What To Wear When It Rains in Hawaii

If you’re traveling to Hawaii soon, you’ll want to have clothing specifically for the rain. You can expect it to rain a lot in the winter, with the islands receiving around 70 inches of rainfall each year. You can expect rainfall for at least a few days during your trip since it’s very common there.

When it rains in Hawaii, you want to wear light clothing made with waterproof materials. For many, a rain jacket is too heavy and not breathable, which is unbearable in the Hawaiian humidity. Instead, you’ll want to use travel umbrellas and wear sweatshirts with hoods.

This article details clothing you can wear when it rains in Hawaii. You’ll want to try your best to stay dry, although the water can help you stay cool and comfortable during the summer. Here’s what you should bring with you.

1. Travel Umbrella

First, many people recommend that you bring a travel umbrella with you to Hawaii. The small umbrella can help you stay dry without you having to throw a hot rain jacket over your clothes. You’ll stay more comfortable because not all rain jackets are suited for humid conditions.

These umbrellas are very compact and are allowed in your airplane luggage. Most of them are smaller than a foot long, so they should easily fit in your bag. Standard umbrellas are much longer than this, making them too bulky to bring to Hawaii with you.

Travel umbrellas are also convenient to carry around as you explore the islands. They can fit in a bag or purse, and some come with clips so that you can connect them to your belt loops. As soon as it rains, you can open your travel umbrella and return to your day.

You won’t find many rain jackets for sale in Hawaii because they’re not breathable— the material is sure to make you sweat when it rains. Instead, many people local to Hawaii prefer to use an umbrella. You’ll feel much more comfortable and won’t stand out as much as a tourist.

I recommend the Repel Umbrella Windproof Travel Umbrella (from Amazon.com). This umbrella is wind resistant, so it shouldn’t flip inside out like other options in this price range. Plus, it features easy opening and closing and comes in six different designs for you to choose from.

2. Hoodie/Sweatshirt

Next, bringing a lightweight hoodie to Hawaii is a good idea, especially if you come in the winter. Many people also like to have one for spending time in air-conditioned spaces and use them as an alternative to rainjackets.

You might wonder why you should choose a sweatshirt over a rain jacket— wouldn’t it be uncomfortable if it got wet? Well, Hawaii usually has quick bursts of rain, with a mist that comes after. If you use a rainjacket, you’ll feel hot in the warm showers until you can take it off. Then, you’ll feel sticky in the mist, so most people prefer to use a light hoodie that they can leave on.

Plus, since it’s usually warm in Hawaii, your sweatshirt won’t stay wet for very long. It even feels nice as the material dries, which can help keep you cool for a bit longer.

Combining a hoodie with a travel umbrella is usually the best method for staying dry in tropical climates. Heavy rain usually comes in quick bursts, so most people step inside for a few minutes until it ends.

A hoodie is convenient since most buildings run the air conditioners constantly to deal with humidity— you won’t feel too hot with a light sweatshirt on the inside. The umbrella and sweatshirt keep you dry if caught outside in a storm.

Overall, hoodies are more breathable and quick to throw on over your clothes. You’ll want to choose one with a comfortably fitting hood to keep your head dry.

3. Slip-Proof Footwear

It will probably be slippery outside if it’s raining, so you’ll need to make sure you choose the proper footwear. Since you’ll probably be at the beach, some slip-resistant sandals are a good option.

Many people choose walking or hiking sandals because they wear them during all stages of their trip— you won’t need to pack other footwear. One excellent option is the MEGNYA Comfortable Hiking Sandals from Amazon. The shoes come with an outstanding grip, you can wade with them on, and they offer excellent support to your feet to stay on the move.

No matter what shoes you decide to wear, it’s best that they have slip-proofing on the bottom. Rain can make many surfaces slick to walk on, causing you to lose your balance.

4. Rain Poncho

Disposable rain ponchos are another good option to deal with rain. They cover your entire body and are cost-efficient. Plus, you can find them in many stores in Hawaii, so you don’t need to bring one with you on your trip. The ponchos also come in compact packs that fit in purses and other bags (although you probably won’t be able to fold them back up).

However, rain ponchos aren’t very breathable, especially in humid weather. Most people use them when caught in a sudden storm they weren’t expecting. Additionally, ponchos are great for hiking and other outdoor activities because you can get them wet and muddy without caring.

Rain ponchos are a decent option to stay dry as they offer protection from rain over your entire body and only cost a few bucks.

You don’t need to try keeping your poncho nice-looking during your adventuring either. While they’re not breathable, it’s worth it when hiking through wet conditions because you won’t worry about ruining them.

5. Dark Colored Tops

Next is one item that many people tend to overlook. You won’t want to wear a white shirt if you suspect it will rain that day. Sudden rain storms can quickly drench you, causing light-colored tops to become see-through. Instead, wear a dark-colored top, or bring another shirt to put over a light one.

It’s also easier for white and light-colored clothes to become dirty. So, wear a darker top to avoid mud or sweat stains while adventuring in Hawaii.

6. Moisture Wicking Clothing Materials

Moisture-wicking clothing, like the material you work out in, is another excellent option. These fabrics draw sweat to the surface and dry quickly, helping to keep you comfortable. Plus, your clothes won’t feel wet if you sweat a lot.

Moisture-wicking clothing is usually made of materials like polyester or nylon, though rayon and lycra are also used. Cotton tends to absorb moisture, so it isn’t great for the rains even though the material is very breathable.

In contrast, fabric like polyester or nylon is great for mist and light rains. You won’t feel as much moisture on your skin while wearing them. You can combine moisture-wicking clothing with ponchos, umbrellas, and hoodies, making them more versatile.

Moisture-wicking clothing is highly breathable, making it perfect for tropical weather. It also has the benefit of drawing water and sweat away from your body to keep you feeling dry.

7. Headware

Having some kind of hat is another fantastic item to wear when it rains. You can use it to dress up an outfit while staying dry. Some perfect options include a baseball, sun, or bucket hat. Beanies can be too hot, so make sure you choose a cap that consists of light material.

While hats keep you dry, they protect your scalp from the hot sun, allowing them to prevent sunburn. Having a reliable hat with you would be a good idea if you spend most of your trip outdoors.

If you can find a hat that has some water resistance, that will benefit you the most. You can stay in the rain longer without your head and hair getting soaked.

8. Waterproof Bag

You won’t want to bring a purse or bag that’s not waterproof— all your stuff is sure to get soaked if you’re caught in a rain burst. Instead, consider choosing a bag made of nylon, and avoid ones made of leather. Some thin materials can also let in a lot of water during rain.

Waterproof bags are essential because you might be unable to cover them with an umbrella. Eventually, your bag will be soaked, no matter how much you try to protect it in a tropical storm. However, a waterproof bag won’t let any of your essential belongings become wet.

To summarize, make sure you also consider what bag you take with you during your stay in Hawaii. There are plenty of reliable and fashionable waterproof bags, so you won’t have to dry your belongings later after a storm.

9. Waterproof Phone Pouch

Additionally, take a waterproof phone case with you. You slide your phone into the clear pouch, then seal it. Many of these cases also come with an over-the-shoulder strap so that you can wear your phone.

Waterproof phone cases are essential for a few reasons. First, you won’t have to worry about keeping your phone dry if you’re caught in a downpour. Second, you won’t stress about carrying your phone near water.

These cases also are simple to connect to a keychain so that you can attach your phone to your bag. You won’t lose your phone while you hike or explore everything Hawaii offers since it’s connected to you.

There are plenty of options for a waterproof phone pouch, but you don’t need anything too expensive or fancy. For example, the Hiearcool Waterproof Phone Pouch (also from Amazon) can fit most phones. You get two pouches for a great price, which are very reliable at keeping your phone dry.

In short, having a waterproof phone pouch can give you more peace of mind during the rainy seasons in Hawaii. Your phone will stay safe and dry even if you are in a downpour.

10. Mosquito Repelling Bracelets

Mosquitos can be annoying in tropical locations. You’ll want to bring your own repellent with you to use, although you could also wear a mosquito repelling bracelet. These bracelets can help keep insects away when there’s a light rain or mist outside. They’re great for scaring off bugs in the humidity following a short rain shower.

An example would be the Cliganic Mosquito Repellent Bracelets on Amazon. You receive ten waterproof bracelets in an assortment of bright, fun colors. They’re also one size fits all and are DEET free, instead relying on various essential oils to repel mosquitos.

Overall, it’s a good idea to bring some mosquito repelling products with you, even if it’s not going to rain that day.

How Often Does It Rain in Hawaii?

It rains very often in Hawaii. Although, throughout most of the year, the rain happens in quick, sudden bursts, then clears up quickly. You’ll also experience a lot of fog during your stay.

Because of this, you’ll want to ensure that you always have some rain gear. A travel umbrella can fit into any bag, making it one of the most convenient options. It’s best to assume that it could rain any day on your trip since it’s so common there.

On average, you can expect about 166 days of precipitation in Hawaii, leading to 57 inches (about 145 cm) of rain annually. So, you should bring some clothing to help you stay dry and comfortable.

So, it does rain a lot in Hawaii. If you aren’t sure what to expect, you should prepare by bringing several items on this list.

Should You Bring a Rainjacket To Hawaii?

You can bring a rainjacket to Hawaii, but you’ll want to ensure that you use a light, breathable one. Otherwise, you’ll get too hot since the rains in Hawaii are warm. Most people wear a sweatshirt with a hood because they’re lighter.

When people bring rainjackets that are too heavy, they don’t wear them since they’re so uncomfortable in the moist weather.

You also don’t want to use that much space in your luggage, especially with something you might not use. Instead, a hoodie or compact poncho would be a more comfortable option to manage the rains in Hawaii.