What to wear to a luau in Kauai

Kauai luaus have no formal dress code, just an unwritten one: resort casual, with a little island color. Here is what works for the lawns, gardens and pavilions where the shows take place, and what to leave in the suitcase.

For women

A sundress, maxi dress or flowy skirt with a light top is the classic choice, and tropical prints fit right in. Breathable fabrics like cotton and linen matter more than style: most luaus are outdoors on warm evenings, and the Kalamaku pavilion can get warm when full. Many guests buy a flower or add a hair clip; you will receive a lei at check-in anyway, so skip heavy necklaces. A light cardigan or wrap covers the cooler moments after dark.

For men

An aloha shirt with shorts, chinos or linen trousers is exactly right; a short-sleeve button-down works just as well. You will not see jackets or ties at a Kauai luau. Nice shorts are fine everywhere, including the premium Manor House dinner at Luau Kalamaku, though you may prefer long trousers there.

Shoes, kids and what to bring

Flat sandals, clean sneakers or boat shoes beat heels: you will cross lawns, sand, gravel paths and garden walkways, and heels sink into grass. Kids can wear whatever keeps them comfortable for three hours; some families dress them in matching aloha prints for photos. Bring mosquito repellent (gardens and dusk), a light rain jacket in winter on the east side, small bills for artisans and tips, and photo ID if you plan to drink.

What not to wear

Skip anything formal, stiletto heels, heavy fabrics and beachwear on its own (a swimsuit under a cover-up is fine for a resort lawn, but not as the outfit). Avoid novelty “costume” items such as plastic grass skirts or coconut bras, which can read as a caricature of the hula performers’ traditional attire. And color is not a worry: you can wear red, black, white or any mix, as the dress code is about comfort, not color rules. More on respectful behavior in our luau etiquette guide.