What do you wear under a grass skirt?

It is best to wear comfortable shorts, leggings, or swimwear underneath the grass skirt to prevent itching and ensure full coverage.

How do you make a DIY grass skirt?

You can make a quick DIY version by tying strips of green crepe paper, raffia, or plastic table covers to a long piece of ribbon tied around your waist.

What side do you wear the flower in your hair?

Traditionally, wearing a flower behind your left ear indicates you are taken, while wearing it behind your right ear indicates you are single.

Hawaiian couple costume

One person wears a grass skirt and lei, while the other wears a matching vibrant Hawaiian shirt and khaki shorts.

AI-generated example

Hawaiian Costume

Bring the tropical luau vibes with grass skirts and colorful flower leis.

The Hawaiian luau costume is a festive favorite for summer parties, tropical-themed events, and Halloween. This classic look is instantly recognizable and easy to assemble using bright colors and island-inspired accessories. The ensemble typically centers around a grass skirt, vibrant floral prints, and colorful flower leis.

Difficulty: Easy
Time: ~15 min
Budget: $15–40

See yourself as Hawaiian →What you need Buy the Hawaiian costume

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Hawaiian costume — Example look · AI-generated

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Result

What you need for a Hawaiian costume

Short on time? Buy it ready-made

Spirit Halloween sells the complete Hawaiian costume — one box instead of 4 pieces.

Shop Hawaiian at Spirit ↗

Grass skirt
A green or natural straw-colored plastic or raffia skirt with an elastic waistband.
DIY: Tie strips of green crepe paper or raffia to a long piece of ribbon to tie around your waist.
Amazon
Flower lei set
A matching set featuring a colorful faux hibiscus or orchid flower necklace, headband, and wristlets.
DIY: String together colorful silk or paper flowers using a needle and thick thread.
Amazon
Tropical top or Hawaiian shirt
A vibrant floral print shirt, a bright solid-colored tank top, or a decorative coconut shell top.
DIY: Wear a bright solid-colored t-shirt or tank top from your closet.
Amazon
Hibiscus hair flower
A large silk hibiscus or plumeria flower attached to a hair clip.
DIY: Secure a real or fake silk flower into your hair using a bobby pin.
Amazon

Rather not assemble it? See ready-made Hawaiian costumes at Spirit Halloween ↗

How to put it together

1
Put on your base layer, such as a bright tank top, tropical shirt, or swimwear.
2
Secure the grass skirt around your waist over your shorts or leggings for comfort.
3
Place the flower lei necklace around your neck.
4
Put on the matching flower headband and wristlets if your set includes them.
5
Clip the hibiscus flower into your hair, placing it just above your ear.
6
Complete the look with comfortable flat sandals or slip-on flip-flops.

Makeup & hair

Keep makeup natural and sun-kissed with warm bronzer and a touch of lip gloss. Wear your hair down in loose, beachy waves to complement the tropical flower clip.

Hawaiian for couples, groups, kids & more

couples: One person wears a grass skirt and lei, while the other wears a matching vibrant Hawaiian shirt and khaki shorts.
group: Coordinate a full luau party group with everyone wearing matching colorful leis, grass skirts, and tropical shirts.
kids: A mini grass skirt paired with a comfortable bright t-shirt and a soft fabric lei.
Plus size: Use an elastic-waist grass skirt or a wrap-around tropical sarong paired with a comfortable floral top.
pet: A lightweight, pet-safe flower collar lei.

More ways people search for this costume

The most-searched variations of “Hawaiian costume”, and how this look adapts to each.

Hawaiian couple costume: One person wears a grass skirt and lei, while the other wears a matching vibrant Hawaiian shirt and khaki shorts.

Tips

Always wear shorts, leggings, or swimwear underneath the grass skirt for comfort and full coverage.
If the plastic grass skirt has static cling, lightly spray it with water or anti-static spray to make it hang naturally.
Choose flat, comfortable sandals or flip-flops, especially if you will be walking or dancing at a party.

Hawaiian costume FAQ

What do you wear under a grass skirt?: It is best to wear comfortable shorts, leggings, or swimwear underneath the grass skirt to prevent itching and ensure full coverage.
How do you make a DIY grass skirt?: You can make a quick DIY version by tying strips of green crepe paper, raffia, or plastic table covers to a long piece of ribbon tied around your waist.
What side do you wear the flower in your hair?: Traditionally, wearing a flower behind your left ear indicates you are taken, while wearing it behind your right ear indicates you are single.

Did you know? The modern grass skirt actually originated in Samoa and was introduced to Hawaii by immigrants from the Gilbert Islands in the late 19th century.