A Guide to Wearing a Flower in Your Hair: Hawaiian Cultural Meanings

Wearing a flower in your hair is more than just a beautiful accessory in Hawaii; it carries cultural meaning, tradition, and subtle signals about identity and relationship status. If you're curious about what it means, how people wear flowers behind the ear, and how to coordinate it with your style, this guide breaks it all down. 

And, of course, it includes how to pair your look with accessories like flower hair clips and Hawaiian dresses from Shaka Time.

What Wearing a Flower Means in Hawaiian Culture

In Hawaii, the custom of wearing a flower behind the ear holds symbolic significance: the left side signifies that the person is in a relationship, married, or committed. The right side means the person is single, available, or open to meeting someone. This tradition helps communicate relationship status in a subtle, elegant way. These meanings are most often applied to blossoms like plumeria, hibiscus, orchids, and other tropical flowers that are commonly used for adornment in hair.

Types of Flowers & Their Symbolism

• Plumeria — Beauty, new beginnings, love. When placed in the hair, it often signals romantic availability or status based on which side.
  

• Hibiscus — Delicate beauty, joy, and Hawaiian identity. The hibiscus is also the state flower of Hawaii.
  

• Orchids — Elegance, refinement, luxury. They are often selected for formal dress and fashion pieces.

How to Wear the Flower: Side, Style & Placement

To show you are taken or married, tuck or pin the flower behind your left ear. To show you are single or available, wear it behind your right ear. If someone wears the flower on their hair, not necessarily behind the ear (e.g., pinned into a bun or updo), it can be more about style or comfort than relationship status.

Styling with Flower Hair Clips & Dresses

Pairing the flower with your outfit can elevate your look and honor the tradition. Here are tips: Choose a flower hair clip from the Flower Hair Clips collection to get tropical styles that match real blossoms. Match the clip’s color or theme with a dress from the Hawaiian Dresses Women collection so your outfit and floral accessory complement each other. For example, a bright plumeria clip looks gorgeous with a floral maxi dress, while a subtle orchid hair clip pairs well with a solid or pastel dress. Consider the length of your hair and how the style drapes. Longer hair allows more flexible placement; shorter styles might need smaller clips so they stay secure.

When & Where It’s Appropriate

Wearing flowers is common for luaus, weddings, birthdays, and other celebrations. It’s also used casually, for beach days, festivals, or just daily wear among locals. Be respectful with fresh flower usage; real flowers can be delicate. If using fresh blooms, they’re often replaced daily.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Does wearing a flower behind one ear always mean a relationship status?

A: It’s a strong tradition: left ear means taken, right ear means available. However, not everyone follows this strictly today; some people wear flowers simply for fashion or aesthetics.

Q: Can men wear flowers in their hair?

A: Yes. While traditionally seen more among women, men also wear flower decorations or clips. The meaning can depend on the wearer’s intention and context.

Q: Do you need a real flower, or are artificial ones okay?

A: Both are acceptable. Real flowers are traditional and fragrant but delicate. High-quality artificial clips are durable and provide a consistent look without wilting.

Q: What if I’m unsure about the tradition—can I still wear a flower?

A: Absolutely. Wearing a flower is a beautiful way to connect with the Hawaiian style. If unsure, you can simply treat it as a fashion statement without implying anything about your status.

Q: How do I choose the right dress to go with a flower clip?

A: Match prints, color tone, and style. If your clip is bold, go for a dress with complementary or more subdued tones. If your dress is vibrant, a simpler flower clip can balance the look. Also consider comfort and fabric—choose breathable fabrics for warm weather.