Updated September 2026 · By the AlohaClothes team, a family-owned shop on Maui since 1998
Short answer
A good kids' Hawaiian shirt is 100% cotton or rayon, says where it was made on the label, and comes in a print the rest of the family can match. Cotton is easiest for active kids because it machine washes. Many keiki styles run small, so size up. A quality made-in-Hawaii boys' set or girls' dress costs about $37 to $48.
Keiki (kids) clothes get worn hard. Sand, shave ice, a luau that runs past bedtime. So the question isn't just "is it cute?" It's whether it survives the wash and still fits in three months. Here's what to check before you buy.
What should you look for in a good kids' Hawaiian shirt?
Four things, in this order:
- Fabric. 100% cotton or 100% rayon. Both breathe in the heat. Polyester doesn't.
- Where it was made. The label or product page should say. More on this below, because it's the question we hear most at our shop.
- Fit. Check whether the style runs small. Many do.
- The details. Coconut shell buttons and a clean print are signs a maker didn't cut corners.
| Cotton | Rayon | |
|---|---|---|
| Feel | Crisp, softens with wear | Silky, drapes and moves |
| Washing | Machine, gentle, cold | Hand wash cold or dry clean |
| Best for | Everyday wear, beach days, toddlers | Photos, weddings, special occasions |
| Shrink risk | Low if washed cold | Higher; keep it out of the dryer |
If it's going to be worn more than twice, we'd pick cotton for a kid. Rayon is gorgeous for a wedding or a family photo, but it asks more of whoever does the laundry. Our shrinking and care guide covers both.
Is it actually made in Hawaii?
Parents ask us this all the time, and it's worth asking. Plenty of kids' aloha shirts sold online are printed and sewn overseas. Here's the honest version for our collection: most of our keiki sets and dresses come from RJC, a Hawaii aloha wear maker since 1953. They're made in Hawaii, and every product page says so in its first line. If a listing somewhere won't tell you where it was made, we'd skip it.
100% cotton · made in Hawaii
RJC Boys Classic Hibiscus 2pc Cabana SetMatching shirt and shorts, coconut shell buttons. Sizes 6 months to 7T. Runs small, so size up.
$37.99See the setWhat size Hawaiian shirt should I get for my child?
Go one size up. Several of our RJC keiki styles run small, and the product pages say so. Sizing up also buys you a few extra months, which matters with kids who seem to grow between Tuesday and Friday.
For reference, our boys' cabana sets run from 6 months to 7T, and girls' dresses like the Delicate Tropical smocked dress go from size 2 to 14. If you're between sizes, pick the bigger one. A cabana shirt that's a touch roomy looks right. One that's tight across the shoulders doesn't.
What is a boys' cabana set?
A cabana set is a matching aloha shirt and shorts in the same print. It's the easiest way to dress a little boy for a luau or wedding, because the whole outfit is decided for you. Most of ours come in the same prints as the men's shirts, so father and son can match.
100% rayon · made in Hawaii
Delicate Tropical Girls Smocked DressStretchy smocked top for an easy fit. Sizes 2 to 14.
From $38.99See the dressHow do you match the whole family?
Pick one print that comes in every cut you need. Classic Hibiscus is the easy answer: we carry it in men's shirts, women's dresses, girls' dresses, boys' sets and baby sizes. Hala Pineapples and Jungle Parrot work the same way.
A tip for photos: matching everyone in the exact same print and color can look like a uniform. Try the same print in two colors, say navy for the adults and red for the kids. It photographs better.
How fast can I get kids' Hawaiian clothes?
If it's in stock and you order before 2 PM Hawaii time, it ships the same day from our store in Wailuku, Maui. We ship Monday to Friday. Within the US, code FREE at checkout gets free USPS shipping, which arrives 3 to 5 business days after your order is processed. If the luau is this weekend, FedEx 2Day is $29.99 to the mainland and $49.99 within Hawaii. Our shipping and returns page lists the details.
Frequently asked questions
What are the best Hawaiian shirts for boys?
A cotton cabana set from a Hawaii maker is the best all-rounder: it washes easily and the outfit comes complete. For weddings, a wedding white set in the Classic Hibiscus print is the standard ring bearer look.
Where can I buy a quality kids' Hawaiian shirt under $50?
Our boys' cabana sets run $37.99 to $46.99 and most girls' dresses are $36.99 to $47.99, made by RJC in cotton or rayon. See the full keiki collection.
Do you ship kids' Hawaiian clothes to the UK?
Yes, we ship worldwide by USPS. Priority Mail International usually takes 6 to 10 business days to most countries, and First-Class International usually takes 2 to 6 weeks. Next-day delivery to the UK isn't available, and your country's customs may charge VAT or duties on arrival.
Are kids' Hawaiian shirts in style?
They never really left in Hawaii, where keiki wear aloha prints to parties and family events. Matching family outfits for trips and photos keep them popular everywhere else.
Do kids' Hawaiian clothes shrink?
Cotton won't if you wash it cold and line dry it. Rayon can shrink in hot water or a dryer, so hand wash it cold and hang it in the shade.
Dress the keiki
Boys' sets, girls' dresses and matching family prints, shipped from Maui.
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