Sarong in Hawaii: Tradition, Fashion & Culture

Discover the Hawaiian sarong, from the traditional Pāʻū worn in hula to modern fashion. Our guide explores its cultural significance and elegant ways to tie it.

The sarong, widely known in Hawaii as a pareo (for women) or lava-lava (for men), is more than just a colorful piece of cloth. It is a garment woven with tradition, versatility, and cultural meaning. Whether tied at the beach, worn at home, or incorporated into traditional ceremonies, the sarong continues to play an important role in Hawaiian lifestyle and identity.

What is a Sarong in Hawaii?

Origins of the Sarong and its Polynesian Roots

The word sarong comes from the Malay/Indonesian language, meaning “to sheath” or “to cover.” It is a rectangular fabric worn across Southeast Asia, Polynesia, and the Pacific Islands. Each region has its own variation:

- Hawaii: Pareo (women), Lava-lava (men)

- Tahiti: Pareu

- Samoa: ’Iei lava-lava

- Tonga: Tupenu

The Hawaiian adoption of the sarong reflects centuries of cultural exchange across Polynesia, where wrap garments were practical in warm climates and deeply symbolic in ceremonies.

Difference Between Sarong, Pareo, and Lava-lava

- Sarong (global term): A general wrap skirt of various lengths.

- Pareo (Hawaiian & Tahitian): Often longer, brightly printed, and styled by women.

- Lava-lava (Hawaiian & Samoan): Worn by men, often plain or subtly patterned.

While tourists often call every wrap a "sarong," locals distinguish pareo and lava-lava as part of Hawaiian identity.

Hawaiian Adaptation into Island Life

In Hawaii, sarongs became popular not only as casual clothing but also as part of hula costumes, resort fashion, and everyday island wear. Today, they are as likely to be seen on the beach as they are in traditional dance performances.

Styles & Ways to Wear a Hawaiian Sarong

Women’s Wraps – Skirts, Dresses, and Cover-ups

For women, pareos are incredibly versatile:

- As a skirt: tied at the hip or waist, either short or long.

- As a dress: knotted at the chest or neck.

- As a beach cover-up: worn loosely over swimsuits.

Men’s Lava-lava Style Sarongs

For men, the lava-lava is typically tied around the waist like a wrap skirt. It is both comfortable and functional, often worn at home, on the beach, or during cultural events.

Sarongs in Hula and Traditional Dances

In Hawaiian hula, dancers sometimes use pareos with bold prints representing flora and fauna. The flowing fabric complements the dance movements, emphasizing grace and connection to nature.

Everyday Uses of Sarongs in Hawaii

Beach and Resort Wear

The sarong is the most popular beach accessory in Hawaii. Easy to tie and quick to dry, it works as a swimsuit cover-up, picnic blanket, or even a light towel.

Casual Home and Island Lifestyle

Many locals wear sarongs at home as loungewear—comfortable, breezy, and ideal for Hawaii’s tropical climate.

Formal Occasions and Ceremonial Use

In Hawaiian and broader Polynesian culture, sarongs are worn at ceremonies, weddings, and religious gatherings. Men may wear plain lava-lava with shirts for formal events, while women style pareos with flower crowns (haku lei) for cultural celebrations.

Cultural Meaning of Sarongs in Hawaii

Symbol of Polynesian Heritage

The sarong is a living reminder of Hawaii’s Polynesian roots. It connects modern life with ancestral practices of wearing woven kapa cloth and barkcloth wraps.

Wearing Sarongs Respectfully

Tourists often wear sarongs as beachwear, which is fine, but it’s important to recognize that sarongs are not just fashion—they carry cultural identity and significance. Wearing them with respect means:

Avoid treating them as “costumes.”

Support local artisans instead of only buying mass-produced imports.

Learn proper tying styles to honor tradition.

Tourist Use vs. Cultural Expression

For visitors, sarongs may be a souvenir or practical garment. For Hawaiians, they remain a symbol of tradition, identity, and everyday life. The key is recognizing the difference.

Where to Buy Sarongs in Hawaii

Local Boutiques and Island Markets

Aloha Stadium Swap Meet (Oahu): Affordable pareos with diverse prints.

Kona Village Shops (Big Island): Handmade sarongs by local artisans.

Maui Swap Meet: Unique batik and hand-painted styles.

Hawaiian Brands and Artisans

Noa Noa Hawaii: Known for hand-dyed pareos.

Maui Pareo: Offers bold, tropical designs.

Custom artisans: Many local seamstresses make one-of-a-kind sarongs.

Souvenir Shops vs. Authentic Handmade

While souvenir shops sell inexpensive sarongs, authentic hand-printed pareos carry deeper cultural value and better craftsmanship.

Caring for Hawaiian Sarongs

Washing: Cold wash to preserve colors, gentle cycle or hand wash.

Drying: Air dry to prevent shrinking and fading.

Storage: Fold neatly or hang to avoid wrinkles.

Longevity: With care, sarongs last 5–10 years, especially rayon and cotton blends.

Final Thoughts

The sarong in Hawaii is more than a beach accessory—it is a garment of cultural depth, comfort, and beauty. From daily loungewear to ceremonial attire, sarongs embody both the practicality of island living and the richness of Hawaiian heritage.

Whether you wear a pareo on the beach, a lava-lava at home, or gift an artisan-made sarong to a loved one, you carry a piece of the aloha spirit with you.

By supporting local Hawaiian makers and wearing sarongs with respect, you not only look stylish—you help preserve a living tradition of Polynesian identity.