Luau Party Planning: Top 10 Do’s and Don’ts to Put Together Your Tropical Hawaiian Theme Party
Invite your guests to a luau themed party and they will automatically assume it will be lively, memorable and fun. Don’t let them down! Here are ten dos and don’ts for planning a tropical celebration that will ensure your event is a crowd pleaser.
1. YES creates a Polynesian atmosphere with tiki torches, seashells, raffia skirts around the tables, flowers and palm trees (real, imitation or inflatable). You can use items you already have, like beach umbrellas, boogie boards, and an ice-filled kiddie pool for drinks. Then look at party supply stores for more tropical decorative touches.
2. But DON’T go crazy trying to make it authentic. After all, you’re not staging a bona fide luau for a major island hotel. You don’t have to hire Hawaiian fire dancers or have a pig roast to make it a great party.
3. DON’T forget to let your guests know that they should wear clothing that fits a luau theme. You can suggest Hawaiian shirts, sundresses, shorts, straw hats, and even bathing suits, if it’s a pool party.
4. DO have a few extra Hawaiian shirts ready for guests who couldn’t find a tropical outfit. You can get them at stores like Walmart late in the season for just a few bucks, or you can try a thrift store.
5. Greet your guests with a flower necklace. When you welcome everyone to your luau in this way, you set the mood for the entire party. You don’t have to spend a lot of money buying fresh garlands imported from the islands. There are beautiful silk flower imitations available. Even the cheap plastic variety would be acceptable for a casual event. You may also want to have shell or kukui nut flower necklaces for men who prefer not to wear flowers. Of course, the guest of honor should stand out by wearing one that is different from the others.
6. Also PROVIDE real or artificial flowers for guests to wear in their hair. Here is the Hawaiian tradition. If you are in a relationship, place the flower behind your left ear, which is closest to your heart. If available, the flower should be placed behind the right ear.
7. DO NOT spend a lot of money on Hawaiian CDs for background music. First, check your public library. They have a wide range of music available to borrow for anyone with a library card.
8. DO include some activities with a tropical theme. Provide hula lessons and you’ll get a lot of laughs. You can find an instructional video or splurge for a real teacher.
Offer your guests a name tag printed with their name translated into the Hawaiian language. There are many websites with this information. Encourage everyone to refer to each other by their Polynesian names.
You can play “gather the leis”. At the beginning of the party, he announces that there is a word that is taboo. Think of a common word that people are very likely to slip up and say, such as plate, ice, music, drink, etc. Every time a person makes the mistake of saying that word, he must hand over his lei to the guest he was talking to. Whoever has the most garlands at the end of the party wins a prize.
9. Do NOT feel like you have to limit the menu to roast pork and poi. You can serve pupu plates of Polynesian-inspired appetizers. For a main course, how about teriyaki chicken, coconut shrimp, sweet and sour pork, or ham and pineapple skewers? Provide plenty of tropical fruit. And if you’re adventurous, you might want to try making an erupting volcano cake.
10. DO consider sending your guests home with Hawaiian luau themed favors. End the party with a little keepsake to thank each person for sharing in this special occasion. It will be a good reminder for them of all the fun.
A Hawaiian luau themed party is easy to throw and hugely entertaining. Just follow these tips to create a festive, tropical celebration. It just takes a little effort, but the memories will last a lifetime.