An invitation to a luau, a backyard island party or a Pacific Islander birthday celebration is always exciting, until you open your wardrobe. Is it dressy or casual? Can you wear flip-flops? Is a grass skirt fun or offensive?
This guide answers those questions with practical outfit ideas for women, men and children, plus a few etiquette tips so you feel comfortable and show respect to your hosts.
What should you wear to a luau?
For what to wear to a luau, think relaxed but polished “aloha attire”: a floral or bright island-print dress, muumuu or skirt for women, and a Hawaiian print shirt with shorts or light trousers for men. Wear sandals or flat shoes rather than heels, add a flower or lei, and skip costume pieces like coconut bras.
What is a luau, and why does the outfit matter?
A lūʻau is a Hawaiian feast. According to Wikipedia, the name comes from a dish of young taro leaves (also called lūʻau), usually cooked with coconut milk and chicken or octopus. Feasts of this kind grew after 1819, when King Kamehameha II ended the old rule that men and women had to eat separately.
Today the word is used for everything from a resort show to a family party. Whatever the setting, a luau celebrates Native Hawaiian culture, so dressing thoughtfully is a way of showing respect, not just looking good.
What is “aloha attire”?
Aloha attire is the relaxed, colourful island dress you see across Hawaii: floral shirts, bright dresses, muumuus and sarongs. The Polynesian Cultural Center sums up the spirit nicely in its luau guide, saying no floral pattern is off limits and no colour is too loud. Comfort matters too, because a luau usually means walking, eating and sitting outdoors for a few hours.
What should women wear to a luau or island party?
- A muumuu or long floral dress. Flowing, breathable and flattering on every body, a muumuu is a classic choice. Read our guide to the history of the muumuu dress to learn where it comes from.
- A maxi or sundress in a bright print or solid tropical colour.
- An embroidered island skirt with a simple top. A Micronesian-style skirt with a plain fitted tee or blouse is comfortable and festive. See our tips on how to style a Micronesian skirt.
- A sarong or pareo tied over a top and shorts for a beach-side event.
If the party is held by a Micronesian or Polynesian family, follow your hosts’ lead. Many families have their own customs about modest dress, especially when elders or church members are present, so a longer skirt or dress is a safe choice.
What should men wear to a luau?
The Polynesian Cultural Center suggests a Hawaiian print shirt with khaki shorts or slacks for a dressier look. Travel writers at Islands also recommend dressing as you would for an upscale beachfront restaurant: think aloha shirts with tailored shorts or linen trousers, rather than a wrinkled tee and board shorts.
For a casual family party, a clean island-print T-shirt with shorts or chinos also works well. Our island T-shirts come in sizes Small to 5XL.
What should kids wear?
Keep children comfortable and cool. A floral dress or skirt for girls and a print shirt or island tee for boys, with sandals they can run around in, is perfect. Matching family prints make for lovely photos.
What shoes and accessories work best?
- Sandals, flip-flops or flats. Luaus are often on grass or sand, so heels sink and dress shoes feel out of place.
- A flower behind your ear. The Polynesian Cultural Center notes the popular custom: right side if you are single, left if you are taken.
- A lei. If someone gives you a lei, thank them and keep it on for a while. Removing it straight away is considered rude.
- Simple shell or wooden jewellery to complete the look.
- A light layer such as a shawl for cooler evenings by the sea.
What should you avoid wearing to a luau?
The biggest mistake is treating a luau like a costume party. Islands warns that coconut bras and grass skirts can offend Native Hawaiian performers and guests, because hula and its dress carry cultural meaning. Also avoid:
- Wet swimsuits or revealing cover-ups, unless the event is clearly on the beach and casual.
- High heels and stiff dress shoes.
- Very heavy fabrics that will be uncomfortable in the heat.
- Anything that copies sacred or ceremonial dress.
How should you behave at a luau?
Outfit sorted, a few manners help you fit right in. Stay quiet and put your phone away during a chant, prayer or speech. Avoid flash photography during performances, and do not touch performers’ costumes or cultural objects unless invited. Islands also points out that not every Polynesian dance is hula: hula is specifically Native Hawaiian, and other islands have their own dances.
How do you dress for different kinds of island parties?
Resort or commercial luau
These are usually evening events with a show and a buffet. Smart-casual aloha attire is ideal: a maxi dress, muumuu or skirt outfit for women, and an aloha shirt with tailored shorts or trousers for men. Arrive early if you want to join the pre-show activities.
Family birthday or community celebration
At a first birthday, graduation or church fundraiser, the mood is warm and family-focused. Bright island skirts, muumuus and print tees are perfect. Ask the host whether there is a theme colour, as some families coordinate outfits for photos.
Beach or backyard party
Go casual and practical: a light skirt or sarong, a comfortable tee and sandals you do not mind getting sandy.
Shop the look: muumuu and Hawaiian dresses for women, men’s aloha shirts in sizes S–5XL, and matching family luau outfits with kids’ sizes 2–14. Plus size? See our plus size Hawaiian dresses guide.
Key takeaways
- Choose relaxed, colourful aloha attire: muumuus, floral dresses, island skirts and print shirts.
- Wear sandals or flats, not heels.
- Add a flower or lei, and keep a gifted lei on.
- Skip coconut bras, grass skirts and anything costume-like.
- At a family island party, follow your hosts’ lead on modesty.
Ready to plan your outfit? Browse our island muumuu dresses and Micronesian-style skirts. Delivery is free worldwide on orders over $300.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I wear jeans to a luau?
It is better to choose something lighter. Luaus are usually warm and outdoors, so shorts, linen trousers, skirts or dresses are more comfortable and match the relaxed aloha style.
Is it offensive to wear a grass skirt to a luau?
It can be. Travel guides warn that grass skirts and coconut bras worn as costumes can offend Native Hawaiian performers and guests, so choose a floral dress, skirt or shirt instead.
What colours should I wear to a luau?
Bright colours and floral prints are welcome. The Polynesian Cultural Center says no floral pattern is off limits and no colour is too loud.
What shoes should I wear to a luau?
Sandals, flip-flops or flat shoes. Luaus are often held on grass or sand, where heels and dress shoes are uncomfortable.
Which ear do you wear a flower behind?
By popular custom, a flower behind the right ear means you are single and behind the left ear means you are taken.
