Costumes & Accessories (12) / Party Supplies (50)

Hawaiian Luau Party

Table of contents

Introduction

Historically called a "paina" or "ahaaina", the "luau" is a more recent term that was used by the Pacific Commercial Advertiser in 1856 and comes from one of the traditional foods. This dish was typically served at such an event and was made from taro tops baked in coconut milk with chicken or octopus.

 

Today the word "luau" inspires a sense of anticipation of good times to come for all those who are invited. After all, even the Hawaiians use the term to denote a party. Yet for such a party to be successful and to be deemed a true "luau" there are certain elements that needed to be present. These included Hawaiian or Polynesian dancing as well as certain traditional Hawaiian dishes which historically consisted of seafood, pork, chicken, dog, coconuts etc. Tough you needn't worry as eating dog is now illegal in Hawaii. You may also be surprised to know that alcohol was usually forbidden at these public events... but that has changed too as times moved on.

 

Below you'll find tips on how to create your very own Hawaiian Luau party invitations as well as tips on decorations, party favors and, perhaps most important of all, activities and foods that will prove to make your party unforgettable.

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Hawaiian Luau Party Invitations

Creating Hawaiian Luau party invitations should not only be extremely easy but also fun to make. Below you’ll find a couple of ideas suited to the purpose to ensure that your guests know they’ll be in for the time of their life. And just before we get started, the following details are those that should be included in your invitation:

  • Party Name: Give your party a fitting name, for example “Lee’s Luau Blowout”

  • Salutation: An example here would be “Dear Simon & Jane”

  • Date & Time

  • Venue/Location

  • Dress Code

  • Contact Details

  • Additional information…

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Hawaiian Leis

The word "Lei" is Hawaiian for "wreath" and consists of object strung together that can be worn around the neck. For the purposes of this invitation, we’ll use flowers as those objects to be strung together as they are the most widely known throughout the world.

 

For those who don’t want to make their own leis, you’ll be able to purchase them off the internet or in retailers that stock them. For those who choose to make their own, read on below.

 

To make a lei you’ll typically need string, however bear in mind that the Hawaiians didn’t have the string we use today. Instead, they used plant fibers such as softened tree bark or leaves. Additionally, they used a variety of techniques to construct their leis, which included the haku, hili, nipu'u, humu, kui, wili and haku mele techniques.

 

For the purposes of your party, however, you'll be able to use whatever you see fit. Think about combining strings of taffeta with beaded strings or anything else you can think of. Once you've got the idea, it is time to get your hands on some flowers. Do take note that it might be best to purchase plastic or synthetic flowers as these won't wilt where as actual flowers will. For additional aesthetic effect, consider getting some seashells too.

 

Once you have everything, simply braid the strings together, fixing the flowers and shells into each wrap of the braid.

 

Now that your lei is finished, all you'll need to do is create an elegant little paper invitation to go with the lei. To ensure that your guests will be able to use their leis at your party, tie the invitation to the lei with a bit of light string or gauze.

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The Luau Coconut

For the purposes of the Luau Coconut invitation, all you’ll need… are coconuts, which you’ll be able to purchase from your local fruit & vegetable store. You’ll need about half the amount of coconuts for the number of guests you are expecting.

 

To start off you’ll need to cut/saw the coconuts in half. Once that’s done, hollow out the insides, taking care to keep the flesh and milk of the fruits as these are not only healthy, but will be used with luau dishes.

 

Once your coconut halves are dry, you’ll want to either write or burn (using a magnifying glass or having it done professionally) the details of the luau in the hollow inner shell.

 

The next step will require you to get your hands on some synthetic flowers as well as shells. These will then be glued around the opening of the coconut half to supply it with a bit of color and aesthetic appeal.

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The Luau Savory Leaf

The Luau Savory Leaf is an invitation with oodles of appeal, especially for those who like savory foods.

 

So, to get started, you’ll need a couple of big natural tropical leaves as well as savory foods of your choice for each of your guests.

 

Got everything? Good! Because all you’ll need to do now is to wrap your intended guests’ food in the leaves and fasten it with a bit of twine. Once that’s done, create a couple of custom Luau paper party invitations with all the details of the party. Although you can do this in any way you choose, we’ve found that a small piece of parchment will do the trick. Ensure that you write the details of the party in a classic Hawaiian font.

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Hawaiian Luau Party Dress Code

The classic Hawaiian party’s dress code simply refers to grass skirts, Hawaiian shirts, leis and, should you find it appropriate, coconut bras for the women.

 

But as this is the 21st century and times change, you’ll find that modern day Hawaiians also wear normal bikinis and board shorts.

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Hawaiian Luau Party Decorations

As to the decoration of your Hawaiian here are a couple of things you’ll need to get your hands on to make your party as authentic as possible:

  • Tropical flowers and plants for the decoration of hallways, tables and that area where most of your guest will convene.

  • Palm trees make for the most ideal tropical scenery though we are not all privileged enough to be able to afford them. That being said, you can either purchase a couple of fake ones or, should the need arise, just get your hands on a couple of inflatable palm trees.

  • The people of Hawaii are also great fishermen, which means that fishing nets weren’t short in supply. Hang some from your ceiling for that added Luau effect.

  • Tiki torches can be used to create that ultimate island feel with which to impress your guests.

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Hawaiian Luau Party Guest Arrival & Announcement

As everyone generally just pitched up at a Luau, there isn’t really any need to make a formal announcement as your guests arrive – it will suffice to introduce them to each other. Though if you really have your mind set on making an announcement, here’s a line that always works (though keep in mind to change the names and the location to those of you actual guests):

 

“Ladies and Gentlemen, please welcome Mr. & Mrs. Granger from New York”

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Hawaiian Luau Party Favors

As for Luau party favors, just use your imagination and construct anything with a tropical feel that comes to mind. Have a look at the invitations listed above as some of them will make exceptionally good party favors if you haven’t used them already.


In addition, consider using any of the following for that ultimate luau keepsake:

  • grass skirts

  • sarongs

  • Hawaiian cups

  • Tiki statuettes

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Hawaiian Luau Party Activities

Believe it or not, but this is the part of the party that your guests look forward to most. As such, we’ve listed a couple of activities that you’ll all be able to enjoy the whole night long.

Dancing

You can’t have a Hawaiian luau without some traditional dancing. Get your hands on a CD of Hawaiian music or, if you are really that good, get your ukulele out and start to play!

 

The traditional Hawaiian dance is called a “hula” and is usually accompanied by a song, called a “mele”. The dance itself should act out the contents of the mele, but for the sake of your party, we’re sure your guests will be able to come up with their own versions.

 

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Limbo Dancing

Still keeping with dancing, but in a form that everyone will know… limbo! This is actually a dance native to the Caribbean island of Trinidad, but is nevertheless compulsory with all custom tropical festivities.

 

And if you don’t know how it works, then here’s a short explanation:

 

Get your hands on a three poles, each at least five to six feet long. Affix small pegs or hooks on exactly the same places on two of the poles (about half a foot apart) – these will be used to support the third pole.

 

When all’s done, firmly drive the two hooked poles exactly the same distance into the ground. Once that’s done take the third pole and rest it on the hooks/pegs of either pole so that it is supported horizontally in the air.

 

The fun starts when the music starts as your guests will have to attempt to bend over backwards to dance underneath the pole without touching it. Those who touch the pole, are out. Once all those left in the game have had a chance to dance below the pole, move it down to a lower hook and let them go again. This should continue until only one guest remains, who then automatically becomes the limbo champion.

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Volleyball

Well, the name says it all. Get your beach volleyball set either from retailers on the internet or from your local sports merchant. This is an activity in which everyone can partake and is a source of great fun and laughter.

Coconut Bowling

Coconut bowling is an immensely fun event and is exactly like tenpin bowling except for the fact that there’s a slight twist: instead of a bowling ball, you’ll be using a coconut. And as for the pins… well, empty bottles or cans should do – though when using glass bottles, keep in mind that they might break, so it’s best to use a couple of plastic bottles filled with sand.

 

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Food & Drink

This is perhaps the most important part of a Hawaiian Luau, next to dancing of course. To add to your decorations, serve these as a buffet in the traditional island style.

 

Traditional Hawaiian Luau Dishes: Poi, kulolo, laulau, rice, opihi, kalua pig, huapia, lomilomi salmon.

Should you require recipes for any of these dishes, simply browse on the internet or pop down to your local bookstore.

 

In terms of suitable drinks, we all know “Kalua” though it has to be said that most modern luaus also have beer, wines and all other types of liquor available.

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