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- United States
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- 3rd Friday of August
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Hawaiian Shirt Day brightens wardrobes every third Friday in August, commemorating Hawaii’s statehood and the iconic Aloha shirt. Slip into your favorite vibrant print, share your island-inspired look, and spread the aloha spirit with friends and colleagues.
Want to sponsor Hawaiian Shirt Day? Learn how
Expected Hawaiian Shirt Day Deals
While official 2027 promotions are still under wraps, history shows retailers like Tommy Bahama, Reyn Spooner, and Kahala often feature discounts on their signature Aloha shirts. Expect department stores such as Macy’s and Nordstrom to offer sales on resort wear, while online retailers like Amazon and Zappos may highlight tropical apparel. Keep an eye out for local boutiques and specialty stores that might host themed events or offer unique designs. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as August 21 approaches.
Platform Guide for Hawaiian Shirt Day
Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #HawaiianShirtDay. Share photos of your best Aloha shirt outfits, tropical accessories, or island-themed decor.
TikTok
Tag @www.nationaltoday.com and use #HawaiianShirtDay. Create short videos showcasing your Hawaiian shirt collection, a ‘get ready with me’ island edition, or a fun dance in your favorite print.
Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #HawaiianShirtDay. Organize a virtual Hawaiian shirt contest in your community group or share historical facts about the Aloha shirt’s origins.
Hawaiian Shirt Day Hero
Alfred Shaheen
History of Hawaiian Shirt Day
The islands of Hawaii lie in a strategic location 2,000 miles from the U.S. mainland in the Pacific Ocean. It is the only state outside the Western U.S. and the only state in the tropics. Made up of eight individual islands, Hawaiʻi, Maui, Kahoʻolawe, Lānaʻi, Molokaʻi, Oʻahu, Kauaʻi, and Niʻihau, Hawaii is home to around 1.5 million Americans.
British Explorer, Captain James Cook, was the first European to visit the islands of Hawaii, the first outside contact the island had experienced in about 500 years. The rich history of Hawaii for the west was forged at that meeting and subsequently led to the island holding a key strategic value for the American government.
Hawaii sits between the U.S. and Japan, and an influx of Japanese immigrants and the rise of Japanese imperialism caused the U.S. to view Japan as a threat, to be monitored with caution. As more and more Japanese migrants came to the islands to work in the sugar trade, the number of Japanese settlers left U.S. officials afraid that the island may become a Japanese territory. The U.S. responded by very quickly bringing Hawaii into the fold, and prepared to annex it in 1893. The U.S.-supported coup on the island of Hawaii led to the overthrow of the Hawaiian Royal Family, with the queen being placed under house arrest and the island for a short time became the Republic of Hawaii. In 1959, after much struggle, Hawaii was awarded statehood, and united with the rest of the American States.
Hawaiian Shirt Day timeline
Its believed that Polynesians migrated to the islands of Hawaii in the first century and continued to do so up until around 1100 A.D.
The first contact made with society outside of Hawaii, and the first known contact with natives of Hawaii, Captain James Cook discovers the islands.
Japanese migration to Hawaii begins, and the American government moves to neutralize the threat.
The island of Hawaii is immortalized across the U.S. as it suffers a devastating surprise attack from the Japanese Navy, prompting the U.S. to step into WWII.
How Businesses Can Celebrate Hawaiian Shirt Day
Local businesses can celebrate Hawaiian Shirt Day by encouraging employees to wear their favorite Aloha shirts, fostering a fun and relaxed atmosphere. Restaurants and bars could offer tropical-themed specials, such as Hawaiian-inspired cocktails or poke bowls. Retail stores might create window displays featuring island prints or host a ‘best Hawaiian shirt’ contest for customers, offering discounts to participants. Consider partnering with a local Hawaiian cultural group to bring authentic music or dance to your establishment, enhancing the festive spirit.
Hawaiian Shirt Day FAQs
When is Hawaiian Shirt Day?
Hawaiian Shirt Day 2026 falls on Friday, August 21. It’s the perfect occasion to don your most colorful Aloha wear and celebrate the spirit of the islands.
Why is Hawaiian Shirt Day celebrated?
Hawaiian Shirt Day is celebrated to commemorate the anniversary of Hawaii’s statehood, which officially joined the U.S. on August 21, 1959. It’s a fun way to honor the 50th state and its vibrant culture.
What is the history of the Hawaiian shirt?
The Hawaiian shirt, or Aloha shirt, emerged in the 1930s, evolving from Japanese kimonos and Filipino barong tagalogs. Early designs were often made from leftover kimono fabric, quickly gaining popularity among locals and tourists alike as a symbol of Hawaiian culture and leisure.
What is the difference between a Hawaiian shirt and an Aloha shirt?
There is no difference; ‘Hawaiian shirt’ and ‘Aloha shirt’ are interchangeable terms for the same garment. ‘Aloha shirt’ is the traditional name used in Hawaii, reflecting the spirit of hospitality and welcome associated with the islands.
Hawaiian Shirt Day Activities
Wear Aloha Shirts
Get yourself a groovy Hawaiian Shirt, you can wear it yearly to celebrate Hawaiian Shirt Day.
Host a Hawaiin-themed party
Pull your resources together and throw a party. Everyone is bound to enjoy a Hawaiian-themed party. Just be sure you nail the decor.
Create Awareness
The fun does not have to start after work. Get your entire team behind Hawaiian Shirt Day and have a relaxed, and fun day at work.
5 Facts About Hawaii
Say Aloha
Hawaiian shirts are also known as Aloha shirts.
Hawaiian Shirts were super popular
In the 1930s Hawaiian shirts were so popular that the industry was worth over $600,000 annually, that’s over $10 million today.
It’s in the middle of nowhere
Hawaii is the most isolated, populated location on earth.
It has coffee
Hawaii is the only U.S. state that grows coffee.
It is high in the mountains
The Hawaiian Islands are just the tops of an enormous projecting mountain range, the biggest in the world.
Why We Love Hawaiian Shirt Day
It's a reason to have fun
Come on, put on those bright-colored flowery shirts and everything else that goes with this celebration. Have a blast.!
It acknowledges an important U.S. state
The U.S. holds Hawaii quite close to its heart. Being at the center of a devastating attack during WWII, Hawaii played its part in making the U.S. what it is today.
I’ts a time for family
The spirit of Hawaii is centered around family. Celebrating National Hawaain Shirt Day is also about connecting with your loved ones.
Social Media Tips for Hawaiian Shirt Day
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