Before moving to Hawaii full-time in 2020, I would pack a massive suitcase full of outfits and shoes. Then, after arriving, I wondered why I brought it all. Time and again, I had such a challenge switching from city thinking to vacay mode when packing, and I would bring way too much.

In this guide, I will share with you the best breathable fabrics and clothing styles for Hawaii’s warm, humid climate, key items to bring, and some essential clothing items for sun safety too. I’ll help you leave the excess at home and pack clothing that you actually want to wear.

Fabric Makes All The Difference When Dressing For Hot, Humid Weather

Humidity already makes the air feel sticky; the wrong fabrics can make it worse by steamily sticking to your skin. Lightweight, loose-fitting breathable fabrics will allow for airflow and sweat evaporation, both of which help keep you cool.

Breathable fabrics are ideal for tropical weather

Lightweight Cotton

Lightweight cotton is a great option for feeling breezy-cool in warm weather. Cotton is absorbent, so be sure the fabric is thin enough to allow sweat to evaporate and dry quickly. I have loose-weave cotton sundresses and blouses, both comfortable options.

Linen

I just bought a linen-blend kaftan pool coverup and it is divine. I instantly understood why linen is recommended for hot weather and I will be seeking out more. It was the feeling of having my skin protected from the direct sunlight while also allowing the breeze to blow right through.

Moisture-Wicking Fabrics

Workout clothes and activewear are usually tight-fitting and snug, however tight, sweat-drenched clothes in hot humid weather can be miserable. Wearing moisture-wicking activewear pulls sweat away from your body to the surface and allows it to quickly evaporate and dry …fantastic for a beautiful jog along the coast, a hike in Volcanoes National Park, or an outdoor yoga class on the resort’s lawn.

Other breathable fabrics

I’ve read that Modal, Tencel (Lyocell), Viscose, Chambray, Seersucker, Bamboo, and Mesh Knit fabrics are breathable and comfortable in hot weather, but I have yet to try wearing these fabrics in heat/humidity.

Fabrics To Avoid

In general, leave the plastic-like (an easy way to remember) fabrics at home. Fabrics such as Polyester, Nylon and Acrylic don’t breathe well and can trap both heat and moisture, making for quite an uncomfortable experience.

Comfortable Styles For Your Island Activities

Most people come to Hawaii to relax and get into the easy flow of island life. Keep this vision in mind as you plan your clothing. For example, a relaxed-cut breezy dress can welcome a relaxed mindset while a tight-waisted number can have you sucking it in and feeling, well, uptight. I would encourage you, whatever your style, to go with flowy, stretchy, loose-fitting, forgiving outfits … so you can do the same during your visit.

Restoring R&R

Casual yet beautiful, easy-going sundresses might be just the thing if your vacation goal is to simply relax and unwind at the resort during the day … or maybe a linen shirt with shorts, a pretty water-friendly pair of sandals, a sunhat, and sunglasses. Hawaii is very casual, so lightweight, breathable, and easy to wear is ideal.

Ocean Adventures

In addition to a packable pool/beach bag, you might also pack a waterproof phone case or waterproof pouch to bring a few items out on the water with you (make sure you have it secured to yourself). Bringing your own snorkel and mask will save rental fees and ensure a better fit. You will need reef-friendly sunscreen when swimming in the ocean.

On Land Adventures

Packing specific clothing for outdoor adventures is particularly relevant on the Big Island, not only because the nature is so diverse, but also because shopping is so limited for any forgotten items. For example, closed-toed shoes are needed for walking across lava (I had to go try to find a pair on my first visit to the Big Island and it was such a waste of valuable vacation time.) There are some amazing horseback riding tours that warrant long pants. Going stargazing on the Mauna Kea summit, at 13,000+ feet, will require significant layers to stay warm (there’s snow up there during the winter months).

Each island has an abundant array of outdoor adventures, so pack accordingly. Bring a packable backpack/daypack and a lightweight rain jacket if you have any on your itinerary.

Evening

After a day of relaxing fun in the sun, it feels amazing to shower off and get dressed for dinner. However, you won’t need to stuff yourself into anything formal. Fine dining restaurants list Resort Casual for their dress code.

Men usually wear casual collared shirts like aloha shirts or a short-sleeved button-up with a nice pair of shorts or lightweight pants. Women can dress up a versatile day dress with nice jewelry and accessories; remember a light sweater or wrap in case the cool air is blowing down the mountain. For a luau, it can be fun to wear aloha attire or some fun Hawaiian accessories.

Shoes

Flip-Flops (High-Quality for Extensive Walking)

First and foremost in your shoe packing priorities is a high-quality pair of flip-flops (aka “slippers” in Hawaii). Select a supportive pair with a cushiony sole. Make sure that the materials are soft (won’t rub blisters) and water resistant.

Dressy / Fun Sandals

You can easily wear a nice-looking pair of flip-flops with your dinner dress if you are packing super light, but sandals are so small, that it would be easy to slip a pair of dressy or fun sandals in your suitcase.

Sneakers / Athletic Shoes

Considering your activities on your trip will determine what type/style of sneakers to bring. At a minimum, you will want some cute sneakers for going on longer day excursions like extensive shopping or long walks. Opt for a more athletic pair if you intend on doing nature hikes or intensive cardio sessions.

Sun-Safety Clothing

Cover up if you are planning significant time at the beach or out enjoying water sports! The UV Index reaches the Very High and Extreme classifications for most of the year.

I have a water-friendly visor, for example, and a long-sleeved swimshirt (aka rashguard) that I wear over my swimsuit while paddleboarding. Below are more sun-protective clothing items to consider.

UPF Clothing

Pack clothes with an Ultraviolet Protection Factor for added sun protection, especially if you will be out doing activities in the midday (when the sun’s rays are the strongest) or out for an extended amount of time.

Wide-Brimmed Hats

Skip the narrow visors and slim-brimmed fedoras. The sun is strong early and late in the day when the sun comes in at an angle, and blazing midday when the sun is overhead. Wide-brimmed hats will protect more of your face for a longer amount of time. I like to get hats with a strap to keep them firmly in place in the trade winds (securing the strap back underneath my hair instead of my chin for added comfort).

Sunglasses

UV-protective sunglasses will protect your eyes from the sun as well as glare off of the sand and water. Bring a polarized pair for activities out on the water, to make sealife extra visible.

Long-Sleeve Swim Shirts (Rash Guards)

I like to wear a long-sleeved swimshirt over my swimsuit when the sun is the brightest.

What Not To Bring

If you pack these items, once you get to Hawaii, you will wonder why.

High Heels

Along the lines of your relaxing, easy-going vacation, wear shoes that help you feel that way. Sandals with a dress for dinner will look lovely.

Jeans

Maybe for the evening or for horseback riding. Otherwise, you will not want to touch them during the day.

Dry Clean Only Clothes

Unless you are in Hawaii for a special event, leave “dry clean only” garments at home.

Tons of Clothing

Pack light. As I mentioned at the beginning, once you are in Hawaii, you won’t want to deal with a lot of stuff. Everyone is so easygoing and casual here. Packing a versatile capsule wardrobe with an additional few special, fun items, will be the easiest to manage. Pack a well-thought-out collection of quality, versatile pieces that bring you joy to wear.

Final Thoughts On Packing For Tropical Climate

Imagine the vacation vibe that you want to create, consider the fabrics, easy-fitting styles, and sun protection items mentioned above, and pack lightly.  

Frequently Asked Questions: What To Wear In Hawaii