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From its beautiful beaches to its stunning waterfalls, Hawaii is truly an incredible vacation destination.
If you are planning a trip to Hawaii, you may be wondering what to wear in this tropical paradise. Well, as someone who has recently been to several of the Hawaiian islands, I’ve created the ultimate Hawaii packing list that you can use for your trip.
What to Wear in Hawaii: Style Tips
The local style in Hawaii leans towards bright, bold, and fun attire. Flowy maxi dresses, colorful sundresses, and iconic Hawaiian shirts are ideal for the islands’ tropical vibe.
Given the islands’ laid-back atmosphere, most of your wardrobe can consist of casual pieces.
Naturally, Hawaii tends to be pretty warm year-round, so pack lightweight and breezy clothing. Of course, (like when packing for Aruba) you’ll also need to bring a few of your favorite swimsuits!
What to Wear on the Plane: Comfy & Cozy
Depending on where you are coming from, the flight to Hawaii may be long – especially from the East Coast USA. So, the key to what to wear on the plane to Hawaii is to dress for comfort.
My current favorite travel outfit is a one-piece athleisure jumpsuit or romper– it’s basically as leggings or biker shorts with an attached top, elevating the style a bit. I accompany it with an oversized jacket or sweatshirt to add an additional layer of style and comfort.
I recommend wearing tennis shoes with socks because some airports require you to take your shoes off while going through security. Lately, my personal favorite travel shoe is the Mega Crush Clog Croc. Think Crocs- but more stylish- with its platform bottom.
Lastly, if your flight is 6+ hours you may want to bring a pair of compression socks. This helps keep your blood circulating when sitting for long periods and this particular brand comes in cute designs.
What to Wear in Hawaii during the Day
During the day, you’ll want to keep it pretty casual. Feel free to play around with some bright colors and patterns to match the overall atmosphere of Hawaii.
Bright & Colorful Sundresses
Wearing a bright, colorful sundress is the perfect way to match Hawaii’s vibe and stay cool in the tropical climate.
As with other beach destinations (like when I pack for Jamaica), I suggest bringing a few different styles of sundresses, as they are cute and comfortable, plus they’re easy to pack in a suitcase. I usually bring a few short sundresses and at least one longer maxi dress to wear.
Not to mention, you can use maxis and sundresses as swimsuit coverups. The recent trend is to pair a T-shirt over a dress. Simply knot the shirt close to your waistline – either in the front or back. Now you have a new outfit, with the same dress!
Cute Tops and Tanks
In addition to sundresses, make sure to pack a variety of tops and tanks that you can wear throughout your trip.
Neutral tops are a great choice for easy mixing and matching with different bottoms. But also remember, you’re in Hawaii! So don’t shy away from colorful options in this vibrant setting. When it comes to the cut and material of your shirts, you’ll want to prioritize comfort, especially in the heat. Opt for breathable cotton or lightweight shirts that allow for airflow and won’t stick to your skin.
For more active adventures, consider packing a lightweight workout tank top or shirt to stay comfortable and cool.
Shorts/Skirts
During the day it will likely be warm, so bringing a few pairs of shorts is a good choice. If you like to be more on the dressy side, you can also add in a skirt or two, which can be easily worn during the day or night.
I have an affinity towards skirts – especially in the heat. You won’t find a more breathable option! I lean towards skirts for every warm-weather destination, even upscale trips like when I pack for Miami.
Hawaiian Shirts
While it may seem touristy, wearing a Hawaiian shirt is very common in Hawaii, especially for guys. These shirts are lightweight and breezy which makes them super comfortable to wear in Hawaii’s warm climate.
Plus, Hawaiian print clothing doesn’t just come in shirts – check out this huge variety of clothing that simply screams “Hawaii!”
Rompers and 2-Piece Coordinating Outfits
I love an outfit that I don’t have to think about matching a top and a bottom. That’s why both rompers and 2-piece coordinating outfits are my go-to’s.
A short romper is my personal favorite – you can easily dress them up or down based on your choice of shoes and accessories. If you anticipate needing frequent bathroom breaks, consider selecting a romper style that’s easy to put on and take off.
I’ve also become a big fan of 2-piece coordinating outfits for traveling, as they offer the flexibility to create multiple outfits by wearing the pieces together or separately. I especially love sets with wide-leg bottoms and either a fitted or crop top for a chic and comfortable look.
Sandals
I recommend bringing a cute pair of sandals for shoes to wear casually during the day in Hawaii. Opt for sandals with backs or straps around the ankles to ensure comfort when walking around and exploring.
Hawaii Packing List: Beach Wear
Swimsuits
Hawaii is famous for its stunning beaches, so of course you’ll want to pack a few different swimsuit options!
I recommend bringing a good mix of swimsuits as you will be wearing them a lot in Hawaii. Make sure to have some different styles, colors, and patterns to choose from!
For example, you’ll want to bring some cute and stylish swimsuits for relaxing on the beach. This may include a colorful bikini or tankini.
One thing to know about Hawaii is that there are lots of water activities, like kayaking to waterfalls or snorkeling with turtles! For this, you may want to bring a more conservative, comfortable swimsuit that will stay in place so you can focus on enjoying the activity.
Beach Coverups
Bringing a few beach coverups is a must when visiting Kauai and the rest of Hawaii, as you may want to head straight from the beach to a restaurant or one of the shops.
While you may see some people walking around town in bathing suits in more touristy areas like Waikiki, it isn’t the best idea to do so. Instead, if you are going to walk around town, throw on a coverup like a lightweight sundress, kaftan, romper, skirt, or oversized shirt.
One benefit to bringing some beach coverups is that many of these items can also be used for casual wear during the daytime, especially lightweight dresses, rompers, and skirts.
Beach Bag
Make sure to pack a waterproof beach bag as it will make it so much easier to carry items to the beach and ensure your belongings don’t get wet. If you are trying to limit the amount of items you pack, you can even bring a day-night bag that can be used both as a beach bag and for going out at night.
Sunglasses
A good pair of sunglasses is a must-have item in Hawaii, especially if you plan to lounge on the beach. Not only will sunglasses keep your eyes protected and make it easier to see in the bright sun, but they also add some style to any daytime outfit.
And if you’re like me and can’t just bring one pair, get a compact sunglass organizer to keep all of your sunnies safe and scratch-free.
Sunhat
A sunhat is another good item for the beach, as it will keep your face shaded and is a cute accessory to any beach outfit. I love bringing a rollable sunhat as they are easy to pack in your suitcase.
Keep in mind that some days in Hawaii can be windy, so make sure to leave it in the hotel room if it is too windy out. I also would avoid bringing it on any boat tours because they can be breezy.
What to Wear to a Luau
Going to a Luau is a great way to experience the local culture by watching the hula dancers and enjoying some traditional food. Plus, it’s a fun way to spend the evening in Hawaii!
In general, Luau attire is fairly casual but consists of bright colors and flowery patterns that give off that tropical Hawaiian feel.
Flowy Dress
For women, a colorful, flowy dress is the perfect thing to wear to a Luau. Think vibrant colors with floral patterns as this matches the tropical energy of the Luau. Another option is a colorful maxi skirt or a two-piece set.
Aloha Shirt
Men will want to wear an Aloha Shirt, also known as a Hawaiian shirt. These can include classic bold prints with things like flowers, surfboards, or palm trees. Then pair it with some linen shorts or khaki pants.
For guys who don’t want to wear a Hawaiian shirt, another option is a button-down short-sleeved shirt.
Luau Accessories
Of course, you’ll want to add some cute accessories to your Luau outfit. A must-have is a Hawaiin lei, which is a colorful flower necklace.
Some Luau’s will provide a lei when you enter the event, but you can also buy one beforehand if you want a specific color.
Other popular Luau accessories may include a cute shell necklace or a tropical flower hairpin.
What to Wear Hiking in Hawaii
Hawaii is known for its incredible hiking, so whether you are going on short hikes searching for waterfalls on the island of Maui or hiking the famous Kalalau Trail of Kauai, you’ll want to bring some good gear.
Hiking Boots
The most important thing to wear hiking is a good pair of hiking boots or shoes because the terrain can be uneven on hiking trails in Hawaii.
Hiking boots should have excellent grip and provide sturdy footing. I personally like the ones that are waterproof and give you some support around your ankles, such as these Columbia Hiking Boots.
If you are only going on short hikes or on paved trails, you may be able to get away with regular tennis shoes if they have a good grip and are sturdy. However, I’d still recommend hiking tennis shoes or active sandals—especially if you’re hiking in Hawaii with kids.
Hiking Pants
Even though the temperatures can be warm in Hawaii, I’d still suggest wearing hiking pants or lightweight leggings as these will best protect your legs when on the trail. This is especially a good idea for trails that have a lot of plant life and vegetation.
I love this style of hiking pants because they are lightweight and water-resistant, which is helpful if you get up close to some of the waterfalls!
Lightweight T-Shirt & Jacket
When hiking in Hawaii, you’ll want to wear layers. I suggest a shirt that’s quick dry with SPF Protection or a workout tank top that will be nice and breezy if it starts to get too hot out.
Then, you can layer over top with a light jacket or long sleeve pull over. This can be helpful if it is windy out or if you are doing an early morning hike or hiking somewhere with higher elevation like the Haleakala Crater in Maui.
Backpack
Don’t forget to also bring a backpack while hiking in Hawaii. You’ll want to bring a backpack that is lightweight and comfortable to carry but also has enough space for a large water bottle, some protein snacks, a light jacket, a camera, or anything else you plan on bringing on the hike.
What to Wear at Night in Hawaii
Nighttime in Hawaii is still pretty casual, similar to during the day. You will want to put the shorts or athletic clothes away, but in general, wearing a tropical color sundress or a maxi dress is perfect.
Keep in mind that it can get chilly in the evenings, so you may want a shawl or wrap.
What do you wear to dinner in Hawaii?
For dinner in Hawaii think casual-chic outfits, nothing too fancy. This mostly will consist of long, flowy dresses or skirts paired with a stylish top. You can really elevate an outfit with statement jewelry, especially if you plan to have dinner at a nice, family-friendly resort in Hawaii.
For shoes, a cute pair of sandals does the trick. No need for heels, especially if you are having dinner near the beach.
If you are a heels and dressy dress girlie, be sure to book a more upscale restaurant or venue to wear this type of outfit.
Men will want to wear a lightweight button-up shirt or a classy Hawaiian shirt, paired with some khaki pants or a nice pair of jeans.
Hawaii Packing List: Must Have Toiletries
Reef Safe Sunscreen
One super important thing to bring to Hawaii is Reef Safe Sunscreen. In 2021, the state banned the use of regular sunscreens that have the chemicals oxybenzone and octinoxate because they harm the coral reefs.
So, make sure to get Reef Safe Sunscreen like this one to bring on your trip. Not only does it keep you safe from the strong UV rays, but it also protects Hawaii’s marine environment!
Bug Spray
If you plan on going hiking or exploring some of the waterfalls in Hawaii, definitely bring some bug spray as there can be mosquitos.
Aloe
Aloe is a good item to pack in case you get sunburned from the strong UV rays. Anytime I go to a beach destination, I always pack some Aloe as it can help with a bad sunburn.
Makeup & Hair Tools
While Hawaii is pretty casual, you still will want to pack any hair tools and makeup that you may want while on vacation. Especially if you plan to go out to a romantic dinner on the beach or head to an evening Luau.
Keep in mind, if you are only doing a carry-on then makeup liquids need to be 3.4 oz or less and you’ll want to store them in a TSA-approved toiletries bag.
Hawaii Packing List: Essential Items
Travel Insurance
Even when traveling within the US, travel insurance is a must. This is because most travel insurance policies will cover you in case of medical emergencies, delayed flights or cancelations, and lost baggage.
👉 Get a quote from my favorite Travel Insurance, SafetyWing 👈
Bluetooth Speaker
A Bluetooth speaker is a great way to listen to your favorite music while lounging by the beach. I highly recommend getting a waterproof speaker just in case it gets wet.
Waterproof Phone Case
Bringing a waterproof phone case is a great idea when going to the beach or on a water activity like a kayak trip or boat tour. Plus, you can also keep other important items like some cash safe and dry in a waterproof case.
What to Wear in Hawaii by Season
Hawaii has two main seasons: summer from May to October and winter from November to April.
I’ve been to Hawaii both during the winter and summer and while the temperatures stay pretty warm year-round, there are some things to keep in mind for planning what to pack based on which season you are visiting.
What to Pack for Hawaii in Summer
Summer in Hawaii is warm and dry. Average temperatures during summer are typically between 72°-88° F, so you will want to pack for warm weather. Keep in mind that Hawaii can also be quite humid, which makes it feel even warmer.
What to Pack for Hawaii in Winter
Winter in Hawaii is still pretty warm compared to most places in the US, with average temperatures around 65°-81° F.
While the weather stays relatively warm, the big difference between winter and summer is that winter is the rainy season in Hawaii.
The rainy season goes from November to March, and the wettest month is typically December. Due to this, I highly recommend packing a waterproof, lightweight raincoat which will keep you nice and dry in case of any rain showers.
However, don’t let the possibility of rain deter you from visiting Hawaii in the winter as the humidity and temps are perfect for exploring the islands during this time. We visited Kauai in early March, and the weather was perfect. I think it may have rained once for about an hour or two.
What Should I Pack for a Week in Hawaii?
Here is the perfect packing list for a week in Hawaii:
Clothing & Shoes
- 3-4 lightweight sundresses
- A two-piece coordinated outfit
- 3 pairs of shorts/skirts
- 5-7 shirts or tank tops
- A comfy travel outfit
- Compression socks
- Hawaiian Themed Outfit
- Lightweight jacket
- Raincoat if traveling during winter
- Undergarments
- Sandals
- Statement Jewelry
Hiking Gear
- Backpack
- Reusable water bottle
- 1-2 athletic shirts or workout tank tops
- Hiking pants or leggings
- Hiking Boots or tennis shoes
Beach Wear
- 5-7 swimsuits (a mix of cute and functional)
- 2-3 coverups
- Flip flops
- Waterproof Beach Bag and/or Pouch
- Sunglasses
- Rollable sunhat
Toiletries
- Reef Safe Sunscreen
- Aloe
- Bug spray
- Makeup and makeup remover
- TSA-approved toiletries bag
- Hair tools
- Facial wipes
- Deodorant
- Toothbrush & toothpaste
- Accessories like a tropical flower hairpin
Electronics & Other
- Phone charger
- Compact battery pack
- Bluetooth speaker
- Headphones
- Waterproof phone case
FAQ: What to Wear in Hawaii
People dress pretty casually in Hawaii, which matches the laid-back island atmosphere. For women, vibrant and colorful sundresses and maxi dresses are popular. Hawaiian shirts are also commonly worn both by tourists and locals as they are lightweight and breezy.
It is fine to wear jeans in Hawaii, as most people dress casually. However, you may want to opt for shorts as the climate is warm and humid for most of the year. Also, if you go hiking in Hawaii you are better off wearing athletic pants or leggings which will be more lightweight than jeans.
You aren’t allowed to bring certain fruits, plants, or soil to Hawaii as it could interfere with fruits and plants that are grown naturally on the islands. Another thing that you cannot bring is regular sunscreen. Instead, you need reef-safe sunscreen for Hawaii as this protects the island’s reefs and marine life.
Conclusion: What to Wear in Hawaii
Hawaii stands out as a tropical paradise, ranking among the most stunning vacation spots in the US. It offers an abundance of activities, from relaxing on the beach to hiking to volcanoes, exploring waterfalls, snorkeling, and much more. Since there are so many different activities, it’s important to carefully plan what to wear in Hawaii so you have everything you need for an amazing vacation.
