Throw the Perfect Luau with Hawaiian Party Ideas

Yay, Hawaii! I can just imagine the food, the smell of the flowers, the wind in my face, and the sun! But I’m getting ahead of myself.

We’re having a Luau Party! Yes, in the backyard! Summer is the perfect time to throw a Luau for your friends and family. The warm weather and sunny days will set the scene. Add Hawaiian decorations, tropics inspired food, and bulk candy in coconut, pineapple, and banana flavors to make your guests feel like they’re in the tropics.

Excuse me? What is a Luau?

I thought you’d never ask. A luau is a traditional Hawaiian party or feast that is usually accompanied by entertainment. Among people from Hawaiʻi, the concepts of “luau” and “party” are often blended, resulting in graduation luau, wedding luau and birthday luau.

Whether you’re celebrating a birthday or just hosting a family get-together, these easy ideas and tips will make your Hawaiian party a success.

Decorate your yard

Luau’s are traditionally outdoor events, so the backyard is the place to party. String lanterns between the trees or light some tiki torches. In addition to setting the right mood, tiki torches can help repel bugs if you use citronella infused torch fuel.

Cover a table with a bright decorative table cloth and put together this easy tropical centerpiece.

What you’ll need:

• A pineapple
• Flowers (real or fabric)
• Shells
• Bamboo placemat

Set the bamboo placemat in the middle of the table. Then set the pineapple on top. Arrange flowers and shells around the base of the pineapple. For an extra special display, set flowers between the leaves of the pineapple as well.

Prepare Hawaiian-Inspired Food

Guests love Hawaiian inspired food and drinks. Make easy Pulled Pork Sandwiches for your main course. Complement those with a light and tasty fruit salad filled with pineapple, kiwi, mango and melon.

Mix up some fruit punch, and don’t forget the tiny umbrellas.

Make your own Leis

Leis are a Hawaiian tradition. In Hawaii, people give each other leis as an expression of affection or a sign of welcome. Show your guests you like them by making your own flower leis.

For a fun party activity, provide supplies and let them customize their own.

What you’ll need:

• Fabric flowers or petals
• Needles
• Fishing Line or thread

Cut about 45” of string. Thread it through the needle and tie a knot in the opposite end. Carefully push the needle through one flower at a time until you’ve filled the strand. When you’re done, tie the ends of the string together to complete your lei.

For tips on making a fresh flower lei visit this site.

Tropical Candy Party Favors

No party is complete without candy. Sweeten up your luau with bulk candy in pineapple, banana and coconut flavors. The classic taste of a Coconut Longboy will transport adult guests back to childhood, and kids will love Big Slice Pineapple pops.

For a cute party favor guests will love, create a candy pineapple.

What you’ll need:

• Jam jars (one per guest)
• Jelly beans
• Green paper
• Green Paint
• Scissors
• Hot glue gun

How to make them:

1. Fill jam jars with yellow jelly beans in your favorite flavor.
2. Paint the covers of each jar with green paint. Let dry.
3. Cut 8 to 10 long thin leaf shapes for each jar.
4. Make a fold at the bottom of each leaf.
5. Glue 8 to 10 leaves to the cover of each jar.
6. Screw covers onto jars.

Give them to delighted guests as they leave your Hawaiian party. It’s a sweet treat that guests will remember long after the party ends.