Its roots can be traced back to 1820, when New England missionaries arrived in Hawai‘i. Missionary women adapted the latest fashion in order to accommodate the large size of ali‘i (royalty) women. The design was then altered into a more comfortable fit, and the holoku—a loose, floor-length, long-sleeved formal dress—was born. The mu‘umu‘u was initially a chemise worn under the holoku, and it wasn’t until the 1940s—with the introduction of Hawaiian prints—that it was considered fit to be worn in public.

The aloha shirt that we know today did not come about until the mid-1930s. Shirt-maker Musa-Shiya first used the term in a 1935 advertisement. However, it was tailor Ellery Chun who trademarked “aloha shirt” in 1936 as tourism in Hawai‘i grew. After World War II, bolder patterns with tropical images emerged. Rayon shirts called “silkies” became popular from 1945 to 1955. By the late 1970s, designs inspired by the Hawaiian culture came about. Eventually, subdued looking “reverse print” aloha shirts were introduced and are now worn daily in offices and other workplaces throughout Hawai‘i.

Today, the shift toward island-style resort wear gives aloha fashion a more cosmopolitan feel. Some aloha shirts may not necessarily feature Hawaiian prints but have various images arranged in a similar pattern as a traditional aloha shirt. Visit any clothing store in Waikiki and you will find not just traditional aloha attire but also a variety of Hawaiian print dresses, shorts and accessories inspired by the rich history of a multi-cultural society that has made aloha wear a lifestyle.

And come spring and summer, aloha shirt-inspired designs often make their way on to the catwalks of renown labels. This year, the likes of Balenciaga, Dolce & Gabbana and several other designers have all created their own rendition of the casual-cool shirt—incorporating fun florals, patterns and other colorful designs into the short-sleeved button-downs that Hawai‘i residents have long been accustomed to.

Luckily, many shops in Waikiki have aloha shirts available before, during and after Fashion Week. Year-round, you’ll find more traditional looks from boutiques such as Avanti and Tori Richard; authentic vintage shirts at Bailey’s Antiques and Aloha Shirts; and more modern styles at Reyn Spooner at the Sheraton Waikiki. Luxe shoe purveyor Leather Soul even has its own aloha shirt design, thanks to a collaboration with the folks at Reyn Spooner.

All available from mrporter.com

Avanti
2164 Kalakaua Ave. [C:6 Waikiki Map] (808) 924-3232

Bailey’s Antiques and Aloha Shirts
517 Kapahulu Ave. [A:12 Waikiki Map] (808) 734-7628

Tori Richard
Hyatt Regency Waikiki 2420 Kalakaua Ave. [C:9 Waikiki Map] (808) 924-1811

Reyn Spooner
Sheraton Waikiki 2259 Kalakaua Ave. [D:7 Waikiki Map] (808) 923-7396

Leather Soul
Royal Hawaiian Center 2233 Kalakaua Ave., Ste. 301 [C:8 Waikiki Map] (808) 922-0777

Styled By: Brittany Atiburcio

Aloha Aina
Royal Hawaiian Center 2201 Kalakaua Ave., #214C
(808) 924-4333

Mahina
226 Lewers St. #136
(808) 924-5500

Luwana Hawaii
2310 Kuhio Ave., #139
(808) 926-1006

Turquoise
333 Seaside Ave., #150
(808) 922-5893

Genius Outfitters
346 Lewers St.
(808) 922-2822

Sunglass Hut
Hyatt Regency Waikiki 2424 Kalakaua Ave., #126 (808) 923-9520
Royal Hawaiian Center 2201 Kalakaua Ave. (808) 926-7768
2233 Kalakaua Ave. #B110D (808) 926-7767
www.sunglasshut.com

Looking good never was so easy. Hourglass Cosmetics, founded in 2004 by Carisa Janes, has gained a cult following throughout the years (Angelina Jolie was an early fan). Known for their complexion products and a line chock-full of offerings that are sans oil, fragrance, parabens and gluten, Hourglass’ best-selling product is its Veil Mineral Primer that’s water-resistant and offers SPF protection. Looking for that perfect lip color that’ll last your whole day? You’ll find it in Hourglass Cosmetics’ Opaque Rouge Liquid Lipstick—get it in Icon, for the classic red lip. The line is available at Sephora.

Sephora
2250 Kalakaua Ave. #153 [C:8 Waikiki Map]
(808) 923-3301

Photos: Leah Friel

Aloha Aina Boutique
Royal Hawaiian Center 2301 Kalakaua Ave.
(808) 924-4333

DFS Galleria Waikiki
330 Royal Hawaiian Ave.
(808) 931-2700

Forever 21
Royal Hawaiian Center 2301 Kalakaua Ave.
(808) 923-5202

Hawaiian Island Creations
298 Beachwalk Ave.
(808) 923-0442

Mahina
Waikiki Beach Walk 226 Lewers St.
(808) 924-5500

Quiksilver
Waikiki Beach Walk 270 Lewers St. (808) 921-2793
International Marketplace 2330 Kalakaua Ave. (808) 926-5800

Photos: Leah Friel (unless otherwise noted)

Anteprima Wirebag
Royal Hawaiian Center 2233 Kalakaua Ave.
(808) 924-0808

Bottega Veneta
Luxury Row 2122 Kalakaua Ave.
(808) 923-0800

DFS Galleria Waikiki
330 Royal Hawaiian Ave.
(808) 931-2700

Folli Follie
Waikiki Beach Walk 226 Lewers St. (808) 922-0124
Waikiki Trade Center 2255 Kuhio Ave. (808) 922-9621
Hyatt Regency Waikiki 2424 Kalakaua Ave. (808) 926-5979

Kate Spade
Royal Hawaiian Center 2233 Kalakaua Ave.
(808) 922-3390

Prada
2174 Kalakaua Ave.
(808) 921-0200

Salvatore Ferragamo
Royal Hawaiian Center 2233 Kalakaua Ave.
(808) 971-4267

Tory Burch
Royal Hawaiian Center 2233 Kalakaua Ave.
(808) 922-4190

Vivienne Westwood
2365 Kalakaua Ave.
(808) 744-5402

PHOTO: COURTESY ROLEX

Rolex Presented by Kaimana Kea
Royal Hawaiian Center [C:8 Waikiki Map]
(808) 971-2986

PHOTO: COURTESY RAY-BAN

While the Hawaiian sunshine is a welcome sight on any given day, those rays can cause major damage to your eyes. The surest way to keep your peepers protected is with polarized sunglasses. Lucky for you, Freaky Tiki Tropical Optical carries a wide assortment of stylish shades to suit any lifestyle. For the sporty, on-thego type, there’s sunglasses from Maui Jim, Oakley, Ray Ban, Von Zipper and Spy; while fashionistas will appreciate Freaky Tiki’s selection of designer brands like Prada, Versace, Tiffany and Juicy Couture. Freaky Tiki is located at both the Outrigger Waikiki on the Beach (lower lobby, next to Duke’s) and at Waikiki Beach Walk.

Freaky Tiki Tropical Optical
Outrigger Waikiki On The Beach [C:8 Waikiki Map]
(808) 926-5533

Waikiki Beach Walk 227 Lewers St. [C:7 Waikiki Map]
(808) 926-3937

www.freakytiki.biz

PHOTO: COURTESY DAVID & GOLIATH

Fashion should be fun, and nowhere else can you find a larger selection of apparel with a sense of humor than at David & Goliath. This retail giant specializes in “stupid stuff” for teens and young adults who like to put it all out there for the world to see. Think kitschy graphics and tongue-in-cheek sayings that make people look twice—but in a good way. They’re just agreeing with your shirt that declares, “Life is better with bacon.” Because, yeah, it is. Exclusive to the David & Goliath Hawai‘i stores is the cheeky “Shake Your Coconuts” design. There’s also a wide selection of accessories, jewelry/watches, footwear, stationary, gifts, toys and games, electronics and more, ensuring every inch of you is covered. David & Goliath has two locations in Waikiki, both open from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. daily. Just look for The Stupid Factory sign in the International Market Place and at the Moana Surfrider.

David & Goliath
Moana Surfrider 2370 Kalakaua Ave., Ste. 150 [C:9 Waikiki Map]
(808) 971-2957

International Market Place 2330 Kalakaua Ave. [C:8 Waikiki Map]
(808) 971-2033

www.davidandgoliathco.com

Olivia Hawaiian Jewelry is world-renown for its customized fine jewelry, one-of-a-kind Hawaiian designs and unique souvenirs. In addition to its popular green gold pieces and personalized services such as diamond resetting, customers to the Royal Hawaiian Center location will find an exclusive collection of black silver jewelry available nowhere else.

Olivia Hawaiian Jewelry
Royal Hawaiian Center
2233 Kalakaua Ave., Bldg. B, Level 3 [C:8 Waikiki Map]
(808) 923-6633