Hawaii is one of the closest places to paradise for people living in the United States, both figuratively and literally. Not only is the country beautiful, with its calm beaches, diverse wildlife, and wonderful climate, but it is also rich in culture, preserved by people who love the land. Hawaii is made up of over 100 of her different islands, but is recognized by her eight major islands: Hawaii, Maui, Kahoolawe, Lanai, Molokai, Oahu, Kauai, and Niihau.
Visiting these islands is a great privilege and an opportunity to create wonderful memories. So, you may be thinking about everything to make sure your packing is in order. To help you with that, here's a guide to what to wear in Hawaii based on the climate of the island you're visiting and the different types of activities you're planning.
The complexity of Hawaii tourism
Before we explain what to wear in Hawaii, it's important to recognize that Hawaii has a complicated relationship with tourism. Over the past few years, the islands have experienced several devastating events, including earthquakes, droughts and wildfires, and the poverty rate among indigenous people is also very high. But the country still sees millions of tourists fly in each year to enjoy a luxurious vacation in the place they call home.
Many Native Hawaiians have consistently implored tourists not to travel to the islands, citing the crisis their people are facing. Also, more tourists means more of their sacred land has to be destroyed. This has led to the forced relocation of natives to provide accommodation, as well as other problems that arise with foreigners moving to the island. But the business community and other Native Hawaiians say otherwise. According to AS USA, Hawaii's economy relies heavily on tourism, with a quarter of its revenue coming from tourism in 2019, and places like Maui getting 80% of their revenue from tourism. It is said that it depends. So even Native Hawaiians who want tourists to vacation elsewhere may literally not be able to afford to make this happen.
This is not intended to make anyone feel guilty for traveling to these beautiful islands, but to honor the people who call them home. The situation is too complex to decide whether to go to Hawaii or not. Instead, look up local news on the islands you want to visit and research ways to travel sustainably and respect the islanders.
Consider the climate when packing your clothes
Hawaii has a tropical climate characterized by consistently warm temperatures, high humidity, and abundant precipitation, with relatively little seasonal variation. Basically, it's good all year round. However, there are some conditions you need to be prepared for, especially depending on the island you are visiting.
warm temperatures and high humidity
Temperatures in Hawaii typically range from mid-70s to mid-80s F (24 to 30 C) year-round. However, temperatures vary depending on altitude and time of day. Sunscreen is a must. Additionally, Hawaii's location in the tropical Pacific Ocean results in high humidity, especially in coastal areas. Especially during the summer, humidity can make the air feel warm and sticky.
trade winds
Hawaii benefits from trade winds that consistently blow from the northeast. These winds moderate temperatures and reduce heat, especially on the windward (northeast) side of the island.
rainfall
Hawaii experiences a lot of rain, especially during the winter months (November to March), when the islands enter their rainy season. The windward side of the island receives the most precipitation due to orographic lift, where moist air is pushed up by the mountains, causing cooling and condensation. If you're traveling during this season, be sure to bring a poncho or rain gear.
Microclimate and seasonal variation
Despite its small size, Hawaii features a variety of microclimates due to elevation, topography, and trade wind influences. For example, the windward side of the island is greener, while the leeward (southwest) side tends to be drier and sunnier. Hawaii's climate is relatively stable throughout the year, but there are some seasonal fluctuations. Summers (June to September) tend to be warm and dry, while winters (December to March) tend to be slightly cooler and wetter. In the cooler months, be sure to bring a nice sweatshirt and jacket, even if you expect it to be warm.
what to wear in hawaii
lightweight clothing: Packed with lightweight, breathable materials such as cotton, linen, and moisture-wicking materials to keep you cool and comfortable even in hot weather. Dry-fit or workout fabric clothing is perfect for outdoor adventures.
swimsuit: Don't forget to pack a swimsuit or bikini to enjoy Hawaii's beautiful beaches and water activities. Since you can swim almost all day every day in Hawaii, it's a good idea to bring at least two swimsuits so you can dry one while you're wearing the other.
Sunscreen: Please bring a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen to protect yourself from the strong Hawaiian sun. Many travelers recommend wearing loose-fitting, long-sleeved flannels or shorts to protect your arms from the sun when doing outdoor activities.
casual clothes: Hawaii has a laid-back atmosphere, so casual clothing such as shorts, sundresses, T-shirts, and sandals is appropriate in most cases. These items are perfect for dinners, luaus, sightseeing, and more.
cover up: If you plan to visit a religious site or want extra coverage from the sun, consider getting a lightweight cover-up or sarong. Additionally, if you don't know what to wear in Hawaii and don't need a ton of clothes, cover-ups are a very versatile option.
footwear: Comfortable walking shoes or sandals are essential, especially if you plan to explore the island on foot. Most tourists would probably say there's no need to bother packing for medical treatment. Closed-toed shoes are required for activities such as hiking.
rain gear: Again, Hawaii is generally sunny, but it is also known for the occasional rain. Consider bringing a lightweight rain jacket or umbrella just in case. A compact travel rain poncho is very handy to have in your bag at all times.
evening wear: If you're going out for a night out or eating at a nice restaurant, it's a good idea to bring something a little dressier, like a sundress or a casual button-down shirt. The island is generally laid-back, so you won't necessarily need these items, but they're great for taking photos and are good to have just in case.
No jeans allowed: This is a guide to what to wear in Hawaii, but denim jeans are what you want to avoid wherever you go. The material feels heavy and thick and can overheat. No matter how cool it is, it is not practical if the material is too heavy. Denim shorts may suffice, but more breathable materials work better.
