What should I wear while in Hawaii?

Look for clothes in cotton or linen, as these natural fabrics are the most breathable, so they're perfect for Hawaii's heat and humidity. Pack versatile clothing that you can mix and match, and dress up and down. Leave your denim at home! Denim feels so hot and bulky in the tropics.



People Also Ask

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.


MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

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!

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

Beach blankets are always necessary in Hawaii, but since it can be windy on beaches, regular blankets will just get blown around, or get filled with sand. Most importantly, it's not easy to dry them at the end of the day.

MORE DETAILS

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.


MORE DETAILS

You won't wear jeans in Hawaii, I promise! Once you feel the warm, humid air in the islands, you'll understand why. Denim just feels way too heavy for Hawaii. Instead of jeans, pack leggings (for hiking or as part of your airplane outfit) or lightweight pants.

MORE DETAILS

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!

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

Culex quinquefasciatus is found on all islands and is the most common nigh-biting mosquito in Hawaii. The immature stages of all mosquitoes occur in water; only the adult mosquito lives out of water. Up to 250 are laid singly or in clusters, depending on the species.

MORE DETAILS

Beach Towel You definitely need to bring a beach towel on your Hawaii vacation, but not just any old towel will do! When packing for Hawaii, you'll want to bring a sand-resistant beach towel or blanket to lounge around on. For drying off, I suggest a quick drying microfiber towel. Leave all other bulky towels at home!

MORE DETAILS

  • Turkish towel (rolls up very small and can be used as a beach towel or as a blanket on the plane)
  • Liquid toiletries in a clear bag – face sunscreen, body sunscreen, shampoo, conditioner, lotion, body wash, face wash, toothpaste.
  • Hairbrush.
  • Sunglasses.
  • 2 Books.
  • Silk sleep mask.
  • Ear plugs.
  • Headphones.


MORE DETAILS

For a one week trip, that means you'll spend anywhere from $350 to $1000 per week. Just remember that if you do choose to get a car rental in Hawaii, you'll need to be aware of parking fees. Parking fees around the cities cost just a few dollars per hour.

MORE DETAILS

You'll want at least two sets of swimwear so that you can dry one out each day. Washing and repeating other outfits is a great way to save space in the suitcase and many hotels and condos have laundry facilities for longer stays.

MORE DETAILS

Do the clothing countdown: If you need a mantra to help streamline your wardrobe, use the 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 rule for a weeklong trip: Limit yourself to no more than five sets of socks and underwear, four tops, three bottoms, two pairs of shoes and one hat.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS