When it comes to “what to wear in Hawaii”, everyone has their own idea. Maybe you picture the couple in matching aloha shirts (classic!), the lovely hula dancer in her long muumuu gently swaying to the music, or simply bathing-suit-clad beachgoers on Waikiki Beach. I can’t help but see Tom Selleck as Magnum, P.I. in short-shorts and that red aloha shirt (forever a classic). In Hawaii, you will see all the above and everything else under the sun! Literally, anything goes. I have been at a dinner show in dressy casual attire, while people next to me were in jeans and t-shirts, and the folks on the other side were in formal wear. And the best part is, no one bats an eye! We have a page on our website “What to Wear” to give you suggestions on what the “norm” is, and the bulk of it is also listed below.
Hawaii is all about having fun, experiencing paradise and “hanging loose” – so these are only suggestions – there is no right or wrong!!Generally speaking, during the day we recommend that you dress comfortable and casual, unless you’re at the beach. A good beach cover-up will be very useful, enabling you to go to and from the beach, to shopping, to grabbing a quick snack. Be sure to wear sunscreen! We recommend comfortable shoes for walking, shorts, sun dresses, and t- shirts. In the evening, most people switch over to dressy-casual – slightly dressier than their daytime attire – khaki shorts or trousers, polo shirts, aloha shirts, skirts, sundresses, etc.
- Breakfasts – Come “as you are.” Shirts and sandals or casual shoes are required. Bathing suit cover-up is fine. Come Casual.
- Dinner Shows, Restaurant Dinners & Dinner Cruise – “Dressy casual.” Ladies: Slacks and blouse or dress shorts, casual dresses/ maxi dresses, skirts or Aloha evening wear, etc. Gentlemen: Slacks, Dress shorts, polo/knit/dress shirt, or Aloha attire. Jackets are not required, but you may wear one if you choose. Ties are seldom seen in Hawaii, but again, you may wear one if you choose.
- Flights – Dress comfortably and bring a jacket or sweater, due to air-conditioning on flights.
- Hanauma Bay – Wear bathing suit underneath casual clothing or bring bathing suit and change at location. Sandals/casual shoes. Sunscreen.
- Hikes – Covered shoes (sneakers, tennis shoes). Sandals not permitted. Hat and/or sunglasses recommended, especially for Diamond Head hike. Sunscreen.
- Luau – Sandals or casual shoes as you will be on sand, casual shorts/slacks/sundress, cardigan sweater or jacket for the cool evening ocean air.
- Maui Highlights Tour featuring Haleakala Crater (M2) – It will likely be very chilly at the summit lookout. Dress appropriately.
- Tours and Trolley – Comfortable shoes, casual clothing. Take a sweater or jacket for higher elevations and for air-conditioned tour vehicles.
- Water & Boat Activities – Wear bathing suit underneath casual clothing or bring bathing suit and change at location. Sandals/casual shoes. Sunscreen.
