What To Wear To A Luau On Maui (2024)

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Want to know what to wear to a luau on Maui? We’ve got you covered with everything you need to know!

A luau in Maui is a fun and festive Hawaiian celebration, and dressing appropriately will add to the overall experience.

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What To Wear To A Luau On Maui

Here’s a list of what to wear to a luau on Maui.

1. Aloha Shirt or Dress

Embrace the Hawaiian spirit with a colorful, floral-patterned aloha shirt for men or a flowy, floral dress for women.

It’s the quintessential luau attire that sets the tone for the celebration.

The shops in Lahaina have plenty of these shirts and dresses, so there’s no need to pack one or shop for one in advance.

These make for great souvenirs.

Maui's Finest Luau Photoshoot

2. Sarong or Pareo

For women, consider wearing a sarong or pareo, a large piece of fabric that can be wrapped around the waist and tied into a skirt.

It’s a traditional and comfortable option for a luau.

3. Hawaiian Attire Accessories

To enhance your outfit, consider adding Hawaiian-inspired accessories like leis, flower hair clips, or bracelets made with seashells or beads.

You’ll most likely receive a lei on your flight in, when you arrive at your hotel, or when you arrive for your luau, so again, there’s no need to pack one in advance.

Additionally, the flower hair clips are also available in most of the shops in Lahaina.

I bought mine there!

luau photoshoot on the beach

4. Comfortable Footwear

Opt for comfortable footwear, like sandals or flip-flops, as you may be spending a lot of time walking on sandy or grassy surfaces.

5. Light Layers

While Maui tends to have warm weather, evenings can get a bit cooler, especially near the ocean.

Bring a light sweater or shawl to keep yourself warm during the latter part of the luau.

6. Sun Protection

Don’t forget to protect yourself from the sun.

Consider wearing a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and apply sunscreen before the event.

7. Casual and Relaxed Clothing

The overall atmosphere of a luau is relaxed and laid-back.

Avoid formal wear, and instead, go for casual and comfortable clothing.

Maui's Finest Luau

8. Respectful Attire

Remember that a luau is a cultural celebration, so be mindful of respecting the local customs and traditions.

Avoid clothing that may be considered inappropriate or offensive.

9. Camera and Bag

Bring a small bag or purse to carry your essentials, such as your phone, wallet, and a camera to capture the beautiful moments during the luau.

10. Dress Code for Special Occasions

If the luau is a part of a special event like a wedding or anniversary, there might be a specific dress code mentioned in the invitation.

Be sure to adhere to any specified requirements.

luau photoshoot

Where To Stay On Maui: Ka’anapali Beach Club

Ka’anapali Beach Club is a timeshare property that is open to the public.

We love staying at timeshare properties for all the extra amenities for the price of a regular hotel room.

It’s on the beach, offers full kitchens, and is centrally located for everything you’ll want to do on Maui.

You can see a full walk-through of our Deluxe Oceanview One Bedroom in this video on our YouTube Channel.

👉 Click Here To Book Your Stay At Ka’anapali Beach Club Today!

view from a deluxe oceanview one bedroom at Ka'anapali Beach Club

Frequently Asked Questions About What To Wear To A Luau

These are the most frequently asked questions we see about what to wear to a luau in Maui

✔️ What Should A Woman Wear To A Luau In Hawaii?

When attending a luau in Hawaii, a woman should embrace the island’s vibrant spirit and showcase the essence of aloha in her attire.

A flowy, floral dress is the perfect choice, adorned with colorful patterns that reflect the lush tropical surroundings.

Pair the dress with comfortable sandals or flip-flops, allowing for easy movement as you sway to the rhythmic beats of traditional Hawaiian music.

Enhance your look with a fragrant lei made of fresh flowers, gracefully draped around your neck, and a matching flower hair clip to add a touch of elegance.

Consider wrapping a stylish pareo or sarong around your waist, adding an extra layer of charm and showcasing your appreciation for Hawaiian traditions.

As the evening cools, a light shawl or sweater can be a practical addition to keep you cozy without compromising on style.

Embrace the relaxed and joyous atmosphere with respectful and comfortable clothing, making memories that will last a lifetime during this memorable Hawaiian celebration.

✔️ Do Luaus Have A Dress Code?

Luaus typically do not have strict dress codes, but there are certain guidelines and suggestions to ensure that attendees are appropriately dressed for the occasion.

Most luaus in Hawaii have a casual and relaxed atmosphere, encouraging guests to wear comfortable and stylish clothing that reflects the spirit of the islands.

Men often wear aloha shirts with shorts or lightweight trousers, while women opt for flowy dresses, sarongs, or skirts paired with colorful tops.

Hawaiian-inspired accessories like leis and flower hair clips are popular additions to complete the look.

While formal wear is generally not required, it’s essential to be respectful of the cultural significance of the luau and avoid wearing anything that could be deemed inappropriate or offensive.

Whether you’re attending a beachside or a more formal luau event, the key is to embrace the laid-back Hawaiian vibe while celebrating the festivities with the aloha spirit.

✔️ Can You Wear Jeans To A Luau?

While many luaus in Hawaii have a casual and relaxed dress code, wearing jeans is generally not the most common or recommended attire for such events.

The warm and tropical climate of the islands calls for lighter and more breathable clothing.

Jeans can be quite heavy and uncomfortable, especially in the balmy weather.

Instead, it’s best to opt for more suitable options like flowy dresses, skirts, or lightweight trousers for women, and aloha shirts or comfortable slacks for men.

These choices not only align with the aloha spirit but also allow you to fully immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere without feeling restricted by heavy denim.

Embracing the colorful and laid-back Hawaiian style will not only ensure you’re dressed appropriately but also enhance your enjoyment of the luau experience.


Best Luaus On Maui

We’ve done the research so you don’t have to!

We created a blog post analyzing each of the most popular luaus on Maui to decide which one is best for each type of traveler.

Maui's Finest Luau

Best Restaurants To Visit On Maui

Trying the local restaurants is one of the best parts of traveling.

There are so many great restaurants on Maui that it can be hard to choose where to go.

We compiled a list of all the must-do restaurants while on Maui.

Down The Hatch - Lahaina, Maui - grilled cheese with crab and lobster

Fun Things To Do On Maui During Your Stay

Obviously people don’t just vacation for the hotel room, so once you’ve made it here, you’re probably wondering what all there is to do.

✅ 5 Night Complete Maui Itinerary

For an all-inclusive look at everything you can do during your stay on Maui, check out our full 6 day, 5 night itinerary.

West Maui Coastline Driving Tour

✅ Haleakala National Park

Catching a sunrise at Haleakala National Park is a must-do on Maui.

It’s easiest to do as part of a small group guided tour so you don’t have to do any of the driving!

👉 Click Here To Book Your Haleakala National Park Sunrise Tour Today!

Haleakala National Park summit drive at Leleiwi Overlook

✅ The Best Maui Whale Watching Tour

You can’t go to Maui without doing a little bit of whale watching.

We visited in February during peak whale watching season and we were not disappointed.

👉 Click Here To Book Your Maui Whale Watching Excursion Today!

whale watching on Maui

✅ Cacao Farm + Chocolate Tasting Tour

This was one of the highlights of our trip, with my favorite photo of us in the treehouse tasting chocolates made from the cacao grown on this farm.

The views are amazing, the chocolate is amazing, and it’s a fun experience most Maui visitors don’t get to do.

Cacao Farm treehouse views

✅ Road To Hana Full Loop Drive

I highly recommend driving the full loop route if the weather permits.

Most visitors just drive to Hana and back, but there is so much more to do and see!

👉 Click Here To Download Your Self Guided Road To Hana Full Loop Driving Tour Today!

black sand beach on maui

✅ West Maui Coastline Driving Tour

Spending a half day or full day exploring the West side of Maui is a fun way to get a little bit off the beaten path and see a variety of picturesque views around the island.

👉 Click Here To Download Your West Maui Coastline Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour Today!

Iao Valley State Park on Maui

✅ Couples Activities On Maui

When we visited Maui it was to celebrate our first wedding anniversary.

It’s a popular honeymoon, baby moon, anniversary, and proposal destination, so there are plenty of things to do for couples wanting to spend some quality time together.

Pipiwai Trail at Haleakala National Park

Conclusion: What To Wear To A Luau In Maui

By following this list, you’ll be dressed appropriately for a memorable luau experience in Maui.

Enjoy the festivities, immerse yourself in the Hawaiian culture, and have a fantastic time!