Hawaii's Aloha Shirts: A Journey Through Time

How it all began...

Nestled alongside the local Hawaiian coffee, ono bean-to-bar chocolates, dried nuts like macadamia, and homegrown papayas & pineapples, Hawaii is also renowned as the birthplace of the Aloha Shirt. Known locally as Aloha Shirts and Hawaiian Shirts on the mainland, these vibrant garments have a rich history dating back to the 1930s when a Chinese merchant named Mr. Ellery Chun created the first Aloha Shirt. Chun's designs quickly gained popularity among local islanders, surfers, and tourists.

Within a few years, major designer labels sprung up throughout Hawaii, fueling the Aloha Shirt craze. Even celebrities like Frank Sinatra and Elvis Presley endorsed these quintessential Hawaiian creations in the 1960s. Over the years, iconic movie stars like Tom Selleck in Magnum P.I., Jim Carrey in Ace Ventura: Pet Detective, Nicholas Cage in Raising Arizona, and Leonardo DiCaprio in Romeo + Juliet have sported Hawaiian Shirts in their films. Not to forget, Al Pacino's memorable appearance in Scarface and the beloved character Chunk in The Goonies (boy, do we love that movie!).

From these humble beginnings, the popularity of the Aloha Shirt expanded to include a wide range of floral Hawaiian dresses and island-inspired family clothing. Today, Hawaiian clothing is available in all styles imaginable, catering to children, adults, and anyone seeking a taste of the Hawaiian Lifestyle.

Symbol of Hawaii...

The mere mention of Hawaii evokes a sense of tranquility, joy, and well-being. It transports you to a place where breathtaking sunsets adorn the horizon, the gentle caress of salty breezes ruffles through your hair, and the soothing melodies of Hawaiian music, including Israel Kamakawiwo'ole's 'Over the Rainbow,' create an atmosphere of carefree bliss. Hawaii is more than a destination; it's a state of mind, a vibrant culture, and a way of life marked by warm smiles and heartfelt greetings. Hawaii's history is interwoven with the courage of Native Hawaiians who embarked on oceanic voyages from distant lands like Samoa, Tonga, and even New Zealand.

The Aloha Shirt, born and created in Hawaii, symbolizes all of this, capturing the essence of Hawaii's breathtaking coastal beaches and tropical flora. With its scenic and floral imagery, the Aloha Shirt spreads the love of Aloha, allowing wearers to embrace the spirit of Hawaii.

Made in Hawaii, of course...

While Aloha Shirts were initially crafted solely in Hawaii, today, many imitations or faux Hawaiian wear are produced inexpensively in Asia or sold under big-name brands like Tommy Bahama, Topshop, or Ted Baker London, with no genuine connection to the Hawaiian islands.

At Lavahut, we take pride in offering clothing that is exclusively Made in Hawaii. From the initial design to the final fabric cut, each Hawaiian Dress and Shirt is meticulously crafted by professional seamstresses in Honolulu, Hawaii. Hawaii is at the heart of our brand, and it's our commitment to deliver clothing that captures the true essence of the islands.

Our print-perfect tropical fabrics are inspired by magical sunsets and crystal-blue beaches, while our Aloha Shirts are hand-cut and buttoned with polished coconut shells, embodying the essence of Hawaii. Our strappy and sun-kissed floral dresses capture the playful nature of Hawaii with sexy silhouettes and vibrant, eye-catching colors, offering effortless style with striking accents. Everything we offer is made in Hawaii with Aloha.

Coconut shells shaped & polished into shirt buttons.	Hawaiian Shirts made with Aloha in Honolulu, Hawaii.	Pocket edges perfectly matched to shirt.

Want this shirt in particular? It's the Hibiscus Hideaway Aloha Shirt in Rayon.