Pāʻū Hula 

Care Instructions

The pāʻū hula is a sacred and meaningful garment. It carries the manaʻo and learning of the dancer, and therefore should be cared for with respect and intention.

Some traditions hold that the pāʻū should not be washed, as it is believed that washing may symbolically “wash away” the learning it has held. In practice, care may be balanced through light spot cleaning when needed and occasional gentle laundering to maintain cleanliness and extend the life of the pāʻū.

To preserve its shape and presentation:

• Keep pāʻū as wrinkle-free as possible by ironing or steaming carefully as needed

• Hang immediately after use to prevent creasing and damage

• Store in a garment bag or clean protective bag to keep it protected and respected

• When used for any performance or hōʻike, it should always be transported in a garment bag

In keeping with our hula lineage practice, the pāʻū is traditionally put on by stepping into it rather than pulling it over the head.

Above all, the pāʻū hula is to be treated with reverence, as it holds great significance to the dancer’s learning and journey. Additional etiquette and care practices will be shared in class.