What to Wear to a Luau: Hawaiian Luau Outfit Ideas!
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Hey there! So, you've got a fabulous luau party coming up, and you're wondering, "What should I wear to a luau?" Don't you worry because I've got your back! This fashion guide is all about what to wear to a luau for guys and for women.
Let's dive into the tropical fashion world and find the perfect Luau outfit to rock that Hawaiian vibe. 🌺
This post may contain affiliate links. View the disclosure here.
What is a Luau Party?
First things first, let's get on the same page about what a luau is. Imagine swaying palm trees, tiki torches, and the mesmerizing beat of ukulele music. A luau is a Hawaiian feast with a sprinkle of tradition and a dash of celebration. Think tropical paradise meets party central!
For more information about Hawaiian luaus, check out this luau guide about the history of the luau and the type of food served at a luau.
What to Wear to a Luau for Women
As a woman attending a luau, it’s super easy to dress appropriately! Most women wear a Hawaiian dress or tropical dress to a luau. Ideally, you’ll want to wear a Hawaiian dress from a store like Tommy Bahama or Hilo Hattie. However, any vibrant sundress or floral maxi dress would be perfect too.
Below are more details about what to wear to a luau for women. ! 🌸🌴🌞
1. A Hawaiian Print Dress
Any Hawaiian print dress is perfect for wearing to a luau. If you aren't sure where to get a Hawaiian-style dress, check out the tropical dresses from Tommy Bahama or Hilo Hattie. Alternatively, check out Amazon, REVOLVE, and Lulus. These online retailers have lots of dresses with Hawaiian prints (in addition to wedding guest dresses for a Hawaiian wedding!). If you want to go shopping locally, Whalers Village in Lahaina has lots of stores where you could buy a dress to wear to a luau.
2. Flower Power Accessories
You will likely get laid (with a lei!) before you walk into a Hawaiian Luau, and adding extra flower accessories to your hair is a perfect look for a Hawaiian luau! I absolutely LOVE these Hawaiian hair flower clips on Amazon. You can either wear your hair down and wear a flower hair clip, or pull your hair back into a low ponytail and add a flower hair flip.
Tip: Usually, a flower hair clip behind your right ear means you are single and a flower hair clip behind your left ear means you are engaged, married, or dating. (Source: Look into Hawaii)
3. A Hawaiian Print Skirt
A Hawaiian print skirt with a white tank top is chic and perfect for exuding those laid-back island vibes. Both Lulus and Target have tropical skirts that would be perfect for wearing to a Hawaiian luau.
4. Vibrant Sundresses
Any sundress or summer dress in a vibrant color is perfect for women to wear to a luau. Amazon has tons of sundresses in bold floral prints and in playful colors.
5. Ruffled Tropical Rompers
Can you wear a romper to a Hawaiian luau? Absolutely! Wearing a tropical romper or a ruffled romper is perfect for both teens and women to wear to a Hawaiian luau. Check out these rompers for women and these rompers for teens to find a cute romper online. Or, check out the tropical rompers from REVOLVE. They are so luxurious looking!
RELATED: Best Rompers for Summer
6. A Tropical Maxi Dress
Any tropical maxi dress is perfect for wearing to a luau for women. Plus, maxi dresses are so comfortable and versatile!
7. Comfortable Sandals
Hawaii is laid-back and chill, so no need to wear fancy shoes to a Hawaiian luau. A simple pair of sandals or embellished flip flops would be perfect.
8. A Beachy Purse
To complete your Hawaiian luau outfit, bring a woven tote, a rattan bag, or a straw clutch with you. No need for a fancy purse or a big beach bag.
9. Anything Tropical!
When it comes down to it, wearing any tropical vacation outfit would be perfect for wearing to a Hawaiian luau. As long as you are comfortable and wearing bright and vibrant colors, you will fit right in!
What to Wear to a Luau for Guys
Not sure what to wear to a luau? For guys, it’s super easy! All you need is a classy Hawaiian shirt and some relaxed-fit shorts, like khakis or linen shorts. For your shoes, any dressy sandals or boat shoes would be perfect.
Below are more ideas on what to wear to a luau for men.
1. A Hawaiian Shirt
Any Hawaiian shirt for Tommy Bahama or a local Hawaiian store would be perfect for wearing to a luau for guys. If you want a cheap Hawaiian shirt, check out the Hawaiian shirts on Amazon for guys to wear to a luau.
2. A White Linen Shirt
If a Hawaiian shirt is a bit too much for you, a white linen shirt is perfect for men’s luau attire. Both Tommy Bahama and Kenny Flowers (specifically the Casa Blanca white linen shirt) are great!
3. Casual Shorts
Any pair of khaki or linen shorts are great for wearing to a luau.
If you haven’t tried the Lululemon men’s commission shorts (go with the 7" in a khaki color), they are a MUST-have. They are so, so comfortable and look dressy too!
4. Lightweight Pants
If you don’t like shorts, you could also wear khaki pants or white linen pants to a luau.
5. Basic Polo Shirt
If you don’t have a Hawaiian shirt, any polo shirt in salmon, light green, baby blue, or navy blue would be perfect. I wouldn’t recommend a polo shirt in a darker color like burgundy, black, or dark green.
6. Sandals
Thankfully you don’t need to dress up too much for a Hawaiian luau. Any pair of brown sandals would be great. Ideally, don’t wear flip-flops.
7. Boat Shoes
If you have a pair of boat shoes or closed-toe brown shoes, those would be perfect for wearing to a luau.
Where to Shop for Clothes to Wear to a Luau
If you aren’t sure where to buy clothes for a luau, my #1 recommendation would be Tommy Bahama. Tommy Bahama has classy shirts for men and dresses for women that would be perfect luau attire.
Below are my top recommendations on where to buy clothes for a luau. 🌴🕺🌞
1. Local Boutiques
Hawaii and Maui have TONS of local boutiques with Hawaiian shirts for men and Hawaiian dresses for women. Basically, anything from one of these boutiques would be perfect for wearing to a luau.
2. Tommy Bahama
I absolutely love Tommy Bahama for tropical clothes, resort clothes, and Hawaiian luau attire for both men and women. You’ll find the perfect Hawaiian shirt for men or the perfect tropical dress for women from Tommy Bahama.
If you aren't sure what to wear to a luau for guys, just buy any shirt from Tommy Bahama and khaki shorts from Tommy Bahama and you will be good to go! Shop Tommy Bahama luau clothes for guys here.
3. Lilly Pulitzer
Lilly Pulitzer has so many tropical dresses that are perfect for wearing to a luau! Lilly Pulitzer also has great dresses for teen girls to wear to a luau.
Shop Lilly Pulitzer Luau dresses here.
3. Amazon
If you want something delivered ASAP in bold and lively tropical prints, check out the Hawaiian shirts and Hawaiian dresses on Amazon. You’ll also find some couples’ vacation outfits on Amazon so that you and your partner can match! Check out my favorite Amazon luau attire for guys and girls here.
4. Kenny Flowers
Kenny Flowers has so many classy and fun shirts for men and dresses for women that are perfect for wearing to a Hawaiian luau, or any tropical vacation outfit! Shop Kenny Flowers tropical dresses for women here and Kenny Flowers tropical shirts for men here.
P.S. Kenny Flowers also has cute matching bachelorette sarongs and lots of matching family swimwear!
Luau Outfit Ideas for Women and Men
If you are searching for luau outfit ideas for women or dresses for a Hawaiian luau, below are some affordable Luau outfit ideas.
1. Hawaiian Shirt + Khaki Pants (for Men)
You can’t go wrong with wearing a Hawaiian shirt and khaki pants to a luau. This is a great Florida vacation outfit too!
2. Tropical Maxi Dress + Sandals (for Women)
This tropical maxi dress is perfect for wearing to a Hawaiian luau. This dress is also perfect for beach engagement photos!
3. Tropical Dress + a Lei
This Hawaiian luau outfit from Amazon is affordable and cute!
Dresses for a Hawaiian Luau
Below are some of the dresses that I’m loving right now to wear to a luau. Check out Tommy Bahama and Lilly Pulitzer for more tropical dresses to wear to a luau. Show Me Your Mumu has great plus-size dresses for wearing to Hawaiian luau too! If you want a cheap dress to wear to a luau (or for a Hawaiian luau party!), check out the Hawaiian luau party dresses from Amazon.
1. Two Palms Linen Dress
This tropical and floral dress from Tommy Bahama is perfect for wearing to a luau! This dress comes in sizes XXS to XL.
2. Darcy Georgia O'Reef Dress
This tropical dress is so cute! Pair with wedges (or sandals) and a straw clutch (like this one from Amazon!).
3. ANRABESS Split Maxi Dress with Pockets
This tropical dress on Amazon comes in sizes small to XX-large and is often on sale on Amazon!
4. SimpleFun Casual Boho Tank Dress
An affordable dress under $35 that is perfect for a Hawaiian luau party? You bet!! This t-shirt dress is flattering, fun, and has pockets! Perfect for summer and Hawaiian luaus!
Hair and Makeup to Wear to a Hawaiian Luau
If you really want to embrace the Hawaiian luau aesthetic, then the right hairstyle and makeup will really bring everything together! For your hair, you want it to be relaxed and effortless. Think beachy waves, loose braves, or your hair down with a side pin.
For your makeup, you’ll want to look natural! A natural-looking foundation (like the Estee Lauder sheer tint foundation), a little bit of mascara, some sparkly eyeshadow (like the Too Faced eyeshadow!), and the Dior Addict Lip Glow in Cherry would be perfect! 🌺🌴💄
Conclusion
Voilà! Wrapping it up, remember, the luau scene is all about rocking that tropical flair – think stunning Hawaiian dresses for the ladies and Hawaiian shirts paired with khaki shorts for the gents. What's cooler than embracing the relaxed island vibes while looking effortlessly chic? And hey, let's not forget the best part: Hawaiian luaus are all about fun and that carefree vacation spirit! So, pack those flower accessories, grab those stylish sandals, and get ready to hula your heart out.
P.S. If you've stumbled upon a luau that's blown your flip-flops off, drop a comment below and share your top picks for the ultimate luau on the big island or in Maui. Spread the aloha and let the good times roll! Mahalo and let's keep the party vibes alive! 🌺🤙🏄♂️
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What to Wear for Vacation in Hawaii
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