While you’ll be toasty warm on any Hawaii beach, you might be surprised that there are some locations in Hawaii where you’ll likely appreciate have a coat or jacket. All of those spots are in higher elevations. Let’s take a closer look by island.
Kauai
Waimea Canyon Park and the adjacent Kokee Park have elevations reaching around 4,000 feet (1,219 meters) above sea level.
Oahu
The Pali Lookout is at approximately 1,200 feet (365 meters) above sea level. At the warmest part of the day, a jacket might not be necessary, but mornings can be chillier.
Maui
Foremost, the summit of Haleakala is at over 10,000 feet (3048 meters) above sea level. It can definitely feel chilly there, especially before sunrise, mornings, and after sunset. In fact, for Haleakala sunrise watchers, we recommend long sleeves and long trousers, socks, closed-toed shoes, gloves, and hats, too.
Lower down, on the slope of Haleakala, the town of Makawao and the Kula areas are all higher than 1,500 feet (457 meters) above sea level. Like we previously mentioned for Oahu, mid-day temperatures may feel warm, but breezy mornings might make you wish you had a jacket.
Hawaii, the Big Island
We’ve enjoyed visits toward the summit of Mauna Kea for sunset and stargazing. The summit reaches 13,803 feet (4,207 meters) above the sea. The visitor center Mauna Kea summit is at 9,200 feet (2,804 meters). At both spots and even at other high elevation points on Mauna Kea, you will definitely want a jacket. Like we previously mentioned for Haleakala, you’ll want to wear other warm clothes.
Other scenarios where you might want a jacket or coat in Hawaii
So far, we’ve highlighted the higher, chillier elevations, but there are other aspects of a Hawaii vacation where you might want a jacket. Let’s look at those situations:
- Sightseeing when you might encounter rain
- In the winter months, the evenings might feel a bit nippy.
- Helicopter rides can feel chilly. Please note that solid black or other dark, solid colors are recommended for helicopter rides to minimize the reflections on the glass windows. Please bear that in mind as you choose a jacket.
- The flights to and from Hawaii are many hours long and can feel a bit cold, especially if you are seated near one of the emergency exit doors.
What features of a jacket for Hawaii do we recommend?
When choosing a jacket, here are the specific features that we recommend:
Breathable – we want a jacket that’s comfortable and breathable.
Waterproof – if we’re caught out in a shower, we really, really want our jackets to be waterproof. Likewise, most waterproof jackets are also windproof.
Mesh-lined– if I am in damp or humid conditions, like Hawaii, a mesh lining prevents the jacket from uncomfortably sticking to my skin. The lining provides better air flow. Andy doesn’t mind an unliked jacket, but personally, I really dislike unlined jackets in humid conditions.
Hood – a hood is helpful to trap in warm air, when needed. Of course, hoods protect your hair from getting wet when you’re in rain.
Packable – I want a jacket that is easy to transport either in my daypacks or in luggage.
Jackets that meet the above criteria
For women, I have and highly recommend this Columbia waterproof jacket that I love. I think the fit is flattering. It’s bee a very reliable jacket for me.
For men, this 33,000ft waterproof jacket ticks all of the boxes and is well-priced, too. (This brand also makes a women’s version, too, but unfortunately, is not mesh-lined like the men’s version is.)
For kids, this SaphiRose waterproof rain jacket checks the boxes.
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Our philosophy is that it’s better to have a jacket with us and not need it, than to need it and not have it.
Sheila Beal
