In Hawaii, it's all about comfort. Don't pack suits or fancy dresses; there are very few places in Hawaii that require anything above a minimal level of dress. Fancy clothes in Hawaii means slacks and an Aloha shirt, or a hawaiian-print sundress or muumuu (moo-moo), which is a long, shapeless hawaiian-print dress.

Brightly-colored hawaiian print fashions covered with flowers really are the norm here. You'll see them everywhere on newscasters, politicians, waitors, and tour guides. The local beaches are full of people wearing hawaiian print bathing suits and board shorts.

Unless you'll be getting married, don't dress the whole family in the same hawaiian print - it just looks funny. For many great hawaiian print suggestions, check out Hilo Hattie's online store at Hilo Hattie .

If you don't have any aloha shirts and don't want to buy any, don't worry - just wear normal clothes. Usually, if you will be going on a tour or sightseeing, you will want to be comfortable and cool, which means shorts, t-shirt, and sandals or slippers (flip-flops). If you'll be walking around a lot, tennis shoes or walking shoes are a must.

You may also want to consider a hat to keep the sun off your head.. Baseball caps work ok, except they neglect the back of your neck. Straw hats with a wide brim are better.

Don't worry about looking silly - straw hats are very common here, I always wear one when I will be out in the sun. Can't find a good one where you live? Wait till you get here and buy a very tasteful one for $3.00 at Walmart.

One more thing, wear sunblock - always. Buy 30 spf waterproof and sweatproof sunblock and put it on 20 to 30 minutes before going outside and reapply it often.

Even if you are just out on a sightseeing tour, you'll be surprised how fast the sun affects you - even if it's cloudy out. Nothing can ruin a vacation faster than a nasty burn, and in Hawaii, it can happen quickly.