Brightly colored plastic leis make fun accessories for a luau party.
A luau is a Hawaiian feast, named for the leaves of the taro plant, which is often served at Hawaiian feasts, featuring colorful leis and tropical cocktails. A luau-themed party is a great summer idea for get-togethers such as family reunions, birthday parties or graduation parties. No matter what the occasion, no Hawaiian-luau-themed party is complete without a few essential items. Does this Spark an idea?
Plastic Leis
Plastic leis are available from craft stores, dollar stores, superstores or online. They come in a variety of different colors and styles and cost next to nothing. Prior to your Hawaiian luau party, make sure you have at least one plastic lei for each guest, plus a few extra in case you have unexpected guests. Give plastic leis to your guests on their arrival at the party.
Hawaiian Decorations
Tiki torches and flowers help to add atmosphere to a luau party.
Decorate your outdoor party location with Hawaiian-themed items to add to the ambience of your luau party. Buy or make tiki torches and place them around the area to create light and warmth. Get some flowers--real or fake--and make arrangements for your tables. Look for bright, tropical flowers such as bird of paradise, red ginger, orchids or hibiscus. If the party is indoors, decorate the walls with old Hawaiian travel posters or bright flower prints.
Party Games
Hawaiian-themed party games can be fun for your guests, especially if they don't know many of the other guests. Buy some cheap plastic hula hoops from a toy store or sports store and have hula hoop competitions to see who can hula the longest. Plan some ancient Hawaiian games to make your luau party stand out. Start a spear-throwing game using darts and watermelons, and see who can hit the melon. Try playing "rolling stones," a typical Hawaiian game. Place a small stick post in the ground and give each guest a stone. Ask your guests to toss the stone at the stick post. The person whose stone lands closest to the stick is the winner.
Hawaiian-Style Food
Prepare some Hawaiian-style appetizers or a full buffet for a dinner party. Cut up fresh fruit like pineapple and watermelon and arrange on large serving plates. Hawaiian food is a mixture of different cuisines, so go with what you know your friends will like. Fish dishes and fresh fruits and vegetables are always good staples for an island luau theme. For a more traditional Hawaiian touch, organize a pig roast. Alternatively, rub salt or liquid smoke into a pork butt and either roast it in the oven, or cook it in the slow cooker. For a traditional Hawaiian side dish, prepare an authentic Hawaiian laulau by placing chicken, fish or pork on luau leaves, wrapping tightly and fastening with toothpicks or rubber bands. Steam the stuffed luau leaves for approximately 6 hours and serve.
Island Cocktails
Island-style cocktails like coconut and rum or mai tais can be offered at your luau party.
Make some island-style cocktails such as mai tais or coconut, rum and pineapple. Have beer and wine for the guests that don't drink hard spirits. Make an alcohol-free fruit cocktail for your younger guests and non-drinkers. Separate the non-alcoholic drinks from the alcoholic ones and identify them using handmade signs to avoid any confusion. Place paper parasols and slices of pineapple in each drink to get your guests in the luau mood.
Entertainment
If you really want to give your guests a memorable luau-style party, contact a local dance school and organize professional hula lessons for your guests. Alternatively, hire some professional hula dancers to perform at your luau.
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