Tropical drinks served in coconuts add ambiance to luaus.
Luaus are celebratory feasts in Hawaii, and are thrown for tourists to the islands. However, you do not have to travel to Hawaii for a luau -- throw one in your own backyard. The decorations, food, music and clothes can be kitschy or traditional, depending on your preference. Does this Spark an idea?
Decorations
Start your decorating by choosing an outdoor location. Traditional luaus are held outdoors on the beach at twilight. A large, indoor room can do in a pinch. Set up tiki torches around the party area. Set up a thatched grass roof over the bar and buffet areas and skirt the table with grass skirting. In a pinch, string kitschy tropical banners around your party area with silhouettes of hula dancers and pineapples. On the walls, hang travel maps of Hawaii and beach towels.
Food
The food served at a luau is an integral part of the entertainment. A whole pig roasted in the ground might be difficult to accomplish in a backyard, but you can substitute a cooked ham, cut into slices. Serve fresh pineapple and poi, if available. Poi is a traditional luau favorite made from mashed taro root. Mai tais are offered to guests at Hawaiian luaus, but a tropical fruit punch should also be offered for those who don't drink alcohol. Pina coladas can be served in coconut shells with drink umbrellas for a drink that incorporates two tropical fruits -- pineapple and coconut.
Entertainment
For entertainment, hire fire breathers or hula dancers. Some dancers will offer brief lessons in hula to the luau guests. Set up a limbo bar and put on tropical music. Provide hula hoops for the guests to stand in for hula lessons. A water balloon toss or tug of war are not traditional activities for a luau, but they are outdoor party games suggested for a retro luau in the book "Retro Luau: Planning the Perfect Polynesian Party."
Clothes
The clothing is as much a part of the fun as the activities. A luau is one of the few times you can wear a grass skirt. Artificial grass skirts can be found at party and costume stores. For men or those who do not want to wear grass skirts, brightly colored Hawaiian shirts should be worn. Present guests with real or artificial flower leis as they arrive to give them a warm welcome.
Tags: activities luau, grass skirts, hula dancers, party area, wear grass