What to Wear in Hawaii Beyond a Beach Cover-Up, According to a Fashion Writer

For tourists, deciding what to wear in Hawaii isn’t as simple as packing a beach cover-up and flip-flops. Hawaii is one of those places that almost feels like another universe—the tropical climate gives way to a breathtaking, diverse ecosystem full of unique vegetation, critters, and scenery you’ll never forget. With their lush rainforests, soaring mountains, and aqua-blue water, the remote islands are a dream destination for millions of people each year. And regardless of whether you’re into surfing, traversing higher elevations among volcanic rocks, or basking in the sun on the beach, there’s something there for everyone. I myself spent a couple of weeks snorkeling, hiking, and swimming around the Hawaiian Islands a few years ago, and it was a truly magical experience.

Glamour’s Hawaii packing list

The Printed Top: J.Crew Pintuck Shell Top, $80
The Airy Skirt: Madewell Pleated Midi-Skirt, $128
The Trendy Sneakers: Adidas Taekwando Sneakers, $90
The Easy Dress: Ann Taylor Cutout Back Dress, $80
The Roomy Jeans: Pistola Ryder Cuffed Jeans, $178
The Boho Blouse: Dôen Henri Top, $250
The Kitten Sandals: Loft Skinny Strap Sandals, $45
The Bike Shorts: Lululemon Align High-Rise Shorts, $64
The Swimsuit: Johnny Was x Paolita Bikini Top, $118

I’m the type of person that starts making a packing list weeks in advance ahead of a vacation because I like to plan my outfits for each day, and I’m here to share my knowledge of what worked and what didn’t to help you with your own Hawaiian vacation. You’ll definitely want to bring an array of swimsuits, a beach bag, and comfortable sneakers, hiking shoes, and/or walking sandals. If you’re into surfing, consider bringing a rash guard. And if you’re planning on taking any hikes, a sports bra and a light rain jacket will serve you well.

As for your everyday wear, Hawaiian style on the whole is fairly casual. There are definitely some spots that have a more elevated dress code, especially in cities like Waikiki and Honolulu, but you’ll likely see more tank tops and Hawaiian shirts than formal dresses and suits (unless you’re there for a destination wedding, of course).

If you have your own trip coming up, here are some more tips to keep in mind: Use exclusively reef-safe mineral sunscreen to protect the aquatic life and coral reefs, prioritize patronizing Native Hawaiian businesses to put money back into local communities wherever possible, and be a respectful steward of the land by minding your footprint as a tourist. (Also, do your research before booking! Oahu, Kauai, and the Big Island all have their own unique experiences. As for Maui, many Native Hawaiians have been discouraging travel while the island rebuilds following the devastating wildfires in 2023; other residents, however, feel that tourism will help the local economy recover.)

No matter what’s on your agenda, a Hawaii vacation is truly one for the books. Ahead, read on for 10 outfit ideas for what to wear in Hawaii.

Button-Up + Midiskirt + Flats

Have dinner plans or headed to a luau? In lieu of an aloha shirt, test out a bold printed blouse instead. This short-sleeve button-down layered over a crisp, white midiskirt is breezy and chic, especially paired with the striking cerulean color of the ballet flats. Keep accessories simple with some gold hoops and a pair of oblong sunglasses, and throw on a clutch bag with your favorite charm to add a personal touch to the dressy casual look.

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J.Crew Pintuck Shell Top

$80

J.Crew

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Madewell Pleated Midi-Skirt

$128

Madewell

Tank Top + Midiskirt + Sneakers

While a fluffy bag might be a little too much for the warm Hawaiian weather, the combination of a basic white tank and lacy midiskirt is an easy look to throw on before going out to dinner or taking a stroll around town. A pair of sneakers and socks keep this look comfy and functional, while sunnies in a neutral hue offer some sun protection for your eyes. Instead of the furry purse, try a crochet handbag instead for a beachy twist.

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H&M Ribbed Tank Top

H&M

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Adidas Taekwando Sneakers

$90

Adidas

Crop Top + Miniskirt Matching Set

Bright colors are a fixture in Hawaiian outfits, and this sunny hue is the perfect choice. A matching set in any color is always one of my go-to looks in warm weather, in fact, and a crop top and miniskirt combo is a fail-safe option. A pair of platform slides helps dress up the look even more. If you’re feeling playful, try some sunnies in a complementary but contrasting shade.

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Abercrombie & Fitch Linen-Blend Tailored Halter Vest

$50

Abercrombie & Fitch

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Abercrombie & Fitch Scarlett Linen-Blend Miniskort

$60

Abercrombie & Fitch

Maxidress + Cardigan

Maxidresses are a must for a Hawaii packing list. This salmon-pink A-line ruffled dress is light and breezy, and would even double as a cute cover-up over your swimwear for the beach. A cozy cardigan or light jacket is always a good item to pack in case it gets a little chilly at night. While the person above opted for a black purse and matching kitten heel, a pair of flip-flops or sandals works just as well with a beach bag.

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Ann Taylor Cutout Back Dress

$159 $80

Ann Taylor

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Ann Taylor Ann Cardigan

$90 $45

Ann Taylor

Tank Top + Jeans

You can never go wrong with a classic pair of jeans and a tank top (or white T-shirt, if that’s more your speed). This person opted for neutral tones between a gray-wash denim and a cream-colored top, but you can substitute any pair of blue jeans or solid-color tank for a comfy and cute vacation outfit. A pair of heels give this look a dressier vibe, but if you swap them out for some flip-flops, it’s an easy ensemble to wear on a Hawaiian vacation. Denim shorts also work for a casual outfit idea.

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Gap Linen-Blend Crop Shell Tank Top

$50

Gap

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Pistola Ryder High-Rise Cuffed Straight Jeans

$178

Nordstrom

Blouse + Maxiskirt

If you prefer more of a modest look, this flowy, patterned maxiskirt and sage green top are a light and airy combo. While I’m a huge fan of the tall gloves while Stateside, they’re not the most fitting for the Hawaiian climate; instead, try a long-sleeve style if you’re looking for coverage on the arms. Off-white accessories, like sunglasses, a crossbody bag, and ballet-inspired shoes, make this outfit feel complete.

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Dôen Henri Top

$220

Net-a-Porter

$218

Dôen

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J.Crew Knee-Length Block-Print Skirt

$128 $77

J.Crew

Belted Dress + Kitten Heel

A bold, belted sundress is another vacation staple. For a special occasion, try it out with some pearly accessories—the Simone Rocha bag this person styled the outfit with is an excellent option. If you don’t have that casually sitting in the back of your closet, some pearl earrings or a delicate necklace would pair nicely with this look, as well, in lieu of gold.

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Boden Sofia Trim Jersey Midi-Dress

$155

Boden

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Loft Skinny Strap Kitten Heel Sandals

$90 $45

Loft

Blazer + Bermuda Shorts

A pair of long Bermuda shorts are an easy way to look and stay feeling cool during Hawaiian travel, and a matching blazer, crop top, and kitten heels make this ensemble feel polished and put-together. A pair of denim shorts or even a romper are equally stylish substitutes, and this outfit can be dressed down even more by swapping out the heels for a comfy sandal. While I wouldn’t wear this on the hiking trails, this look would be perfect for spending a day shopping around town or a casual dinner at night.

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J.Crew Easy-Fit Blazer

$298 $180

J.Crew

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Joe’s Jeans Brody Bermuda Shorts

$198

Amazon

$198

Anthropologie

Bathing Suit + Matching Set

If you’re Hawaiian trip plans include a day at the beach followed by drinks at an oceanfront bar, go for a matching button-down shirt and shorts set, especially one in breathable fabrics. Cute and comfortable, it’s the perfect transition cover-up that prevents you from having to overstuff your beach bag. Jewelry is best kept minimal, and leave any keepsakes or expensive pieces in the hotel-room safe, lest they get lost in the sand.

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Ruisin Supersoft Wrinkle-Free Button-Down Shirt

$27

Amazon

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Johnny Was x Paolita Braid String Bikini Top

$118

Johnny Was

Sports Bra + Bike Shorts

If you’re hitting the hiking trails, you’ll do well to pack comfortable shoes and a moisture-wicking sports bra. Wear swim bottoms under the bike shorts in case you’d like to do a dip at the waterfall along the way. A baseball hat and sunglasses will help with sun protection. A long-sleeve top or light rain jacket might be good to pack as well—the early morning hikes can be quite chilly.

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