Hawaiian-themed parties are fun, simple and great for all ages to enjoy. It's easy to get a bit carried away with themes, but familiarizing yourself with the beautiful Hawaiian culture can make your event a little more authentic. Keep the games and activities true to the Hawaiian style, simple and laid-back. Does this Spark an idea?
Luau
Luaus are Hawaiian celebratory feasts that include many native foods like the kalua pig, poi, poke, lomi and haupia with beers and entertainment. Hawaiian recipes can easily be found online (http://www.hawaii.edu/recipes), but most require a full day to cook. Personalize your luau with your own foods and add a bit of island touch to them. Keep in mind foods native to Hawaii like bananas, mangos, spam, taro, pineapple, fish, coconut and macadamia nuts. Substitute regular fries for taro fries. Grilled bananas, mangoes and pineapples make delicious condiments. Be sure to serve island-inspired drinks like mai tai either with alcohol or virgin. Check out Asian supermarkets for mochi ice creams, which are sticky rice with ice cream fillings. They come in various flavors like green tea and chocolate coconut.
Hula
Hula is a traditional, religious dance that tells a story. Find a simple hula story and share it with your guests or teach them the story. Offer costumes that include a grass skirt and leis. Be sure to put on Hawaiian music like Gabby Pahinui, Arthur Lyman or more recent artists like Teresa Bright and Iz Kamakawiwo'ole.
Poi
Although poi is a Maori tradition, fire poi is popular in Hawaii. Poi is a juggling performance using two balls attached to long strings or chains. It can begin with simple spins to more complex tricks that involve bouncing them off of a body part. Practice poi using soft balls can be found in juggling or magic shops. They can also be easily made at home. Take two tennis balls and poke a hole in each end. Then take a thin rope (3 feet long) pull it through the top hole and a bit past the bottom hole. Knot it tightly at the bottom hole so the ball is placed just at the bottom of the string.
Make poi juggling a contest to see who can do the most complex tricks.
Leis
Leis are generally made from plumerias but can often be substituted for carnations, marigolds, orchids, roses or any other medium-sized flowers. Use a large needle (10 inches) and 45 inches of dental floss. Carefully string the flowers by needling through the center of the flowers from front to back. Slide two or three flowers at a time down the string. Leis can be worn around the neck or by using a shorter amount of string, can be worn on top of the head, around the wrists or around the ankles.
Musical Instruments
Lay out Hawaiian instruments like the ukulele, drums and rattles. Ukuleles are small, guitar-shaped instruments with four strings which can be purchased inexpensively. These are easy and fun instruments for anyone to pick up and play.
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