Waikiki dress

Question

It's been many years since I was in Waikiki. No one ever changed to nice dress even in upscale restaurants. Is it still the same or have the standards changed? Thank you for your info

Answer

Waikiki has definitely maintained a relaxed and casual vibe over the years, but there have been some subtle shifts depending on the type of venue you’re visiting. Generally, most restaurants, even upscale ones, are still fairly casual compared to mainland standards.

Here’s what you can expect:

Casual dining and beachfront restaurants: Shorts, sundresses, and casual shirts are perfectly acceptable. Hawaiian shirts and flip-flops are still common.
Upscale or fine dining: While formal gowns and tuxedos are not required, many guests do dress a bit nicer—think cocktail dresses, slacks with collared shirts, and dress shoes. It’s more about neat, polished attire rather than strict formal wear.
Hotel restaurants and hotel bars: Depending on the property, some may request “resort casual” in the evenings. This usually means no swimsuits or tank tops, but casual dresses, nice tops, and slacks are fine.

In short, the standards haven’t dramatically changed. Waikiki still leans casual, but if you want to feel comfortable at an upscale restaurant, aim for polished resort casual attire. Dressing up is welcomed but not mandatory, so you won’t feel out of place in a nice dress or slacks and a collared shirt.

For a practical tip, bring a couple of slightly dressier outfits for evening dinners or special nights, but don’t worry about full-on formal wear unless the restaurant specifically notes a dress code.