What To Wear in Maui + Chic Maui Outfits & a Maui Packing List!

Learn exactly what to wear in Maui for style and comfort, get ideas for Maui outfits, and a printable Maui packing list. We are taking the guesswork out of what to pack for Maui!

Originally published Jan 25, 2022, Updated May 25, 2023

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What To Wear In Maui

We are Maui lovers here at Style Your Occasion. In fact, our Editor-in-chief has visited the island 8 times, and counting!

So it suffices to say we’ve got a lot of experience in the area of “what to wear in Maui”.

To help you pack for your upcoming trip, we’ve formulated a great packing list for Maui. It is based on what we believe is a versatile combo of clothing and accessories for a one or two-week trip to the island.

The only specific pieces of clothing (and accessories) we did not include in our graphic below is workout/hiking attire and footwear, as well as rainy weather attire. Whether you bring these items will depend on your lifestyle, planned activities, or if you are visiting during the wetter time of year (November to March).

Things To Know Before You Go

If you’ve never been to Maui here are a few things you should know that will help you when you are packing.

The weather is most often warm to hot, with breezy trade-winds
It’s humid, so you want to go with light, airy, breathable fabrics
The temperature gets a touch cooler at night, so layers are a good choice
Rain comes and goes, especially in the northern parts of the island so a light rain jacket is handy to have
The island vibe is generally casual, unless you are staying at a luxury resort

Essential Maui Packing List

Below is our essential Maui Packing List (find a printable version at the end of this post). Make adjustments to this list according to your own style and preferences.

Oversized button down shirt – this is the perfect layer, it’s great as a beach cover-up or layered over a dress.
(2) Neutral tank tops – perfect for pairing with shorts, skirts, and flowy pants.
Lightweight slip dress – an easy beach cover-up or it can be dressed up with some jewelry.
Gauze cotton shirt dress – this is perfect for a beach cover-up, or wearing to a casual meal
Neutral or floral midi dress – perfect for checking out the nice resorts or a dinner date. Opt for a print or stick with classic black or white.
Short sun dress – same as above.
Lightweight knit sweater – perfect layering piece that can be worn over shorts, pants, or a dress in the evening.
(2) Swimsuits – self-explanatory!
(2) linen or cotton shorts – these can easily be dressed up or down depending on the activities of the day.
Denim shorts – great for exploring the island, heading to the beach, or taking the road to Hana!
Lightweight linen or cotton pants – another versatile piece for the beach, or to wear out during the day or evening.
Black sarong – perfect for the beach of course, but you can double this as a skirt with a neutral tank top for an evening out.
Airy blouse – can be paired with shorts or pants for shopping, exploring resorts, or going out for lunch or dinner
Linen camisole – another lightweight option to wear with shorts or pants when shopping/exploring.
Woven beach tote – go with a tote that is a nicer and use it for practically any occasion in Maui.

Jewelry – avoid expensive jewelry that can get stolen and or fall off in the pool/ocean, and ensure jewelry is tarnish resistant.
(2-3) Sandals – a few pairs of sandals; dressy, casual, and waterproof (for pools/pool bathrooms) is essential.
Sun hat
Sunglasses

Optional Items

Depending on the activities you are planning, you may want to add these additional items to your Maui packing list:

Rash-guard – a perfect addition for snorkelling, scuba, or surfing.
Spandex biking shorts – to wear hiking, running, or for a walk to get coffee in the morning.
Running shorts – same as above.
Sport tank tops – for hiking, exercising, or similar activities.
Sweatshirt or hoodie – if you head inland, or up to the Haleakala crater, the temperatures drop, so you’ll want warmer layers!
Leggings – same as above.
Hiking/running shoes (or sandals)
Baseball cap
Rain jacket

Chic Maui Outfits To Copy

If you need more inspiration for how to put together the items we’ve listed above, below are several Maui outfits to try! This will show you just how easy it is to make endless chic combinations with your packing list for Maui. So you’ll know exactly what to wear, for any occasion!

*Previous outfit ideas from 2022 are at the bottom of this post, in case you aren’t seeing the same images that brought you here from Pinterest!

To the pool.

get the look:

The perfect resort look, this outfit has a comfortable gauze cover-up with a chic swimsuit from our favorite brand Hunza G. Paired with brown slides, a straw tote, straw bucket hat, and sunnies – you’ll be totally pool-ready!

sightseeing.

get the look:

Whether you are browsing the shops in Lahaina or Wailea, or checking out the Lavender farm, this outfit is great for sightseeing around Maui. Also sure to pack a swimsuit and a towel in your bag. Given that there are swimmable beaches everywhere in Maui!

If you are going to a fine dining restaurant in Maui you can wear a midi dress, or a skirt and a nice top, with flat or heeled sandals. Bring along a light knit sweater as the temperatures drop slightly in the evening once the sun goes down.

For a more casual dinner, you can easily wear a nice pair of shorts, sandals, and a pretty top with added jewelry.

Aside from luxury hotels and fine dining establishments, it’s unlikely to find a dress code in Maui. That being said, unless it’s a very casual establishment or the pool bar, avoid wearing flip flops and a swimsuit to dinner.

get the look:

Put on a pretty floral beach dress for dinner out at one of the many incredible restaurants in Maui. Try Merriman’s in Kapalua or the Banyan Tree at the Ritz Carlton for incredible views and equally as amazing food!

from the pool to lunch.

get the look:

As shown above, this cute Maui outfit has a short linen sun dress that you can easily throw over your swimsuit. Put on a pair of sandals, sunglasses, and simple earrings and you can go from the pool to lunch and vise versa!

to happy hour.

get the look:

Happy hour is a must in Maui! Go to Fleetwood’s On Front Street in Lahaina or try Monkey Pod at Whaler’s Village. You can dress up or down for the occasion, but a little flair never hurts!

to the beach.

get the look:

Keep it simple for the beach! All you really need is a swimsuit, cover-up, and comfortable beach sandals. We love this light and airy beach look with neutral colors. It’s perfect for those cute beach selfies!

the road to Hana.

get the look:

One of the top actitivites recommended in Maui is driving the road to Hana. While it can take a whole day, there are pools you can swim it at the end. So you’ll want to be comfortable and have a swimsuit on hand!

More Maui Outfits Inspiration:

Scroll on to see stylish Maui-friendly beach looks from some of our favorite fashion influencers. After all, these looks are tried and true!

image of a woman on a beach wearing a white swimsuit, white button up shirt, and sun hat — @juliaberolzheimer

image of a blonde woman sitting on a sandy beach wearing a knit sweater and white shorts — @fakander

overhead view of a woman wearing a white swimsuit with white linen pants and a blue striped button up shirt and brown sandals for a beach vacation — @style.your.occasion

image of a woman standing on the beach wearing linen flowy pants and a cropped linen top, and a sun hat — @kelsey_diprima

image of a woman standing on a sandy beach in front of a lounge chair wearing linen smocked pants and a bikini top — @neutrallyashlan

image of a woman wearing a black sun dress holding a large round straw beach tote — @hannahcrosskey

image of a woman with long brown hair wearing a white t-shirt, brown paperbag shorts, and a small straw tote bag — *@un-fancy*

woman wearing a black ribbed cardigan with white linen pants and brown sandals — @style.your.occasion

image of a woman standing against a ledge with the ocean in the background wearing a white button up shirt and a black skirt with black sandals — @sincerelyjules

Because the evenings it can cool off slightly in Maui at night, it’s a good idea to pack along specific items such as:

light knit sweater
knit cardigan
shawl
denim jacket
lightweight pants

If you like to take evening walks, pack along some leggings and a sweatshirt just to be safe.

In summary, we hope you feel equipped for what to wear in Maui and are excited for your trip. Additionally, be sure to save the Maui Packing List below to help you on your way!