Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Choosing the right footwear can make or break your Hawaii vacation. From sandy beaches to rainforest hikes, here’s the footwear I recommend for comfort, versatility, and island adventures.

Comfortable sandals and walking shoes for a Hawaii vacation

Best Sandals for Hawaii

Whether you’re walking through Waikiki, exploring a local town, or heading to the beach, a good pair of sandals is one of the most important things you’ll pack. Here are my favorite sandals for a Hawaii vacation and why I recommend them.

REEF Water Vista Women’s Sandal

I own and regularly wear the REEF Water Vista sandals, and they’ve become one of my favorite sandals for Hawaii. They’re comfortable, water-friendly, and versatile enough to wear from the beach to shopping or a casual dinner.

Best for: Beach days, shopping, casual dinners, and light walking.

Pros

  • Water-friendly
  • Comfortable for everyday wear
  • Easy to dress up or down
  • Good for the beach, shopping and casual dinners

Cons

  • Not designed for hiking or rough terrain
  • May not provide enough support for all-day walking

REEF Men’s Phantoms Flip Flops

REEF is a popular sandal brand in Hawaii, and you’ll see plenty of locals wearing them. The Men’s Phantoms Flip Flops are a comfortable, casual choice for beach days, pool days, and everyday sightseeing.

Best for: Beach days, pool days, casual sightseeing, and everyday wear.

Pros

  • Comfortable cushioned footbed
  • Water-friendly and easy to clean
  • Lightweight and easy to pack
  • A brand commonly worn by locals in Hawaii

Cons

  • Not ideal for hiking or uneven trails
  • Flip-flop style may not provide enough support for long walking days

Best Shoes for Hawaii

Shoes are helpful for travel days, longer walks, shopping, and activities where you may want more support and protection than sandals provide. Here are my favorite comfortable shoes for a Hawaii vacation.

Skechers Women’s Summits Hands Free Slip-ins

These are one of my favorite closed-toe shoes for Hawaii. They’re lightweight, comfortable, and easy to slip on, which makes them great for travel days, walking around, and everyday wear. If you want a casual shoe that feels easy and convenient, these are a great option.

Best for: Travel days, airports, shopping, casual sightseeing, and everyday walking.

Pros

  • Easy hands-free slip-in design
  • Lightweight and comfortable
  • Great for long walking days
  • Works well for easy casual hikes
  • Convenient for airports, shopping, and sightseeing
  • Closed-toe option for when you do not want sandals

Cons

  • Not waterproof, so they may not be ideal for heavy rain or muddy trails
  • The casual style may not work for dressier outfits

Skechers Men’s Summits High Range Hands Free Slip-ins

The Skechers Men’s Summits High Range Hands Free Slip-ins are a comfortable and convenient shoe for walking around Hawaii. The hands-free design makes them easy to put on without bending down, which is especially helpful when heading through the airport or quickly going in and out of your hotel room. They have a lightweight, casual look that works well for sightseeing, shopping, and everyday activities.

Best for: Airport travel, sightseeing, shopping, and everyday walking around Hawaii.


Pros

  • Hands-free design makes them quick and easy to put on
  • Lightweight and comfortable for walking
  • Cushioned for sightseeing and travel days
  • Casual style works with shorts or lightweight pants
  • Easy to wear through airports and hotels

Cons

  • Not intended for rugged hiking trails
  • Not made for beach or water activities