Festive Ideas for Planning a Perfect Luau
All the Ingredients You Need for a Tropical Tiki Bash
Luaus and tropical-themed parties have been the most popular theme for backyard parties since the post-World War II era, when returning soldiers tried to recreate the exotic look and feel of faraway islands they had served in or seen during the war. When Hawaii became the United States' 50th state, island fever was all the rage.
There's something about a balmy evening, palm trees blowing in the breeze, the shake of a grass skirt, intoxicating scent of flowers, and the beat of Polynesian music that loosens up your guests and gets everyone in a good mood.
From decorations and menus to attire and music, we've got all of the ingredients you'll need for the perfect luau.
Planning the Luau
What goes into planning a luau? It's more than buying some plastic leis from the party store. For starters, you might want to buy a copy of a book like Retro Luau: Planning the Perfect Polynesian Party by Richard Perry.
Start planning the party several weeks in advance, if possible. That way, you can give yourself time to create a guest list, develop a menu, shop for decorations, clean the house, and get the yard looking as close to a paradise as possible.
Invitations should be sent out at least a few weeks in advance. Don't feel pinned down to calling your event a luau: tiki bar party, Hawaiian party, tropical party, or any variation will work.
Planning the Luau Menu
You can go purely authentic or try colorful and fruity tropical-inspired recipes, depending on the ages and willingness of your crowd.
Decorating Your Yard for the Luau
If you already have tropical landscaping -- palm trees, hibiscus, cannas, etc. -- then your backyard might be a natural setting for a luau party. If not, you'll need to get creative. But that's part of the fun. From tikis to treasures to trinkets, take a look at our decorating ideas for a fabulous luau
What to Wear to a Luau
As a host of a backyard luau, you set the tone for the mood of the party. Leave the pink polo and deck shoes for your office's Casual Friday, and hunt around for a festive Hawaiian shirt or coconut bra and grass skirt? Check out this slideshow that explores the fun and fabulous tropical-themed attire that really sets the stage for the luau.
Entertainment, Games, and Activities at the Luau
Planning games and activities around a tropical theme can be easy, once you start researching and really getting into it. Luaus are festive, fun, and involve guests of all ages and personalities. Aim for things that everyone can do.
The first thing that comes to mind when planning the lighting for a luau is fire, or more specifically, tiki torches. Depending on the ages and anticipated behavior of the partygoers, you might want to consider a safer alternative to an open flame, like Tiki-themed solar lighting or LEDs.
How to Use Tiki Torches
The late Israel "Bruddah IZ" Kamakawiwo'ole is famous for his beautiful medley of "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" from The Wizard of Oz and Louis Armstrong's "What A Wonderful World."
Luaus and tropical-themed parties have been the most popular theme for backyard parties since the post-World War II era, when returning soldiers tried to recreate the exotic look and feel of faraway islands they had served in or seen during the war. When Hawaii became the United States' 50th state, island fever was all the rage.
There's something about a balmy evening, palm trees blowing in the breeze, the shake of a grass skirt, intoxicating scent of flowers, and the beat of Polynesian music that loosens up your guests and gets everyone in a good mood.
From decorations and menus to attire and music, we've got all of the ingredients you'll need for the perfect luau.
Planning the Luau
What goes into planning a luau? It's more than buying some plastic leis from the party store. For starters, you might want to buy a copy of a book like Retro Luau: Planning the Perfect Polynesian Party by Richard Perry.
Start planning the party several weeks in advance, if possible. That way, you can give yourself time to create a guest list, develop a menu, shop for decorations, clean the house, and get the yard looking as close to a paradise as possible.
Invitations should be sent out at least a few weeks in advance. Don't feel pinned down to calling your event a luau: tiki bar party, Hawaiian party, tropical party, or any variation will work.
Planning the Luau Menu
You can go purely authentic or try colorful and fruity tropical-inspired recipes, depending on the ages and willingness of your crowd.
- Kalua Pig Recipe
- Hawaiian Grilling: From Local Foods to the Luau
- Shrimp on Sugar Cane Skewers
- Hawaiian Foods for Your Holiday Cookout
- Hawaiian Tropical Drinks
- Luau Food and Recipes
- Pina Colada Recipe
- Recipe for Lava Flow Drink
Decorating Your Yard for the Luau
If you already have tropical landscaping -- palm trees, hibiscus, cannas, etc. -- then your backyard might be a natural setting for a luau party. If not, you'll need to get creative. But that's part of the fun. From tikis to treasures to trinkets, take a look at our decorating ideas for a fabulous luau
What to Wear to a Luau
As a host of a backyard luau, you set the tone for the mood of the party. Leave the pink polo and deck shoes for your office's Casual Friday, and hunt around for a festive Hawaiian shirt or coconut bra and grass skirt? Check out this slideshow that explores the fun and fabulous tropical-themed attire that really sets the stage for the luau.
Entertainment, Games, and Activities at the Luau
Planning games and activities around a tropical theme can be easy, once you start researching and really getting into it. Luaus are festive, fun, and involve guests of all ages and personalities. Aim for things that everyone can do.
- Tropical-themed games: Conch-blowing, conga lines, and coconut bocce ball.
- How to make a lei necklace: A fun project for children, but adults can help!
- Hula hoop games and activities: Just how much fun can you get out of a hula hoop? Find out.
The first thing that comes to mind when planning the lighting for a luau is fire, or more specifically, tiki torches. Depending on the ages and anticipated behavior of the partygoers, you might want to consider a safer alternative to an open flame, like Tiki-themed solar lighting or LEDs.
How to Use Tiki Torches
The late Israel "Bruddah IZ" Kamakawiwo'ole is famous for his beautiful medley of "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" from The Wizard of Oz and Louis Armstrong's "What A Wonderful World."
- The Top 7 Israel "IZ" Kamakawlwo'ole Albums
- Music Ideas for a Hawaiian Luau
- Country Music Goes Hawaiian
- Elvis: Blue Hawaii
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