A vivid imagination and appreciation for Hawaiian culture are the foundation for these crafts.
The islands of Hawaii are filled with rich culture, beautiful views and lush vegetation. Use the landscape and history of Hawaii as inspiration for crafts and activities perfect for a Luau party or a themed play date. Simple materials and a vivid imagination are all that are needed to complete these crafts.
Lei
A Lei is an iconic symbol of Hawaii symbolizing welcome, love and respect. Fresh flowers or fake flowers can be used to make a lei. Supply a variety of flower types and let the children pick the ones they want to use. Give each child a long piece of string or dental floss and a needle. Thread the floss onto the needle and let the child decide on the order of flowers. When the child has finished adding flowers, tie the ends together. If you are making these for a party, let each child make a couple and give them to the adult guests as they enter.
Paper Fish
The humuhumunukunukuapua'a is the state fish of Hawaii. Its bright colors and silly name make it ideal for kids crafts. Cut out the shape of the fish and give each child a few to color with bright crayons or markers. String them all together and hang for a cute banner. You can also use the fish in a game by laminating each one and gluing a magnet to the back. Put the fish in a bucket with water. Give each child a stick with a string tied to it and a magnet on the end of the string. Let her fish in the bucket and see who can catch the most fish.
Pineapple
Pineapples are found all over Hawaii, with pineapple plantations being nearly as plentiful as sugar cane. Have the child make his own pineapple using a paper towel roll and tissue paper. Rip the tissue paper into small squares. Have each child decorate the paper towel roll like a pineapple by wrapping a piece of tissue paper around the blunt end of a pencil and gluing it to the roll. This will give the pineapple a textured look like a real pineapple. Cut green construction paper into pineapple leaf shapes and have the child glue them to the top. Place on the tables for a cute centerpiece.
Grass Skirt
The grass skirt worn by hula dancers in Hawaii can be made with a variety of materials. You can use green construction paper or the grass used in Easter baskets for the body of the skirt. Use cloth, woven construction paper or braided rope for the waistband. The child can glue the construction paper to the waistband, or weave the grass strands into the waistband to complete the body of the skirt. Tie onto the child or attach a hook and eye to each side for a skirt that can be worn more than once. Show the children some basic hula moves and let them perform for the party guests.
Tags: each child, construction paper, tissue paper, body skirt, child glue