Wondering what to wear in Hawaii in December? This guide shows you exactly how to dress for warm winter weather on the islands.
Hawaii stays sunny and tropical in December, so lightweight outfits, breathable fabrics, swimsuits, and breezy layers are essentials.
In this post, you’ll find outfit ideas that keep you comfortable for beaches, hikes, dinners, and exploring the islands.
You’ll discover simple outfit formulas that make packing for Hawaii effortless and stress-free.
This post is all about what to wear in Hawaii in December.
What to Wear in Hawaii in December
Weather & Climate 🌫️
December in Hawaii is part of the rainy season, but don’t panic—rain usually comes in quick bursts, often at night or in the early morning. Daytime highs hover around 79°F to 83°F (26°C to 28°C), with nighttime lows dropping to a mild 68°F to 72°F (20°C to 22°C).
The islands stay warm and humid, with trade winds keeping things pleasant. Expect more rain on the north and east sides of the islands, while south and west shores tend to be drier.
Bring clothing that dries quickly and allows airflow—you’ll likely get wet at some point, whether from ocean spray, showers, or a spontaneous swim.
Tropical Wrap Romper for a Sunny December in Hawaii
This breezy, palm-printed wrap romper is perfect for a warm Hawaiian December day, offering a playful yet polished vacation vibe.
✨ Get the Look:
Wrap Romper / Ruffled Sleeves / Nude Strappy Sandals / Statement Earrings
How Locals Dress ✨
Hawaiian style is laid-back, island-casual, and centered around comfort. You’ll see plenty of aloha shirts, maxi dresses, linen pants, and simple sandals.
Locals dress for the weather, not the calendar—so don’t be surprised to see shorts in December. But there’s also a sense of pride in looking put-together.
Think effortlessly relaxed: beachy but not sloppy, breezy yet intentional. Natural fabrics like cotton and rayon rule, and everything is designed to stay cool and move freely.
Floral Maxi Dress for a Dreamy Hawaiian Beach December
Flowy and vibrant, this red floral maxi dress is your go-to for effortless elegance at any beachside gathering.
✨ Get the Look:
Red Floral Maxi Dress / Spaghetti Straps / Minimal Jewelry / Bare Sandals
Outerwear 🧥
Heavy outerwear is unnecessary, but do bring a lightweight jacket or packable rain shell for sudden showers or cool nights near the coast.
A denim jacket or cotton wrap is perfect for evening beach walks or breezy boat rides. If you’re heading up into higher elevations—like Haleakalā on Maui or Mauna Kea on the Big Island—it can get cold, so pack a fleece or windbreaker for excursions.
Bold Leafy Co-ord Set for a Coastal December
This tropical leaf-print matching set delivers statement resort energy with a polished edge perfect for coastal December escapes.
✨ Get the Look:
Leaf-Print Button-Up Shirt / Matching Wide-Leg Pants / White Tank Top / Chunky Gold Jewelry / White Sunglasses / Structured Beige Handbag
Layers & Fabrics 🧵
Stick to breathable, moisture-wicking fabrics: cotton, linen, bamboo, and rayon are ideal. Tank tops and T-shirts by day, lightweight long-sleeves at night.
For more active days, bring quick-dry fabrics for hikes or water sports. Layers aren’t about warmth here—they’re about flexibility. You’ll want to be able to peel down to swimwear or cover up for sun and rain in an instant.
Soft Floral Skirt Set for Tropical Holiday Vibes
This tied-front crop top and sky-blue floral skirt offer a sweet, feminine take on warm-weather festive dressing.
✨ Get the Look:
White Tie-Front Crop Top / Blue Floral Midi Skirt / Neutral Wedge Sandals / Straw Woven Handbag / Layered Necklaces
Tops 👚
Pack sleeveless blouses, relaxed T-shirts, flowy camisoles, or light button-downs. For guys, aloha shirts are totally appropriate (and stylish) for both casual and dressier occasions.
Choose patterns that reflect the island mood—florals, palms, soft colors. For layering, bring a light sweater or oversized shirt for mornings or breezy nights.
Effortlessly Chic Tropical Pants Outfit for Hawaii
This breezy combo of wide-leg banana leaf pants and a strapless top is a polished yet easygoing choice for warm December days.
✨ Get the Look:
Leaf-Print Wide-Leg Pants / White Bandeau Top / Oversized Cream Shirt / Structured Tote Bag / White Retro Sunglasses
Bottoms 👖
Shorts, linen trousers, flowy skirts, and light joggers are perfect for the weather. Avoid denim if you’ll be moving a lot—it doesn’t breathe well in humidity.
For beach days, cover-up skirts or sarongs double as stylish layers over swimsuits. If you’re planning hikes, bring one pair of athletic shorts or capris for performance and comfort.
Sun-Ready Crochet and Maxi Combo
This yellow crochet crop top and flowy palm skirt bring playful energy to any island day — light, breezy, and bold.
✨ Get the Look:
Yellow Crochet Crop Top / Green Leaf-Print Maxi Skirt / Coral Tassel Earrings / Straw Hat / Flat Sandals
Dresses 👗
Maxi dresses, wrap dresses, and sundresses are perfect for day-to-night wear. Choose fabrics that flow and breathe—ideal for everything from brunch in Lahaina to dinner by the water.
A halter-neck midi or off-the-shoulder dress works well for tropical evenings. And don’t forget a simple swimsuit cover-up that can double as a casual day dress.
Floral Ruffle Dress for a Tropical Evening Out
This flirty off-shoulder floral mini dress brings playful island glamour, perfect for dinner under the palms.
✨ Get the Look:
Green and Pink Hibiscus Print Mini Dress / Off-Shoulder Ruffle Detail / Straw Hat / Shell Earrings / Pink Sunglasses / Round Straw Bag
Sleek Yellow Maxi for Effortless Island Glam
This soft yellow body-skimming dress offers a minimalist yet sultry look for a sunset dinner or island soirée.
✨ Get the Look:
Pale Yellow Sleeveless Maxi Dress / Gold Layered Necklaces / Flower Hair Accessory / Barefoot or Nude Sandals
Classic White Sundress Look for a Hawaiian Holiday
This timeless white sundress with delicate details brings effortless charm to sunny island strolls or seaside brunches.
✨ Get the Look:
White Ruffled Midi Dress / Straw Sun Hat / Round Sunglasses / Layered Gold Chains / Straw Woven Handbag / Brown Flat Sandals
Shoes 👢
Bring comfortable sandals or slides for daily wear, and flip-flops (or “slippers,” as locals say) for the beach. For hikes or active tours, wear trail sneakers or water shoes—many trails are muddy in December.
For dinner or resort events, flat sandals with metallic or leather details dress things up without trying too hard. Leave the stilettos at home—heels rarely make sense on sand or gravel.
Boho-Chic Resort Look with Artisanal Embroidery
This cream co-ord with red stitching and wide-leg trousers brings artisanal texture to your holiday wardrobe.
✨ Get the Look:
Embroidered Sleeveless Top / Cream Wide-Leg Pants / Gold Hoops / Woven Basket Bag / Slide Sandals / Bangles
Accessories 🧣
A wide-brim hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen are absolute musts. Add a tote bag for beach gear, a light scarf or wrap for sun protection, and reef-safe sunscreen for ocean activities.
A lightweight backpack helps for hikes or market days, and waterproof pouches protect phones and valuables during spontaneous adventures.
loral Maxi Skirt Look for a Relaxed Island Holiday
This comfy yet stylish outfit pairs a sleek black tank with a bold hibiscus-print maxi—perfect for easygoing tropical vibes.
✨ Get the Look:
Black Fitted Tank / Pink and Orange Floral Maxi Skirt / Straw Hat / Brown Flat Sandals / Layered Beaded Necklaces / Wooden Bracelet
Color Palette & Style Vibe 🎨
Go for sun-washed tones, tropical brights, and easy neutrals. Think coral, turquoise, coconut cream, olive green, and sunset orange.
The vibe is breezy, relaxed, and radiant. Prints like florals, tropicals, and tie-dye feel totally at home here, and natural textures like linen and cotton help complete the easygoing island look.
Bold & Bright Resort Look with a Pop of Color
This crisp white top and electric blue pants bring a refreshing burst of color for a polished yet playful island ensemble.
✨ Get the Look:
White Ruffle Strap Top / Bright Blue Wide-Leg Trousers / Green Wicker Handbag / Turquoise Statement Earrings / White Heeled Sandals
Daytime vs Evening Outfits 🌞🌙
During the day, you’ll live in swimwear, shorts, tank tops, and sun dresses. Add a hat and sandals and you’re set. Evenings may call for a slightly dressier sundress, linen trousers, or button-down shirts.
You won’t need formalwear, but a touch of effort—especially with accessories—elevates your look for resort dinners or sunset drinks.
Common Mistakes / What to Avoid 🚫
Don’t pack heavy jackets, jeans, or anything synthetic that traps heat.
Leave behind your stiff shoes and anything too formal. Also skip heavy makeup or fussy accessories—humidity and laid-back vibes don’t mix with overdone looks.
Avoid black-only outfits during the day—it absorbs heat fast under the Hawaiian sun.
Final Tips & Best Practices ✅
Pack light but smart—most days, you’ll rotate between beachwear and relaxed casual outfits. Choose items that can mix and match easily, and always keep a light layer in your bag for rain or breeze.
Bring a reusable water bottle, reef-safe sunscreen, and respect the natural beauty of the islands. Comfort and simplicity are the ultimate dress code in Hawaii.
Final Outfit Checklist 📝
Plan to wear swimwear layered under tank tops or sundresses, paired with linen shorts or wrap skirts, flat sandals or slippers, and pack a light rain jacket, sun hat, beach tote, light layers for evening, and breathable fabrics throughout—ensuring you stay cool, cute, and totally ready for a December in island paradise.
