Cute
Denim Jacket Floral Rain
A light wash denim jacket over a floral midi skirt handles hot-weather rain without overdressing. Espadrilles underneath keep it warm-weather despite the jacket.
What to Wear in Hilo in August
August in Hilo averages 82°F highs and 66°F lows with about 15 rainy days — the Big Island's wettest city is consistently warm and consistently rainy year-round. A lightweight waterproof layer is always worth carrying. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park's hardened lava terrain requires closed-toe shoes; Hilo's farmer's market and downtown are comfortable in breathable cotton and quick-dry fabrics.
Also packing for this trip?
Full August packing list for Hilo →
Checklist of clothes, shoes, and gear — separate from these outfit ideas.
Plan your stay
Hotels in Hilo
Compare prices across top booking sites for Aug 1–4.
Dates prefilled: Aug 1–42 guests
See hotels in HiloPowered by Hotellook · prices from Booking.com, Agoda, and more
What to wear
top / Short-Sleeve Top
classic tee
bottom / Jeans
straight-leg
chinos for a slightly smarter look
footwear / Waterproof Boots
ankle boots
rubber sole for traction — keep feet dry all day
outerwear / Rain Jacket
shell jacket
lightweight
Consider bringing:
UmbrellaSunglasses
Based on typical August conditions in Hilo. Weather varies year to year — check the live forecast when you're within two weeks of your trip.
August in Hilo is Hawaii's lush, wet tropical summer — 82°F with the consistent warmth and rainfall that makes the Big Island's eastern side the rainiest in the US, averaging 130+ inches per year. About 15 rainy days in August means showers can arrive on any given day, though they're often brief and followed by sunshine. The warm temperatures and frequent rain create the lush jungle landscape that defines Hilo's character. Hilo's Hawaiian casual aesthetic is practically adapted to its weather: aloha shirts in breathable cotton, quick-dry fabrics that handle brief showers and dry quickly, and closed-toe shoes for Hawaii Volcanoes National Park where hardened lava rock terrain destroys sandals within a walk. Hilo Farmers Market and downtown's flat walkable area are comfortable in any casual footwear during dry windows. Rainbow Falls and Akaka Falls jungle trail access benefits from quick-dry fabrics and shoes that handle wet, rooted trail surfaces. If combining Hilo with Mauna Kea summit visits, pack for 32°F at the summit — the temperature difference from Hilo's 82°F is dramatic and requires a complete gear change.
Curated Looks
Chic
White Linen Blazer Shorts
A white linen blazer over a matching blouse and linen shorts handles hot rain with full coverage that still reads like summer. A tan straw sun hat makes the argument even in the rain.
Business Casual
Linen Blazer Espadrilles
A white linen blazer over a matching blouse and wide-leg trousers makes hot rain navigable with full coverage. Espadrilles and aviators ensure it reads as dressed — not overdressed.
Other Months in Hilo
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I wear in Hilo in August?+
Hilo in August averages 82°F with about 15 rainy days. Breathable cotton aloha-style clothing and quick-dry fabrics that handle brief showers are the most practical choices. A lightweight waterproof layer is always worth carrying. For Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, closed-toe shoes with grip are essential — hardened lava terrain destroys sandals immediately.
How much does it rain in Hilo in August?+
Hilo averages 15 rainy days in August, but rainfall is often brief tropical showers that pass quickly and are followed by sunshine. Hilo is the rainiest city in the US at 130+ inches annually — August is one of the wetter months. A lightweight rain jacket or waterproof shell is useful daily, though torrential all-day rain is less common than frequent light showers.
Is August a good time to visit Hilo?+
August is a consistently warm and beautiful time to visit Hilo. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Rainbow Falls, Akaka Falls, and the Hilo Farmers Market are all accessible and lovely. The frequent brief showers keep the landscape intensely green and lush. August is quieter than the peak winter season, with lower accommodation rates and smaller crowds at popular sites.
What shoes should I wear in Hilo in August?+
Closed-toe shoes with grip are essential for Hawaii Volcanoes National Park — the hardened lava rock terrain (aa lava) immediately shreds sandals and provides poor traction. For Hilo's downtown, Farmers Market, and flat urban areas, casual flat shoes or sandals work well on dry terrain. Rainbow Falls and Akaka Falls trails benefit from shoes with grip for wet, rooted surfaces.
What should I pack for Hilo in August?+
Pack breathable cotton and quick-dry fabrics for Hilo's warm, rainy August. A lightweight waterproof jacket is the most practical single addition. Closed-toe shoes for Volcanoes National Park, casual sandals or flat shoes for Hilo's flat urban areas, and SPF for the intense Hawaiian UV on sunny windows are the essentials. If combining with Mauna Kea summit visits, pack a warm jacket and gloves — the 13,796-ft summit is 50°F colder than Hilo.
Packing tools
Decide jackets, outfits, shoes, and bag fees for Hilo in August
Free calculators — city and month pre-filled when we know them. No account required. Start with how many outfits, sudoku packing, or bag fees.
Trip
Planning a trip to one city?
One city → typical weather for your month, packing counts that fit your bags, and email your plan.
Outfits
How many outfits for this trip?
Trip length, bag size, and climate → exact tops, bottoms, layers, and outfit combinations.
Jacket
Not sure about a jacket?
City + month → base / mid / shell stack and pack-or-skip verdicts for rain jacket, coat, and thermals.
Shoes
Shoes for this climate?
Climate, activities, and bag size → pair count, primary/backup types, and climate-matched picks.
Bags
Will this trip cost bag fees?
Airline + fare bucket + bags you plan to bring → fit verdicts and typical carry-on / checked fee ranges.
Capsule
Try sudoku packing for this climate?
City + month → climate-ready 3 tops / 3 bottoms / 3 layers you can edit — up to 27 mix-and-match outfits.