Do they wear shoes in Hawaii?

You'll find that most Hawaiian homes have hardwood floors or tile, and the air temperature never makes going shoe-less uncomfortable. So, in Hawaii's tropical temperatures, it's a mild inconvenience, but taking off your shoes shows a lot of respect for the household.



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While it is very common on the Hawaiian Islands to go barefoot or wear flip-flops (locals call them slippers), you should never spend the day at the Polynesian Cultural Center or any of the many outdoor activities across our island without the proper footwear. Make sure you wear some good walking shoes or sneakers!

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In Hawaii, locals don't wear “flip-flops,” nor do they wear “thongs.” What you should understand is the deep island pride in the iconic rubber slipper, also known as the “slippah,” which traces its roots back to the Japanese zori (traditional flat sandals made of rice straw or plant fibers) and came into popular use in ...

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Flip-flops should be fine, regardless of where you will go in Hawaii. In fact, some high-end restaurants will allow guests to wear a pair of flip-flops. But some restaurants have dress codes, so it is best to call in advance to find out the most suitable clothing to wear when going for a fancy dinner.

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Anyone can wear an aloha shirt without risking offense to Hawaiians. Hawaiians didn't invent them; they didn't exist until well into the 1900s, and were originated (reputedly) by a Chinese merchant based on colorful Japanese prints, in a Honolulu dry goods store.

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Only ancient kapuna are allowed to wear socks and slippers, with the sock material squished up in their toe gap. Socks should only be worn with dress or athletic shoes, and please, match white ankle socks with white shoes and black socks with black shoes. No knee highs.

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Dress for Success
  1. Hawaiian/Aloha shirts.
  2. Board shorts.
  3. Loose-fitting pants or shorts.
  4. Comfortable shoes like sandals or flip flops.
  5. Colorful sundresses.
  6. Muumuu dresses.
  7. Tank tops.
  8. Pa'u hula skirts.


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It's tempting to leave your pants at home, but Hawaii can get (a little) chilly at night. Especially during the winter or if you're staying somewhere at elevation. A pair of simple, loose-fitting linen pants or travel chinos are a great way to add a little sophistication to your evening look.

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From historic surf towns and colorful art districts to former plantation neighborhoods, Hawai?i is home to many great walkable regions. And you'll quickly notice an afternoon can easily slip away when exploring them.

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Hawaii itself is around 80 degrees year-round so you likely won't need these to wear there, except for maybe at night. Every single indoor place in Hawaii is air conditioned excessively which is why sometimes jeans are helpful!

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Here's a quick guide to some local customs and traditions: The Hawaiian way to greet someone is with a kiss on the cheek. Always remember to remove your shoes before entering someone's house. When you are invited over to someone's house for a get together, don't show up empty handed.

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Lightweight Rain Jacket: Of course, you can always buy one of those plastic parkas at the local drugstore, but those never seem to do the trick of keeping you dry. Bring something lightweight that is waterproof and can easily be thrown over your outfit to keep you dry.

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For many establishments, the cost of renting space may be one of their highest operating expenses. To offset these costs, businesses may choose to close early and focus on maximizing their revenue during peak hours.

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Flip flops or sandals are island-casual. You'll see all the locals wearing these around town, on the beach, and out to dinner. They're easy to slip on and off, and most importantly, they let all that Hawaiian beach sand just slide right out.

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One of the Hawaiian words first learned by most non-Hawaiians is wahine for “woman.” Kane for “man” and wahine for “woman” are often painted on restroom doors. It also means lady, wife, female, queen in a deck of cards, and even femininity.

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