What to Wear to a Hawaii Luau
Wondering what to wear to a Hawaii luau? The easiest answer is island casual: comfortable, colorful and a little nicer than what you would wear to the beach. Aloha shirts, sundresses, linen pants, nice shorts and sandals all fit naturally into the evening. There is no need for formal clothing, but changing out of your swimsuit and beachwear before you arrive will help you feel ready for dinner, photos and the show.
Keep Luau Attire Comfortable
Most Hawaii luaus are held outdoors, so lightweight fabrics such as cotton, linen and rayon work especially well. Tropical prints and bright island colors are always appropriate, but simple solid colors look just as nice. You will probably spend several hours sitting, walking around the grounds and enjoying dinner, so choose clothes that still feel comfortable later in the evening.
What Women Can Wear
A sundress is one of the easiest choices for a luau, whether you prefer a maxi, midi or shorter style. A flowing skirt with a lightweight top or linen pants with a blouse also works well. Flat sandals or low wedges are usually more practical than heels because many luaus have lawns, garden paths or uneven outdoor surfaces.
If your luau is near the ocean or in a breezy location, tuck a light sweater, cardigan or wrap into your bag. Hawaii evenings are usually mild, but it can feel cooler once the sun goes down.
What Men Can Wear
An aloha shirt with chino shorts or lightweight pants is a classic choice and fits almost any luau setting. A polo or casual short-sleeve button-up works just as well if tropical prints are not your style. Comfortable loafers, sandals or clean casual shoes complete the look without feeling overdressed.
What Kids Should Wear
For children, comfort matters most. Cotton dresses, aloha shirts, soft shorts and comfortable sandals are all good choices. Skip stiff shoes and complicated outfits, especially for younger children who may want to explore the grounds or participate in pre-show activities.
Choose Shoes for the Venue
Before deciding on shoes, think about where the luau takes place. Flat sandals, low wedges, loafers and clean sneakers work well at most venues. Thin heels can sink into grass, and delicate shoes may not be comfortable on garden or plantation paths.
If you are attending Toa Luau in Waimea Valley, Smith's Tropical Paradise Luau or Luau Kalamaku, comfortable shoes are especially useful for walking around the grounds before dinner.
What Not to Wear to a Luau
You do not need to dress formally, but a luau is more than a trip to the beach. Avoid arriving in a wet swimsuit, bare feet or clothing that still has sand on it from the afternoon. Heavy jeans and uncomfortable heels can also make an outdoor evening less enjoyable.
The goal is not to dress up as much as possible. It is simply to look put together while staying comfortable in Hawaii's warm climate.
Dressing for Different Hawaii Luaus
In Waikiki, luaus such as Pa'Ina Waikiki Luau and Rock-A-Hula Cabana are easy places for resort-casual clothing. For scenic outdoor venues such as Aloha Kai Luau or Toa Luau, comfortable shoes and a light evening layer are useful.
Maui resort luaus such as Royal Lahaina Luau and Old Lahaina Luau are perfect for a sundress, aloha shirt or slightly dressier resort-casual outfit. On Kauai, breathable fabrics and practical shoes work well for garden and plantation settings. Kona evenings at Island Breeze Luau or Royal Kona Luau can begin warm and become breezier after sunset.
Dressing for Family Photos
A luau is a great opportunity for family or couple photos, especially around sunset. You do not need matching outfits to look coordinated. Choosing a few complementary colors such as blues, greens, coral or cream usually looks more natural than putting everyone in the same print.
Tropical patterns photograph beautifully in Hawaii, but mixing one or two prints with solid colors can keep a group photo from looking too busy.
What to Bring Along
A small bag with sunglasses, your phone or camera, a light sweater and a hair tie is usually enough. If showers are possible, a compact umbrella or light rain layer can be useful. Leave large beach bags and damp towels at the hotel so you have less to carry around during dinner and the show.
Whether you are heading to an Oahu luau, Maui luau, Kauai luau or Big Island luau, island-casual clothing is all you need. Wear something comfortable enough to enjoy the entire evening and nice enough that you will be happy with the photos afterward.