Hawaii

Grass Skirts

From the late 19th-century to World War II, grass skirts in Polynesia became a "powerful symbol of South Sea sexuality". In the Pacific theater, grass skirts were sought after souvenirs by servicemen abroad. The end of the war saw many sailors returning from their duties in the Pacific.

In Fijian culture, both women and men traditionally wore skirts called the liku made from hibiscus or root fibers and grass. In Maori culture there is a skirt-like garment made up of numerous strands of prepared flax fibres, woven or plaited, known as a piupiu which is worn during Māori cultural dance. In Nauru culture the native dress of both sexes consists of a ridi, a bushy skirt composed of thin strips of pandanus palm-leaf that can be both short, knee- and foot-long. In Tonga, the grass skirt was known as a sisi pueka and was worn in dance performances.

Leis

A lei is a common symbol of love, friendship, celebration, honor or greeting. In essence, it is a symbol of Aloha. In ancient Hawaii, wearing a lei represented wealth, royalty and rank. It is also associated with hula, religion and geography. They are most commonly made of carnations, kika blossoms, ginger blossoms, jasmine blossoms, or orchids and are usually about 18 inches (46 cm) long.

The custom of wearing leis originated with the indigenous Hawaiians, who wove necklaces of leaves or ferns or sometimes strung dried shells, fruits, beads, or bright feathers for personal adornment. Hawaiians celebrate Lei Day on May 1, symbolizing their tradition of friendliness.

Hawaiian Tattoos

Some Hawaiians were covered from head to toe in tattoos, and each tattoo could help to unveal the history of a personʻs life. Historically, tattoos were hand-tapped and are known as “uhi”. Polynesians would use a “moli” or tattoo tool and dip it in “paʻu” or ink, and tap onto the skin.