A vibrant assembly of luau performers on stage, featuring two men and six women in traditional Polynesian dance costumes with elaborate feathered headdresses and grass skirts. A woman in the center wears a floral dress and a lei headband, adding to the festive and colorful atmosphere of the event.

What to Wear to a Luau – Is There a Dress Code?

ByKody B

As someone who has attended several luaus in Hawaii, I’ve become familiar with the nuances of what to wear to these vibrant celebrations. One thing I’ve noticed, and something that might come as a relief to many, is that most luaus here don’t enforce a strict dress code.

The emphasis is always on comfort and personal style. However, through my experiences, I’ve observed a common trend: most women opt for dresses, embracing the island vibes, while men usually go for a more casual look with shorts or khaki pants, and a shirt.

In this article, I’ll dive deeper into these choices and offer some practical tips for dressing up for a luau and blending comfort with the festive spirit of Hawaii. I will also share some of our favorite luau outfits we have worn over the years!

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    A woman in an orange floral dress with a red flower in her hair poses under a canopy of string lights, with guests and lush greenery in the background at a luau.
    Experience Nutridge Luau on Oahu
    Woman posing with a group of nine performers in traditional Polynesian attire posing at a nighttime luau in Hawaii. The performers are smiling and include both men and women, with the men wearing tribal tattoos and red, yellow, and green clothing, while the women are adorned with floral headdresses and leis. Lush palm trees and a dark sky form the backdrop for this vibrant cultural event.
    Chief’s Luau on Oahu

    Luau Outfits for Women

    When choosing an outfit for a luau, women have plenty of options. As mentioned, dresses are popular, but don’t feel restricted to only this option. The key is to embrace the island vibes while staying comfortable and confident.

    In my personal experience, having attended more than seven luaus in Hawaii, I’ve always opted for dresses. This choice stems from my comfort and preference, and it’s not a rule. 

    There’s something effortlessly elegant and fitting about a dress in a luau’s laid-back yet festive atmosphere. But this doesn’t mean you should wear a dress; you should do what makes you comfortable and confident.

    It’s important to remember that luaus are very inclusive and non-judgmental when it comes to attire. I’ve seen women wearing various outfits, from skirts, jumpsuits, shorts, and even jeans. Each person brings their personal style to the event, and that diversity is what makes luaus so unique. 

    If you decide to wear a dress, certain styles are suited for a luau. Flowy maxi dresses with tropical prints, such as palm trees or hibiscus flowers, are always a hit. Alternatively, you can wear sundresses in vibrant colors like yellow, orange, or pink.

    I’ve always worn vibrant colors as opposed to flowy dresses to luaus. I even wore a plain white dress to the Paradise Cove Luau on, one of the top luaus on Oahu. However, I saw a woman on Instagram wearing a stunning flowy dress.

    Another thing to keep in mind is the fabric of your dress. Opt for light, breathable materials like cotton or linen that will keep you cool and comfortable in the warm Hawaiian weather.

    I wore the dress below to the Toa Luau on Oahu, and it was perfect for exploring the Waimea Valley Botanical Gardens before the event. I wasn’t too hot, and the dress photographed beautifully against the lush greenery.

    Two smiling women, one in a blue sarong with a lei and the other in a yellow dress with a lei and sun hat, stand in front of a food stand at a luau.
    Toa Luau on Oahu
    A woman in a lavender dress stands surrounded by luau performers in traditional Polynesian attire, including grass skirts and flower headdresses, under a night sky illuminated by torchlight.
    Ali’i Luau on Kauai
    A woman in a pink summer dress and a straw hat smiles as she stands in a luau setting with green tropical plants and guests milling about under the bright Hawaiian sun.
    Polynesian Cultural Center Luau on Oahu

    Luau Outfits for Men

    Now, let’s talk about what the men can wear to a luau. The options are just as varied and relaxed as they are for women. 

    My partner Kody, for instance, has consistently chosen to wear shorts paired with a short-sleeve shirt to each luau we’ve attended.

    However, it’s worth noting that the traditional Aloha shirt and khaki pants are also popular among many men at these events. These shirts, known for their vibrant colors and island-themed patterns, are not just a fashion statement but also a symbol of Hawaiian history. Even though locals don’t usually wear Aloha shirts anymore, they are a staple at luaus.

    But let’s not limit the choices here. I’ve observed that some men prefer to wear pants or even jeans. This shows that luaus are accommodating when it comes to personal style preferences.

    Whether it’s the breezy ease of shorts, the cultural touch of an Aloha shirt, or the classic look of jeans, the key for men attending a luau is to dress in a way that feels right for them. Just keep the weather in mind when choosing your outfit, and make sure you’ll be comfortable.

    A man in a red t-shirt and shorts, wearing a lei, poses with a group of luau performers at night. The performers are dressed in traditional Polynesian dance costumes with elaborate headdresses, one man and two women, flanking the guest with smiles and festive attire, against a dark background.
    Luau Ka Hikina on Kauai
    Man in a blue sleeveless top and sunglasses, flexing his arm to show a tattoo, stands in front of a stone wall with tropical foliage and a thatched roof structure in the background.
    Polynesian Cultural Center on Luau
    Visitors walking along a paved path at a Hawaiian luau, with tall palm trees and lush greenery around. In the foreground, a man with a yellow backpack and a baseball cap leads the way, followed by others in casual vacation attire, greeted by locals in red and white traditional Polynesian clothing.
    Polynesian Cultural Center Luau
    A man in a baseball cap and casual clothing, smiling and making a shaka hand gesture at a luau, stands in front of a scenic sunset over the ocean, with green foliage in the foreground.
    Paradise Cove Luau on Oahu

    Luau Outfits for Kids

    Dressing up your kids for a luau is an enjoyable experience, allowing for plenty of creativity and fun. As with adults, the key here is comfort and a touch of Hawaiian flair.

    For little girls, sundresses are an excellent choice. They’re airy, comfortable, and come in various vibrant colors and patterns.

    Boys often wear shorts and a lightweight shirt, mirroring the men’s casual style at the event. Aloha shirts are also a fantastic option for them.

    One thing to remember is that luaus are a family-friendly event, so dressing your kids in a way that allows them to move freely and comfortably is crucial. Whether playing on the grass or participating in cultural activities, their outfits should enable them to enjoy every aspect of the luau.

    Crowd of people in colorful attire gathered at a luau event with tall palm trees against a clear blue sky as the sun begins to set in the background.
    Chief’s Luau on Oahu
    Evening view of a luau in Hawaii with guests seated on white chairs on a manicured lawn, facing a stage set against the backdrop of a multi-storied hotel with ambient lighting.
    Ali’i Luau on Kauai

    Footwear for Luaus

    Footwear is an essential aspect of any outfit, and luaus are no exception. The key here is to blend comfort with the outdoor setting of these events. Some luaus have beachside venues, so flip-flops or sandals are popular. They’re comfortable and give off a tropical vibe.

    You’ll likely be standing and walking around for a significant portion of the event while participating in various activities, so choose comfortable and supportive footwear. 

    For women, sandals or flip-flops are the go-to choices. They are comfortable and fit well with the casual, tropical vibe of a luau. If you’re wearing a dress or skirt, a pair of strappy sandals can add a touch of elegance without compromising comfort.

    For those who prefer more support and something formal, a stylish pair of wedges might be ideal, as they offer both height and stability on uneven grounds.

    Men often find that open-toed footwear like flip-flops or slides works best, especially if paired with shorts. They offer a relaxed feel and are easy to walk in, whether strolling along the beach or dancing to Polynesian music. For a slightly more formal look, men can opt for loafers or boat shoes, which still provide comfort while giving a nod to smart-casual.

    Note: If you are going to the Polynesian Cultural Center Luau and plan to spend the whole day there to tour the island villages, you should bring a pair of comfortable sneakers for walking around.

    A group of luau dancers in vibrant green and yellow costumes perform on an outdoor stage at night, illuminated by spotlight and torches, with large tiki statues on either side. Audience members in the foreground watch the show, creating an atmosphere of Hawaiian cultural entertainment.
    Ali’i Luau on Kauai

    Luau Accessories

    Most of the accessories we wore at luaus were provided by the luau organizer. It’s part of the experience of attending a luau in Hawaii.

    The most common accessory is a lei, symbolizing love and friendship in Hawaiian culture. The type of lei you will receive at the luau will depend on many factors, such as your luau choice and the ticket package you purchased. Leis may be made of flowers, nuts, or shells, although flower leis are the most popular and more expensive ones.

    We also received a basic woven headband or “Haku” to wear during the event when we went to the Chief’s Luau on Oahu (See picture below).

    This is an optional accessory, but it adds a fun and festive touch to your outfit and embraces the tropical feel of the event. You can also opt for a more elaborate Haku headpiece, which is typically made of fresh flowers and can be purchased at local markets.

    Other popular accessories include grass skirts and coconut bras, worn mainly by performers, and wristbands made of shells or beads. However, If you are going to a luau party outside of Hawaii, the above are the accessories most people wear. I would definitely wear an Aloha shirt if I went to a luau party outside of Hawaii.

    A performer in traditional Polynesian costume with tattoos and a skirt gives a shaka sign next to a woman in a blue dress and sunglasses at a luau with tiki statues and palm trees.
    Chief’s Luau
    A woman in a blue dress stands confidently in front of a bamboo sign for 'Chief's Luau' adorned with purple flowers, with tropical plants in the background.
    A smiling woman in a yellow dress and sun hat adorned with a purple lei takes a selfie with tropical plants and a luau dining area in the background.
    Toa Luau on Oahu

    Best Colors for a Luau

    Vibrant and tropical colors are your best bet when dressing for a luau. Think bright blues, lush greens, sunny yellows, and deep reds that reflect the natural beauty of Hawaii’s flora and ocean. These colors not only complement the festive atmosphere but also celebrate the spirit of the Islands.

    If you want to add a pop of color, you can incorporate traditional Hawaiian prints and patterns, such as hibiscus flowers, palm trees, or tribal designs.

    That said, there isn’t a dress code if you are attending a luau in Hawaii. Always wear something that reflects your style and that you feel comfortable in. 

    A cheerful woman wearing a pink dress and a purple lei poses at a luau, holding a hollowed-out pineapple drink, with a bustling dining area in the background.
    Polynesian Cultural Center Luau
    A woman at a luau in Hawaii in a yellow sundress with lace detailing stands on a concrete pathway surrounded by tropical foliage and palm trees, with a mountain visible in the background under an overcast sky.
    Smith’s Garden Luau on Kauai

    What Not to Wear to a Luau in Hawaii

    While there isn’t a strict dress code for attending a luau in Hawaii, there are some things to avoid. 

    High Heels: Luau venues are often held outdoors in grassy or sandy areas, so wearing high heels may not be the most practical option. Also, luaus have lots of fun activities and dancing, so wearing comfortable shoes is necessary. Opt for sandals or flip-flops instead.

    Heavy Fabrics: Hawaii’s warm weather calls for breathable, lightweight fabrics. Avoid heavy materials like wool and opt for cotton, linen, or silk. If you get cold easily, bring a light sweater for the evening.

    Beachwear: While it’s tempting to wear your favorite swimsuit and cover-up if your luau is held on the beach (like the Paradise Cove Luau), it’s not appropriate. Remember, a luau is a celebration, so dress accordingly. Leave the beachwear for the beach.

    Final Thoughts

    Dressing for a luau is all about embracing the Polynesian spirit with comfortable, vibrant attire that reflects the joy and beauty of the islands.

    Whether you choose a flowy dress, a casual shirt and shorts, or fun accessories, the key is to feel good and enjoy the cultural celebration.

    Remember, there are no strict rules—just guidelines to help you blend in with the festive atmosphere.

    So dress in a way that celebrates your style and the rich Hawaiian traditions, and you’ll have a memorable luau experience!

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