When packing for a vacation in our Maui Condos, save some room in your suitcase because we’re sure you’ll find Hawaiian apparel that you’ll want to bring back home. Many first-time visitors don’t realize that there is much more to island clothing than the iconic Hawaiian shirt and grass skirt. This is particularly the case when one factors in traditional garb.
Lava-Lava
Time-honored, Hawaiian garb varies greatly. However, there are a few key pieces many Maui residents find that they cannot live without. For example, the lava-lava is popular with both men and women. Today, it is a rectangular piece of fabric that is traditionally tied to the waist to cover one’s nether regions. In ancient times, Maui’s residents used vegetation and other natural materials to fashion their lava-lavas by hand in lieu of machine-made goods.
Kihei
Hawaiian men and women are also partial to kiheis. Made from the same materials as the lava-lava, it too has a rectangular shape. However, this item is meant to be worn around the shoulders like a shawl. As such, many people like to wear them to escape the evening chill as well as the mid-day sun. Oftentimes, they are sold in gift shops near our Maui condos as part of sets that include matching lava-lavas.
Muumuus
Muumuus are another long-standing fashion statement commonly associated with the Hawaiian Islands. They are non-native, long, shapeless dresses that are typically pulled over the head. Hawaiians didn’t start wearing them until other people migrated to the islands in the 1700s and 1800s.
Pa`u
Muumuus are not the only dresses worn by Hawaiian women. Many also enjoy donning pa`us. They are a type of skirt worn by early equestrians. KITV 4 News has a great video that explains the process of creating a pa`u and the history behind the garment. Today, they are often worn by women in Maui’s upcountry.
To discover all there is to know about Hawaiian dress, including what to wear during a stay in our Maui condos, please contact us today.