How to Select Music for a Luau Party

Select the right party music and your guests will feel relaxed and ready to groove. Luau music should be Hawaiian in genre, but not every song needs to have a ukulele playing in it. Anything that gets your guests swaying their hips like a group of dashboard hula dolls is perfect.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Entertainment system
• Various CDs

Get Your Luau Hopping With a Mixture of Music

1. Think outside the box to get a good party play-list. Vintage classics such as Elvis' "Blue Hawaii" and Don Ho's "Tiny Bubbles" are legendary crowd favorites.
2. Play high-energy, throw-your-arms-up-into-the-air, boogie-down dance music. Search online for CDs that have compilations of 70s and 80s TV theme songs. Your guests can go step back in time to childhood favorites when the Hawaiian melodies start getting stale.
3. Keep the music playing even if the luau is ending. Attempt to shift the sounds to something a little quieter, a little more laid-back, without putting your guests to sleep. Look for the soothing sultry vocals of Norah Jones or Joss Stone to play during the final hour.
4. Search online for music from popular Hawaiian groups such as Hapa and Cazimero. Their deep island roots are obvious and their music will warm your heart and lift your spirits.

Know the Advantages of Hiring a Band

5. Look for a live band to entertain your guests. Plan ahead of time to get the best availability, as summer dates book up quickly. Select a band that is well rehearsed in many styles of music. Ask ahead of time to ensure they can play luau themed music.
6. Get a unique island flavor by hiring a steel drum band. The unmistakeable harmonically melodic tones are sure to bring exciting, rhythmic sounds to your luau.
7. Consider how much you're willing to spend on music. Also think about what you and your guests will enjoy.
8. Understand that some guests won't dance, but they enjoy watching musicians perform. A band may also give musically talented guests a select chance to join in.

Tips & Warnings

• Play a variety of slow and fast music so that all of your guests have a chance to dance. Keep in mind that some people only feel comfortable shuffling to slow songs.
• Make sure you have enough space for your guests to meander around. Filling up a small backyard with a 10-piece band may not be the best space plan. Opt for a smaller ensemble if live music is a must.

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