The outfits here cover aloha shirts, bikinis and one-pieces, cover-ups, maxi dresses, casual shorts, flowy skirts, sandals, coordinating all-white looks and a button-down midi dress, and the right mix for you depends on what your days will actually hold.
Fabric follows the same rule: cotton, linen and silk breathe best in Hawaii’s warm climate.
1. Aloha Shirts
Matching prints are the easiest way to look like a couple in Hawaii photos, and the aloha shirt does the work for him.
A bold floral shirt needs nothing else to look finished, so pair it with plain shorts and let the pattern carry the outfit.
I like picking her piece first, then finding a shirt that repeats one color from it.
The purple and white pairing here is a good model: matching prints in the same palette, so it reads as planned without feeling like a costume.
2. Bikinis and One-pieces
A one-piece gets overlooked on honeymoon lists, and I think that’s a mistake. It stays put through snorkeling, swimming and long beach days, and a graphic or printed one gives you a swimsuit that doubles as a souvenir.
Pick a bikini if tan lines matter to you and a one-piece if you’d rather stop adjusting straps. Pack at least 3 suits so one can dry while you wear another.
3. Cover-ups
A cover-up is the piece that lets a swimsuit become a lunch outfit. Choose a lightweight one in a print you actually love, since it will show up in half your photos.
Slip it on over a dry suit for the walk to a beach bar or a trailhead. I’d pick a style that folds small, because it takes almost no suitcase room and gets worn nearly every day.
4. Maxi Dresses
Daytime sightseeing is where a flowy maxi dress earns its spot in the suitcase.
One dress covers you from breakfast to a late sunset walk, and a pattern in warm earthy tones hides the small spills that come with eating your way across an island.
Look for light, loose fabric that moves with you. A maxi dress works from morning to night with flat sandals underneath and a thin wrap or cotton cardigan in your bag for when the breeze cools off after sunset.
5. Casual Shorts
Shorts are the workhorse of a honeymoon wardrobe, and texture is how to make them feel special. Crochet shorts in a neutral shade look more put together than basic cotton ones while staying just as easy to wear.
Pair them with a simple crop top, and you have an outfit that works on the sand or at a casual lunch. I’d pack 2 pairs in different colors and mix them freely.
6. Flowy Skirts
A tiered skirt gives you movement and room to walk, which makes it a smart choice for exploring. Bright orange stands out against green mountains, so a bold color pays off here.
Keep the top simple and fitted so the skirt gets the attention. I prefer one with a stretchy waistband, since it handles long drives, big meals and wind without any fuss.
7. Comfortable Sandals
Sandals decide whether you enjoy a full day on your feet, so comfort should win over looks every time. A sporty style with a cushioned footbed and an adjustable strap handles sand, wet decks and long walks between stops.
A neutral grey beats a bright color here, since it goes with nearly every outfit you’re likely to pack. Wear them at home for a few days first, because a new strap can rub on day one of the trip.
8. Coordinating All White Outfits
All white works best when the 2 outfits share a mood rather than a pattern.
Linen-look tops and loose pants or a simple dress keep it relaxed, and white against turquoise water makes for photos that look planned without much effort.
Sunglasses finish the look and give the outfits some contrast.
I’d save this for a boat day or a sunset dinner, since white shows every splash and spill, and pack a backup top in case sunscreen or sauce lands on it.
9. Casual Button Down Midi Dress
A button-down midi dress in a saturated color gives you a polished look that still feels easy. Royal blue stands out against green hills, and long sleeves cover your shoulders when the sun gets strong.
Pair it with white sneakers and you can walk, drive and stop for lunch without changing.
I like leaving the top buttons open for airflow and adding a belt to give the dress some shape. Roll the sleeves up when it warms up.
Comfort and Breathability
Natural fibers keep you coolest in Hawaii’s warm climate: cotton, linen and even silk all breathe well. Athletic fabrics are also a good pick for hiking days, when you’ll sweat more.
Loose, airy cuts matter as much as the fiber.
Loose cotton keeps air moving and blocks some sun, and anything snug will have you tugging at it when you’d rather be lying on the sand or watching the fire dancers at a luau.
Hold a piece up to the light and give the fabric a gentle stretch in the store; thin weaves and see-through patches show up fast.
If it clings or feels stiff in the store, it will feel worse in humid air.
Hawaii is a very casual environment. So, you won’t feel the need to get too dressy, but you probably want to wear something nice so that you feel your best.
Packing Essentials
For a week away, I’d bring at least 3 swimsuits so one can dry while you wear another. A secure fit matters more than anything else about them.
Beyond swimwear, my beach bag list is short: sunglasses, a sun hat, sandals, sunscreen, a cover-up and a quick-dry travel towel. Add snorkel gear and a book if those fit your days.
For hikes and sudden rain, a lightweight water-resistant backpack keeps sunscreen, water, snacks and a camera dry. Choose one with several compartments and padded shoulder straps, since you’ll carry it for hours.
Dressing for Activities
Plan your outfits around what you’ll actually do each day.
A trip with several hiking days calls for more activewear, pieces you can scramble in, and real hiking shoes. A beach-heavy trip means extra swimsuits so you can visit every beach on your list.
For a hike, I’d wear a sports bra under a sun shirt, plus a ball cap and sunglasses. A hydration pack loaded with water and a few snacks is what I’d carry on any trail.
If the trail ends at a waterfall or beach, bring a swimsuit, water shoes and a quick-dry towel. Shorts with pockets and trail runners with socks round it out.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I wear on the plane to Hawaii?
Wear comfortable layers: leggings, a soft shirt and a light cardigan.
The flight is at least a few hours from anywhere in the US, so the cardigan handles a cold cabin. Pick pieces you can wear again once you land, which saves suitcase room.
What not to wear in Hawaii?
Pack light and leave the wool, the dress shoes and the stilettos at home, since nothing on the islands calls for them.
Denim is also worth rethinking, since jeans and denim jackets run hot and heavy in the humid weather. Lightweight, breathable clothes and comfortable sandals suit the uneven terrain and warm days much better.
What fabrics are best for Hawaii’s climate?
Cotton, linen and silk let air move across your skin, which makes them the easy pick for warm, sticky days.
For hiking days, switch to moisture-wicking athletic pieces that dry fast once you start to sweat. Cut counts as much as fiber: a loose, airy shape moves with you, while a snug one clings in the humidity.
How many swimsuits should I pack for a Hawaii honeymoon?
Bring at least 3 swimsuits for a week away.
Bring enough that one suit can hang dry while another is on, and every beach on your list stays open to you. Fit comes first, and a suit that stays put through snorkeling and swimming beats any style detail.
What shoes should I wear in Hawaii?
Choose comfortable sandals with a cushioned footbed and an adjustable strap. A pair like that copes with sand, slick boat decks and miles of walking, and a neutral gray pairs with almost anything you pack.
For hikes, wear real hiking shoes or trail runners with socks, and break new sandals in at home first so the strap doesn’t rub.
