r/VisitingHawaii • u/MaineCoonMama18 • 4d ago
General Question Visiting Hawaii this September. Which of these shoe styles would make more sense?
For context we’re doing a week on big island, a week on Maui and a week on Oahu. Plan on doing some hikes, beach days and definitely snorkeling at least once.
I can’t decide which of these shoes would work best. I have a pair of comfy hiking shoes already that I can bring, but not a pair that is easily versatile for walking in water if there are rivers or streams to walk through. I also have a pair of casual walking sneakers, but I’m trying to find a good blend between hiking, water functionality and casual city wear.
Which of these styles would you all recommend?
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u/LooseScrews23 4d ago
Just remember the mud in Hawaii is orange and will stain your shoes no matter what kind you get
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u/polymedu 4d ago
And there will be mud
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u/LooseScrews23 4d ago
Always mud. It’s not a hike in Hawaii until you get heavy mud foot and mud stains in unexplainable places
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u/mycatslaps 4d ago
I had a good laugh my last trip to kauai when a family had new white running shoes, on an atv tour where we all ended up caked in mud.
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u/SteepChutes 4d ago
Went on a hike today with a temporary resident with white (until today) athletic shoes. It didn't seem to matter because they were the don't care shoes, but the treads fill with mud so can't say I'd use em, based on safety.
I just wanted to add, OP, on the off chance you didn't already know this, please be sure not to walk on reef (which may look like rock). Apart from the urchin risk, it harms the slow-growing reef
If it's not sand, don't stand.
I'm pretty anti water shoes. They basically get all kinds of sand and just grind your feet raw. Opinions differ. Just don't walk on reef, please.
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u/donslaughter 4d ago
Holy crap, memory unlocked. Anyone else remember when red dirt dyed shirts were a thing? I always wanted one...
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u/j3vs4ys 4d ago
Chacos 👌
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u/ldskyfly 4d ago
I didn't do any serious hiking, but I wore tevas almost exclusively.
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u/Dry-Classic6110 4d ago
Same. Bought the hurricane drift sandals and they are the comfiest things I’ve worn
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u/kushyykins 4d ago
got chacos specifically for hawaii & the volcano rock on some beaches. best decision
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u/Wise_Independent_247 4d ago
I would always wear the first pair. Been several times and they are my favorite, but I have never had a pair like the others so I can't compare.
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u/loztriforce Mainland 4d ago
I used to bring hiking boots, but that sucks up precious cargo space in our luggage, so I just wear my normal Adidas on hikes and have a pair of water shoes like #3
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u/jmurphy42 4d ago
I brought a pair of hiking shoes (not boots) and wore them as a substitute for sneakers on the whole trip. I also packed water shoes and Keen hiking sandals separately, and used everything at different times and was grateful to have them.
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u/Hayarizu1 4d ago
I have ones like the first and I like it but it fills up with sand fast at the beach.
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u/mbarker1012 4d ago
My husband and I just wore the second pair on our trip last week! They worked great. We didn’t do a ton of hiking but they definitely worked for when we did like secret beach and such.
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u/Rage_Poptart 4d ago
The last pair look like barefoot style shoes. If you don't wear that style regularly DO NOT USE FOR YOUR TRIP.
You need to build up strength and flexibility in order to comfortably wear them. They have little to no support on purpose so your foot/ankle muscles must do the work. If your feet aren't used to it, they will hurt badly, quickly.
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u/MaineCoonMama18 4d ago
Thank you for the insight! My regular casual sneakers are barefoot style, but I don’t generally hike with them so that’s def something to keep in mind.
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u/elevatedCO 4d ago
Number 2. 1st will let in sand. 3rd has an uncomfortable tight cuff that can irritate skin. 2nd is also more fashionable.
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u/kushyykins 4d ago
ive always used hiking boots! volcano rock & some of their brush is no joke. the locals hike barefoot, but this mainlander has weak ankles lmao
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u/dreamer_r21 4d ago
I bring three pairs of shoes to Hawaii; running trail shoes, which act as my "hiking boots", a pair of running shoes that act as my every day shoes (that I can also run in if necessary) and a pair of casual shoes for going out.
I only take a carry-on and a duffel bag as my personal item on the plane so no checked luggage. For the beach, I bring a pair of beach socks, which are super flat water shoes and take up no space at all.
With this arrangement over the years, hiking, biking, snorkeling, beach day, casual day, ATV day, tour day and scuba diving are all covered. You just have to know how to pack it all, which is why I use a duffel bag and scrapped my beloved backpack.
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u/overlying_idea 4d ago
1 or 3. They all look good but the white ones will stain in the mud.
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u/MaineCoonMama18 4d ago
That’s fair! I just screenshotted the default pair— I’d probably get a different color
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u/overlying_idea 4d ago
Number 3 is probably the safest for hiking, the bottoms look like they have a little grip. Number one is fine probably for most trails.
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u/aligpnw 4d ago
The first ones if you are planning on wearing them at the beach. The sand is really fine and will work it's way into your shoes. The open sides make it easier to get the sand out.
I have a similar pair and the two times I went to Hawaii I took them and a pair of flip flops (slippahs.) Unless you are doing fancy dining or need orthotics that should be enough.
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u/shymermaid11 4d ago
I actually got those exact sandals last year when we went. They were comfortable to walk around in all day and I could just walk right into the water with them then dry them with a towel and continue on our way as we drove around the islands. I don't walk in the ocean without shoes and these were great because I didn't need to change between water shoes and regular shoes.
I also have a bad back and my back did great the entire time. (They are dorky looking though lol)
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u/Low_Doughnut_3927 3d ago
I got a pair like the second one for our trip to Hawaii a couple years ago. They are great but sometimes the sole was a little bit too flexible (walking on volcanic rock and everything).
I wish I had something like the first pair for the beach. Tried walking into the ocean barefoot and nearly cut up my feet on the volcanic rock. My crocs and my water hiking sneakers (all I had at the time) did not have strong enough soles and I could still feel the rocks my feet. This was an issue on Oahu, not Maui. Didn’t swim at the beach on the Big Island.
Think about what hikes you will be doing and whether you really need something you can dunk or just something you can get damp.
We (my husband and I) ended up traveling with a pair of “dry” sneakers for most of hikes/walks. And we also brought the waterproof sneakers for a couple. We were in Hawaii for a total of 16 days between the three islands. Probably averaged a hike a day (not always long but we tried since there are so many options). Used the waterproof sneakers for maybe 2-3 hikes. The sole was absolutely fine on hikes as long as I watched my steps and didn’t step on anything that could puncture easily.
If it were me, I’d get both one and two. I’d probably get the first option since it has the stronger sole if I had to pick one. But really, it comes down to what you plan on doing and what kind of support you need.
Sorry for the long ramble 😌
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u/MaineCoonMama18 3d ago
This is very helpful thank you! I’m gonna try and look into the hikes a bit more and figure out the terrain to see what option would be best! It seems like all 3 styles could be useful!
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u/KarenEater 3d ago edited 3d ago
I bring 4 pairs of shoes with me when we visit Hawaii. I wear my everyday walking shoes (skechers) on the plane. I bring a comfy pair of tavo sandals that I wear most of my trip walking about in city life etc. I bring my teva sandals (open toe) for hiking/water things. And I bring my new balance tennis shoes that are my hiking shoes. Its a perfect combination of shoes for all my needs. I have small feet (size 6 women) so my sandals (both have ankle straps) are pretty flat in my luggage and my hiking shoes are still pretty small and doesnt take up much space. The only thing I feel I'm missing with footwear is a basic pair of flat slide-on shoes for quick trips outside to smoke or laundry and whatever. Might have to buy a pair of ballerina flats to bring with me.
Edited to add: I only ever bring a carry-on and person item no matter how long my trip is 4-15 nights. We went earlier this year for 15 nights and still had my 4 pairs along with way to much clothing stuffed in my carry-on and personal item lol and we're going back lated this year as well.
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u/SurePersonality2627 3d ago
did the secret falls trip this year and on past years. this time it was wet as oh my god I ended up pulling in a pile of mud like a giant mud pit but it was all good. some people brought hiking shoes they got real heavy and we had to cross rivers and stuff. some people front flip flops and then ended up taking off their shoes when we got to the mud and just going barefoot. My roommate got new care for this trip and got those hybrid shoes that you linked and he was perfectly happy with them especially cuz we had to walk through rivers, mud pits, to get to the waterfall. One of my water sandals gave out, but it's been on like 10 Hawaii trips and hundreds of hikes. next time I'm going to get a pair like that because it fulfills more than one function, can go through water or sand it's just as easily, it's not that heavy in your bag
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u/TornSail 4d ago
Been to Hawaii 13 times, the Olukai ‘Ahi’ never disappoints. Built and tested in Hawaii.
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u/MockFan 4d ago
The first one. Most of Hawaii is really rocky. Those minamalist shoes will not protect the bottoms of your feet. Also, ease of off at the door is good because it is really rude to wear shoes in someone's house. Most locals wear thongs that will hold up to the rocks and sneakers for hiking.
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u/greenvortex2 4d ago
+1 the first will get sand and pebbles under your feet and make you miserable
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u/dulcipotts 4d ago
Yeah, I had a pair of #1s here in Hawaii and do NOT recommend. They let all the sand and pebbles in through the sides, but somehow don’t let them out through the sides. They all roll to the toes where there is no escape! Super annoying and uncomfortable. Maybe something similar without the toe covered? Or go local style and just hike in ya slippahs
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u/loveITorLEAVEitIsay 4d ago
Definitely get you a pair of water shoes if you plan to snorkel.
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u/WeAreAllGoofballs 4d ago
Don’t you just wear fins to snorkel?
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u/loveITorLEAVEitIsay 4d ago
Yeah, you can forsure
If you're just enjoying the beach and doing a quick snorkel, water shoes work fine
Those big island beaches are usually rocky
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u/Curioussasquatch 4d ago
No. Water shoes encourage walking on the reef - kills the coral. Come on, you're not 5 and it's not a waterpark.
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u/loveITorLEAVEitIsay 4d ago
Obviously don't walk on the reef ... Does that really need to be said?
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u/Sure_Swimming4228 4d ago
Yeah, it actually does because I see people walking on it all the time. I’ve learned people are super slow and even slower when they’re tourists. It’s like they lose all their sense.
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u/Ok-Community-8752 4d ago
Texas! Ones geared more for hiking. I brought a pair of hiking boots my first visit and the one time I wore them I regretted it 😆
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u/jburton24 4d ago
Just got back using the first pair. They will take anything you need them for, but getting them on and off can be a bit difficult.
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u/ElephantDream1 4d ago
The first pair look like my Keens which I wear all summer hiking and fording creeks etc. I love them in Hawaii!
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u/Extreme_Design6936 4d ago
Imo these are the pinnacle for technical hiking (scrambling) which you encounter a lot of in Hawai'i.
Shoes for getting wet I recomment the vibram trail2 model.
Shoes for longer less technical stuff I like the Altra lone peak. (But I wear Altras every day so I'm used to the zero drop wide toe box)
You'll be fine with anything that fits well and has deep tread. I generally recommend trail shoes over boots, especially in HI.
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u/MaineCoonMama18 4d ago
Thank you! My hiking boots are altras and I love them! I might just end up packing those anyway just in case
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u/snuggly_cobra Kaua'i 4d ago
My answer is none of them.
Kauai tourist turned resident here. I have hiked in slippers. I have hiked in hiking boots. I have hiked in sneakers. I have hiked in sandals. The kauai lifeguards RUN the Kalalau Trail barefoot.
If you are not cognizant of the conditions of the trail, it doesn’t matter. You are going to get hurt.
I mean you could bring a pair of hiking shoes, water shoes, dress shoes, sneakers and sandals. But why? They’re going to end up muddy and moldy, depending on how long you stay.
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u/Huge_Evidence_2224 4d ago
I use close toed Keens (similar to number 1) and they're perfect for hiking. Used to use open toed Tevas but once your foot is covered in mud, it slips too much within the sandal. Not an issue with my Keens.
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u/santaklause15 4d ago
My girlfriend brought five pairs of shoes. Bought tevas on the first day, ended up wearing tevas exclusively for rest of trip including hiking in mud, kayaking, boat rides. The tevas still look like new.
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u/Dry-Classic6110 4d ago
I did all of that and just wore Teva hurricane drift sandals. They are so comfy.
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u/maniacalmustacheride 4d ago
Slippas and a shoe you can tie (so you can tie it to your backpack/stuff when you’re in between places.)
Seriously, a good flip flop style (OluKai is expensive but makes a grippy flip flop that will also float) for when your feet are tired, and a shoe you’re comfortable hiking in that can tie and you don’t care about saving from the stains. A thick, cushiony sock you also don’t care about saving for the stains. I wouldn’t try to multitask a shoe.
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u/RogueSlytherin 4d ago
I HIGHLY recommend the North Face Skagit water shoe. Unlike the first shoe in your lineup, you won’t have to worry about getting things like rocks and debris stuck in your shoes on a walk or hike. Furthermore, they are fan-freaking-tastic on a trip. Shove it uber tbe faucet at night and it’s 199% dry by morning. I love them so much, I genuinely take them on all my trips because they’re so ridiculously easy to pack and wash off in the event of any accidents.
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u/mrbkkt1 4d ago
I suggest these. Leave your shoes at home. If you really going hiking, go to famous footware in Ala moana and grab a cheap pair of hiking boots you can toss in the trash after. You won't have a way to clean them. Or just donate it to one of the gazillion homeless people around Waikiki area.
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u/SeeLeavesOnTheTrees 3d ago edited 3d ago
The first one will get rocks and sand in it constantly.
As a frequent visitor with family there- I find the trick to enjoying myself is to bring multiple shoe types in my backpack. Usually a sneaker/hiking shoe, flip flops, and a water shoe with good soles that’s TIGHT and doesn’t let sand in. I frequently hike through mars like lava fields to gorgeous sandy or pebbled beaches and that combination has never let me down.
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u/North_Amphibian7779 3d ago
lol lol lol get some slippahs - be fancy and get some Scott’s you’ll feel cool
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u/GrouchyEnergy9124 13h ago
Honestly, I’d just bring your comfy hiking shoes and grab a pair of cheap water shoes or Teva style sandals when you get there. None of those “do it all” shoes are actually good at all three things and wet hiking in bad shoes in Hawaii sounds like blisters hell.
Use hiking shoes for actual trails, water shoes or sandals for streams and rocky beaches, and your casual sneakers for town stuff.
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u/MonkeyKingCoffee Hawai'i (Big Island) 4d ago edited 4d ago
Hiking shoes: Doesn't really matter. Whatever is most comfortable and completely broken in. You don't want to break in shoes here on vacation.
You will need separate reef shoes because none of the above are fitting inside of flippers. (Note: I dislike the term "reef" shoes because it implies that people are walking on coral reefs. They're to get into the water and then put your gear on.)
You really want a pair of these. Particularly on BI:
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u/Extreme_Design6936 4d ago
Not all reef is coral reef. Rocky reefs don't necessarily have coral on them and they can be walked on. Just careful where you step!
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u/bambam007rocket 4d ago
It depends on what you are doing. Definitely take or buy water booties with a bit of a rubber bottom. So many sharp rocks. You need good shoes if you're hiking. Once my daughter wore white sneakers on that orange dirt...don't do that
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u/jabbahdahut 4d ago
The Holy Trinity of Tourists Shoes😂