5 Best Sandals and Flip Flops for Hawaii (2026 Tested Picks)

TLDR: My top two picks for the best sandals and flip flops for Hawaii are the Olukai ‘Ohana for an everyday flip flop and the Reef Water Vista for a versatile sandal that goes from the beach to dinner.

If there’s one thing I learned on my first trip to Hawaii, it’s that sandals are the shoes you’ll reach for the most. The vibe is casual, the weather is warm, and nobody bats an eye if you show up to dinner in slippahs (what flip flops are called on the islands).

I just got back from a week in Kauai, where I wore two of these picks daily, and I’ve personally worn and tested all but one on this list. As a carry-on-only traveler, I refuse to waste suitcase space on shoes I won’t wear, so I narrowed it down to the five sandals and flip flops that are actually worth packing, organized by how you’ll use them in Hawaii.

#1 Olukai ‘Ohana

Best Flip Flop for Hawaii

If I could only bring one pair of shoes to Hawaii, it would be the Olukai ‘Ohana. These are the flip flops I wore daily on my recent trip to Kauai, and I can’t say enough about how comfortable they are. I wore them for hours at a time, and they fit like a glove, with a level of support and cushioning that I’ve never gotten from any other flip flop. They’re by far the most comfortable pair I’ve owned.

The ‘Ohana (which means “family” in Hawaiian) has a contoured footbed that’s designed to feel like walking on wet sand. It sounds like marketing, but you’ll actually notice it the first time you slip them on.

The straps are water-resistant, with a quick-drying jersey-knit lining, so you can walk straight from the beach to lunch without that soggy, uncomfortable feeling. The rubber outsole has solid grip, too, which is a nice bonus.

At around $80, they cost more than a basic flip flop, but I’ve had mine for years (I’ve been wearing my first pair since June 2023), and they still feel great. One thing I’ll say is don’t leave them out in intense heat for long stretches. I left my first pair outside during a brutal heat wave in California, and the EVA footbed warped a bit, so keep them in the shade or bring them inside.

If your Hawaii trip is mostly beach days and casual exploring, these could honestly be the only shoes you pack.

#2 Reef Water Vista

Most Versatile Sandal for Hawaii

The Reef Water Vista is the sandal that refuses to pick a lane, and that’s exactly why it works so well for Hawaii. It looks stylish enough to wear to dinner with a sundress, but everything about it is built to handle water. Beach to restaurant, pool to sunset cocktails, boat tour to exploring town. This is the one-sandal-does-it-all pick.

The entire sandal is made from water-friendly materials, so you never have to think twice about getting it wet. The dual-density EVA footbed is soft and bouncy. The adjustable velcro ankle strap lets you customize the fit easily, and the espadrille-inspired braids along the side walls give it a beachy, put-together look that doesn’t look like a “sport sandal.”

I’m not usually a platform sandal person, but the slight lift adds a touch of dressiness I appreciate without being too over-the-top. And the platform means your toes sit higher off the ground, making stubbed toes less likely on uneven sidewalks and beach paths. It also comes in a “Higher” platform version if you want a little extra height.

What sets it apart from the other picks on this list is that balance between style and function. The ‘Ohana is a flip flop. The Hurricane XLT3 below is a sport sandal. The Water Vista sits right in the middle, and for a lot of Hawaii travelers, that sweet spot is exactly what they need.

I just started testing the Reef Water Vista, so I didn’t have a chance to bring them to Kauai with me, but I already like them a lot. I actually spotted other vacationers wearing these in Hawaii, which says something about how well they fit the island vibe.

The one downside I’ve noticed so far is that the thick upper strap sits right along the toe bone, which rubbed uncomfortably against my bunion during the first wear. My other foot without a bunion felt perfectly comfortable from the start, so I think it’s a break-in issue rather than a design flaw.

If you have wider feet or bunions, just make sure to break these in before your trip. Like the ‘Ohana, these could be the only shoes you bring to Hawaii if you’re not hiking.

#3 Teva Original Universal

Best Casual Sandal for Hawaii

The Teva Original Universal is the no-fuss, everyday sandal that works for just about everything. It’s not trying to be a rugged hiking sandal or a dressy option. It’s the one you throw on for the beach, a walk through town, or grabbing coffee, and it looks good doing all of it.

I’ve been wearing my Teva Original Universals since July 2022, and they’ve held up incredibly well. I wore them as my main summer shoe for a month in Europe, walking all day through cities without any issues. I’ve even hiked in them up to eight miles. They don’t offer the same cushioning and support as the Hurricane XLT3, but they’re far more versatile than they get credit for, especially at this price point.

The Original Universal weighs just 5.4 ounces per sandal, and it practically disappears in your suitcase, which is a win for carry-on packers. The design is simple. Two hook-and-loop adjustment points, a clean silhouette, and a lightweight EVA footbed that provides decent support without any bulk. At $65, it’s one of the more affordable picks on this list.

I saw Tevas, including the originals, all over Kauai on my recent trip, so it’s another popular pick to bring to the islands.

#4 Olukai La’i T-Bar

Best Dressy Sandal for Hawaii

You can absolutely wear flip flops to dinner and luaus in Hawaii. Nobody will judge you. But if you like dressing things up a bit, especially on an island like Oahu, where the dining scene leans a little more polished, the Olukai La’i T-Bar is a great pick if you have space in your suitcase.

I actually wore the very similar La’i Slide during my Kauai trip. I loved the look and wore it a bunch, but it ran a little narrow on my average-width feet, with the strap digging in a bit on longer walks. Olukai’s site recommends sizing up, so that was probably my mistake.

The La’i T-Bar has the same sleek look but with a more comfortable strap design that wraps around the foot instead of sitting across the top, which is why I’d recommend it over the slide version (although the slide is nice for slipping on and off easily if you get the right size).

The T-bar strappy design pairs well with a sundress, linen pants, or just about any warm-weather outfit. And unlike most dressy sandals, this one is still water-friendly. If you get caught in a sudden rain shower walking to dinner (and in Hawaii, you will), you don’t have to stress about ruining your shoes. The synthetic construction is vegan-friendly and dries fast.

This is one of Olukai’s highest-rated sandals, and it has that same signature Olukai footbed comfort, so you can walk around town all evening without your feet paying for it the next day.

#5 Teva Hurricane XLT3

Best Sport Sandal for Hawaii

I’m going to be honest. The Teva Hurricane XLT3 is the least attractive sandal on this list. It looks like what it is, a chunky sport sandal built for function over fashion. But if comfort and performance matter more to you than aesthetics, this is the sandal to get.

The XLT3 is the newest version of Teva’s most popular sport sandal, and the upgrades over the XLT2 are noticeable. I’ve been wearing my Hurricane XLT2s since December 2024, so I’m very familiar with the base shoe.

The XLT3 adds 5mm more EVA cushioning in the topsole, which makes a difference on long walking days. The three-point Universal Strapping System keeps everything locked in when you’re walking through water or hopping off a boat. The outsole has been updated with a new lug pattern for better traction on wet and dry surfaces, and the straps are made from 100% recycled REPREVE plastic, which is a nice sustainability bonus.

Teva does market this as a hiking sandal, and it can handle trails in Hawaii. I saw plenty of people hiking in sandals like these on Kauai. Just keep in mind that many of Hawaii’s trails are pretty rugged, with volcanic rock and roots, so if toe protection matters to you, a trail runner or closed-toe hiking shoe might be a better call.

That said, if you only want to pack one pair of shoes and prefer having your feet free, the XLT3 could pull double duty for easier hikes alongside boat tours, tide pool exploration, and beach walks along rocky shorelines.

Note: If you prefer a closed-toe option, the KEEN Whisper is worth a look. It offers toe protection for rocky terrain while still being water-friendly. There’s also a closed-toe version of the Hurricane XLT3 that gives you more coverage with the same comfortable platform.

Which Sandals Should You Pack for Hawaii?

You don’t need to bring all five of these. Here’s how to decide.

If your trip is mostly beach days and relaxation, the Olukai ‘Ohana is all you need. It handles everything from the pool to a casual dinner without breaking a sweat.

If you want one sandal that can go from the beach to a restaurant without changing, the Reef Water Vista is the most versatile option on this list. It handles water and looks good at dinner.

If you’re mixing beach time with nicer dinners out, pair the ‘Ohana with the Olukai La’i T-Bar. Two lightweight pairs that cover every scenario. This is what I did on my recent trip to Kauai (but brought the La’i Slide).

If you’re doing boat tours, snorkeling, or any water-based activities on rougher terrain, the Teva Hurricane XLT3 is a solid pick. It’s the most capable active sandal here.

And if you want a lightweight, easy casual sandal, the Teva Original Universal covers a lot of ground without overthinking it.

For most trips to Hawaii, one or two pairs of sandals are plenty. Pick based on your itinerary and keep your suitcase light.

Hawaii-Born Sandal Brands Worth Knowing

If you’re going to Hawaii and want to pick up a pair of slippahs with real local heritage, here are a few additional brands to look for either before you go or once you’re on the islands.

• Scott Hawaii has been making sandals in the Hawaiian Islands since 1932. That’s over 90 years of slippah-making. These are the flip flops locals actually grow up wearing, and you’ll find them in shops across the islands.
• Island Slipper has been handmade on O’ahu since 1946. The brand was founded by Takizou Motonaga, a Japanese immigrant whose sandals trace their roots back to traditional Japanese zori. They make premium leather sandals with beautiful craftsmanship, and they’re a fantastic souvenir purchase.
• Locals is exactly what it sounds like. Founded in Honolulu in 1982, these are the classic, affordable rubber slippahs that just about every Hawaii resident owns. They’re not fancy, but they’re durable, comfortable, and deeply tied to island culture.

What to Look for in Flip Flops and Sandals for Hawaii

If none of my specific picks work for you, here’s what to keep in mind when shopping for Hawaii sandals.

• Traction on wet surfaces. Between lava rock, pool decks, boat ramps, and rain-slicked sidewalks, you need a sole that grips. Smooth, flat soles are a recipe for slipping.
• Quick-drying materials. Your sandals will get wet in Hawaii, whether from the ocean, a rain shower, or waterfall mist. Look for synthetic or water-resistant materials that won’t stay soggy for hours.
• Arch support for all-day wear. Flat sandals feel fine for an hour, but after a full day of walking, your feet will feel it. A contoured footbed with some real arch support makes a huge difference by day three of your trip.
• Water-friendly construction. Hawaii isn’t the place for leather sandals that can’t handle moisture (unless they’re specifically designed for it, like some Olukai styles). Choose materials that perform well in and around water.
• Lightweight and packable. If you’re a carry-on traveler, every ounce counts. Sandals should be among the lightest items in your bag, unless they’re the only shoes you’re bringing.

Conclusion: What are the best sandals and flip flops for hawaii?

Hawaii is one of those destinations where the right sandals can make a difference in your comfort for the entire trip. The good news is that you don’t need to make it complicated. A supportive flip flop for everyday wear and one versatile or activity-appropriate option will carry you through most itineraries.

If I had to narrow it down, I’d either pair the Olukai ‘Ohana with the La’i T-Bar for a flip flop plus dressy sandal combo, or just pack the Reef Water Vista as a single do-it-all sandal that handles the beach and dinner equally well.

Happy slippah shopping!

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