What to Wear in Hawaii + Destination Inspiration

Planning a trip to Hawaii? Get ready for stunning beaches, lush hikes, and unforgettable adventures! Whether you’re lounging by the ocean, heading to a luau, or exploring a volcano, packing the right outfits and essentials will make your trip even better.

Before my trip, I stocked up on all-new tropical outfits and must-have travel gear—because let’s be honest, where else can you go all out with floral prints, seashells, and breezy beach dresses? The best part? I found everything on Amazon—great prices, fast shipping, and hassle-free returns. If you don’t have Amazon Prime, try it free for 30 days here and get all your Hawaii essentials delivered fast!

Now, let’s get into what to wear in Hawaii and the must-have items that will make your trip smooth, stylish, and stress-free!

What You’ll Find in This Guide

Outfit ideas for different activities
Beach day must-haves you don’t want to forget
What to wear to a luau
Hiking gear to keep you comfortable
What to pack for Haleakalā volcano (it’s colder than you think!)
Essentials for whale watching
Amazon finds to make packing easy

Dress for the Occasion

Hawaii is warm year-round, but your outfit choices will depend on what you’re doing. While most of the islands are laid-back and casual, some activities—like heading up a volcano or dining at a nicer restaurant—might require a little extra planning.

Beach Day Must-Haves

Hawaii = endless beach days, and you definitely want to be prepared. Most resorts are just steps from the water, so having a ready-to-go beach bag will make your trip so much easier. Here’s what you’ll need:

Sun Hat | A sun hat isn’t just a cute accessory—it’s a must-have for keeping your face protected from the intense Hawaiian sun. I wore mine every single day, whether I was on the beach, hiking, or strolling through town. A wide-brimmed hat offers the best protection, and there are so many stylish options.

Beach Bag | A good beach bag is a game changer in Hawaii. You’ll want something spacious and stylish that can hold everything—your towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, water bottle, and snacks. I even used mine on non-beach days to carry extra clothes and essentials.

Beach Towel | Most hotels offer towels, but they’re usually thin, small, and not nearly as cute as the ones you can bring yourself. I always pack a large, plush beach towel so I have plenty of room to stretch out and relax. Bonus: It looks way better in photos!

Reef-safe Sunscreen | Most regular sunscreens contain harmful chemicals that damage Hawaii’s beautiful coral reefs. Don’t be that person. I highly recommend Sun Bum—it smells amazing, works great, and is 100% reef-safe. Grab the sunscreen, chapstick, and after-sun lotion bundle so you’re fully covered.

Reusable Water Bottle | Hawaii takes sustainability seriously, and plastic water bottles are a no-go. Stay hydrated and eco-friendly with a spill-proof, insulated water bottle that will keep your drinks cold for hours—because trust me, you’ll need it in the heat. Many hotels have fruit-infused water refill stations. This Simple Modern cup is my favorite!

Swimsuit Cover-up | I like swimsuit cover-ups rather than shorts and a shirt because it’s less awkward to take off before you jump in or lay out to tan. There are so many cute cover-ups! You can also wear a dress or a skirt with your swim top.

Sunglasses | The Hawaiian sun is no joke, and you’ll want high-quality sunglasses to protect your eyes and elevate your style. Look for polarized lenses to reduce glare, especially if you’ll be on the water.

Hair Detangler | If you’ve ever spent a day at the beach, you know how quickly saltwater and wind can turn your hair into a tangled mess. A good hair detangler makes brushing out knots effortless, saving you time and preventing breakage. I always keep a bottle in my beach bag to spritz on after swimming—it leaves my hair soft, smooth, and easy to manage.

What to Wear to a Luau

Luau’s are very popular in Hawaii. When you go, you will want to dress in aloha attire. Floral maxi dresses, skirts, and Hawaiian button-down shirts for men. Add all of the seashell necklaces and lai’s you have collected from your hotel to complete your luau outfit!

Floral Maxi Dress | A flowy, floral maxi dress is the perfect mix of dressy and laid-back—exactly the vibe you want for a luau. It’s comfortable, breathable, and looks gorgeous in sunset photos.

Wedge Heels | While Hawaii is casual, a luau is a great excuse to dress up a little. A comfy pair of wedge heels adds the perfect touch without feeling over-the-top. Plus, they won’t sink into the sand like stilettos. I was surprised how many times I wore these.

Hawaiian Shirt | For men, a classic Hawaiian shirt is the way to go. Whether you want bright, bold prints or something more subtle, Amazon has tons of options to choose from.

Jewelry | The right jewelry can take your Hawaii outfits to the next level, adding a fun tropical touch without feeling overdone. Think lightweight, beachy pieces like shell necklaces, gold hoops, or dainty layered chains that won’t feel heavy in the heat. Don’t forget that you will be buying lots of jewelry in Hawaii- trust me.

Hiking Essentials

There are so many places to go hiking. If you are staying on Maui and are going on the road to Hana, you can stop at many hiking areas throughout the drive. Every time I go hiking, I wear jean shorts and a shirt over my swimsuit with Tevas. (Tevas are the best hiking sandals ever!) Many people wear athletic shoes hiking, but I’m a sandals kind of girl. If you are too, I always recommend Tevas! (A few parks require closed-toed shoes for hiking.)

Hiking Sandals | I’m obsessed with Tevas—they’re lightweight, durable, and easy to rinse off after muddy hikes. If you prefer closed-toe shoes, Chacos and Keens are great options too.

Hat | The trails can get hot, and shade is not guaranteed. A lightweight hat will keep the sun off your face while keeping you cool.

Swimsuit | Always wear a swimsuit under your hiking outfit. You never know when you’ll come across a hidden waterfall or a natural pool you want to jump into.

Backpack | A small backpack is a must for Hawaii’s hikes. Look for one with multiple compartments to keep your water, sunscreen, and snacks organized. I bought a cute woven one!

Haleakalā Volcano: What to Bring

Planning to see the sunrise or sunset at Haleakalā National Park? The top of the volcano is over 10,000 feet above sea level, which means it’s cold—really cold. It’s about an hour drive up the volcano.

A popular attraction at the volcano is watching the sunset and rise. You don’t need a reservation to watch the sunset, but you do need one to watch the sunrise. You can book here at the Haleakalā National Park website.

Haleakalā Volcano Road Trip Essentials:

Click the links below to buy from Amazon.

- Snacks
- Essential oils for motion sickness (I love this one)
- Natural Peppermint Nasal Inhaler (For car sickness)
- Drinks
- Warm Jacket
- Pants (to throw on over your shorts)
- Dramamine

Jacket | You are going to want a jacket for the top of the volcano. It is about 50 degrees colder than sea level. If you don’t bring a jacket, you are going to get up there and not enjoy it!

Pants | You probably won’t be wearing pants the day you drive up the volcano, so you might want to throw a pair in your bag to put on over your shorts. The warmer you are, the more you will enjoy the scenery.

Dinner & Shows

Hawaii may be laid-back, but a fancy restaurant or dinner show is the perfect chance to dress up. A stylish floral dress paired with wedges strikes the perfect balance between elegance and island charm.

Whale Watching

Winter is whale season in Hawaii, and although temperatures usually stay around 75-80°F, it can get chilly on the water. For whale watching, you can keep it casual with shorts and sandals, but I recommend bringing a jacket to stay warm on the boat. Don’t forget sunglasses to protect your eyes, and if you like wearing a hat, choose one that’ll stay put in the wind. It’s a good idea to braid your hair or pull it up to avoid it blowing around.

Sweater or Jacket | It can get quite chilly out on the water, so bring a cozy sweater or jacket you can easily throw on.

Motion Sickness Oil | If you even think you might get motion or seasick, try this. It’s an all-natural essential oil that I’ve been using for years.

Must-Have Hawaii Items

These essentials will make your Hawaii trip even better:

Sunglass Strap | Sunglass straps are a lifesaver. I never had to worry about losing my sunglasses! I got a beaded pair for that extra tropical touch.

Birkenstocks | These comfortable sandals are a must for your Hawaii vacation—perfect for walking around or beach trips.

Underwater Camera | If you’re heading to Hawaii, an underwater camera is a must-have! Whether you’re snorkeling with sea turtles or swimming by coral reefs, you’ll want to capture the vibrant marine life. This is the camera we bought, and it was the best for an amazing price. Don’t miss out on documenting those once-in-a-lifetime moments!

Hawaii Revealed book | You will hear many people recommend you to buy these books (there is one for each island). They are so detailed and informative! You will want to buy the one for the island you are visiting at least a month in advance.