What to Wear for Your Hawaii Elopement: Dress, Hair, and Shoe Tips
Eloping in Hawaii is a dream come true — think golden beaches, swaying palms, ocean breezes, and that unforgettable “I do” moment. But once the location is set, the next big question is:
What should you wear for your Hawaii elopement?
Unlike traditional weddings, elopements (especially on the beach) call for a balance of style, comfort, and weather-appropriate choices. In this guide, we’ll cover:
Beach-friendly wedding dress tips
Suits made for tropical heat
Hair that holds in humidity
Footwear that works with sand, surf, and scenic trails
Accessories like flower crowns, veils, and leis
For Brides: What to Wear
Beach-Friendly Wedding Dresses
When choosing your dress, think flowy, breathable, and movement-friendly. Tight corsets, heavy fabrics, and long trains don’t pair well with Hawaiian humidity or ocean breezes.
Top picks:
Lightweight fabrics: chiffon, tulle, organza, lace
A-line or sheath silhouettes for easy movement
Slits or open backs for airflow and island elegance
Tea-length or high-low dresses if you’re walking on sand
Pro Tip: Avoid beading-heavy gowns or anything that drags — they pick up sand and weigh you down.
Veil or No Veil?
Hawaiian breezes are beautiful — until they send your veil flying. If you do go for one, opt for a shorter, fingertip-length veil or a secured hairpiece.
Consider a Flower Crown (Haku Lei)
A haku lei is a traditional Hawaiian flower crown that brings a romantic, tropical touch to your look. Bonus: it holds better than a veil in wind and looks incredible in photos.
For Grooms: What to Wear
Tropical-Friendly Suits
Skip the tux. Instead, opt for lightweight, breathable fabrics that won’t leave you drenched by the time you say your vows.
Best materials:
Linen or linen-blend suits
Cotton dress shirts
Khaki or light gray tones for a coastal vibe
Ditch the tie — open collars are totally acceptable
Casual but classy is the goal. Grooms often wear white or off-white shirts with rolled sleeves and relaxed-fit pants.
Add a Maile Lei or Kukui Nut Lei
A traditional Hawaiian lei for grooms adds local flair and photos beautifully. Maile leis are often used in Hawaiian weddings and are a great complement to the haku lei for brides.
Hair Tips for Hawaii’s Humidity
Humidity is no joke here. Whether you have curly, straight, or fine hair, the right style makes all the difference.
For Brides:
Loose waves, textured buns, or braids work best
Avoid tight curls unless professionally set — they may fall flat fast
Use a strong-hold setting spray
Keep hair accessories secure (pins, clips, or combs over flimsy barrettes)
For Grooms:
Light product goes a long way — skip heavy gels
Go with a slightly tousled or natural style
Keep it simple, natural, and wind-proof.
What Shoes to Wear (Or Not Wear)
You’re getting married on the beach — stilettos don’t belong here.
Best Choices:
Barefoot (the most popular and romantic option)
Flat sandals with ankle straps (avoid flip-flops)
Espadrilles or woven flats for more support
Slip-on loafers for grooms
Avoid: Heels, hard-sole dress shoes, or anything not sand-friendly.
If your ceremony involves walking down a trail or cliffside location (like on the North Shore), bring a pair of comfy walking shoes or sandals to change into.
Final Styling Tips
Bring blotting paper or powder to stay fresh and camera-ready
Hydrate — it’s easy to forget with excitement + heat
Coordinate but don’t match — think soft neutrals, pastels, or earth tones
Add personal touches — jewelry, tattoos, heirlooms — to make it yours
Final Thoughts
Your Hawaii elopement outfit should reflect your personality, match the scenery, and keep you cool and comfortable. Whether you go barefoot in a flowy boho dress or rock a linen suit and kukui nut lei, the key is feeling confident and relaxed so you can soak in every moment.
Need help styling your elopement?
We’ve captured hundreds of beautiful Hawaiian love stories and can help guide you every step of the way — from wardrobe planning to the perfect golden hour shot.
Explore our elopement packages or contact us to start planning your dream day.
