What colors to wear to Hawaii?

Are you really wanting to capture your fun Hawaiian vacation? Think tropical, bright colors! For an effortless, cool, relaxed look… whites and beiges. It's up to you, but it is usually a good idea to stay away from black and darker hues.



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What Do Hawaiians Wear?
  • Aloha attire for women : Slacks and a blouse are great as well as an aloha-style dress and sandals.
  • Aloha attire for men: Aloha shirts (obviously) with either loose fitting pants (think linen or cotton) or tasteful length shorts. Polo shirts are also great.


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Hawaiian attire is always the way to go, which usually includes muumuu dresses, skirts, leis (which you'll get as you enter most Maui luaus), aloha shirts, shorts, and slippahs (or flip-flops). Any of these choices represents the islands well!

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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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While jeans are technically acceptable in Hawaii, they may not be the most comfortable or practical option for exploring the islands. With the warm and humid climate, lightweight fabrics should be your go-to choice when packing for your trip.

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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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Generally, most locals are happy to see the tourists come and see what life means for them, especially those activities that depict a life many have never seen, learned, or experienced.

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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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Long sleeves | A long-sleeved top, track jacket or popover will keep you warm in places like Upcountry Maui or on early morning hikes. Rain jacket | Throw on a rain jacket or windbreaker if you're visiting in the wet season. These can also come in handy on windy boat rides.

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These are the clothing basics for what to pack for Hawaii – weeklong vacation:
  • Swimsuits (2)
  • Swimsuit cover ups (2)
  • Outfits for tours (like shorts and a top or a sundress) (1-2)
  • Nicer outfit/dress for fancy dinners or night out in Honolulu (1-2)
  • Beach sandals.
  • Water shoes.


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Hawaiian Style Tip #1: Aloha Attire
  1. Aloha attire for women : Slacks and a blouse are great as well as an aloha-style dress and sandals.
  2. Aloha attire for men: Aloha shirts (obviously) with either loose fitting pants (think linen or cotton) or tasteful length shorts. Polo shirts are also great.


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Locals refer to evening wear as Aloha attire. Think dressy casual, a style that welcomes sandals in place of high heels and floral dresses instead of cocktail ones. So, if you've already packed a lovely sundress or two and some fancy sandals, you don't even have to wonder what to wear in Hawaii come evening.

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Hawaii is the last place you have to worry about fashion rules like that. With my mom, it was no white until after Memorial Day. And no white shoes unless your dress was all white or predominantly white. But Hawaii is different, and it's summer all year long.

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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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Take a light jacket or sweater, but chances are you won't even wear that. Of course, if you're planning to stargaze atop Mauna Kea volcano or see sunrise at the summit of Haleakala, you'll need heavier attire because it can dip below the 30s Fahrenheit there.

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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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