A Hawaiian luau is the perfect party idea theme for a summer beach or home party, or a fun event for a large group of teens, senior citizens, family members, friends or anyone up for some fun with the feeling of a Hawaiian vacation without having buy tickets from an airline. Everyone will "hang loose" (relax) as they have fun in a festive party atmosphere full of color, pleasant Hawaiian music and a feeling of Aloha.
Hawaiian Dance or Party Invitations
Buy or make luau invitations with an island, beach, tiki, or other appropriate theme. Request guests wear Hawaiian print shirts or bright colored clothing. Straw hats are also fun. For a pool or beach party, remind everyone to bring swimsuits, towels, sunscreen and such.
Aloha!
Aloha in Hawaii means many things, including hello, goodbye, welcome and a general feeling of friendship. Guests should be greeted at the door with an "Aloha," a smile, and a flower or shell lei (Hawaiian necklace). Leis may be purchased at party stores. On a budget? Paper flowers may be strung with or without beads to make necklaces.
Making or buying a few signs with the word Aloha on them will add to the feeling of warmth and friendship.
Decorations for a Luau Party or Dance
There are plenty of luau decor items at party stores beginning in Spring. Products to add fun are:
- Tiki lantern lights
- Grass skirts for tables
- Hawaiian flower designs on just about everything
- A real or pretend fire pit
- Palm tree cutouts or blow-ups
- Hawaiian maps
- Fish cut-outs strung from above with fishing line
- Green and blue "seaweed" streamers twisted and hung around the area
- Color, color, color
- Surfboards: they make great accents or even serving tables
Food and Drink for a Luau
Food can be as authentic as the host/hostess prefers. For ideas of true luau foods, see Hawaiian Luau Visitors' Trip Tips.
A few meal ideas are:
- Pineapple and other tropical fruit chunks or salads
- Grilled fish or pork
- Tropical punch is a fun choice for kids. Consider adding drink umbrellas or party picks
- If one wants to get fancy, skewered fruit cubes can be set into tall drinks
- Canned drinks are easiest and may be put in a big bucket or children's pool full of ice
Hawaiian Luau Activities
Have a few fun games to interject into the dancing and conversation. Some luau party activities might include:
- A limbo contest
- A hula lesson and/or contest
- A Hawaii trivia game
- A coconut relay race
- A "most authentic costume" award
- Playing a Hawaiian Elvis or Gidget movie
Also set up a pleasant Hawaiian lush tropical corner for photo opportunities.
If it's in the budget, hiring some real hula or Island dancers to put on a show would be a real highlight.
Be sure to stock up on Hawaiian music CDs (search online for ideas). For a party or dance for teens, the Hawaiian music should be mixed up with some good dance songs.
More information may be found on the website Hawaiian Vacations - Hawaii Information - Aloha
Other articles related to Hawaii include Franko's Hawaiian Maps: A Business Success, and Hawaiian Real Dirt Shirts.
The library will have books on Hawaii for more inspiration.
Janienne Jennrich - Janienne Jennrich, Topic Editor for Kids & Teen Parties and for Hair, is an award-winning freelance writer & webmaster.
