Luau Costume
Bring the warmth of the islands to your next festive gathering.
A luau costume is a festive, tropical look inspired by traditional Hawaiian celebrations and beachside gatherings. People choose this outfit for its vibrant colors, breezy comfort, and instant party-ready energy. The classic ensemble features a colorful floral print shirt or a grass hula skirt paired with bright flower leis and tropical accessories.
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Time
- ~15 min
- Budget
- $15–45
Try it on
See yourself as Luau
One clear photo of yourself; we render you in this costume — face untouched, full body, about 20 seconds.
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Want a different costume on this photo, or a whole group in costume? Open the Try-On Studio.
What you need for a Luau costume
Short on time? Buy it ready-made
Spirit Halloween sells the complete Luau costume — one box instead of 6 pieces.
Hawaiian Aloha Shirt
A short-sleeved button-down shirt featuring bright tropical prints like hibiscus flowers, palm leaves, or pineapples.
DIY: Use a plain bright blue or yellow short-sleeved shirt and pin real or silk tropical flowers to the collar.
Grass Hula Skirt
A waist-high skirt made of green or natural tan raffia or synthetic grass strands, typically featuring a floral waistband.
DIY: Tie long strips of green crepe paper or tan raffia ribbon closely together onto a thick green ribbon waistband.
Flower Lei Set
A matching set including a colorful fabric flower necklace (lei), a head strand (haku), and wristlets.
DIY: String together colorful silk or paper flowers using a needle and thick thread, spacing them with cut plastic straw segments.
Coconut Bra or Tropical Top
A novelty top made of two polished coconut halves tied with cord, or a bright floral bikini top/tank top.
DIY: Wear a comfortable nude or bright green tank top and layer a floral lei heavily over the chest.
Khaki Shorts or Board Shorts
Lightweight, comfortable shorts in a neutral khaki color or a coordinating solid beach color.
DIY: Use any pair of light-colored summer shorts or swim trunks you already own.
Hair Flower Clip
A large silk hibiscus or plumeria flower attached to a hair clip, worn tucked behind the ear.
DIY: Hot-glue a silk flower from a dollar store bouquet onto a plain bobby pin or hair claw clip.
Rather not assemble it? See ready-made Luau costumes at Spirit Halloween ↗
How to put it together
- 1
Put on your base clothing, choosing either a vibrant Hawaiian aloha shirt with khaki shorts, or a bright tank top.
- 2
Secure the grass hula skirt around your waist over your shorts or swimwear if you are opting for the hula dancer look.
- 3
Place the main flower lei around your neck so it hangs evenly.
- 4
Place the elastic flower crown (haku) on your head, or clip the large tropical flower into your hair just above your ear.
- 5
Slip the matching flower wristlets onto your wrists.
- 6
Finish the look with comfortable footwear like leather sandals, flip-flops, or go barefoot if you are indoors or on sand.
Makeup & hair
Keep hair natural, wavy, and beachy, using sea salt spray for texture. Makeup should be fresh and sun-kissed, featuring warm bronzer, a touch of pink blush, and a tinted lip balm.
Luau for couples, groups, kids & more
- couples
- One partner wears a matching aloha shirt and shorts set, while the other wears a coordinating floral dress or hula skirt with matching leis.
- group
- Coordinate a 'backyard beach party' theme where everyone wears matching floral patterns or different colored grass skirts.
- kids
- A miniature grass skirt with a colorful t-shirt and a soft fabric lei is comfortable and easy for kids to wear.
- Plus size
- Choose a loose-fitting, breathable rayon aloha shirt or an elastic-waist wrap sarong for a comfortable, adjustable fit.
- pet
- A lightweight, small-scale flower collar lei is a safe and adorable way to include your dog.
Tips
- Wear lightweight, breathable shorts or leggings under a grass skirt to prevent itching and ensure full coverage.
- If wearing a real coconut bra, line the inside with soft felt pads or wear it over a skin-toned bandeau for comfort.
- Traditionally, wearing a flower behind your left ear means you are taken, while the right ear means you are single.
- Opt for high-quality fabric or silk leis instead of cheap plastic ones, which can scratch your neck during a long party.
Luau costume FAQ
- What do you wear to a luau party?
- The classic outfit is a colorful Hawaiian aloha shirt with khaki shorts, or a tropical sundress. For a more festive costume look, add a grass hula skirt, a flower lei, and a hibiscus hair clip.
- How do you make a DIY grass skirt?
- You can make one by tying long strips of green or tan raffia, ribbon, or crepe paper to a sturdy cord that fits around your waist. Keep adding strips until the skirt is thick and opaque.
- What is the meaning of the flower behind the ear?
- In Hawaiian culture, wearing a flower behind your left ear indicates you are married or in a relationship, while wearing it behind your right ear indicates you are single and available.
Did you know? The modern concept of the luau costume became globally popular in the 1930s to 1950s, fueled by Hollywood films, Hawaiian music crazes, and the rise of commercial air travel to the islands.