What Shoes to Wear in Hawaii and When

If you’re visiting or moving to Hawaii, one of the most common questions is: what shoes should you wear and when should you take them off? The answer is more than just about comfort; it’s about local etiquette.

We were at an open house recently with beautiful hardwood floors and we were required to put hospital operating room type booties on over our footwear. They required booties over bare feet also!

But at other times the host will say, “oh — that’s OK, you can leave your shoes on.”

Say “thank you” then take your shoes off anyway when in Hawaii.

Do You Wear Shoes Inside Homes in Hawaii?

DON’T wear your shoes in the house in Hawaii, but DO wear your shoes in stores and restaurants, the office, the library, etc.

Slippers vs Sandals: What’s the Difference?

On islands like Maui, footwear is more about lifestyle than fashion. What most people call flip-flops are known as “slippers” in Hawaii, and they’re the most commonly worn footwear across the islands.

What Shoes Locals Actually Wear

Using my shoes in the picture above:

1. Brown and black on the floor — I almost never wear them and I got them out of closet just for the photo. Notice that they have no laces so they are easy to get on & off. I also have fancy ones with laces that I wore to my daughter’s wedding.
2. Lowest shelf on right — These are the cheapest rubber slippers I could find. They have lasted a long time and I wear these ALOT! This has resulted in a very low cost per wear.
3. Just above — my blue ultralight hiking/athletic shoes. These are for hiking, running, paragliding, etc.
4. Top shelf on right — are my nicer slippers. I use these for going out to eat, date night with my wife, and for meetings with clients, going to open houses, etc.
5. Top shelf next to my nicer slippers — are my sturdier sandals. These are used same as #3 above. I also use them for kayaking and hiking in streams, etc.

I won’t comment on my wife’s shoes. But same basic idea. If you have any questions about shoes or about selling/buying real estate on Maui give me a call!