Mu'umu'u Month

Muʻumuʻu Month, celebrated annually in January, was initiated in 2014 by Shannon Hiramoto, a Kauaʻi resident and owner of the clothing store Machinemachine. The tradition began when Hiramoto received a collection of vintage muʻumuʻu and decided to honor the garment by wearing a different one each day throughout January, sharing her outfits on social media. 

The muʻumuʻu, meaning "cut off" in Hawaiian, originated in the 19th century as a loose-fitting dress introduced by Christian missionaries. Initially worn as an undergarment beneath the more formal holokū, the muʻumuʻu evolved into a popular outer garment due to its comfort and suitability for the Hawaiian climate.

Hiramoto's initiative aimed to celebrate and revitalize the muʻumuʻu, encouraging others to appreciate its cultural significance and incorporate it into modern fashion. Over the years, Muʻumuʻu Month has gained popularity, with participants sharing photos and stories, fostering a community that honors this traditional Hawaiian attire.