How to Host a Luau

Bringing a festive Hawaiian atmosphere to your party can keep the mood light and keep the party guests happy. Whether you're celebrating an employment milestone or just throwing a spontaneous get-together, hosting a luau can make your party stand out from the long list of barbecues and potlucks. Let creativity be your guide to make the most of this tropical party theme.

Things You'll Need

• Hawaiian music Beach attire Tropical decorations Leis Lanterns Hawaiian dishes

Instructions

1. Play Hawaiian music from classic artists such as Gabby Pahinui and contemporary artists such as Maunalua. Adding Hawaiian music brings tropical flair to your gathering and can inspire the crowd to hula the night away. Consider hiring a live Hawaiian band to import even more of an authentic Hawaiian atmosphere.

2. Require festive Hawaiian attire. Ask guests to come dressed in beach attire to make your luau even more fun. Acceptable clothing items include khaki shorts, flowered shirts and straw hats. Greet each luau guest with a ceremonial lei. Give out awards to the best-dressed party-goers to encourage maximum participation.

3. Serve popular food and drinks. A menu of staple dishes like chicken adobo, roasted pineapples and guava cake will let your guests sample authentic Hawaiian cuisine. Make fresh fruit platters from coconuts, mangoes and papayas. Set up a kebab-making station to let each guest individualize his tasting experience.

4. Use tropical-themed decorations. Items like palm trees, sand and flowers can transform any backyard into the perfect luau spot. Make centerpieces from coconut shells and plastic flowers. Sprinkle seashells throughout the party area to bring the beach to your luau. Light lanterns, candles and torches throughout the party scene to mimic authentic Hawaiian luaus.

5. Engage your guests with classic luau games. Conduct a tiki torch-lit limbo contest to entertain your luau guests. Play a game of beach volleyball to capture even more Hawaiian spirit. Host a hula contest to let your guests show off their dance moves. These classic events will make any luau more inviting.

Tips & Warnings

• Greet your luau guests with authentic Hawaiian gestures and phrases. Attend a hula dancing class before your luau to be the life of the party. Luaus are best enjoyed outside. Pay attention to the weather to avoid a rain-soaked event. You can still enjoy classic drinks like mai tais without the alcohol.

• Avoid making your luau events too rigid. The best luaus feature a mix of spontaneous and planned activities.

Resources

• Hawaii Music Island: Music covering many genres
• University of Hawaii: Authentic recipes
• Oriental Trading Company: Discount party decorations