Aloha! As summer brings sunny days, we can’t help but get excited about outdoor entertaining! One of our favorite parties that’s perfect for a backyard bash is the luau. No matter if you live beach-side, lakeside, poolside, or in a landlocked locale, a luau is a great family party that men and women, boys and girls, will all enjoy. If you’re thinking about throwing a luau, then check out these party planning tips, as well as our luau party supplies!
Luau Decorations
- Incorporate as many bright colors as you can. Chartreuse, bright pink, aqua blue, and canary yellow are all perfect for a luau.
- Dress up your tables with grass skirts! Include natural elements like the woven place mats and buckets of tropical lilies, as shown in the tablescape above.
- Hang a piece of tropical-patterned fabric behind the food table and cut and string together leis to make a festive garland to hang.
- Surround the perimeter of the party area with tiki torches to light once the sun goes down.
- Don’t forget some music for ambiance! Make a playlist of Hawaiian tunes, including the popular Israel Kamakawiwo’ole, and beachy regaee and steel drum music.
- Check out our luau room decor for a large assortment of luau decorations! Palm trees, fish, parrots, tiki huts, tropical drinks, flamingos, and tropical blooms are just a few of the motifs you’ll find!
Luau Food
- Serve Hawaiian-inspired fare at your luau! Begin by getting out the grill and making your guests kabobs. Pork, pineapple, and red onion kabobs marinated in soy sauce, brown sugar, sherry, sesame oil, ginger, and garlic powder are authentic and delicious! Serve it all on our tropical serving items, which include trays and bowls to match your luau decor.
- For another main course, heat up a slowcooker of Polynesian chicken and serve it over white rice.
- Serve the party drinks in hollowed out coconuts and pineapples for a fun touch. Adults will enjoy pina coladas, mojitos, and mai tais, while kids will love Hawaiian ice. Check out our tropical barware for a fun collection of coconut cups, drink umbrellas, and flamingo stir sticks. Å’kålè ma’luna (cheers)!
- For dessert, bake a pineapple upsidedown cake and also serve a fresh fruit salad that’s full of favorite tropical fruits.
Luau Activities
- Dressing up is a must at any luau. Check out our collection of party leis, grass skirts, and other wearables to help your guests dress the part. Don’t forget to take photos!
- If you can, a really fun activity is to hire some hula dancers to put on a demonstration and maybe even teach your guests some moves.
- While the limbo actually originated in Trinidad and Tobago, it’s often associated with Hawaiian luaus and would make a fun activity for your guests. Also check out our Hawaiian luau party games for more ideas!
- If the party is by the pool or on the water, your guests will love swimming and sunbathing. If no water or pool are available, set out water games and toys for the kids.
- When the sun goes down, light a bonfire and keep the party going!
At the end of your luau, send your guests home with some fun luau party favors. We’re especially fond of these coconut candles, which will keep your guests dreaming of the tropics long after the party!
What are your favorite luau party ideas?