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Hawaiian Shirt Day

Embrace the vibrant spirit of Aloha by donning your colorful Hawaiian shirt on this fun-filled Hawaiian Shirt Day!

Friday

August 2026

Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

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YEARLY DATEThird Friday in August

OBSERVED INUnited States

CATEGORYStyle

SUBCATEGORYFashion

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

Get ready to embrace the vibrant spirit of Aloha! It's time to unbutton that vibrant hibiscus printed fabric on Hawaiian Shirt Day, August 16! This cheerful, relaxed holiday grew out of the popularity of Aloha shirts that erupted in the 1930s when local Hawaiian tailors created these colorful garments to cater to tourists. These island shirts blend the exotic allure of the South Pacific with the postcard beauty of Hawaii in a mesmerizing symphony of color and design. So, whether you're celebrating in Honolulu, or Honolulu at heart, button up, and join the island celebration – Hawaiian Shirt Day!

TIMELINE

Hawaiian Shirt Day Timeline

Aloha Shirt Invention

In the 1930s, local tailors in Hawaii created colorful Aloha shirts to cater to tourists and ignite an island fashion trend.

Hawaiian Shirt in Politics

President Harry Truman was pictured wearing a Hawaiian shirt while on holiday, boosting the popularity of the tropical attire nationwide.

"Aloha Friday"

In the 1990s, "Aloha Friday" becomes a common term used in Hawaii as people start wearing Hawaiian shirts to work on Fridays, further popularizing the trend.

Hawaiian Shirt Day Debut

Hawaiian Shirt Day is officially recognized as a fun-filled holiday and is celebrated for the first time.

Honolulu City Council Honor

The Honolulu City Council officially honors the Aloha shirt as a symbol of the island's spirit and heritage, further cementing its place in culture.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate Hawaiian Shirt Day

Design your own Hawaiian Shirt

Get crafty and make your day truly unique by designing and creating your own Hawaiian shirt. Use stencils, fabric paint, or even dye to make a design that speaks to your personal style and love for the Hawaiian culture.

HOST

Host a barbecue Hawaiian-style

Invite friends over for a Hawaiian-themed barbecue. Everyone should come wearing their favorite Hawaiian shirts and enjoy typical island food, like grilled pineapple and teriyaki skewers. Don't forget to play some ukulele tunes on a Bluetooth speaker for added feel!

ORGANIZE

Organize a Hawaiian Shirt Fashion Show

Arrange a fun Hawaiian shirt fashion show at your office or social gathering. Everyone can strut their stuff on an impromptu catwalk, showing off their tropical attire. Winners can be selected for "most colorful", "most creative", and "best in show" Hawaiian shirts!

HAVE

Have a Photoshoot

Head to a local park or beach and have a photoshoot wearing your Hawaiian shirts. Use props like sunglasses, surfboards, and leis to create an even more convincing Hawaiian scene in your photos. Post them on social media with a hashtag #HawaiianShirtDay to get into the spirit.

LEARN

Learn and Perform Hula Dance

Turn this day into a cultural experience by learning traditional Hawaiian hula dance moves. You can find tutorials online or take a local class if available. Then, don your Hawaiian shirt and perform what you've learned to the rhythm of Hawaiian music.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why We Love Hawaiian Shirt Day

The opportunity to be creative and social

Hawaiian Shirt Day gives you the chance to show off your creativity in designing your own shirt or in hosting Hawaiian-themed gatherings. It encourages community, creativity, and fun – bringing people together with food, games, and shared enjoyment of these colorful shirts.

A burst of fun and colors

Hawaiian Shirt Day is a light-hearted break from your usual attire. The vibrant, colorful designs and exotic prints are just the thing to inject some fun into the day. Plus, getting to wear a Hawaiian shirt is a great conversation starter!

Celebration of the Hawaiian Culture

Being part of Hawaiian Shirt Day is also celebrating the rich and vibrant culture of Hawaii. It provides an opportunity to understand more about the island's tradition, like it's native clothing styles and cuisines, and even learning about Aloha spirit!