Celebrate Muʻumuʻu Month All January in Hawaiʻi
Don your favorite muʻumuʻu to show appreciation for this beloved attire in the Islands.
The muʻumuʻu has come a long way from its reputation as a gaudy house dress.
In fact, it’s very in vogue these days. So much so, January is Muʻumuʻu Month in Hawaiʻi. It started 10 years ago by Kauaʻi designer Shannon Hiramoto, founder of Machinemachine. The purpose was to encourage and inspire more people to wear the classic aloha dress—every day, like she does, or on Aloha Fridays—she loves so much.
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Muʻumuʻu means “to cut off” or “shorten” on ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi, originally worn as a chemise under a holokū dress. It was introduced by missionaries to Hawaiʻi in the 1820s and was patterned after the Mother Hubbard dresses they wore. Today, though, designers are revamping the look and feel of the muʻumuʻu, making them more modern and tailored. And others are pulling out classic dresses from their closets—or their moms’ closets—and rocking the vintage look.
Three women wearing vintage muʻumuʻu at a lei workshop by The Kaimukī Lei Stand on Oʻahu.
Photo: Sean Marrs
A decade after Muʻumuʻu Month started, there are more ways to celebrate the dress. There are a lot more places to buy muʻumuʻu, from Hilo Hattie to Vintage Aloha Shack. You can find vintage ones at thrift shops, too.
Aloha Collection launched a muʻumuʻu-inspired collection of bags in prints that honor the history of the dress.
The Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa is hosting a special tea event to celebrate Muʻumuʻu Month.
Photo: Courtesy of Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa
Oh, and there are events, too.
Kauaʻi Veterans Center & Museum on the Garden Isel is hosting a special muʻu tour on Jan. 14, and Smith’s Tropical Paradise Garden is hosting a muʻumuʻu pāʻina luncheon on Jan. 19.
And the Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa in Waikīkī is hosting a special afternoon tea event on Jan. 25 to celebrate the muʻumuʻu. It’s a collaboration with Native Hawaiian-owned fashion brand Kahulaleʻa, and guests are encouraged to wear their favorite muʻumuʻu to tea. Cost is $145 for the Royal Tea to $110 for the First Lady. Kids can get a keiki version, complete with milkshakes and cookies.
Not that you ever need a reason—or excuse—to wear a muʻumuʻu.
