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What to wear in Hawaii

What to Wear in Hawaii – the Ultimate Male & Female Packing List

Home » DESTINATIONS » Pacific Islands » What to Wear in Hawaii – the Ultimate Male & Female Packing List

Last Modified: September 11, 2023 //  by Anda //  21 Comments

Whether you are going to Maui, Kauai, or any other Hawaiian island, packing for Hawaii shouldn’t be as stressful as packing for Europe. And yet, if this is your first time on the Hawaiian islands, you probably wonder what to add to your packing list. Whether you chose Hawaii for a romantic getaway, a honeymoon, or for a vacation, you surely want to look your best and be ready for the fun.

What to wear in Hawaii
What to wear in Hawaii – the ultimate male and female packing list

Hawaii is one of the most amazing destinations in the world! It offers challenging hikes, friendly beaches, first class restaurants and a wide variety of activities, like kayaking, horseback riding, or sailing. No matter which island you’ll visit – whether it’s Oahu, the Big Island, Kauai or Maui, what you wear in Hawaii won’t change.

Items to add to your Hawaii packing list
What to add to your Hawaii packing list

How Much Luggage to Pack for Hawaii

Hawaii is all about the beach, so you don’t need to pack the entire closet for a Hawaiian vacation. This is the tropics, where less is more, where sandals take the place of high heel shoes, and strings of shells replace the diamonds.

When you pack for Hawaii, think light. Depending on the kind of activities you’ll want to do on the islands, you may even get by with just a carry on. We usually check a bag because we do a lot of snorkeling and hiking. As such, we carry our snorkeling equipment, long fins, hiking boots and pools. But if it were just for our clothing, a single carry-on would be enough for the two of us.

The everyday wear in Hawaii are shorts and T-shirts, which people wear almost everywhere. Women wear tank tops and shorts, or light dresses.

young people in a botanical garden
What to wear in Hawaii

Hawaii weather is warm and humid, with temperatures between 70ºF to mid 80ºF and the pleasant trade winds. Even so, you’ll need pack at least one pair of long pants and a light sweater.

We’ve been to the Islands many times before, but on our first visit we didn’t know what to expect and carried way more stuff than we needed. So in this post I’ll give you a list of essentials that you’ll need to pack for your trip to Hawaii. I’ll also tell you what we usually wear when we are in Hawaii, so that you’ll always feel appropriately dressed.

What to Wear in Hawaii – Beach Essentials Packing List

Like I said before, Hawaii is all about the beach, so there are few things that are absolutely essential for your packing list. But in case you forget to take any of these with you, don’t worry. You’ll find a wide variety of stores on the Islands that specialize in beach apparel, so you can always buy any of these items in Hawaii as well.

Beach Sandals/Flip Flops

beach sandals for Hawaii

You could technically wear flip flops and beach sandals 24/7 in Hawaii. Even in bars and restaurants. I am not a big fan of flip flops, which is why I always bring a pair of more elegant sandals for the evening.

There is a wide variety of beach sandals to choose from at Amazon. I like Clarks because they have sleek look and are very comfortable. Ideally, you should buy some sturdy, waterproof ones, since you’ll be wearing them in sand, mud and over lava rocks all day long.


Beach Slip On Water Shoes

What to wear in Hawaii

These shoes are great for water and boat activities and even for some easy hikes. You are going to wear these shoes a lot in Hawaii! They are quick-drying and lightweight and they will protect your foot from scratches. I take them both in the water and on trails. They are unisex and come in many colors.
View on Amazon.com



Long-sleeve Rash Guard

items to add to your Hawaii packing list

Rash guards are a must on your packing list for Hawaii. They are very popular both among locals and tourists, and for a good reason. They protect you not only from the UV exposure, but also from contact with coral, or surfboards and also keep you warm in the water.

If you like to do a lot of snorkeling, like my husband does, you won’t get cold after a while. His favorite brand is AXESEA Rash Guard UPF 50. Rash guards are very comfortable to wear, but they have to be very tight on you in order to keep you warm.
View on Amazon.com


Beach Bag

beach bag


When it comes to beach bags, women and man have very different tastes and purposes. I want to carry my belongings in a stylish assorted bag, that is also easy to carry and comfortable. My husband on the other hand, prefers a sturdy, big mesh duffle bag in which he can carry all his snorkeling equipment, his fins, and his underwater camera.
View on Amazon.com



Waterproof Phone Case

what to add to your packing list for Hawaii

This beach accessory probably should be at the top of your packing list for Hawaii. Cell phones accompany us everywhere and should definitely not be left unattended on the beach while we are in the water. This is a big size waterproof phone holder that can fit up to 7 inches phones, compatible for iPhone 12 Pro Samsung and others. We tried these ourselves and they really work!
View on Amazon.com


Reef-friendly Sunscreen

What to add to your packing list for Hawaii

A big concern among ocean scientists and beachgoers is the impact that chemical sunscreens are having on the marine environment. Which is why, packing a reef-friendly sunscreen when you come to Hawaii is always recommended. This is free of PABA, durable and water resistant for 80 minutes. And when using it, the water around you is not going to be murky.
Buy it on Amazon.com



Swimsuits

Without a doubt, the item that you’ll be wearing the most in Hawaii is a swimsuit. We usually bring around 3-4 for each one of us, as we like to change into dry swimsuits after we get in the water.

women swimsuit
What to wear in Hawaii

One thing I am concerned with in my swimwear is the quality of the fabric. I am always looking for swimsuits that dry fast, since there are times when I can’t always change.

men in the ocean looking happy
Men’s swimsuits

I usually order mine at Lascana, but I have also heard positive things about Cupshe swimwear, on Amazon. As for my husband, he loves Tommy Bahama and Speedo, which you can also buy at Amazon.


Swimsuit Cover-up

As a woman, I find a swimsuit cover-up very convenient for the beach. You’ll want something stylish to throw on over your swimsuit so that you don’t have to change before going to a local eatery or store. I also wear it to protect my skin from the strong sun. Or if I want to walk around the pool, or go back to my room. Or if I am on a boat.

swimsuit cover-up, an item for any Hawaii packing list
Swimsuit cover-up


Floating Waterproof Dry-bag

dry bag

If you are into water sports, this item is a must for your trip to Hawaii. It is light, easy to carry, durable and compact. Perfect for almost any adventure you can imagine. It will keep your valuables dry whether it rains, or you go swimming, or kayaking. The bags come in multiple sizes and can float on water after being rolled and buckled, so you can track your gear easily. 
Buy it on Amazon.com


Sunglasses

sunglasses

You’ll be wearing sunglasses all day, every day so bring at lease pair or two that are comfortable and offer UV protection. My favorite sunglass brand is Tom Ford, while my husband prefers the classic Oakley. However, you don’t need to buy expensive brands for your trip to Hawaii, just make sure they have UV protection and are comfortable. Amazon has a few good options.


Hats

A hat is a lifesaver in Hawaii! Not only it protects your face from the sun, but it also does a really good job in covering up your crazy looking hair when you just don’t feel like doing it. And after all, who doesn’t look good in a hat?!

wearing hats in hawaii
Wearing hats in Hawaii

Waterproof Digital Camera

You can take tons of magnificent pictures in Hawaii. So a waterproof camera will allow you to take pictures in and out of water, and can even capture underwater video with sound! This camera has an advanced video capability of 2.7K resolution and features 48.0 Megapixel image resolution.
View at Amazon.com



What to Wear in Hawaii in the Evening

Most people change into dressy casual attire in the evening, which is slightly dressier than their daytime attire.

dining in Hawaii
Dining in Hawaii

You’ll find a wide array of fancy resorts and many famous restaurants in Hawaii. Therefore, if you want to spend a beautiful night out, you’ll have plenty of venues where you can dress up. When I say dress-up, I don’t mean high-heels and cocktail dresses. I just mean khaki shorts or trousers, polo shirts, aloha shirts, skirts, sundresses, and so on.

For Ladies

Sundresses

My favorite apparel for the tropics are sundresses. Not only are they comfortable to wear in the humid, hot weather of Hawaii, but they are also easy to pack and appropriate for any occasion. You can wear them during the day time at the beach, when you visit a coffee farm, in the afternoon when I go shopping, or in the evening when you go out for dinner.

sundresses to add to your Hawaii packing list
Sundresses for Hawaii

I tend to bring a sundress for each day that I am in Hawaii, but I would recommend a minimum of 4-5 at least. They don’t take much space in the luggage. Besides, as a woman I’m sure you’ll love to change outfits often.

If you are looking for affordable sundresses, Zesica Fashion has a good collection, but you can also check Zappos.com or your local T.J. Max or Marshall stores.

Dressy Sandals

For the evening, I recommend a pair of dressy sandals. I wear a pair of Athlefit thong T-strap sandals that have an excellent arch support. They are very comfortable and sleek and go with just about any dress I have. But there are other brands out there that you can choose from.

Item to add to your Hawaii packing list
Athlefit T-Strap Sandals

For Gentlemen

Hawaiian Shirts or Short-Sleeve Button Down Shirts

Since you’d probably wear Aloha shirts only in Hawaii, I assume you don’t have many of them, so any short-sleeve button down shirt would do in Hawaii. I would recommend cotton or linen shirts, that are breathable and absorb the sweat.

Khaki Shorts

Some men just like their shorts. If that’s you, rest assured that in Hawaii you’ll be welcome in any high end restaurant in khaki shorts and a Hawaiian shirt. I like the khakis because they are made of cotton, so you don’t sweat in them.

casual dressing for hawaii
Dressy-casual wear for Hawaii

Slaks

It’s tempting to leave your pants at home, but nice pair of simple, loose-fitting linen pants or travel chinos are a great way to add a little sophistication to your evening look. Buy on Amazon.

slacks to wear in Hawaii
Slacks

What to Wear in Hawaii – Active Wear Packing List

Whether you’ll be hiking in Kauai, visit waterfalls on the Big Island, or watch the sunset atop the Haleakala volcano in Maui, you’ll need activewear. What to wear depends on what kind of trail you’ll be tackling in Hawaii.

Hiking Boots

If you plan on immersing yourself in the great outdoors of Hawaii, I strongly recommend a pair of hiking shoes with good tracking soles that will keep you from slipping when you’re hiking up and down trails. There is a lot of mud in Hawaii, especially after a rain, and many trails can be rocky and slippery.

hiking boots to add to your Hawaii packing list
Salomon hiking boots

Some brands that I like for hiking shoes are Merrell, La Sportiva, Salomon, and Asics. And since they are pretty bulky to pack, you can wear them on the plane.

Hiking in Hawaii
Hiking in Hawaii

Shorts & Tee Shirts

If you are planning to do some easy coastal hikes, then a pair of comfy shorts and some tee shirts will be OK. Shorts and tee shirts are also a good attire for walking around the islands, when you go shopping, visit botanical gardens, coffee plantations, go out for lunch, or at the beach.

Leggings

A pair or two of leggings are ideal for longer hikes, as many trails are along the slopes or in the forest where you’ll find lots of vegetation and thus mosquitoes. If you’re packing light, you can also wear these on the plane and layer them up for visiting the summit of Haleakala.

items to add to your Hawaii packing list
Wearing leggings in Hawaii

Track Jacket

The weather is consistently warm in Hawaii and rain is always possible, especially on the northeastern part of any of Hawaii’s islands. Therefore, it’s a mistake to pack nothing but shorts and T-shirts for a trip to Hawaii.

Windbreakers that should be on your Hawaii packing list
Track Jackets

A track jacket, windbreaker or long sleeve athletic top will keep you warm in the on some hikes and it comes in very handy if you plan to go atop the Mauna Kea and Haleakala volcanoes. View them at Amazon.com

What Not to Pack for Hawaii

High Heel Shoes

Hawaii is a very casual place where females don’t wear high heels. In fact, rarely see women wearing any kind of elegant shoes at all, even for weddings. A nice pair of flats or sandals will be sufficient.

Elegant Evening Attire

Unless you are in Hawaii for a very forma event, or indoor wedding, you most likely won’t be needing any ballroom dresses and tuxedos. Hawaiian Islands are hot and humid, so plan on bringing thin, breathable cloths.

Beach Towels

While you’ll obviously need towels for the beach and pool in Hawaii, your hotel or rental property will almost certainly provide them. There is no need to overload your luggage with them.

Expensive Jewelry

While crime is not particularly high in Hawaii, there is always a chance for your expensive jewelry to get lost or stolen. Besides, when you spend so much time outside, you probably won’t need gold and diamonds.

Mosquito/Insect Repellent

It may seem counterintuitive not to bring mosquito repellant in Hawaii. After all, the tropical forest is where you’ll need it most. The problem is that insect repellents are designed to be sprayed and aerosol release devices are not allowed in either carry on or in the checked baggage. But you can always buy them very cheap at any local store in Hawaii.

WHAT to wear in Hawaii

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Category: DESTINATIONS, Kauai, Maui, Pacific Islands, The Big IslandTag: Travel Tips

About Anda

Anda is an award winning travel writer, avid globetrotter and passionate photographer. She is the voice behind "Travel Notes & Beyond," a collection of stories and travel impressions from her wanderings around the world. When she is not busy writing, traveling, or editing photographs, you can find her hiking in the foothills behind her house together with her husband and their dog.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Leonida

    March 31, 2025 at 2:09 am

    This packing list is super helpful! I never thought about bringing reef-safe sunscreen and a light rain jacket – great tips! Can’t wait for my trip to Hawaii!

    Reply
  2. Richard

    December 8, 2024 at 10:43 pm

    Great post! I really appreciate the detailed packing list for Hawaii. It’s helpful to have specific suggestions for both males and females. I’m definitely going to make sure to pack those essentials and leave some extra room for souvenirs! Looking forward to my trip!

    Reply
  3. M.D.

    November 14, 2024 at 1:56 pm

    Great tips! I love how you included specific items for both men and women. I’m especially grateful for the recommendations on swimwear and footwear since I always struggle with packing those! Can’t wait to try some of these suggestions on my upcoming trip!

    Reply
  4. Ankita Sharma

    October 8, 2023 at 11:38 pm

    I absolutely loved this article on what to wear in Hawaii! Planning a trip to the islands can be overwhelming, but this comprehensive packing list for both men and women makes it so much easier. I appreciate the practical tips like lightweight clothing, swimsuits, and sunscreen – essentials for enjoying the beautiful beaches and tropical weather.

    Reply
  5. Thomson John

    September 2, 2022 at 6:11 am

    Hey,

    Thanks for sharing informative stuff on the ultimate Male and Female Packing list for Hawaii . Informative words….Thanks for Sharing.

    Reply
  6. Arnav

    April 19, 2022 at 8:43 pm

    This is an amazing guide to what to pack and what not to pack for Hawaii, it has to be lesser the better and I completely agree with you on this. I had no idea aerosols were not allowed in Hawaii, which is a great piece of information I got from here. Definitely saving this for future reference.

    Reply
    • Anda

      April 20, 2022 at 1:59 pm

      Aerosoles are not allowed on any plane, not only in Hawaii.

      Reply
      • Heather

        November 3, 2023 at 10:52 pm

        Where are you seeing the info on aerosols? Is the US information? Because TSA says they are OK in checked baggage.

        Reply
        • Anda

          November 4, 2023 at 2:14 pm

          I only travel with a carry on, but I was told they are not allowed even in the checked baggage.

          Reply
  7. Jackie

    March 26, 2022 at 3:16 pm

    I am all about sun dresses and sun hats, so I was happy to read that will be a good fit for a trip to Hawaii. Love that they roll right up for packing and are so versatile. You’ve made some other excellent suggestions I may not have thought of, like the floating waterproof dry-bag and reef-friendly sunscreen. Those were totally off my radar, and now I will be sure to pack both!

    Reply
  8. Tami

    March 26, 2022 at 7:14 am

    Thanks for the comprehensive checklist for Hawaii packing. I’ve become quite enamored with the benefits of using a dry bag recently, for the beach and for camping or kayaking. Also love my water sandals!

    Reply
  9. Maria Veloso

    March 25, 2022 at 8:51 am

    Hawaii is the ideal destination for travelers like me who may not want to bring too many clothes and valuables. Now I know what I’d take if I ever got the chance to visit Hawaii. I’m bookmarking this post for future reference. Very useful!

    Reply
    • Anda

      March 25, 2022 at 1:57 pm

      Great! I’m glad you found this information useful, Maria.

      Reply
  10. Clarice

    March 24, 2022 at 12:16 pm

    This is so helpful. I agree with you that we should think light when traveling to Hawaii. Saving your post for future reference. Love your packing list.

    Reply
  11. Natascha

    March 23, 2022 at 12:02 pm

    Very useful tips for a trip to Hawaii. I would not have thought of a rushguard, but it seems to be an useful item to have. Also good to know that you do not have to dress up in the evening. Sundresses are a good idea too.

    Reply
  12. Nicole

    March 23, 2022 at 1:23 am

    We had this issue when we went to Fiji. We knew it would be tropical and hot but didn’t know what to expect in the shoulder seasons or how well the trails were marked for a hike and if we would be walking through scrub and bush. We ended up over packaging and could have saved ourselves time and effort with this.
    I’m saving this for our trip to Hawaii. Planning this at the moment… any recommendations of activities to do there are welcome.

    Reply
    • Anda

      March 23, 2022 at 8:21 am

      Overpacking always happens when you don’t know what to expect, Nicole. But in Hawaii, less is always more, hahaha!

      Reply
  13. Linda (LD Holland)

    March 21, 2022 at 6:35 pm

    Sadly we have not yet made it Hawaii. I would expect it to be hot and humid – so that would drive my thoughts for what to wear in Hawaii. And of course, we would travel with gear to get us in the water! We alway travel with a rash guard to help keep the sun off for long times in the water. I will definitely leave my high heels at home.

    Reply
  14. joanna

    March 21, 2022 at 11:17 am

    It is very good to know that you can go to Hawaii carry on only. This is the only way I travel. I like that you included what to not pack as well. It’s great to know not to bring but repellent – I had no idea that aerosols were not allowed to Hawaii. Are roll-ons ok? The ones that my pharmacy sells are mostly roll-on.

    Reply
    • Anda

      March 21, 2022 at 12:25 pm

      Aerosols are not allowed on any plane, not only in Hawaii.

      Reply
  15. Lisa

    March 21, 2022 at 9:38 am

    This is a great packing guide for Hawaii. I never heard of reef-friendly sunscreen before, that sounds so interesting. I always have a cover-up with me, they’re so comfortable for the beach too. I don’t pack high heels on my trips so they would be staying at home!

    Reply

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