In mainland America, we have Casual Fridays. In Honolulu, Hawaii, the workers celebrate the end of the long work week with "Aloha Fridays," and they wear their very best floral shirts. This aloha attire or aloha wear is extremely popular with tourists as well, who want to buy classic examples to wear while on vacation, or to bring back home as a souvenir.
The shirts made in Hawaii to export to the mainland United States are not the same as what the native islanders wear. Those ugly, blinding patterned shirts you see on stereotypical tourists would never be worn as aloha attire by a Hawaiian. To find the real thing -the beautifully-patterned, muted color tropical shirts the islanders favor- you have to know where to shop. The following are recommended spots where you can find authentic aloha wear in Honolulu that even a local would wear proudly.
Aloha Attire for Men in Honolulu
Some of the best-selling aloha menswear on the island is from Tommy Bahama, at 1450 Ala Moana Boulevard in Honolulu. The shirts here are famous even outside of Hawaii for their high quality, and you'll find beautiful shirts in linen, cotton, and textured silks. The luxurious designs are worthy of wearing to dressy events while you're in Hawaii, but they do come with a luxury price tag, too. You'll pay around $80 to $120 for one, but you'll find the shirts to be a worthy splurge.
For less money, but shirts that are just as good, try Avanti Fashion. Located at 2164 Kalakaua Ave in Honolulu (and other locations around Hawaii), their aloha shirts have a decidedly vintage vibe. The silk creations average around $60 and are based on authentic Hawaiian prints from the 1930s to the 1950s. Avanti also has dresses for women that are just as beautiful.
Kahala Sportswear (at 424 Sumner Street, Honolulu, and other locations) has been making aloha shirts locally since 1936, and have a solid reputation among the locals. Their specialty is making spectacular reproductions of Hawaiian artists' lino-block prints on fabric. The result is a shirt that is a wearable work of art that is as unique as the island's own history and culture.
Aloha Attire for Women in Honolulu
If you'd like a muumuu that doesn't look old-fashioned, Tutuvi (2636 S King St, Honolulu) has authentic Hawaiian dresses that combine traditional prints and designs with whimsical, modern colors. Some of them are even printed on a suitcase-friendly jersey knit that will still look fresh while you hop the islands. Their most stunning pieces are theirpareaus (sarong-like wraps) in vivid color combinations that will evoke Hawaii long after you go back home. (Starting at $35.)
If you're looking for a bargain as well as a huge selection, Hilo Hattie's is a mainstay of affordable aloha attire. Located at 700 N Nimitz Hwy, you can catch a free shuttle from Waikiki to shop Hattie's wares. You won't find the sophisticated selection here that you'll find at Tommy Bahama orTutuvi (Hint: this is the place to find those loud shirts your Uncle likes), but you'll find rack upon rack of budget-priced muumuus, shirts, wraps and dresses, plus piles of tropical jewelry.
Vintage Aloha Attire in Honolulu
You might have to pay more, but if you're set on having vintage aloha wear, you can find first-rate examples of it in Honolulu. Bailey's Antiques and Aloha Shirts at 517Kapahulu Avenue has a collection worthy of a museum. Some of the more outstanding silk vintage shirts can fetch upwards of a few hundred bucks, but you can also find pretty modern shirts and vintage reproductions starting at $10. Bailey's is worth a look even if just for the history of the aloha shirt.
When you get back home, you can start a new tradition at your own workplace. Turn Casual Friday into Aloha Friday on the mainland. After shopping at these prime locations for your own aloha wear, you'll certainly have a first-class collection to show off around the office, or anywhere. Aloha!