by Cynthia Wall

Created on: July 18, 2011

Lucky you! You’ve been invited to a luau, the traditional outdoor Hawaiian party that celebrates all that is good in nature and humanity.  The party may be held on a beautiful Hawaiian beach, beside your neighbor’s pool, or even in a park in Nebraska. The common themes will be Hawaiian music, food, and fun. What should you wear?

 Hawaiian wear shops like Hilo Hattie’s do a booming tourist business with people buying muu muu’s, sarongs, grass skirts, Hawaiian shirts and shorts, hats, leis, etc. It’s an unusual tourist who doesn’t come home with at least one outfit to wear to summer luaus.  Couples often sport matching shirts and hats.  

Luaus are held outside in good weather. They can be very casual for a beach volleyball tournament to elegant for a wedding reception. The appropriate dress for each emphasizes comfort (so you can do the hula); color (to reflect Hawaiian flowers); and native materials (shells, grass, beads, coconuts).  Here’s how to dress from head to toe.

 Head:  Women may choose to wear fresh flowers in their hair (behind the ears) or a band of artificial or fresh flowers. Men may want to wear straw hats.  Shell or beaded earrings are a must. Leis made of flowers, beads, shells, or artificial flowers symbolize the Hawaiian greeting of friendship and are appropriate for both men and women. 

Tops:  If a man wants to go bare-chested to an informal luau, a woman can also show her body off with a coconut bra – fortunately coconuts come in different sizes! Silk, cotton, or blended fabric shirts with floral or nautical themes are also popular. Wearing matching ones identifies you as a couple. 

Bottoms: Nothing says Hawaii like a grass skirt. They can be plain or topped with silk flowers at the waist. They sway beautifully on your hips with the music. Both long and short silk skirts (complementing your blouse) are also favorites. Men may opt for shorts, casual pants, or linen slacks (for formal affairs). 

Dresses:  Hawaiian destination weddings are oh so popular and if you choose a dress, it must be both formal enough for the ceremony and casual enough to enjoy roasted pig at the following luau.  Muu muu’s and sarongs are elegant and comfortable at the same time. Even the bride will probably choose a simple gown made of filmy fabric that floats in the gentle breezes but which conveys the bride formality of the day. 

Men’s formal attire:  For a wedding and luau on the beach, men may wear linen or cotton slacks with linen or floral shirts worn out.  If you think you’re going to get really messy eating at the luau, you may want to bring along a change of shirts. 

Feet:  People usually go barefoot on the beach but getting there requires sandals.  From flip flops to strappy leather sandals, think lightweight and comfortable. Women’s sandals are often adorned with flowers.  Most often, everyone’s shoes come off by the end of the evening.

Swimsuits: Beach  or pool location luaus mean that you may go swimming before or after the party. Bring floral or lacey cover-ups. Women may throw on a skirt that matches a bikini top and they will transform from mermaid to Hawaiian princess. 

From head to toe, Hawaiian garb for a luau says Aloha and Mahalo. Dress the part and enjoy the beautiful Hawaiian luau traditions.

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