How to Dress in Hawaii

Last Updated: March 24, 2023 References

If you're visiting Hawaii, you want to make sure you have appropriate attire. Hawaii is a fairly casual setting, so you'll need an array of casual wear for your trip. If you go out in the evenings, there's no need to get extraordinarily fancy. Just pack a few semi-nice blouses, dresses, slacks, or tops. You should also make sure to accessorize properly. Hats and light jackets can be helpful for Hawaii's climate. Hawaii has no winter, but it can be chilly at night.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Choosing Casual Wear

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Select clothes that do not need a lot of care. Hawaii has a fast-paced environment and you'll likely be on the go a lot during your trip. As you'll want to see a lot of different attractions, it's a good idea to buy clothing that does not require a lot of extra care. It's a good idea to pack clothes you can hand wash in the sink, like light t-shirts, so you can clean clothes quickly and re-wear them the next day.^{[1]
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- Another bonus of easily washable clothing is that it cuts down on how much you'll have to pack. If you're traveling a long distance, it may make more sense to pack light.
2
Go for T-shirts and shorts on most days. In Hawaii, casual wear is typical for much of the day. Therefore, it's a good idea to opt for light clothing. Go for casual t-shirts and shorts for the daytime hours in Hawaii.^{[2]
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Expert Source

Taissha G. LaReau
Wardrobe Consultant & Stylist
Expert Interview. 31 January 2022.}
- If you're not a fan of shorts, jeans, leggings, or capris can also be acceptable attire.
- Breezy, lightweight tops are a good idea if you're not into t-shirts.^{[3]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Taissha G. LaReau
  Wardrobe Consultant & Stylist
  Expert Interview. 31 January 2022.} It's usually fairly warm in Hawaii during the day, so do not pack anything too heavy.
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3
Bring slacks for daytime hiking. You may plan on doing some hiking during your vacation. Hawaii has a wide array of fun, tropical hikes you can take with a tour guide or on your own. If you plan to do hiking in Hawaii, make sure you pack slacks or jeans for daytime hikes.
- You should make sure to purchase other hiking equipment, like water bottles, prior to leaving for your trip. Hiking equipment can be hard to come by on certain Hawaiian islands, and it may be far pricier than on the continent.
4
Have a few swimsuits and slips. Swimsuits are another vital piece of clothing for a Hawaii vacation.^{[4]
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Expert Source

Taissha G. LaReau
Wardrobe Consultant & Stylist
Expert Interview. 31 January 2022.} Pack a few different swimsuits for your journey, choosing a type you feel comfortable and confident in. You should also buy something light to put over a swimsuit. At many hotels, it's perfectly acceptable to wear a light slip over your swimsuit for breakfast and lunch at local restaurants.^{[5]
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- You can usually find slips or cover-ups for swimsuits at a department store near the swimsuit aisle.
- You may want to bring a couple of swimsuits, especially if you plan on hitting the beach a lot. If one swimsuit gets wet or dirty, you should have a replacement on hand.
- One-piece swimsuits are a great, sophisticated option for women.^{[6]
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  Expert Source
  
  Taissha G. LaReau
  Wardrobe Consultant & Stylist
  Expert Interview. 31 January 2022.}
5
Select a range of appropriate footwear. Sandals, flip-flops, and other light shoes are a must for a Hawaii vacation. Rubber slippers or shoes are also nice for beach wear.^{[7]
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Expert Source

Taissha G. LaReau
Wardrobe Consultant & Stylist
Expert Interview. 31 January 2022.}
- If you plan on doing any hiking on your vacation, you should bring a sturdy pair of tennis shoes.^{[9]
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  Expert Source
  
  Taissha G. LaReau
  Wardrobe Consultant & Stylist
  Expert Interview. 31 January 2022.}
- Dress shoes are usually not required in Hawaii. However, if you plan on hitting up a fancier restaurant, it's a good idea to bring a pair. You will also want to bring dress shoes if you're in Hawaii for business.

Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Picking Evening Attire

1
Opt for semi-formal attire for certain events. In Hawaii, casual is key. Even for formal events, formal attire is not required. Instead, opt for semi-formal for events like shows, dinners, and other somewhat fancier evening festivities.^{[10]
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- For women, dress pants and a blouse are appropriate for more formal events. If you'd prefer to wear a dress, opt for a casual dress like a sun dress or a maxi dress. You can also wear a skirt with a nice blouse.
- For men, go for slacks or dress shirts. You can wear a polo shirt or a knit dress shirt. Jackets are rarely required, but you can wear one if you choose. Ties are rarely seen, so they're optional.
2
Select the right footwear. As stated, dress shoes are rare in Hawaii. Even at a formal event, you can get buy with sandals. You may want to choose a nice pair of tennis shoes or flats if you want to dress up.
- Fancier sandals, such as sandals with lacy or beaded straps, are also an option for formal dinners.
- Keep in mind it does get cold in Hawaii during the night. You may want a closed toe shoe for evening events, especially those that take place outdoors.
3
Layer in the evenings. It can get cooler in Hawaii at night. You way want to layer slightly. Throw on a light sweater or jacket over your t-shirt. You can also try something like a cardigan if you get chilly.^{[11]
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- It's a good idea to pack a few outfits you can layer. A tank-top can be suitable during the day. Then, when it gets chilly, throw a cardigan over it. Versatile outfits you can layer and un-layer are great for Hawaii.
- During the winter or rainy season, it can get cold and rainy. If you are visiting at that time, pack a jacket and rain jacket.
4
Avoid overly formal attire. It's not necessary to pack a suit and tie or an evening gown for a Hawaii vacation. Casual is key on the island, so leave your fanciest clothes behind. In addition to helping you fit in on the island, you will also free up space in your suitcase.^{[12]
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- If you're traveling for business, however, have a few formal outfits on-hand. You may stand out at a bar in a fancy gown, but if you're meeting clients at a hotel, formality is expected.

Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Bringing the Right Accessories

1
Make sure you pack sunglasses. Sunglasses are necessary in Hawaii.^{[13]
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Expert Source

Taissha G. LaReau
Wardrobe Consultant & Stylist
Expert Interview. 31 January 2022.} The bright sunlight, especially during daylight hours, can cause eye irritation. Make sure you pack sunglasses for your trip.^{[14]
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- It may be a good idea to pack a couple of pairs of sunglasses in the event you lose or break a pair.
- In the event you forget sunglasses, there will be many places on the island to purchase a pair. You can also buy sunglasses at the airport.
2
Keep your jewelry casual. As with other aspects of Hawaiian culture, fancy jewelry is not necessary. Bringing expensive jewelry on vacation can also be risky as you may lose or misplace it. Stick to fun casual jewelry, like hoop earrings and bead necklaces. Leave more expensive items at home.
3
Pack some hats. Wide brimmed hats, like sun hats, are important for Hawaii.^{[15]
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Expert Source

Taissha G. LaReau
Wardrobe Consultant & Stylist
Expert Interview. 31 January 2022.} They will protect you from the sun, and also add a touch of style to your outfit. When on a Hawaiian vacation, make sure to pack a sun hat.^{[16]
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- Opt for colorful hats. A lot of Hawaiian attire is bright and colorful. A bright hat is a great way to add some flare to your outfit.
4
Go for a casual hairstyle. You'll likely be running around a lot in Hawaii and will probably frequently hit the beach. Therefore, it makes little sense to waste time styling your hair with fancy products. Keep your hairstyle casual. You can let your hair hang loose or tie it back in a casual ponytail.
- Pack light shampoo and conditioner for Hawaii. As you'll likely be swimming a lot, fancier products will wash out fast.
- If you want to style your hair for a night out, pick a quick and simple style. Brush your hair out and lightly spritz with hairspray, for example. A fancy hairdo that took hours will make you stand out unnecessarily in Hawaii.

Expert Q&A

Question

What do you wear in Hawaii and not look like a tourist?

Taissha G. LaReau
Wardrobe Consultant & Stylist
Taissha G. LaReau is a Wardrobe Consultant & Stylist based in Albany, NY. With more than three years of experience, Tai specializes in helping people maximize their wardrobes by creating functional, everyday outfits that are tailored to their lifestyle and make them feel polished. While she offers virtual and in-person closet editing, personal shopping, and outfit creation, she also has a knack for helping people shop strategically, discover new brands, and experiment with new styles. Taissha holds a BS in Marketing from The State University of New York College at Oswego.

Taissha G. LaReau

Wardrobe Consultant & Stylist

Expert Answer

Denim shorts, high-waisted shorts, and athleisure wear are all great options! White sneakers are another excellent choice—they're very classic and go with multiple colors.
Question

What accessories should you bring to Hawaii?

Taissha G. LaReau
Wardrobe Consultant & Stylist
Taissha G. LaReau is a Wardrobe Consultant & Stylist based in Albany, NY. With more than three years of experience, Tai specializes in helping people maximize their wardrobes by creating functional, everyday outfits that are tailored to their lifestyle and make them feel polished. While she offers virtual and in-person closet editing, personal shopping, and outfit creation, she also has a knack for helping people shop strategically, discover new brands, and experiment with new styles. Taissha holds a BS in Marketing from The State University of New York College at Oswego.

Taissha G. LaReau

Wardrobe Consultant & Stylist

Expert Answer

A backpack is a great choice—that way, you can keep your phone and other valuables safe when you walk around. Be sure to pack a wide-brimmed hat and a pair of sunglasses, too.

Warnings

The sun in Hawaii is strong. Many people underestimate the power of the sun in Hawaii so make sure that you always apply and reapply sunscreen.

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Make sure that you bring reef-safe sunscreen. Hawaii just passed a bill to protect the reefs. Hawaii sun is really strong, so to make sure that you don't get burnt, wear lots of sunscreen.

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