Hawaii Dress Culture

Karen Sprinkles, Leaf Group Updated February 05, 2018

Hawaii has its own kind of dress code and it's decidedly casual. From flip-flops and board shorts to aloha shirts and long-flowing muumuus, attire in "The Aloha State" reflects the friendly "hang loose" lifestyle of the Islands. Visitors in Hawaii will have no trouble slipping into something more comfortable to better enjoy the idyllic, year-round climate and beautiful sights of the Hawaiian Islands.

Aloha Attire for Men

In Hawaii, men's attire for business or formal occasions can be as simple as an aloha shirt and shorts or light slacks. High-end Aloha shirts made by Sig Zane of Hilo are favored by politicians, dignitaries and businessmen who appreciate his contemporary Hawaiian pullover and button-down shirts made of silk fabrics. In general, men in Hawaii do not tuck in their shirts, while those who do might generally be businessmen or tourists.

Women's Dresses

With its long sleeves and high neck, the holoku of old Hawaii began as a formal party gown and soon evolved into a Hawaiian wedding dress. In the Elvis Presley movie "Blue Hawaii," a woman wears a holoku wedding dress while being serenaded by Elvis aboard a canoe. Hawaiian artist Herb Kane created an iconic painting featuring hula dancers wearing holoku. Another style of formal dress, the holomu also is appropriate attire for evening wear.


Sandals and flip-flops are the most popular footwear in the Islands, and many tourists can be easily identified by their strappy Teva sandals, which generally are not favored by locals. For women, open-toed shoes are the norm. Businessmen usually wear closed-toe shoes with socks. In Hawaii, it is customary to remove your shoes and leave them at the front door before entering a home.


In Hawaii, the floral lei is donned for a variety of occasions. For the visitor arriving in Hawaii, the lei greeting at the airport or hotel is a sign of aloha and friendship. Lei can be made of everything from plumeria and ginger to orchids, ilima, pikake, tuberose, pua kenikeni and crown flower. A scented vine, maile is used for extra special occasions and to honor VIPs. May Day in Hawaii celebrates the lei and the artistry of the lei makers.


Traditional (kahiko) hula showcases attire made of natural materials such as ti leaves and tapa cloth. The wrapped skirt, or pa‘u, might be worn by traditional female dancers, while traditional males might perform in the loincloth (malo) made of tapa. Modern (auana) hula might feature formal gowns such as the holoku or muumuu for women and slacks with sashes for men.