Ultimate Style Guide: What To Wear to a Hawaiian Wedding

Mahalo and welcome to our style guide on what to wear to a Hawaiian wedding!

You’ve asked, so we’re answering—are there any fashion no-nos? Is a simple Hawaiian shirt acceptable? What’s considered “beach formal,” and what are the best lightweight colors, bright colors, or breathable fabrics we recommend?

Another important thing to note is that travel to the Lahaina area of Maui is not currently recommended after the devastating fire in 2023.

We recommend that you bookmark the Go Hawaii link for other useful advice on Hawaiian culture and traveling to the islands for a destination wedding.

Key Takeaways

• Suitable Wedding Attire: For a Hawaiian wedding, opt for breathable fabrics like a Bohemian maxi dress or a silk Tommy Bahama shirt.
• Understanding Aloha Formal: Aloha formal, “beachy attire,” and “beach formal” can mean different dress codes. We’re breaking it down here!
• Shoe Selection: For beach weddings, prioritize practicality—sandals for a fashion-casual look or leather boat shoes for a touch of formality.

Can You Wear a Hawaiian Shirt to a Wedding?

I’m all for being culturally respectful, so I looked into whether it’s culturally appropriate to wear a Hawaiian shirt to any wedding.

According to Helpful Professor, a Hawaiian shirt has no “religious or ritualistic implications” in Hawaiian culture, and the website says it’s “perfectly fine to wear Hawaiian shirts” for all occasions.

I do, however, think that a Hawaiian shirt just fits in better at an actual Hawaiian wedding or a destination wedding in a semi-tropical location.

So… when you’re lucky enough to get invited to a destination wedding in Oahu, Hawaiian shirts in lightweight colors and breathable fabrics are perfectly acceptable (but remember to check the dress code on the wedding invite!).

What Do You Wear to a Hawaiian Wedding?

The dress code for a Hawaiian wedding can mention “beach attire” or “beach formal,” and sometimes, there’s not too much of a difference.

Fashion no-nos for any Hawaiian wedding include swim trunks, a bikini, or a coverup (unless the invite specifically mentions swimwear!) and I always tell people that jeans and running shoes aren’t a yes, either.

“Beach formal” can also indicate that the reception will take place in an air-conditioned, indoor area.

“Beach attire” can also be Hawaiian shirts in bamboo prints or floral patterns. A solid color button-up is fine, but I would choose lightweight colors over bright colors for the guys on the guest list.

Fashion no-no: If you think a coconut bra or grass skirt would be funny… the joke’s on you!

Here are a few great options for a Hawaiian wedding dress code:

Bohemian Floral Print Maxi Dress

I love a long, flowing, tropical maxi dress for any destination wedding, and this selection is on point.

Elegant Tie-Dye Open-Back Maxi Dress

An elegant, open-back dress is a good choice for a “beach formal” wedding. I love the adjustable tie straps, which are great for ensuring a perfect fit.

What Is Aloha Formal Attire?

There is a difference between “beach formal” and “Aloha formal.”

Aloha formal is similar to the “military casual” dress code, with men in breathable fabrics like button-down shirts and khakis, and women choosing lightweight colors in tropical print dresses or blouses and khaki pants.

Tommy Bahama Floral Hawaiian Shirt

This vintage Hawaiian shirt is made of silk, giving it a luxurious feel and a higher-quality fabric is always a great option if you’re nervous about being too casual.

For men, the rule of thumb is that your Hawaiian shirt should not be tucked in. Bright colors can work for a “beach attire” event, although lightweight colors are probably the most elegant choice for a wedding guest.

Matching Hawaiian Outfit for Couples

Not every couple is into being “matchy-matchy” wedding guests, but this look can be fab at a Hawaiian wedding.

If your friends are getting married in Hawaii and the dress code is informal, matching outfits in bright colors is a fun and fantastic idea!

What Kind of Shoes To Wear for a Hawaiian Wedding

Even tried to teeter down a wedding aisle on a sandy beach in your stilettos? If you have, you know that comfort is key at a Hawaiian wedding!

Flat or lower-heeled shoes are your best friends outdoors—sandals, block heels, espadrilles, or mules for women. Flip-flops can also work for “beachy attire.”

For men, sandals are appropriate for casual occasions, or even tasseled boat shoes if it’s “beach formal.”

Brown Leather Boat Shoes

The Seajure Silistar in brown leather is soft, yielding, and easy to slip on or off for a long night of partying on the beach.

I love the white cord details for a clean, neutral look!

Hemp Low Wedge Sandals

These have a small heel just to give you a little bit of lift and come in various cute, standard colors (there might be color fluctuations on your monitor and under different lights).

You can match colors with your tropical outfit or choose a natural tone that works with anything!

Ivory Ribbon Espadrilles

Wedged shoes will give you elegance while ensuring that your feet aren’t uncomfortable in high heels that sink into the sand.

What Do You Wear to a Luau Wedding?

If you’ve ever dreamt about a Hawaiian wedding, you may have pictured a Luau party.

The dress code at a Luau wedding is typically “beachy attire,” but this celebration does contain traditional elements of Hawaiian culture, so here’s what to know.

Floral dresses and Hawaiian shirts are all acceptable, and because you’re at a Luau, traditional Hawaiian culture will probably say that you remove the shoes!

It’s also perfectly acceptable in Hawaiian culture for ladies to wear a muumuu or sarong wrap dress in breathable fabrics. Bring a wrap or cover-up for chilly nights!

Traditionally, the male dress code is Hawaiian shirts (tucked in) in lightweight colors or bright colors, over shorts or long pants if the weather calls for it to get chillier on the beach.

Pineapple Printed Tea Length Muumuu

Muumuus are some of the most comfortable articles of clothing for a Hawaiian wedding or leisure wear at home… so check out these colors and pick your favorites!