Name/Title
Holoku HulaDescription
Inscribed "Holoku Hula" Hula dancing in a gown.
Although it originated in Hawaii in the 1820s as a loose gown without a waistline or train and was worn for everyday wear, the holoku today is a long formal gown with a train. The holoku adopted selected elements of Western fashion, and now is generally closely fitted to the body, though it continues to have no waistline.
The holoku originated after the missionaries arrived in Hawaii, and was accompanied by a chemise referred to as a mu’umu’u. While both garments continue to be very important in Hawaii, it is the mu’umu’u that is regarded by most of the world as Hawaiian dress and the holoku that is practically unknown outside of Hawai’i. For formal events, and other celebrations related to Hawaiian culture and ethnicity, the holoku is the quintessential Hawaiian gown.
University of Hawaii CreditCreated By
hawaiiancovers@gmail.comCreate Date
August 13, 2023Update Date
August 14, 2023