Aloha! How to throw a Hawaiian luau
Everyone likes a Hawaiian luau, right? Whether it’s a backyard barbecue, birthday or for no reason at all, check out these simple tips to make this tropical celebration a success.
As a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I was in charge of this particular Relief Society activity for my ward. My Hawaiian friend offered to teach everyone how to hula dance, so we decided to make a night of it. It turned out so fun!! And it was super easy. Here’s what we did.
Create an island paradise
In the springtime, the dollar store sells TONS of cute Hawaiian luau decorations. But, they usually only sell them in the spring. You can also buy a ton of stuff at Hobby Lobby, Michael’s or Amazon. Here’s some cute decoration ideas:
- Tropical wall mural
- Lei garlands
- Tissue paper pineapple centerpieces
- Hawaiian table skirt
- Tiki cutout kit
- Hanging tropical parrots
- Hawaiian table cloths
Give everyone a lei
As people arrive at the party, have someone standing at the door putting leis on each person. It makes each of your guests feel super special. Plus, it gives them a cute party favor they can go home with. Hobby Lobby sells a box of 50 for $10 or you can buy them here.
Keep the dinner menu simple
So, my Hawaiian friend gave me a super yummy (and easy) recipe for shredded pork (see below). Then we just did rice, green and fruit salads and cookies/bars. It was really easy and delicious.
To make the shredded pork, just cook one pork butt roast in a crockpot and add one tablespoon of liquid smoke and one tablespoon of Hawaiian salt. Cook on high for 8-10 hours. Then shred with a fork.
Try to display the cookies and bars with a tiered dessert stand. It adds a height to your buffet table and adds a little class.
Set up a Hawaiian luau photo booth
Creating a photo booth was easier than I thought. I set out some colorful beach towels, a beach chair and a boogie board. Then, I pinned a Hawaiian photo booth backdrop to the wall. I bought my backdrop at Dollar Tree too!
For an added touch, I made this cute Hawaiian pallet sign. I bought the cute individual signs from Dollar tree and nailed them to a pallet board. Voila! Super cute. Helpful tip: Place your sign in a five-gallon bucket of sand to keep it upright.
Finally, set up a table in front of the photo booth to place all of your Hawaiian photo booth props. I designed a cute sign to place on an easel on the table. You can download and print this sign below.
Click here to download your LUAU PRINTABLES
Make a limbo and candy guessing table
Find a cute jar or container and fill it with candy. Then people will have tons of fun guessing how many are inside. Place limbo set on or next to the table to encourage people to let loose and have fun. Of course, you can print out the signs below and add them to the table as well.
Click here for LUAU Printables
This inflatable limbo stand is particularly entertaining. It might surprise you how limber your guests really are. Or you can just duct tape a PVC pipe and call it good.
Crank up the Hawaiian tunes
Your Hawaiian luau will not be complete until you have the music. Check out “The Best of Iz Kamakawiwo’ole” or “Aloha from Hawaii”.
Don’t forget the centerpieces
Simplicity is key here. My friend hand some cute paper towel rolls with tikis stamped on them. Then I just placed a couple artificial Hawaiian flowers and coconut leaves around them. It was super cute. Finish the table on with some solid-colored plastic tablecloths.
If you didn’t see the links above to print your own Hawaiian luau printables, here it is one more time!
Print your own luau printables
What other ideas do you have for a Hawaiian luau? Leave your comments below.
Related link: Rawr! Free dinosaur birthday party printables
Do you know where I can find a stamp like the one on the cardboard rolls?