How to Dress in Hawaii & Not Look Like a Tourist
Tourism is Hawaii's largest industry, and visitors are very warmly welcomed in the land of aloha. However, should you wish to fit in with a genuine island look and not stand out as a tourist, follow a few of these steps. You'll be looking local in no time.
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Instructions
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Pay attention to footwear. Certain kinds of footwear, such as Teva-style sandals, are immediate giveaways that the person might be visiting from out of state. Most residents prefer the more simple rubber slipper ("rubbah slippah" in island lingo), which they wear for nearly any occasion in Hawaii---including weddings.
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Don't avoid aloha attire. Islanders do wear aloha dress for both business and casual occasions. Businessmen---from senators to dentists---wear aloha shirts tucked in with "Dockers" style slacks and a belt. Women tend to wear traditional mu'umu'u or matching outfits in tropical prints. It's OK to wear tropical prints. Just don't go overboard. Many tourists stand out especially when both partners wear matching prints.
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Visit a surf store to locate authentic surf T-shirts or fishing T-shirts. Some are printed with logos from famous surf contests. Local people also like to buy T-shirts from the large discount retailers, and as a result, their Hawaiian-style brand names are seen everywhere on local residents.
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Wear board shorts. Nearly everyone in Hawaii wears board shorts, many of which feature loud and colorful tropical flower prints. Whether you plan on a beach day or a stroll through the city, Hawaiian-style board shorts present a comfortable and fashionable choice.
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Purchase a good pair of sunglasses. Most residents in Hawaii invest in at least one good pair of polarized sunglasses, which protect against UVA and UVB rays while shielding the eyes from harsh solar rays at this tropical latitude.
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Dress down. Couples who are overdressed for dinner scream "tourist." Although local residents like to dress for dinner, they might save the silk aloha shirts for the most special of Hawaii occasions, such as office Christmas parties, weddings or baby luaus.
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Tips & Warnings
Hats of all kinds are worn by residents in Hawaii, but you are more likely to look like a tourist if you wear a large straw hat along with your matching aloha shirt and shorts.
As with any place you visit, keep an eye on your valuables, especially if you use a visible belt pack.
