A luau is a celebration, and in Hawaii a celebration means dressing up a little, island style. You will not need a suit or heels; you will want something colourful, comfortable and cool enough for a warm evening on the grass. Here is exactly what to wear, and a few customs worth knowing.
The short answer
Wear "aloha attire": an aloha shirt and shorts or light trousers for men, a sundress, skirt or muumuu for women, and sandals. Bring a light layer for the evening breeze. That is what most guests and locals wear, and you will feel right at home.
For men
- An aloha shirt (Hawaiian shirt), buttoned, with shorts, chinos or linen trousers.
- Sandals or boat shoes.
- At upscale luaus, a nicer aloha shirt and trousers.
For women
- A sundress, maxi dress, skirt and top, or a muumuu (a loose Hawaiian dress).
- Flat sandals or wedges; heels sink into lawns and sand.
- A light wrap or cardigan for after sunset.
- A flower in your hair: traditionally, behind the right ear means you are single, behind the left that you are taken.
For kids
Light, comfortable clothes, sandals and a sweater for the evening. Many children love an aloha shirt or a little sundress; ABC Stores and local shops sell them cheaply.
Lei etiquette
- Accept a lei graciously; it is a symbol of welcome and affection.
- Wear it over your shoulders, hanging down front and back.
- Do not take it off in front of the person who gave it to you.
- When it fades, return it to nature if you can, rather than throwing it in the bin.
What not to wear
- Swimwear on its own, unless the luau is on the beach and you have a cover-up.
- Costume "grass skirts" or coconut bras as fancy dress; hula costumes are part of a living culture.
- Heels on grass and sand.
- Heavy fabrics: evenings are warm.
Choosing a luau? See the best luaus on Oʻahu, Maui and the Big Island.
The story of the aloha shirt
The aloha shirt was born in Honolulu in the 1930s, when local tailors began making shirts from brightly printed fabrics, many of them Japanese kimono cloth. Visitors loved them, and in the 1940s and 1950s they became the uniform of Hawaii. In 1966 the state introduced "Aloha Friday", encouraging office workers to wear aloha shirts at the end of the week, a custom that inspired casual Fridays around the world. Today, aloha shirts are acceptable business wear in Hawaii, and a good one is a souvenir you will actually wear.
The muumuu, a loose, flowing dress, has its roots in the 19th century, when missionaries introduced long dresses and Hawaiian women adapted them into something cooler and more elegant. Both are perfect for a luau.
Weather and comfort
Most luaus are outdoors on lawns or by the beach, starting around sunset. It is usually warm, but trade winds can make it breezy, and in winter evenings feel cool. Bring a light layer, apply insect repellent before you go, and wear comfortable shoes: you may queue for the buffet and walk across grass.
Quick answers
What should I wear to a luau?
Aloha attire: an aloha shirt and shorts or trousers for men, a sundress or skirt for women, and sandals, plus a light layer for the evening.
Can I wear shorts to a luau?
Yes. Shorts with an aloha shirt are common and perfectly acceptable at most luaus.
Should I wear a grass skirt to a luau?
No. Hula costumes are part of Hawaiian culture, not fancy dress.
Which ear do you wear a flower behind in Hawaii?
Traditionally, the right ear means single and the left means taken.
Facts checked October 2026. Prices, schedules and rules change, so confirm with the operator or official source before you book.
