When I first moved to Hawaii with my childhood buddy Bo in 1998, we decided to attend services at the Mokuaikaua Church, the oldest Christian church in Hawaii. I put on my typical church wear: an Oxford shirt and a tie. Bo said, “You don’t need to wear a tie.” Being from the South, I knew that was outrageous.
“Of course I have to wear a tie, it’s church.”
“OK but you’re going to look like an idiot.”
I decided to take my chances. We started to walk into church, and the usher, sure enough, says, “Why you wearing a tie? Take it off. Relax.” And that was the last time I was dumb enough to wear a tie in Hawaii. The tie simply doesn’t exist there. For formal occasions, men wear Aloha shirts and women wear muumuus. And so it shall be at Quizzo Bowl XV, where you will be expected to wear Aloha wear. I mean, if we’re going to do a Hawaiian party, we’re going to do it right.
If you’re really looking to wear something nice that you can wear again, I recommend Hilo Hatties. An actual Hawaiian store that has beautiful clothes. And if you sign up on their website they give you 20% off your first order. It is a bit pricer than your other options, but if you want to support a true Hawaiian business and have an awesome shirt or muumuu when it’s done, that’s the spot.
If you’re looking to do it on the cheap, the move is always local thrift stores, but if you’re in a rush, yes of course you can use amazon. They’ve got some decent aloha shirts and muumuus for under $20.
And yes, we will have prizes for best Aloha shirt, best muumuu, and best dressed team.