Vintage Exhibit

We invite you to explore the history, artistry, and production of Hawai‘i’s enduring fashion statement, the Aloha Shirt. Each year the Aloha Shirt Festival presents an exhibition featuring the private Aloha Wear collections of global aficionados, brands and/or designers. Included in the exhibit are over sixty objects, including original textile artwork, production sketches and swatches, advertisements, and vintage shirts that tell the story of an industry that has left an indelible mark on fashion in the United States and the world.

Embracing local culture is what travel is all about. This exhibition reflects one of the most cherished traditions in Hawai‘i, and the public is invited to celebrate the event by “getting in to it”. Put on your favorite Aloha Shirt or Mu’umu’u and hele mai..come join us..

The exhibition provides visitors the opportunity to view Aloha shirts from a collectors or designer’s perspective, as well as excellent vintage examples of the finished product. The exhibit opening and presentation will be followed by a Vintage Aloha Wear Runway show. 

Each Year, a special award will be presented to a featured exhibition contributor.

In 2022, the first award was presented to Kona residents, Gwen and Evan Olins for their life-long commitment to the collection and cataloging of Aloha wear and Hawaiiana.