Dressing for your trip to Hawaii can be overwhelming, especially if you’ve never been to the state or any other tropical destination before. Like with most trips, it’s important to pack the essentials to keep you comfortable and looking your best so you can focus on having a good time while in Hawaii.
Our article gives you essential Hawaii outfit ideas and some important considerations to keep in mind when selecting your outfits for Hawaii. Keep reading to learn what to wear in Hawaii during your next tropical trip.
Dressing for Hawaii: Important Considerations
The following considerations are important to keep in mind as you figure out how to dress for your trip to Hawaii. These factors will ensure you pick the best outfits that will help you stay comfortable and look your best.
Consider the Weather
The weather in Hawaii is fairly warm and pleasant year-round, but you can expect the spring and summer months to stay on the warmer side, near the 80s, and the fall and winter months to stray between the 60s and 70s.
Keeping the time of year and expected weather, including any periods of rain, in mind while you pack is essential. You will want to pack clothing that helps you stay safe from too much sun exposure while still being light enough to keep you cool.
If you plan on going out at night often, you may need a sweater or a light cardigan to complete your outfit so you don’t get too chilly.
Factor in Important Events
If you are traveling to Hawaii for a specific reason, such as a wedding or a family reunion, you will need to factor these events into your packing list.
Make sure you have appropriate attire to attend any wedding ceremony, reception, or more formal dinner planned, but still remember to keep clothing light, airy, and beachy, as these outfits make for the best options even for a Hawaii wedding.
Reference Your Itinerary
Taking into account your itinerary is important as you start to pack outfits, as you will want to be sure you dress for all of the activities you have planned.
For instance, if you are planning on several hiking days, you will need more activewear and clothing that allows you to walk and climb, plus appropriate hiking shoes.
If you are more of a beachgoer, you may need a couple of pairs of swimsuits on hand so you can visit all of the beaches you wish to lounge on in style.
Aim to Stay Comfortable
Staying comfortable is one of the best tips to follow when it comes to packing clothing for your Hawaii trip. You will want to wear lots of cottons and loose, airy clothing, as these items offer sun protection and help you stay cool in the hot sun.
Anything too tight or ill-fitting is also likely to be a poor choice for your Hawaii vacation, as these items will take your focus away from relaxing on the beach or at a luau.
Hawaii Outfit Ideas and Inspiration
The following outfit ideas are great inspiration for your packing list as you get ready to travel to Hawaii. Review our ideas for both male and female Hawaii outfit ideas below.
Hawaii outfit ideas for women:
- A maxi dress, with or without a pattern, including tie dye
- A two-piece skirt and shirt outfit, or a pant and shirt outfit
- Camis and shorts
- Cotton sportswear, like leggings, shorts, and other active items for hiking
- Flat sandals for visiting beaches, and flip-flops for visiting pools
- Flowy skirts and summer dresses, in classic colors, fun patterns, or even bright neon colors
- A light cardigan or light sweater for cooler evenings
- A cover-up to wear over your bathing suit
- One or two swimsuits for beaches and pools
Hawaii outfit ideas for men:
- Hawaiian shirts and shorts
- T-shirts and shorts
- A pair of light-colored slacks or dress pants if you’re attending a beach wedding or a formal event
- Sandals and hiking shoes
- A light sweater or jacket
- One or two pairs of bathing suits and flip-flops for pool areas
- Activewear for hiking and other outdoor activities
You can mix and match items from this list to create a packing list personalized to your trip activities and your personal preferences.
It’s always a good idea to bring a spare outfit or two so you have options while on your trip and so you aren’t making any last-minute stops trying to find a cardigan or a pair of shoes to complete your look.
And again, dressing for comfort is the number one rule to follow when it comes to your Hawaii outfits.
What Not to Wear in Hawaii
While dressing for Hawaii is fairly flexible, there are a few items that you might want to rethink adding to your suitcase. Because of the warm and humid temperatures in Hawaii, denim is usually best avoided – it can be too hot and heavy to dress in denim like jeans or denim jackets, though denim shorts might be acceptable depending on the time of year you are traveling.
Another important item to reconsider is high heels. Most of the time, visitors to Hawaii relax on the beach, visit the pool, and go hiking around the beautiful islands of Hawaii. High heels don’t really fit any of these situations, especially heels with points, and it can be difficult to work these into your outfits.
If you really do want some elevation in your shoes, consider a small wedge heel that is much easier to wear when walking through sand and across grassy areas.
Hawaii Outfit FAQs
Still have questions about your Hawaii outfits? Review our answers to frequently asked questions about dressing for a Hawaiian vacation.
What Should I Wear on the Plane to Hawaii?
No matter where in the United States you live, you will have to take a flight to Hawaii that is at least a few hours long. It’s important to maximize your comfort on your flight and wear items that you can potentially wear again once you reach your destination.
This means that comfortable layers, leggings, light cardigans, and comfy shirts are all good choices for your plane journey. You can use these items to stay warm and comfortable on the plane and recycle them into other outfit options once you arrive in Hawaii.
Can I Accessorize My Hawaii Outfits?
Accessorizing your Hawaii outfits is perfectly acceptable, as long as you aren’t overdoing it with items that will be uncomfortable to wear or travel with. Sun hats, sunglasses, beach bags, totes, and simple beachy jewelry are all great options for accessorizing your Hawaii outfit.
Make sure that you don’t pack anything you would want to risk losing, as vacation traveling and visiting the beach or spending long days outdoors may lead to misplaced items from time to time.
Which Essentials Should I Pack for My Hawaii Trip?
Like any other vacation, it’s important to pack your essentials such as your skincare, haircare, and clothing items. You will need a few decent pairs of shoes, including hiking shoes if you plan on doing this, and you will likely need to bring sunscreen.
The climate of Hawaii is often hot and humid, so make sure comfort and sun protection are at the top of your list as you pack items for your trip.
Do I Need Formal Outfits for Hawaii?
In most cases, casual outfits are the best option for Hawaii, no matter which island you are visiting. However, if you are planning on staying in a more upscale resort or taking advantage of the nightlife offered in some areas, you may want to bring warm-weather outfits that would be appropriate for these situations.
A dressy summer dress, maxi dress, or semi-casual cocktail attire that gives beachy and airy vibes are all good choices for these locations.
Dressing Your Best for the Tropics
Hawaii is considered a dream destination by many, and it can be stressful ensuring that you are dressing your best for your trip to the tropics.
As you start thinking about which outfits to pack, keep in mind the general weather and time of year you are traveling, any activities you have planned, and your comfort.
All of these factors will help you narrow down your outfit options and ensure you look your best while visiting Hawaii.
