Aloha! And welcome to our Hawaii packing list to find out what to wear in Hawaii for a more authentic look.

What is the first place that pops up into your mind if we ask you to think about an exotic destination? Let us guess! Hawaii, right?

A dream destination located in the heart of the Pacific Ocean, the Hawaiian Islands enchant tourists with their rich culture, warm weather all year round, and spectacular landscapes. Home to countless luxurious rainforests, pearly white or deep black sand beaches, impressive mountain trails, active volcanoes, tasty from-farm-to-table dishes, tropical blooms, and colorful fish, the Aloha State is a place like no other. It has something to offer to everyone. It is simply the best place to visit if you want to indulge all your senses.

Hawaii Fashion – the Aloha Attire

One great way to enjoy a more authentic Hawaiian experience is by blending into the local scene. Ditch the casual tourist look and adhere to the Hawaiian style.

Wondering what people wear in Hawaii? The everyday wear consists of shorts and T-shirts for men, lightweight dresses or tank-tops with shorts for women. However, there are some specific items you will find only here.

You probably already know about the famous Aloha shirt, the inspiring shirt in bright colors with tropical or geometric patterns that induce only good vibes. The shirt has a long history and complex symbolism. However, it is the metaphor of the laid-back atmosphere that governs the Paradise of the Pacific. The friendly people of Hawaii, men and women alike, don’t hesitate to wear it every day, from work to special occasions and smart casual events. Traditionally, the shirt used to be worn only by men, but women started to wear it as well. One thing to keep in mind is that the authentic Aloha shirt should not be kitschy at all. On the contrary. It features simple designs, sun-faded vintage colors that don’t scream for attention, and patterns that depict tropical native plants or sea symbols./p>

Tip:

To make sure you wear the traditional aloha shirt, buy local. You’ll have a clothing item that tells a story and you’ll also support the local economy.

How to Style the Aloha Shirt for Men & Women

There is no single way to wear the Aloha shirt. Here’s how to style it in Hawaii fashion:

• Choose a shirt that’s crafted from a lightweight, comfortable fabric and fits you well.
• Go for color combinations that are complementary to the other clothes you have prepared for your Hawaii outfits.
• Don’t tuck it in, let it hang loosely for a more relaxed style.
• Wear it with shorts or chinos in plain, neutral colors.
• Avoid bottoms with patterns; you don’t want to overwhelm your outfit.
• Don’t wear matching shirts. Locals never do it.
• You can wear it over a plain white T-shirt.
• Accessorize it with a straw hat.
• Don’t forget that attitude is the best accessory – wear your Aloha shirt with confidence.

Besides the traditional floral pattern shirt, people in Hawaii wear relaxed clothes complemented by Jandals, also known as Jesus Sandals or Jesus Slipper, the most popular, stylish, and comfortable shoes in the Aloha state. You’re not a true Hawaii local unless you get one pair of these. They’re usually crafted from rubber and are super lightweight, just perfect for a day at the beach.

Packing For Hawaii

Dress like a local, travel like a local.

What clothes to wear in Hawaii? Depending on the activities you’re planning, you’ll need various outfits. Our Hawaii packing list will help you plan them so you can enjoy the tropical adventure of a lifetime, take amazing photos, and have a lot of fun.

What to Wear In Hawaii: Packing List for Women

• Aloha shirt or dress
• Sundress
• White T-shirt
• Tank top
• Shorts – avoid denim, opt for comfortable fabrics
• Casual dress for restaurant dinners
• Casual shirt crafted from linen or cotton
• Capris pants
• Swimsuit
• Comfortable shoes – flip-flops, sandals, water sandals
• Sunglasses
• Straw hat
• Beach cover-up
• Lightweight sweater or jacket

What to Wear In Hawaii: Packing List for Men

• Hawaiian shirt
• Relaxed button-down shirt in neutral colors
• Chino shorts in neutral colors – you can wear them everywhere, even at casual dinners
• T-Shirt
• Swim shorts
• Comfortable shoes – flip-flops, sandals, water sandals
• Sunglasses
• Straw hat
• Lightweight sweater or jacket – sometimes it gets chilly

Tips:

• Choose fabrics that are comfortable, breathable, and lightweight – cotton is the best material for Hawaii’s humid environment.
• Bring a lightweight rain jacket and pants – you never know where your adventures might take you. However, the rains in Hawaii are so warm and blissfully refreshing.
• Always use sunscreen – the tropical sun is strong and can easily cause skin burns.
• Avoid jeans – they are not comfortable for Hawaii weather.

The Luggage for Hawaii

Believe it or not, even though you have so many things to see and do in the archipelago, packing for Hawaii is so simple. The best clothes to wear in Hawaii are crafted from lightweight materials such as cotton and linen – this means they don’t take much space in your luggage. You can easily travel to the island paradise with a backpack, especially if you’re into activities such as surfing, relaxing at the beach, or taking a tour of the main islands.

Since the respect for nature is the pillar of the Hawaii culture and the state itself promotes sustainable traveling, packing for Hawaii should start with choosing a sustainable backpack, too. The Nordace Eclat Re:Life Smart Backpack can hold everything you need when exploring the fascinating outdoors.

Why is this backpack such a good choice for responsible traveling? First of all, it is ethically made from recycled plastic bottles. As a matter of fact, plastic pollution in Hawaii has increased exponentially over the last few years. That’s why, in 2015, Hawaii was the first state in the US that banned single-use plastic bags at grocery stores.

Small actions, such as using the REPREVE® recycled polyester and VEGATEX™ apple skin vegan leather to create the Nordace Eclat Re:Life Smart Backpack can make a huge difference when it comes to reducing our impact on the environment.

Plus, this backpack is large enough to hold your essentials from a few changes of clothes, accessories, toiletries, and gadgets. It features a USB charging port to power up your devices on the go and capture those moments that take your breath away. Ergonomically designed, the padded shoulder straps ensure all-day comfort while the luggage strap allows you to easily connect the backpack to your rolling suitcase. It adapts to any situation and makes packing for Hawaii a lot easier.

Get ready to discover the tropical paradise! Grab your Aloha shirt, flip-flops, and sunglasses and embark on an adventure of a lifetime with an open mind and open heart.