Hawaii Nail Inspo You’ll Love in 2025: Bright & Simple Summer Designs to Try Now

Do you hear the call of summer? For me, it’s the calm splash of the ocean, the rustling of palm trees, and the unmistakable click of freshly done nails on a piña colada glass. Here’s the burning question: what will our nails look like in 2025 for us to enjoy this tropical daydream? If your Pinterest board is crying out for trendy simple summer looks or designs bold enough to make Moana jealous, you’ve landed in the correct spot.

In a world that is flooded with brilliance, I have brought forth Hawaii Nail Inspo You’ll Love in 2025. The aim isn’t solely admiration; it’s about actual wear-ability. From loud, unapologetic maximalists to minimalistic simple short ideas leaners, everyone will find charming bold looks that are not only short in length, but also inspired by the colors, textures, and moods of island life. Let us dive into the ripe waters of flower-palm nail styles.

Island Glam and Floral Drama

Nails with hibiscus flowers painted on them scream tropics, and this is what makes them have eye-catching appeal. The combination of fuchsia and yellow flowers with palm leaves is met with a nude shine and creating a glimmering masterpiece. Gold-Able rhinestones are layered at the rim of the nail, which completes the piece for those in love with tropical art but still value grounded designs.

To achieve this, you will need a detail nail art brush and gel polish in “Exotic Birds Do Not Tweet”, a warm yellow, “That is Hula-rious!” green, glossy top coat, ultra fine rhinestones and builder gel for the nails.

Cure a clean nude base under the LED light, then outline the flowers and the leaves. With a fine-tipped brush, sketch 3D shapes, add color, and finish with shading. While the top coat is still tacky, add the rhinestones, then seal with no-wipe gloss. Julie Kandalec, a renowned nail artist remarked: “To avoid streaking the color beneath, float the top coat over the 3D art.”

After seeing a coffee vendor in **Maui**, I transformed my nails into wearable art. You can wear this set anywhere in the world and it will make you feel like you’re island hopping.

Pastel and Summer Vibes

For those who don’t like tropical florals, what do you think about fun, playful, and light-hearted, but in a good way? This coastal set adds soft sherbet pastel shades along with minimalistic designs such as floral, sunny waves, and colors that remind me of ice and surfing. It feels like the color scheme of a Hawaiian snack shop inspired simple short nail designs into a masterpiece.

This look is friendly to beginners so it’s foolproof ideas easy. Grab a set of pastel shades like Olive & June’s “Sweet & Gracious” or Lights Lacquer’s “Mangos & Cream.” All you need to do is add dots or nail art pen to make flowers and waves. No rhinestones, no sculpting gels—just polish, a little bit of faith, and good vibes.

What I love about this style is how adaptable it is. Want ideas simple short? Trim it down and it still looks striking. Want something that adds Disney-esque charm? Swap the flower with a miniature plumeria or include a Moana shell. Whatever it is, this is your playground.

In some situations, nail art can be an over-the-top approach to creativity, but this soft pastel style shows that less is more. It’s a work of art and pure magnificence at the same time.

Almoind Jungle with Flamingo Vibes

These longer almond nails are adorned with pink hibiscus flowers and palm trees with a pink flamingo, showing off a boldly tropical theme. This set reflects a cheeky and artistic editorial style that is still subtle, minimalist, and stylish. This is for the hawiian flowers almond nails where fantasy lovers get a little touch of dreamland.

To achieve this look, you require a degree of accuracy, a lot of time, and the correct tools. The Nail Labo Presto Art Liner Brush and The Gel Bottle’s Builder in a Bottle for the “almond” shape are great choices. Pinks like Essie’s Strike a Rose and greens like Mojito Madness will build your palette beautifully. Don’t forget about a precision dabbing tool for those tiny feathers and eyes.

Get a salon look done the tricky way or just do a DIY? You can always do a simplified version of a set. Try putting flower accents on just two nails or add a tiny flamingo silhouette on one.

If you’re a girl who saves the best ideas for long weekends or a destination wedding, this set is going to be your muse. It’s playful glam with a palm-swaying rhythm.

Ocean Breez on Gel Gloss

Chill, calm, and dripping in dew: this blue set is dedicated to summers weaker side.

A glossy gradient from jelly-clear nude to a crystal blue tip is softer than anything you can imagine. One nail is topped with a delicate bow, while another ripples like waves kissed by moonlight and dressed with styles reminiscent of water droplet embellishments (Think acrylic meets inspo square sophistication).

You will need builder gel for the gradient base (I swear by Bio Seaweed’s Unity polish), chrome or pearl blue polish like “Blueberry Milk” by DND, and 3D gel for the water drops. You can finish it off with a charming bow or jewel (check Daily Charme or Kokoist USA.)

The subdued designs have always been easier to understand than the overly intricate and busy designs. Celebrity nail technician Tom Bachik once stated, *“Let the shape and light do the work—don’t overdesign when the gloss can do the heavy lifting.”* This is the vibe.

Save this for the times when you’re looking to add elegance, but with a chilled twist: it is best for midnight luaus and brunches at the peaceful beach.

Sunset Ombré with a Starfish Twist

If sunsets were recreated into nails, this would be prime example. The juicy ombré starts with the bold shade of lemon yellow along the cuticle and seamlessly transitions into coral and finally the elegant rose with one beautifully 3D starfish perched on top like a beach souvenir. The two toned glossy finish is sleek, not kitschy. It is a perfect starter pack for summer joy, and serves as an example of simple ideas of summer beauty done perfection.

The ombre can be achieved the same way you would achieve eyeshadow with a makeup sponge, along with shades *Cantaloupe* and *Limoncello* from Zoya. The starfish can be made using tiny press ons from Etsy or 3D art gel. Buff, blend, and seal, and finally expose yourself to the beach.

Personally, I love this because of how versatile it is. It is soft enough for the office, but can still be worn on spontaneous weekend getaways. I wore something like this in O’ahu last summer, and every time I looked down at my hands, I smiled. These are what Hawaii Nail Inspo You’ll Love in 2025 are intended for—sparking joy.

Pastel Soft Plumeria Touch & Relaxation

This set is pure chill vibes with gentle blue, blush pink, and creamy white with hand-painted plumeria blooms. The color combination brings to mind the classic Hawaiian flowers and also makes you reminisce the breezy days of summer and tropical leis. The look is clean and minimal yet cozy in all sorts of ways. This is one of those ideas hawaiian flowers looks that feels like deep breath in color form. And if you’re looking for ideas simple, this one is perfect for you.

For this design, I would recommend pastel gel shades, such as ‘Ballet Slippers’ by Essie, and ‘Pale Bluebell’ by Aprés. Use a super-fine liner brush for the plumeria, alternating strokes of white and yellow gel to create a gentle blend. Adding a light gloss topcoat will protect the design and give it a soft finish.

Maybe it’s just the quiet colors that makes this design so calming. No steady hand is required, just patient brushwork and a great playlist. Nail artist Brittney Boyce once said, “Even imperfect flowers feel like art when the color palette is soft.” Can’t get enough of that quote.

This design gives, “pretty without trying,” which is exactly what I want most days. This look never feels overdone, isn’t overdone, whether it’s brunch or beach walks.

Mermaid Chic with Pearls and Starfish

This look is straight out of a siren’s jewelry box, a nude pink polish topped with etched white stars, a baby-blue starfish and a trio of pearl accents. It leans toward ideas 3D while still being totally wearable. It’s elevated with an almond shape silhouette. Luxuriously delicate and and subtly playful all at once, yet still assumes a softer moerlac aesthetic.

Pearls are always timeless, even on nails, and they complete my go-to looks when I want something bright, elegant yet effortless.

You’ll want to start with a base polish like OPIs’ Funny Bunny. For the stars, use a stamping plate or white nail art pen, freehanding with a curling technique. The pearls and starfish can be secured easily with buolder gel and a dot of nail glue—Kokoist’s strong-hold gel will give you the most long wear.

I love how layering textures like this turns out when I’m feeling a bit extra. It instantly becomes my go to when I need to look good without trying hard, perfect for any occasion.

This look adds a sprinkle of magic while sipping rosé on the patio or going for a rooftop luau.

Wave Graphic in Matte Blue

This design features a vibe we can all appreciate. The design includes a striking white wave atop a matte blue base, giving off strong blue ocean energy. The addition of the minimalist flying bird silhouette makes it all the better. This design balances between simple and artsy in a glorious way.

We all know matte topcoat is essential. Zoya’s Velvet Topcoat is one of the best out there. Pair it with a ”Saltwater Happy” cornflower or periwinkle base from Essie. For sharp shapes put a bird and wave pencil on black and white nail pens or ultra-thin brushes. A gel palette is perfect to allow smooth blending on lines.

I recall those tattooed surfboards placed outside small cafés in Waikiki. It remains cool-girl surf energy, bottled to be worn on nails. Pair it with a casual beach day outfit featuring linen pants and a salty bun, and you are all set. If you need simple ideas that make a statement, this is the one.

Almond With A Vibe Hawaiin FlowersPetal Galaz

I hope you’re ready to blast al the petals, ‘cos this design is an extremely oceanic almond floral inspo. Standing out from the bland daisy flowers, the noodles encompass chunky drops of rods in blue, yellow, and pastel pink on an exquisite seafoam background. Anyone who is looking for a pronounced vibe would cherish this design.

It is most suitable for gel paints with a glitter base polish. Try “Mermaid Tears” by Orly for sparkle and Leafgel’s pastel art gels. Gold studs in the centers of the flowers are a gorgeous touch to the look, so adding those will elevate the flower even more.

Another pro-tip: when you’re at the beginner phase of nail art, let go of flowers symmetry and still rock it. The vibe is upbeat and not geometric at all. To make this look attainable, nail designer Mazz Hanna suggests you just start each petal with basic dots that are pretty much right in the middle and blend those outwards.

With the finish to go for a pool party, everybody adored my manicure more than my dress, and because of that I’m now certain it is a feel-good mani.

Square Orchid Garden on nude base

Like a sprucing up of a low-maintenance garden, a short to a medium-square nude manicure with a sole yellow orchid on each nail. The smaller details are magnificently crafted, but not too loud for the eyes, which makes it perfect for both short nail lovers and Acrylic lovers who wish to add a dainty bloom, but not too extensively.

Very soft nude colors like OPI’s Samoan sand are perfect as a polish for an acrylic sculpted base (or Gel-X tips). A striping brush or decal will do for the orchid petals. Lastly, but very importantly, use a thick gloss like Seche Vite.

To me, this is the design for a bride who wants a hint of tropical, or for anyone going for a sunset dinner date on the coast. It is really soft but still really chic.

Sunset Ombre with Jungle Leaf Drama

This design describes knit brows for a reason. Hot pink, tangerine, and bold yellow, celebrities on pointed almond shape nails, add to the grandeur. Mixed with ultra-fine tropical leaves glittering at the peak and shi-shi-syanla feels like a dusk shadow dance. It is unapologetically extra, but it is one of the excelsior Hawaii designs tropicle I acceddingly keep going back to for summer getaways.

First things first, you would need to grit your neon gel palette (peep out the Gelbottle summer collection) alongside a sharp detail brush for leaves art. Oregano brushes or sponging greatly assist in the blending of colors. A semi-gloss topcoat completes the gebruik by balancing the vividness with some shine.

It is a no show and tell mani. No apologies. It is more hiding, especially when going head to head in ugliest cry competitions as someone is bound to ask whether it is a custom job or not. Spoiler, it absolutely is. But some level of caffeine and patience allows DIYing the look. No one comes forward to either claim or own up looking for cries.

Pineapple Crush with Gradient Glow

Hawaii is the muse for this design since the ideas summer manicure captures the sweet essence of pineapples. The mini gold pineapple charms give the nails a 3D lift without overpowering the entire design, while the pink-to-yellow gradient captures the essence of fresh juice and sunrises over the ocean.

The first step is a sheer base which is followed by blending “Tropic Like It’s Hot” and “Lava You Lots” from Kiara Sky using a sponge or ombre brush. Gold charms in the shape of pineapples can easily be found on Etsy as well as Shein and they adhere well with builder gel.

This look is absolutely tropical cocktail in a glass. If you’re looking for some ideas that aren’t too outrageous and are easy to execute while still making a statement, look no further. I wore this when I didn’t know what to do with my nails and it literally brought in the sunshine.

Island Bloom and Cobalt Elegance

Looking for some Hawaiian nail inspiration you can flaunt in 2025? This look has clean lines such as white tips marked with cobalt dots, a single hibiscus flower blooming in a painterly style, and–of course–it has an elegant island vibe. If you want nail designs that are simple yet very haute couture, this is your moment.

To achieve this look, start with OPI’s “Bare My Soul” as a base. Use a fine brush and “Butler Please” for the accent dots. For the flower, make sure to take your time layering the petals with navy gel using a liner brush—don’t rush it.

This design portrays an understated ‘look at me’ vibe. I rocked this look for a friend’s engagement brunch and felt effortlessly professional but party-ready for the occasion and my outfit paired beautifully with the nails and my white linen set.

Tips with Plumeria Perfection

We’re back to florals—but this time, it’s loud. This almond-shaped French manicure absolutely flips the undertone to something absolutely bonkers: hand-painted plumerias resting gently in bold neon pink and yellow. You get that hot Disney princess portrayal, but swapped for sultry beach evenings and lingering escapes over the weekend.

To recreate this design, you will need bold shades—“Pink Voltage” and “Electric Daisy,” both from China Glaze—as well as a detail brush for the flower petals. Start with a soft white outline for the petal and then build up the colors layered from the center out. To really make the tips stand out, a high-gloss top coat is essential.

Stepping outside of my comfort zone and trying this look made me feel like the coolest girl on the beach. It’s the perfect combination of ideas hawaiian flowers with a twist—and trust me, it’s extremely addicting.

Ocean Marble with Petal Accent

What is more captivating than the ocean? My version of deep ocean blue is a mesmerizing deep blue with a multi layer sparkle of navy, white, and sapphire, and topped with a petite orchid type flower, Giving off the impression of trying to escape in a rippling ocean. Still maintains a sense of simplicity with smooth clean lines that fit the ideals of a world that is short and simple.

I suggest ease bloom gel for the marble effect, and add sheer whites and nude navy as well as nude white opague fillers for the petals. Blending into the surrounding shimmer with soft sculpt blends masterfully into the petals with 3D gel or acrylic for the flower detail. Adding small water droplet gems transforms the nails into true island magic.

I created this design for a weekend retreat with friends and I was blown away when they assumed I had gotten my nails professionally done Because of the stunning elegance this design captures. It really is a calm storm kind of look. Quiet, but carries a soothing burst of energy.

3D Mermaids Core Impressions

Lately, designs like soft nude with white sculptural accents have opened up new avenues of summer fantasies. This design embodies the mermaidcore style that has taken over Pinterest boards and summery moodboards. With seashells, a sculpted starfish studded with rhinestones, this design approaches 3D Ideas, tropical Designs, and even simple summer Ideas. The base is sheer and classic to maintain versatility while the rest feels like it is bursting with treasures from a Maui tidepool. As you may observe in the image, this nail art gives a unique mermaidcore look.

Hence, to achieve this look, I would suggest getting a nude gel base like OPI bubble bath or CND romantique that would be able to accentuate the adornments. You may choose to sculpt 3D shells and the starfish individually using builder gel, my go-to is Gelish Polygel, or for an easy solution, use high-quality decals. For that extra sparkle reminiscent of the sun shining on seafoam, don’t forget to add some mini rhinestones.

The home hack to achieving this is patience. You’ll need a few materials which include a dotting pen, UV gel, and a sculpting brush. Apply the base coat, cure it and then add 3D gel designs and seal with a topcoat. If you’re a beginner to 3D gels, celebrity nail tech Mei Kawajiri suggests adding small layers: “It’s like icing a cake; gradually build so it maintains its shape.”

This stands out for someone who wants to wear their vacation at their fingertips. I sported something similar for my last summer vacation and strangers in the smoothie shack would literally stop me in the middle of the queue to ask who my nail technician was. That is the impact of design that can be best described as a treat crafted from heaven.

Coconut Cream Meets Mocha Swirl

This may not make sense but there’s something eclectic about a neutral manicure and this one is way out of the norm. Almond-shaped elegance enhances the creamy hues with retro swirls hinting toward sunset latte in Waikiki. The combination of warmer browns with the creamy scalloped tips will serve as Inspo for almond and even simple taipan Designs. It’s the perfect touch of luxurious detailing without crossing the line into glam-overload.

If I were to execute the creamy gradient and swirl, I would begin with Essie’s Wild Nude or Zoya’s Rue. The swirl can be achieved with gel paint and a fine liner brush. Don’t shy away from the use of two, or even three, shades for added depth. Refine the look by adding Swarovski crystals or a chrome bead line on top.

With a steady hand and a little tape to cover the French tips, this one is simple to DIY. If you are new to nail art, try using a swirl stamp instead. I’ve heard from several nail techs on TikTok that the use of darker polish underneath lighter swirl accents helps lift the design’s depth.

This is the kind of mani I would wear during a vacation—clean and classy sufficing for a rooftop brunch after a morning stroll at the beach.

Floral Fantasy for Hawaiian Vibes

Okay, this one? Total Ideas acrylic bliss meets hawaiian flowers. This set is all about the bold hibiscus-style blooms done in bright primary tones with utmost finesse. It’s daring, yet calm due to the chestnut glossy nude base. And that little bedazzled accent? Just enough to make it extra. Her ideas are for simple short square nails that will clearly be for someone who is looking for vacation nails that will do a lot of the talking.

Truthfully, I would recommend doing this in acrylics or a soft gel technique since extensions are more durable. For sharp edges, use gel polish, which can be found in the form of a wonderful neon set with tropical primaries from Beetles Gel Polish. For crystal embellishments, you can’t go wrong with using Swarovski flatbacks, or if you’re feeling adventurous, use Apres ArtInks for more delicate detailing.

To make things easier at home, go with floral stickers and press-on nails that have the same pattern. “Combining decals with hand painting is a clever way to imitate pro craftsmanship,” says Orly Studios’ Sarah Bland.

With these on, it really does feel like my vacation is packed into one set. I wore a rendition of this to a friend’s poolside wedding and I got pulled into a group photo that ended up on the event planner’s Insta—these nails really are show stoppers.

Blue-Edged Botanica

If you crave structure but also want to be on the softer side, this is the one. The combination of bold almond shape, soft petals, and deep blue lines makes for a appealing combination that is neat, controlled, and still romantic. The hues really do portray tropical flowers and ocean waves at the same time. The set is also reminiscent of Ideas hawaiian flowers almond, Inspo almond, and Ideas 3D because of the raised pearls and crystals which add bling to the look.

Start with a nude sheer base like Madam Glam’s Soak Off Gel in Latte. For the tips, use a deep ocean blue polish—Olive & June’s CN Blue or OPI My Car Has Navy-gation are great picks. Petal designs can be hand-painted using a detail brush, or layered on as 3D stickers. The golden bead chains are actually quite easy to apply with tweezers and a touch of nail glue.

Don’t rush this one. It’s a bit more time-intensive, especially if you’re hand-drawing florals. But the payoff? So worth it. As celebrity manicurist Tom Bachik once said, “A graceful shape with precision art is like wearing couture—on your fingertips.”

I’d wear this to a beach dinner party or even just for myself, after a long week. it’s the kind of mani that makes you feel like you have your life together, even if you’re currently ignoring your inbox.

Surf Sketch Chic

Playful wave graphics and flying seabirds infuse instant beach vibes into the simple yet astonishing aesthetic of a short square shape that’s ideal for daily use. It descends into a denim-esque mood board, a matte effect captures attention in a subtle way.

This style is great for timid long-nail wearers. Use matte sky-blue polish Zoya’s Blu or Essie’s Saltwater Happy. The waves and seabirds can be hand-painted or stamped with nautical-themed plates. A matte top coat ensures a contemporary vibe.

For me, what stands out the most is that it remains effortless. There’s richness in minimalism. It takes me back to the days when all you needed was SPF, sunnies, and a flawless mani to feel put together. ‘Simple’ doesn’t equal boring; it means wearable magic.

Ocean Glimmer with Gold Chain Accents

This design combines everything I love about island nails. It captures the glimmering water, the gentle floating of pearls, and metallic chain art. A translucent base is decorated with bright blue wave tips, crystal star micro seashells, and miniature gold chains that as I like to say, adorn your fingers. It sits perfectly in the middle of Ideas 3D, Inspo almond, and Designs tropical – just the right touch of luxe without being too loud.

To achieve this mani look, I recommend starting with a clear pink or builder nude base. The Gel Bottle BIAB in Teddy is a cult favorite. Daily Charme’s Blue Surf Gel gives off that wave-like dimension effect. Don’t forget to place some golden nail chains and pearls which can be purchased from NailzKatKat’s 3D charms kits. With a little UV top coat the magic of the ocean will be sealed in.

For application, secure the chain links with a trace of builder gel and cure. Use a fine liner to paint the white details and apply a thick top coat to lock everything in. Nail artist Britney Tokyo once said, “It’s not just about decoration, it’s about movement”—and this design accomplishes the fluidity of a gentle ocean breeze.

This awe-inspiring creation is perfect for capturing one’s attention, and I can certainly say she’s a showstopper.

Frangipani Dreams In Bloom

These elegant soft pink base flowers accented with the bold Ideas Hawaiian flowers all excellently fit into the square shape design I used. Yes, please. Instead of pink and purple, it was accented with tropical pink, bold yellow, and sky blue to create Cavendish Plumeria petals which effectively create a wearable living bouquet right at your fingertips. It is summery, light, dreamy, feminine and most importantly serves as a good reminder that bold shoulders and dresses are perfect for summer.

It’s all in the details for this one! For dressing the nails, I recommend using a milky pink gel as a base. You can try Bio Seaweed’s Peaches or Butter London’s Fruit Dove. After achieving this base, apply delicate strokes using a detail brush and petal-style layering with creamy gel palettes. Lightly commence with the outer edges and deepen towards the center. For the best control, I suggest the Apres Artiste Liner Brush Set.

You can achieve this look by first mapping out the petals using a pencil and then painting over them. Start off by using a sheer base and then acrylic paint the flowers in sections. Finally, finish off the acrylic painting with a coat of gloss topcoat. Alternatively, you can visit a nail salon and ask for plumeria flowers painted on in a more impressionistic style, preferably.

These nails strongly remind me of my best friend’s wedding in Maui. I vividly remember the wedding flowers, friends sitting barefoot, sand underneath their feet, and the breathtaking view with undisturbed silence.

Neon Coastlines & Cute Tropic Charms

This one’s a whole vacation story in five little squares. Each square boasts a bold rainbow of French tips in vibrant sherbet colors of pink, blue, orange, and yellow. A charm or jewel nodding ocean life adorns each tip. Just imagine Ideas simple, Ideas acrylic, Ideas 3D, and Disney daydreams sprinkled in Disney daydreams (that gold starfish is a cherry on top!).

These look best when done with acrylics or press-ons so you get that long and symmetrical base. Kiara Sky’s dip system has a ton of neon shades that would perfectly mimic this look. Add 3D embellishments with glue-on studs. Summer-themed charms are available at both Swarovski and Daily Charme.

Want to do it yourself? You can do it in one tip. Put french tips on and cure, then glue on the pieces with acrylic. Lastly, add a gel topcoat. The finished product is playful and flirty, providing a blank canvas for your creativity.

I would wear these during summer music festivals or the beach boardwalk. They have the energy of “main character on vacation.”

Molten Sands & Nude Swirls

This defines pure luxury by the beach. The soft almond shape, creamy nude undertones, and flowing metallic accents simulating the sparkle of wet sand during sunset is breathtaking. This is for the girl who prefers a statement but wishes for something understated—elegant, with just a hint of dramatics. It leans into ideas simple, Inspo almond as well as an upscale version of Ideas easy.

Start with a base of buff-toned gel like Orly’s Country Club Khaki or OPI’s Samoan Sand. Then swirl in white and gold gel paints with a liner brush. For the gold shimmer, Leafgel’s Gold Glitter Gel is my personal recommendation. It maintains its vibrancy even under topcoat and creates that sunlit shimmer effect.

This set feels like that final day of vacation; tan glowing, sand between your toes, quiet smile arising because you already know you’ll be back.

Teal Waveform Minimalism

Last in this set, the teal and white French waves capture a smooth oceanic flow—serene and perfectly curved. It checks off all the boxes: Inspo Short, Ideas Simple Summer, Blue, Ideas Easy. The look is clean yet artistically subdued like tidepools rolling tides.

Use a semi-sheer nude gel base and teal polish like Sally Hansen’s Pacific Blue or DND Gel in Teal My Heart. With a detail brush, outline your French waves using white gel. The strokes should evoke tranquility, a gentle feel like the surf.

This one is super beginner-friendly. Get nervous? Tape off each wave, or use a fine-tipped dotting pen to sketch the curves before committing. You can pick between matte or gloss topcoat. I prefer gloss for that watery shimmer.

Wearing a set like this makes me feel like calm is enveloping my hands. It’s great for work, brunch, or post-shaved ice and salty ocean wind weekend hikes.

Classic Hibiscus Revival

Hawaiian nail art isn’t complete without the hibiscus bloom, and this design is legendary. Starting with a nude-pinkish clear base, there are hand-painted white hibiscus flowers with yellow stamen on vibrant turquoise French tips. It is the perfect Ideas hawaiian flowers almond cross-over, fusing the classic Island floral heritage into a sharp, feminine almond shape. It is cheery, tropical, and seems like it was designed for Mai Tai parties beneath palm trees.

DND Gel Polish Turquoise Frost will provide bold color payoff and high-shine tips. Gelish Brights Collection has everything you need with white gel paint, micro-liner brush, dotting tools, and tiny yellow details. Finish the flowers and add a top coat that doesn’t blur the detail while keeping gloss.

Don’t be afraid to tackle painting a hibiscus flower by hand the first time; it is easier than it seems. Start with adding simple petal shapes which resemble teardrops and build upon them to create more depth. Celeb nail artist Betina Goldstein adds, “The trick is negative space. Let the base color shine through to avoid overloading the look.”

For me personally, I used a toned-down version of this design while visiting Oahu last spring. Given the fact that I packed two linen jumpsuits and a floppy straw hat, it’s hard to believe, but I got far more praise for my nails than my outfits.

Watercolor Ombre Tides

This set captures the embodiment of the ocean waves in the softest, most dreamy way. The blue and white color combination resembles an ombred watercolor wash over a milky base, evoking clean summer vibes and an almond feel. For those who prefer their nails understated, this is a muted but sophisticated statement that resonates with the phrase, “I am in my calm, coastal era.”

As the name suggests, this look requires precision blending. For the base, apply a soft white polish like CND’s Cream Puff, then create cloud-like shapes filled with sky blues using the sponge or brush drag technique. Blue is the One by Madam Glam works well with a light pastel to capture the soft summer feel. Choose between velvet matte or gloss for your topcoat—it depends on your mood.

For the ideal mix, pull a flat fan brush from the tip to the cuticle while the colors are still wet. It creates that sought-after dreamy melt by softening harsh edges. Sally Beauty’s pro educator Gregory Patterson emphasizes “Don’t overwork ombre—let the colors breathe.”

These are the nails I’d put on for a spa day or a Sunday retreat in Lahaina. Calm, sharp, and quietly fierce—like an exhale precisely released.