The Best Clothing To Pack To Blend In Like A Local On A Tropical Vacation To Hawaii

Aloha state, here you come! If you've got your flight booked for Hawaii, next up is packing for your tropical vacation. In terms of blending in with the locals style-wise and keeping your Mainlander profile low-key, here are a few tips on what clothing to pack (and what not to pack). 

If this is your first visit to Hawaii, your first question is probably: Do locals actually wear Aloha shirts on the daily? Rest assured, the answer is yes! Locals of all backgrounds and professions rock Aloha shirts for both everyday attire and special occasions, including a standing "Aloha Friday."  There are varying female equivalents of Aloha attire, including a muumuu (loose, breezy dress) or a floral dress of either knee- or ankle-length. So if you're excited to participate in this tradition, feel free! Just know that donning a lei and selecting the craziest neon Hawaiian pattern will undo the local look.

Another noteworthy guideline on Hawaiian style is that locals dress more understated and subdued than tourists. Best way not to stick out? Don't dress like a rainbow paintball exploded on you. Locals keep their style simple and relaxed, for the most part. Think comfortable, loose, and breathable, since it can be humid and you'll be outside a lot. Locals don't squeeze into uncomfortable and tight clothing and roam around tropical paradise looking like they are ready for an Instagram photoshoot. They look like they just came from, are on their way to, or just wish they were, at the beach. Beachwear (or swimsuits hidden under their clothing) is often the go-to look, as if they want the option to rip off their shirt and jump into the water at a moment's notice of a good wave on the horizon.

When packing, select summery clothing that would keep you comfortable in the humid, tropical climate. Your favorite summer and beach-inspired outfits, pieces that could transition easily from the beach to a casual town setting, or just a breezy, natural look will serve you well. Locals layer swimsuits, wear well-loved and sun-faded T-shirts, and reach for baseball caps and slip-on rubber sandals (or slippers as they call them). Specific brands of slippers like Locals and Rainbow Sandals are popular. 

For women, some ideas for blending in with the Hawaiian locale are linen pants, rompers, cut-offs, beachy dresses, sarongs, and denim shorts. Pairing a light tank top with flowy slacks or skirt, or a swimsuit coverup that can double as a dress, so you can slip from town to the ocean effortlessly. Honestly, pairing sandals and a cute swimsuit cover-up all day every day is a valid option for much of your vacation. Activewear and athleisure are also good clothing choices if you plan to take advantage of hiking and other outdoor adventures!

Guys wear a lot of board shorts everywhere with clearly well-loved t-shirts and flip-flops. Aloha shirts can be dressed up or down; a polo with khakis or slacks makes a great option for a nice dinner out. You'd be surprised at how the temperatures can drop in the evening to a point where a light jacket, wrap, or sweater would be desirable. As mild and tropical as the climate is, a cool, steady breeze is common (and idyllic).

Diving into what not to bring on your next Hawaiian vacation, here are a few outfits that should not see the light of day if you are hoping to look local in Hawaii. First on the banished list is matching couples' outfits. There is nothing more touristy than the matching couples strolling down Kalakaua Avenue, rocking the same gaudy floral patterns. Add enormous sunglasses, tall wedges, and a wide-brimmed straw hat to boot, and you got yourself a Waikiki cliché! The second clothing no-go for men to avoid is super vibrant, obnoxious Aloha shirts, ones with huge palm trees, pineapples, neon, and other extreme patterns. Many T-shirts you'd find at the corner ABC stores, such as ones that say "I heart Hawaii" or the like, will similarly give you a tourist name tag.

Another you-are-clearly-not-from-here giveaway? White sneakers. Just wait until you see the mud out here. Good luck keeping those kicks clean. They are just not practical in the tropics, not even for heading to the beach. Sand and sneakers? Grimace. The last thing to not wear is a sunburn: the surest way to identify yourself as a tourist without even saying a word. You won't see locals with backs that look like they've been within 20 feet of the sun. They take care of their skin and watch sun exposure carefully!