Choosing the Right Shoes for Hawaiian Adventures and Activities
Are you planning a trip to Hawaiʻi and are unsure of what shoes to wear? One of the biggest mistakes tourists coming to Hawaiʻi make is wearing the wrong types of shoes (that, and forgetting to put on sunscreen). This can lead to sore feet, which will put a damper on your entire trip. To enjoy your visit, pairing the right shoes with the right Hawaiian activities is essential!
Footwear for the Polynesian Cultural Center
While it is very common on the Hawaiian Islands to go barefoot or wear flip-flops (locals call them slippers), you should never spend the day at the Polynesian Cultural Center or any of the many outdoor activities across our island without the proper footwear. Make sure you wear some good walking shoes or sneakers! Wearing closed-toe shoes is also helpful to ensure the tops of your feet do not get sunburned.
Footwear While Hiking
The North Shore has many amazing hikes — some with waterfalls, some without. For any hikes with water, wear hiking sandals or waterproof trail-runner shoes. Make sure the shoes you wear for hiking have good traction so you don’t slip on the trails. Do not wear flip-flops while hiking. Remember to break in any shoes you plan on hiking in! To find places to hike on the North Shore, check out this article: Top 5 North Shore Hikes.
Footwear for the Beach
Hawaiʻi has many beautiful beaches. Some have sand, some have rocks, and some have coral. Do some research on the beach you plan to visit in order to see what kind of shoes to wear. For sandy beaches, wear flip-flops that you can take off easily. For rocky beaches or beaches with coral, bring water shoes with thicker soles. For more info on beaches to visit on the North Shore, click here: North Shore Beach Guide.
Footwear for Other Activities
Are you planning on doing some shopping? Maybe you are looking forward to touring a pineapple plantation? For these activities, wear nice walking shoes or sneakers. Wearing closed-toed shoes will ensure the tops of your feet won’t get sunburned; however, they should be lightweight and breathable.
You can also wear flip-flops for leisure activities like shopping. However, if you will be walking a lot, make sure your shoes have some arch support. The most important consideration is to make sure they’re comfortable.
More Information
For more information on dressing for your trip to the Polynesian Cultural Center, check out this article: Dressing for Paradise.
For more tips about your visit to the Center, read this article: Adventure Tips for the Polynesian Cultural Center.
To discover other great Oʻahu-based activities, visit these links:
About the Author
Sloane Tipton, Brigham Young University–Hawaii student and guest blogger, is majoring in business management and is from Arizona. When she isn’t studying or working, you can find her at the beach or hanging out with friends.