what you need for a luau party

Luau Party Decor

• Leis: fake are fun, or splurge on real ones.
• Pineapples & coconuts: double as food and decor.
• Macadamia nuts: serve them as is, or bake into cookies.
• Tiki torches: best after sundown.
• Straw hats: take the party from blah to bold
• Paper drink umbrellas: add some flair to mixed drinks
• Grass skirts: for guests or tables — or both.

Full Answer

What do you serve at a luau party?

Fruit is an excellent choice for party food, especially at a luau, because it's so healthy and easy to prep. Grab some pineapples, watermelons, mangos, and any other tropical fruits you can get your hands on, and arrange them so they'll impress your guests.

What to bring to a luau game?

This luau game is a ton of fun for adults too. A carry-on suitcase for each team. In each suitcase: a pair of sunglasses, beach towel, sunhat, lei, Hawaiian shirt, binoculars, grass skirt, etc. One member of each team pulls a suitcase to the “beach.” Lays down the towel and puts on the sunglasses, sunhat, lei, etc., and lies down on the towel.

What to wear to a luau in Hawaii?

Break out the leis and grass skirts because it's hula time. The Luau party dress code is, naturally, island gear: Hawaiian printed shirts, board shorts, a mu'umu'u, or a grass skirt -- anything that says "hang loose" is sure to be stylin'. Leis: fake is fun, or splurge on the real things.

Why are Hawaiian luau parties so popular?

They are also great for birthday parties, baby showers, and Sunday brunch. Hawaiian Luau parties are all about lighthearted fun while celebrating a one-of-kind culture that continues to fascinate the world. And Hawaiian party food reflects the spirit of fun and merriment found in every great luau.

What are 2 things typically found at a luau today?

While not every luau includes hula dancing or fire spinning, almost all include traditional foods like kalua pork, poi, laulau, lomilomi salmon and haupia, as well as stories of Hawaii and the history of the Polynesian islands.

What kind of food do you have at a luau?

Lomi Lomi Salmon. You may have heard of “lomi lomi” massage, but lomi lomi salmon? ... Laulau. A veritable native Hawaiian dish, laulau (also spelled lau lau) calls upon ti leaves and “luau” leaves (taro). ... Macaroni Salad. ... Molokai Sweet Potatoes. ... Pipikaula. ... Poi. ... Poke. ... Shoyu Chicken.More items...

How do you throw a luau party for adults?

0:335:13How to Throw a Lovely Luau | Tropical Party Ideas | Theme My PartyYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd I'm obsessed. They are such a pretty hue. And these are the perfect petite size making themMoreAnd I'm obsessed. They are such a pretty hue. And these are the perfect petite size making them ideal for any table or drink for that matter lay it on nothing says Aloha like a fresh lay.

What are the colors for a luau party?

For luau decoration that is also a party necessity, buy brightly colored plates, utensils, and napkins. Stick to colors like electric yellow, lime green, ocean blue, bright orange and hot pink. The addition of these tropical colors will brighten up the environment!

What should I bring to a luau potluck?

Bring the flavors of Hawaii to your home with these tempting side dishes!Hawaiian Coleslaw. This Hawaiian coleslaw is crunchy and tangy, and it's a must at every luau. ... Hawaiian Macaroni Salad. ... Pineapple Rice. ... Hawaiian Rolls. ... Hawaiian Fried Rice. ... Hawaiian Baked Beans. ... Hawaiian Potato Mac Salad. ... Hawaiian Meatballs.More items...•

What do you serve at a backyard luau?

10 Luau Finger FoodsGrilled Pineapple Meatball Skewers.Fruit Kabobs.Pineapple Upside Down Cupcakes.Hawaiian Hot Dogs with Grilled Pineapple and Teriyaki Mayo.Aloha Burgers.Spam Musubi.Grilled Ham and Pineapple Kabobs.Hawaiian Salsa.More items...•

What does a woman wear to a luau?

The traditional luau outfit for ladies includes a dress with beautiful Hawaiian patterns – from flowers to palm trees, or more simple designs. For ladies, strapless dresses or shirts with skirts are appropriate attire for a regular luau.

What vegetables are at a luau?

What Vegetables to Serve at a Luau?Poi. Poi is a purple-gray paste made from pounded taro root and water mixed together to form a paste. ... Sweet Potatoes. Sweet potatoes grow throughout Hawaii, so they are often included on luau menus. ... Pickled Onions. ... Other Options.

What is cooked at a luau?

Kalua pig, or kalua Pua'a in Hawaiian, is the central main dish and featured element at almost every Hawaiian luau. At a traditional Hawaiian luau, cooking the pig is no easy task.

What do you serve at a backyard luau?

10 Luau Finger FoodsGrilled Pineapple Meatball Skewers.Fruit Kabobs.Pineapple Upside Down Cupcakes.Hawaiian Hot Dogs with Grilled Pineapple and Teriyaki Mayo.Aloha Burgers.Spam Musubi.Grilled Ham and Pineapple Kabobs.Hawaiian Salsa.More items...•

What is the most traditional Hawaiian food?

Probably the most famous Hawaiian food to eat on the islands is poke. This popular raw fish Hawaiian poke is well loved here in Hawaii with many different versions, ingredients and sauces added to create a variety of taste and flavors.

Is a luau a buffet?

Are Luaus Buffets or Sit-Down Dinners? The food at most luaus is served buffet-style, which tends to be more popular with guests. A few, such as Luau Kalamaku on Kauai, do offer an option for a sit-down dinner.

What are some good side dishes to serve at a luau?

1. White Rice: Plain white rice is a traditional side dish for a wide range of authentic Hawaiian meals. Don’t forget to provide a big bowl of white rice for your next luau party. The Hawaiian meatballs and even the huli huli chicken above are wonderful served on top a pile of fresh white rice.

What is the Hawaiian way of cooking pork?

1. Kalua Pua`a: This is roast pork, and the traditional Hawaiian method of cooking it is slowly. A whole pig, or large pieces of pork, is slow-cooked in an underground oven called an imu.

What is plate lunch?

8. Plate Lunch: When you put together a scoop or two each of white rice and macaroni salad and add a side of pork, chicken, or other meat, you get the plate lunch, a dish that’s as common to Hawai`i as macadamia nuts and aloha shirts. In Hawaii, you can get this simple-but-satisfying dish just about anywhere, in an infinite range of variations—from food trucks to drive-ins to restaurants. But while it’s called a plate lunch, there’s no reason you can’t serve these plates at an evening luau too.

Is it a good time to have a luau?

Summer is a great time for a luau and all that delicious food can make you feel like you’re on the sands of Hawai`i! But really, any time can be the right time for a luau. Even if cool weather forces you and your guests indoors, the enticing flavors and aromas of Hawaiian party food will keep everyone feeling warm and welcomed. If you’re planning a Hawaiian luau party and aren’t sure what food to serve for a luau, try these ideas to keep guests well fed and having a great time.

What to decorate for a luau party?

Luau party decor includes fun elements like flamingos, palm trees, tiki torches, and floral leis. Start by deciding where and how you want to host your luau party.

What to put on luau table?

Other luau party decorations include seashells and surfboards. Look for table covers that feature tropical elements like palm trees or flowers from Hawaii. Dot the table with seashells and starfish decor for a beachy vibe. You can even use a surfboard as a table by propping it up on two small end tables. Alternatively, a surfboard makes a great prop if you’re having a photo booth.

What can I use to decorate a tiki bar?

You can also use diced pieces of fruit to adorn the trays and serving dishes. An uncut pineapple makes a perfect centerpiece, and a raffia skirt is ideal as a table skirt or decorative addition to a tiki bar.

What to serve at a tropical party?

You can also serve up grilled fruit skewers featuring pineapple and peaches.

What to wear to a luau?

Encourage guests to sport their best Hawaiian shirt or vacation attire . Hula skirts, grass skirts, and flip-flops are perfect for tropical parties. Floral dresses and brightly colored suits are a great way for guests to get in the spirit of a more formal luau event.

What is luaus food?

Traditionally, luaus include foods like poke (a raw fish dish), poi (a starchy paste made from taro), and haupia (a sweet coconut dessert). The meal typically centers around a Kalua pig, which is a pig roasted in an underground oven.

What to use for a birthday party?

For a child’s birthday party, you can use napkins and paper plates featuring the beloved Polynesian character Moana. For an adult event, look for serving ware with flowers, bright colors, and other tropical elements. You can also use diced pieces of fruit to adorn the trays and serving dishes.

How to make Hawaiian Punch?

Instructions. At least 8 hours in advance, put the lemon lime soda, pineapple juice, and Hawaiian Punch in the refrigerator or a cooler with ice to chill. When ready to serve combine all ingredients in a large 5 gallon Igloo cooler or large glass dispenser. Stir to combine the juices and ginger ale.

What is the Hawaiian game of ulu maika?

ʻUlu maika is a traditional ancient Hawaiian game, similar to lawn bowling or horseshoes, requiring concentration and coordination. It was played as part of the festivities of the Makahiki season and used to demonstrate a boy’s strength and accuracy. Similar to bowling, ‘ulu maika involves rolling disk-shaped stones (often made from basalt lava or coral and similar in size and shape to a hockey puck), down a kahua, a course of flattened ground 90 to 120 feet long. The goal was to roll the stone between two wooden pegs standing only several inches apart without hitting either one of them. Sometimes in tournaments, the aim was to see who could roll the stones the farthest. Still played today in Hawaii to remember ancient tradition, ‘ulu maika reminds us how easy it is to create simple outdoor fun for all ages to enjoy.

What does Ku'u Lei mean?

Be sure and listen to Ku’u Lei Lu’u Ipo and Ka Uluwehi O Ke Kai by Hapa. “Ku’u lei” literally means “my lei ”, and it’s a metaphorical way to refer to your beloved. Ku’u is an affectionate form of ko’u or ka’u and means ‘my’ in the Hawaiian language. Ipo means sweetheart, darling, or my love.

How to chill pineapple punch?

At least 8 hours in advance, put the pineapple juice, Hawaiian Punch and Ginger Ale in the refrigerator or a cooler with ice to chill. When ready to serve combine all ingredients in a large 5 gallon Igloo cooler or large glass dispenser. Stir to combine the juices and ginger ale. The sherbet will melt over time and continue to flavor and chill the punch.

Why is it important to have printed material at a party?

Just like it’s important to create a sense of excitement and place with the entry to your house, your printed material helps set the stage for your party and starts everyone’s tiki juices flowing. Let’s turn up the excitement and give everyone their first hint of just how great a party this is going to be!

Do you need a tiki bar?

You ABSOLUTELY MUST have a Tiki Bar. It can be as simple or as outrageous as you want, but you have to have one. Check back soon – I’m adding the step-by-step instructions to build one.

Do cheoreagraph parties have to be fun?

I don’t tend to cheoreagraph parties too much. It’s better to have a range of fun activities going on around the party area and let folks pick and choose what looks fun to them. Here are my Proven Luau Winners.

What is luau party?

It is one of the most traditional festive events that convey the authentic vibe of Hawaiian people. Typically, these parties include a feast and conventional forms of entertainment such as games, dancing shows, art demonstrations, ...

How much does a luau cost?

A wide range of cost for a luau is introduced by the island authority and tourism agencies, with a minimum fee of about $100/adult. For children under 13 years old, the cost should decrease to the point of $60/child. Additional fees are free for children under 6 years old.

How did the Royal Luau feast work?

To cook food, they used the imu - an underground oven. It contained heated rocks for several hours to accumulate the temperature and create a layer of steam inside. After that, the food would be added and sealed until becoming edible.

What is the name of the oven used to cook luau food?

A luau party is often held by the beach nowadays. As mentioned above, luau foods including pigs and taros should be cooked in an underground oven called an imu. These are still applied in modern times to retain its original tradition and atmosphere.

What is the Hawaiian feast called?

These feasts were originally called a “pāʻina” or “ahaʻaina” - an old Hawaiian ritual held to preserve and enhance the collective unity of people in town. It can be regarded as a social gathering to celebrate a significant life event, such as war victory, tribal achievement, and new canoe launching.

Why do people wear Hawaiian shirts?

Everyone likes and wears Hawaiian shirts, for which the reason is very simple: They are highlighted with eye-catching decoration, comfortable and easy to pair with shorts or trousers, enough to rid the wearers of boring daily outfits and adapt a dressy style in just minutes.

How many pigs were needed for a luaus?

One of the most well-known luaus was hosted by King Kamehameha III in 1847, requiring approximately 270 pigs, 3100 saltwater fish, 1800 freshwater fish, 2245 coconuts, 4000 taro plants,...