material so it was ideal for the morning time before temperatures rose too much. It’s got a crazy flattering neckline and although a bodycon, it felt casual thanks to the color. I wore the pink version of those baby mules to give me a little lift. This transitioned into a downtown stroll + lunch fit beautifully!

dress // shoes 

Sitting poolside in the cutest swimmie you’ve ever seen! This olive green one-piece is among the most flattering in my collection with a high-leg cut and a plunging neckline. Don’t get me wrong it’s definitely not the most practical for swimming or tanning but it sure makes for a cute photo

Mini white linen dresses are absolutely the vibe here in Hawaii. People were wearing theme everywhere with simple sandals or even flip-flops. You can’t go wrong + they are so easy to toss over a swimsuit after a long beach day. Size up in this one as it did shrink up a bit in the wash!

photo location  ✈ Hyatt Centric Waikiki

Off To Dinner

Keeping things simple for dinner out. This olive green tank has the cutest ruched cups and a lace-up detail along the back that’s so fun. it comes in a few colors and is one of my fav tanks from Zaful! As I said, it does cool down at night so jeans were a must. I wore these Express ones several times since they were the perfect wash + casual enough.

I cuffed them and slipped into straw heels. I bring these on every tropical vacation ever. They pair with everything—honestly the only reason I didn’t wear them more was that flat shoes were more ideal for walking around.

top // jeans // shoes // bag

One of my favorite things that we were able to do throughout our trip was to attend a luau. Everyone who is coming to Hawaii for the first time needs to go to one… I was nervous as to what to wear but decided I couldn’t go wrong with something colorful + flowy. This two-piece set ended up being perfect. Not too casual + not too fancy.

It’s definitely a dress type of function but something to cover your legs is a must. I ended up wearing pink mules to match and popped a white button-up over top to keep my arms covered too!

set // shoes 

photo location  ✈ Sea Life

A Day of Exploring 

On our last day, we did a little bit of exploring around the North Shore, stopping at tons of different food spots to enjoy the good eats. This white two-piece set was a fan favorite. I love that the bottoms look like a skirt but are actually shorts—ideal for a photo op and still being able to move around. I kept things simple with just a pair of white flip-flops and added a pop of color with this cute tote. Tote bags are another must for this trip. They fold up super easily but are ideal for packing a change of clothes/throwing them on the ground. We used this one a ton

set // shoes // tote 

photo location  ✈ Halone Blowhole

Something Casual 

This tank top was  worn  let me tell you! I didn’t bring another casual tank so I ended up wearing this numerous times whether it be hanging around the hotel with leggings or with a pair of denim shorts for strolling around. Love this color combo and highly recommend bringing a few casual pieces like it.

tank top // shorts // sunglasses 

photo location  ✈ Dole Plantation

pin this post for later 

Having never been to Hawaii and doing no prior research on what to bring with me, I felt as though I did a  pretty  good job on packing for this trip. Don’t get me wrong, I obviously wore more than the average person throughout this trip for the sake of getting content + photos taken, however, even if I were there “normally” I found as though two outfits a day were still necessary as every activity is so different from the last.

Don’t forget to pack flip-flops, sunscreen, and a few extra tee shirts. You’ll have an absolute blast, I promise. Stay tuned for my Hawaii travel guide, chock full of restaurant, hotel, and activity recommendations next!

With love, McKenz

Latest Post:  Weekly Wrap Up #2 2022 Related Post:  A Floridian Winter Outfit Guide Instagram:  styledbymckenz  // YouTube:  McKenzie Morgan  // Pinterest:  mckenzmorgan

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

BRAND & WEB DESIGN BY GOOD ON PAPER®

© 2024 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED  STYLED BY MCKENZ | PRIVACY POLICY

What I Wore in Oahu, Hawaii: A Month of Style

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!

Share this:

You might also like, how to style a leopard skirt for fall, green resort wear edit, the floral midi dress i plan on wearing all winter, 19 comments, brooke butler.

I love these outfits, especially that white maxi dress! I just got back from a Hawaii trip and I completely agree with you – I definitely gave in to the “island life” and did the whole no makeup, comfy clothes thing.

xo, brooke http://www.blissfullybrooke.com

Sunshine Style

Thanks Brooke!!! =) I hope you blog about your adventures so I can read all about them! Yes, the island life is the best life!

Sunny Style Finds No. 3: Casual Summer Finds Under $100 - Sunshine Style

[…] What I Wore in Oahu, Hawaii: A Month of Style […]

Elizabeth Mayberry

This is SO fun! I want to do something like this! Like go to Hawaii for a month!!! I need to look into it! How did you book a place? Did your place have good wifi? My husband would still need to work while we are there!

Girl, you totally can! I will email you the answer to the question since it’s soooo long and detailed! Thanks though Beth!

The Pineapple Bag That Will Add Fun to Your Summer Wardrobe - Sunshine Style

Why i'm not your typical fashion blogger + casual summer outfit - sunshine style | florida based fashion and style blog by katie.

[…] What I Wore in Oahu, Hawaii: 10 Outfit Ideas […]

White Maxi Dresses Under $100 - Sunshine Style

12 stylish backpacks for travel and everyday - sunshine style.

[…] 10 Outfits I Wore In Hawaii […]

What to Wear to the Beach: A Casual Denim Shorts Outfit - Sunshine Style

[…] Shorts – I purchased these denim shorts right before I left for Hawaii and wore them in Oahu all the time! They are my most worn purchase of the summer and under $20! The cut on them is perfect, not to […]

Floral Dresses to Wear to a Wedding - Sunshine Style

[…] What I Wore in Hawaii […]

I’m off to Hawaii soon so this was awesome for giving me outfit inspirations. I LOVE that white maxi dress you wore as well!

Julia // The Sunday Mode

Thank you so so much Julia! This comment made my day! I hope you have SO much fun on your trip!!!

The Oahu, Hawaii Travel Guide for the Adventurer - Sunshine Style

[…] 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 […]

What to Pack for Hawaii + FREE Printable Packing Llist - Sunshine Style

[…] 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 […]

Your Top 10 Favorite Blog Posts of 2019 - Sunshine Style | Florida Fashion and Lifestyle Blog

[…] 10 Outfits I Wore in Hawaii […]

One Piece Swimsuits That Are Fun and Flattering - Sunshine Style

[…] 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 intere… […]

What to Wear on a Warm-Weather Vacation - Sunshine Style

[…] a vacation! Mini, midi or maxi dresses are all great options! Personally, I usually always have a white dress (wore it a million times in Hawaii) and a more statement and colorful dress on hand to wear on […]

20 Beautiful Beach Outfits for Skinny Girls to Try This Year

[…] Via […]

Leave a Reply Cancel Reply

Notify me of follow-up comments by email.

Notify me of new posts by email.

© 2015 - Solo Pine. All Rights Reserved. Designed & Developed by SoloPine.com

What to Pack & What to Wear in Hawaii

By: Author Jessica Lam

Posted on Published: November 15, 2019  - Last updated: March 2, 2024

Categories Hawaii

Thank you to the Hawai‘i Visitors and Convention Bureau for sponsoring part of this post on what outfits to pack for a Hawaii vacation. As always, all opinions are my own.

Hawaii is an absolute dream, and it’s become one of our favourite destinations to visit.

Honolulu was the first warm weather vacation we’d ever booked (besides Montreal during the heatwave lol), and I had absolutely no clue what to pack for it.

To me, overpacking is better than under packing, so that’s exactly what I did.

We spent 10 days in Oahu during the beginning of September, and the weather was pretty dang hot.

It did get windy in the evenings, but overall we were fine wearing summer clothes the entire trip.

Apparently Hawaii doesn’t get any colder than 18 degrees Celsius , so it’s safe to assume that it’s hot all year-round, minus the wind!

If you’re looking for even more fun activities and things to do in Oahu, be sure to check out some local tours !

Here’s my little guide on what to pack and what outfits to wear during your vacation in Hawaii.

The first part of this post is dedicated on actual things to pack, while the second part of this post features the actual outfits I wore during our Hawaii vacation!

Plan your Oahu trip

If you’re planning a trip to  Hawaii , here are some other posts to help you plan your perfect trip:

• Planning your outfits? Here’s what to wear in Hawaii .
• Putting together your itinerary? Check out my 10 day Oahu itinerary .
• Searching for cool spots? Check out these Oahu hikes or Instagrammable spots in Oahu .
• Looking for places to eat? Stop into the best restaurants , poke spots , brunch spots , or dessert spots in Oahu .

Where to stay in Oahu

Waikiki is the main touristy part of Oahu, and it’s the perfect neighbourhood to stay in – there are tons of amazing restaurants , great shopping, and fun beach activities all within walking distance!

The great thing about Oahu is that you can basically drive from one end of the island to the other in an hour (without traffic).

We usually stay in multiple accommodations in areas we’ll be visiting, but we were able to stay in one place the entire time!

If you’re looking to book your flights and hotels for Hawaii, I’d highly recommend using Expedia  so you can collect points towards free rewards and discounts.

Hotels in Waikiki

Here are a few great hotel options depending on your budget:

• Vive Hotel Waikiki ($): A super cute and colourful 3-star boutique hotel.
• Hilton Hawaiian Village ($$): 4-star resort with a fantastic outdoor shopping centre within it, and they have free fireworks every Friday evening (open to the public)!
• Moana Surfrider ($$): Modern and chic 4-star hotel right on Waikiki Beach.
• Royal Hawaiian ($$$): Luxurious 5-star hotel right on Waikiki Beach with a gorgeous pink exterior.

Airbnbs in Waikiki

As most hotels in Waikiki were out of our budget, we opted for an Airbnb (and even got a weekly discount on it).

Airbnbs are a lot more budget-friendly, especially if you plan on doing a longer stay (like we did with our 10 days in Oahu).

If you prefer to stay in Airbnbs, I also have a separate blog post all about how to find the best Airbnbs !

What to pack for Hawaii

The great thing about packing for hot destinations is that the clothes are lighter and thinner.

However, the bad thing is that you have to pack even more because your clothes will be too sweaty to wear more than once.

If you have access to a laundry machine at your accommodations, you can pack less and just wash your clothes during the trip, or you can even hand wash your clothes in the sink.

You can definitely pack for Hawaii in just a carry-on, but be sure to not overpack clothes you won’t wear like I did!

Adam and I both traveled with carry-ons, and I ended up having to stuff some of my souvenirs into his luggage.

I overpacked clothes and outfits for our Hawaii vacation as I wasn’t sure what to expect with the weather.

I ended up not wearing any of my kimonos, my long-sleeve romper, or my rain coat because it was just so hot.

All you really need is breathable clothing and swimwear!

Here’s what you need to pack for your Hawaii vacation outfits .

If you plan on getting cute Instagram photos along the beach, feel free to bring multiple swimsuits.

I brought 3 one piece swimsuits and 1 bikini, and ended up just wearing the same one piece the entire time.

I did wear the bikini once, but the colour soaked through one of my rompers and I ended up having to toss them both out.

It totally felt like a Regina George moment lol.

I also have a separate blog post all about the best swimsuits on Amazon if you’re looking for more cute pieces!

You’re going to want to have breezier, flowy dresses for the daytime and more fitted or longer dresses for the evening.

It gets hot  during the day, and having clothes that’ll just stick to you all day won’t feel nice.

Opt for linen dresses (or any breathable materials) that you can move around in and won’t stick to your body.

When the sun comes down it gets windy, and you won’t want your dress flying up on you.

I’d recommend fitted dresses or maxi dresses for the evening time!

Pants ain’t fun to wear when it’s boiling hot outside.

Have you ever suffered from sweaty butt? I know I have.

I’d recommend wearing baggier shorts that aren’t annoying to wear over your swimsuit.

Denim shorts are fine, but definitely not as comfortable as baggy ones.

I wouldn’t recommend wearing pants unless you have no choice or want your butt to sweat even more than it already will.

Athletic wear

If you’re going to do any hikes, you’re going to want to wear as little as possible.

I wore sports bras and gym shorts and still got unbearably sweaty.

The combination of fitness and sunshine ain’t a fun time for your sweat glands.

If you’re not comfortable baring so much skin, throw on a breathable tank and wear leggings that are any other colour than black.

Footwear & accessories

I packed some jewelry, but didn’t end up wearing any of it because I didn’t want to be even more uncomfortable.

While jewelry can make your Hawaii vacation outfits a lot cuter, you don’t want more things sticking to your bod than necessary.

If anything, wear them in the evening time when the weather is cooler out!

As for shoes, comfy footwear is essential for wandering around the beach and doing any hikes.

You’ll want a good pair of sandals and running or hiking shoes!

Be sure to wear durable sandals that won’t get damaged by water.

I wore pretty sandals from Sam Edelman and Steve Madden, and they got destroyed beyond repair.

I wish I’d worn my Birkenstocks instead.

You’re bound to do some hiking or at least walking while you’re in Hawaii.

Bring along a comfortable pair of sneakers that you’ll be able to walk uphill in.

Adidas Ultraboost 1.0 sneakers are my favourite walking sneakers, but feel free to bring any comfortable sneaks!

Hiking shoes

If you’re planning on doing some of the more difficult hikes in Hawaii, definitely wear hiking shoes instead of sneakers.

I did fall pretty hard one time when I decided to wear sneakers instead of hiking shoes!

Walking down sandy hills ain’t fun with regular shoes.

My Columbia Newton hiking shoes are amazing, and I take them on any trips where there’s hiking involved.

Not only are sun hats super cute for photos, they protect your face!

When it gets windier in the evenings, you’ll have to hold onto your hats, but they’re great for the daytime.

Baseball caps are also great for when you’re hiking.

The Hawaiian sun ain’t no joke, my friends.

Beauty & skincare

Bb or cc cream.

When the weather’s this warm, you’re going to want to feel like there’s nothing on your face.

Go with a tinted moisturizer, BB cream, or CC cream instead of foundation.

Or if your skin is already flawless, sport sunscreen on its own!

I used IT Cosmetics’ CC Cream during our trip, but I’ve linked a few other favourites below.

Waterproof makeup

If you are wearing makeup, you’ll want it to last all day through the sweat and the sunshine.

Go with waterproof makeup to keep your makeup lasting all day long, even if you do a little swimming.

The NYX Matte Setting Spray and Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray are both awesome for finishing off your makeup.

Sunscreen is  so  important anywhere you go, anytime of year.

Beginning 2021 , sunscreen with coral-harming ingredients will be banned in Hawaii, but you might as well start using safe sunscreens now.

Coola makes an amazing clean sunscreen that’s good for your skin and the environment.

Adam and I both got sunburnt while in Hawaii even though we applied sunscreen every few hours, so you’re going to want to apply it constantly.

If you get burnt, this Vaseline Aloe Lotion is  amazing  for treating sunburns.

Shampoo & conditioner

Our typical days in Hawaii were spent exploring in the morning, coming back to our Airbnb in the late afternoon, then heading back out in the evenings.

We took quick rinses every time we got back to the Airbnb in the afternoon, then we took proper showers when we got back at night.

I know it’s bad to wash your hair every single day, but I had to do it every night since my head got so sweaty.

If you don’t want to wash your hair everyday, you can totally just bring some dry shampoo and call it a day.

Otherwise, bring along a travel size shampoo and conditioner .

Don’t forget a hair brush to comb out those ocean tangles!

Body wash or soap

Since you’ll likely be showering a lot, bring a good amount of body wash or a soap bar .

No worries if you end up running out – you can pick up some more at one of the several Walmart stores in Oahu.

Moisturizer & lotion

The salty ocean ain’t too friendly for anyone who suffers from dry skin.

Be sure to pack a good face moisturizer , as well as a body moisturizer.

The Olay Anti-Aging Moisturizer is a great one for dry skin, and it contains SPF 15.

I’d recommend using the Vaseline Aloe Lotion – it doubles up as a daily moisturizer and a treatment for sunburns!

Otherwise, Cetaphil is a great body moisturizer that comes in a mini travel size.

Don’t forget deodorant to keep that vacation stank away.

I love the natural deodorant from the brand Routine , and they even have mini deodorants for travel.

Kopari is another great clean brand that offers natural deodorant, but the packaging is pretty large.

Of course, you can’t forget your toothbrush, toothpaste , and mouth wash .

I usually get travel size toothpastes and mouth wash bottles from my dentist, but you can find them at Shopper’s Drug Mart or on Amazon.

Waterproof phone case

I’ve taken my waterproof phone case around the world with me, and it’s the best thing ever.

It’s great for taking into the pool, snorkelling, whale watching, and basically any situation you want your phone to stay dry and around your neck.

I even wore it when we went zip lining in Hawaii!

You can get away with taking underwater photos with a waterproof phone case, but I found it super hard to control my phone and swim (I’m a beginner) at the same time.

A GoPro will take higher quality photos and videos, and you can even get a head strap so you won’t have to worry about holding it.

Additional things to pack for Hawaii

I’ll also include some other random necessities that you’ll want to pack with you for your trip to Hawaii.

Beach towels

Bring both towels to lay on and to dry yourself with.

A microfibre travel towel is awesome because it dries quickly, and it’s lightweight enough to carry around.

Any long towel will work for chillin’ on the beach, but feel free to grab a cute beach towel !

Brita water bottle

You’ll want to bring along a water bottle for when you’re swimming at the beaches or doing intense hikes.

The Brita water bottle  is great for the environment – refill it with tap water at your Airbnb or hotel and gets filtered when you drink from the bottle!

What outfits to wear during your Hawaii vacation

In need of some inspo for cute outfits for your Hawaii vacation?

While you’ll see a lot of tourists sporting Hawaiian shirts and flip flops, you’re probably going to want to dress a little cuter for all your Instagram photos.

I have a separate blog post all about cute Hawaii vacation outfits to wear!

Outfits for tourist activities in Hawaii

Hawaiian shirt & denim shorts

Adam and I bought matching Hawaiian shirts at a local Walmart in Honolulu .

It was super cute tucked in or tied up over my Levi’s white denim shorts !

While it was fine for skydiving, it was the worst outfit ever to go hiking on a hot day.

We did the pillbox hikes while fully out in the sun and my shirt was entirely drenched in sweat by the time we got back down!

And when we did get down, I slipped and fell at the bottom because I decided it would be smart to wear sneakers instead of hiking shoes.

My white shorts were no longer white, of course.

Anyway, this was a super cute outfit for Hawaii but I would probably just wear this to casual tourist activities that don’t involve hiking, like skydiving or ziplining.

Simple t-shirt & denim shorts

We spent most of this day at Kualoa Ranch , and I wanted to wear something that would be comfortable to zipline in.

My white shorts got pretty dirty along the way (on top of the dirt from falling at the pillbox hikes), but at least my outfit looked cute, right?

Just kidding, don’t wear white shorts here.

We also explored various tree swings scattered along the beach by Kamehameha Highway.

Outfits for hiking in Hawaii

Sports bra & sport shorts

We started off this day at the Makapu’u Lighthouse trail, and I wore a sports bra and gym shorts.

I was nervous that it might be too ~scandalous~ to dress like this, but there were other girls dressed similarly.

Comfort over conservativeness, ya know?

Even though it was earlier in the day, there was still plenty of sunshine and heat, and it was the perfect hiking outfit.

The entire trail was on a paved sidewalk, so running shoes were fine.

There is an off-the-path trail that involves some actual hiking, which hiking shoes may have been better for.

But I wanted my outfit to match 😉

I was especially glad I wore a sports bra and gym shorts on this day.

We did the Diamond Head and Maili Pillbox hikes, both of which were extremely tiring and sweaty.

Hiking shoes aren’t necessary for Diamond Head, and I ended up wearing my sneakers for that one.

Ignore all the online reviews for Maili Pillbox, and take my word for it that you’ll want hiking shoes and as little (or more breathable) clothing as possible.

It’s not an easy one, especially in the afternoon sun!

While these Nike Dri-Fit shorts were great and comfortable for hiking, they were really sweaty by the end, so I’d recommend wearing shorts without any underwear lining inside.

Outfits for Hawaiian beach days

One piece swimsuit & denim shorts

A super cute and easy Hawaii outfit you can wear is a simple one piece swimsuit with shorts.

Great for a day of exploring the beach or doing any water activities like snorkelling!

This way, you can easily change out of your shorts and hop right into the water.

No need to worry about finding a change room or changing on the beach (I had to do this one time under a towel lol).

Another simple beach outfit you can’t go wrong with is a chic romper.

Just throw it on over a bandeau bikini and you’re set for a day of relaxing.

Also don’t wear any nice shoes on your beach days, because they’ll got totally KOed.

Wear durable sandals that won’t get ruined by water, like Birkenstocks .

This button down midi dress was probably one of the worst outfits I could’ve worn to climb this tree, but you shouldn’t be climbing this tree anyway, folks.

However, it’s great for wearing over swimsuits!

I  loved  wearing midi dresses throughout this trip because they were so darn comfortable and they didn’t fly up in the wind.

Outfits for walking around Waikiki and Honolulu

I wore this outfit for our first day out of exploring, and it was perfect for walking around Waikiki and scouting out Terrace House locations.

To dress up my outfits a little more, I pretty much wore this straw hat every single day.

It made simple outfits just a little more interesting!

You can’t go wrong with some cute and simple dresses for your Hawaii vacation.

Definitely bring at least one “date night” dress to your Hawaii trip.

Dressing up for dinner makes it feel more like you’re going out on dates (if you’re with your partner) rather than just eating out because you’re on vacation.

If you won’t be going on any date nights, it’s still nice to feel extra pretty with a nicer dress!

Crop top & midi skirt

A simple tube top goes great with a flowy midi skirt.

It lets your armpits breathe, cuz that’s important when it’s hot af outside.

You can also pack a few different midi skirts to wear with the tube top, so it’s a versatile outfit to wear in Hawaii!

Matching two-piece set

Okay, so like I said earlier, pants aren’t the best option in Hawaii’s heat.

You’ll be sweating non-stop during the day, but you’ll definitely be fine in the evening.

This is another cute date night outfit to wear for Hawaii!

Hawaii has become one of our most favourite places in the world, and we can’t wait to go back and explore the other islands.

Hopefully this post gave you some inspiration on what to pack and outfits to wear for your vacation in Hawaii!

You can also check out my Oahu vlog on YouTube to see more of our trip!

Have you been to Hawaii before? What were some of your packing essentials? What kinds of outfits did you wear for your Hawaii vacation? Let me know on Twitter or Instagram !

Be sure to keep up with me on  Instagram , TikTok ,  Twitter , Facebook , and  Pinterest  if you aren’t already!

Feel free to subscribe to my weekly newsletter to get my blog posts delivered straight to your inbox.

Like this post? Pin it for later!

Sharing is Caring

Help spread the word. You're awesome for doing it!