How to Throw a Summer Luau on a Budget

The luau, a Hawaiian celebratory feast, was named after a favorite Hawaiian chicken dish. The luau originated when Kamehameha II ended the traditional separation of men and women at mealtimes.

On the mainland, the luau has now become a favorite party theme. While it would be great to have authentic island decorations, it can get very expensive. I have include all the resources that I know about to make your luau fantastic, on a budget.

While an authentic island luau requires little or no decoration, (let's face it, it is Hawaii !), The mainland version of this event requires a little effort, but thankfully, not a lot of cash. For decorations, www.orientaltrading.com is a one stop shop. They also offer $3.99 shipping on orders over fifty dollars.

Oriental Trading's Hibiscus Table Skirts ($12.99), Island Door Curtain ($5.99), flower garlands ($3.29), Polynesian torches ($9.99) Thatched Weave Border ($5.97), and Hibiscus Lanterns ($6.99) will get your luau decor started for under fifty dollars. for inexpensive centerpieces, look to your local grocery store, think pineapple, coconut, banana, or any other tropical fruit.

As far as party favors go, what is a luau without a lei? Oriental Trading offers bulk assortments with low prices like $29.99 for 100 leis. Also on their site, you can find coconut bras, grass skirts, and other luau costume accessories for a little bit of nothing.

At www.hilohattie.com , you can find an assortment of gift baskets that would make great, (and authentic!), door prizes. You can choose from Kona Coffee, Hawaiian candies, even pineapples and fresh flowers. www.hilohattie.com also carries a huge selection of "the real deal" Hawaiian apparel.

Okay, so you have created an island atmosphere, you are dressed for the party... now, what do you serve? Once again I looked to www.orientaltrading.com for serving ideas. The have a great selection of tropical themed tableware. The coconut cups are adorable, less expensive than the real thing at $9.99 per dozen, and when paired with the hibiscus straws ($2.99) are the perfect way to serve up a frosty pina colada. The hibiscus picks ($3.99 for 72) are an excellent garnish for island appetizers.

Now, while poi is an acquired taste, and Spam is not exactly party food, there are many island inspired options.
My dads favorite recipe, (he is a native), is for Hawaiian Hot Dogs.

Hawaiian Hot Dogs
12 hot dogs
12 hot dog buns
mustard
pineapple chunks (drained)
American cheese slices

place hot dogs in buns on a large cookie sheet. Put mustard, followed by pineapple chunks on the hot dogs, cover with American cheese and bake at 350 degrees until cheese is melted and hot dogs are heated through.

You can find more Hawaiian recipes on www.internetisland.com

Of course, in addition to the obligatory fruit trays, you can always order Hawaiian pizza. Domino's makes a great ham and pineapple pie and usually has really affordable deals. You can even order online in most places.
I almost forgot, I promised you a pina colada recipe! Well here it is.

Banana Pina Colada

32 ounces of pineapple juice
1 1/2 cup pineapple chunks
5 ripe bananas, peeled and quartered
8 ounces of coconut milk
8 ounces of spiced rum
4 cups of ice

blend pineapples and bananas until smooth, add remaining ingredients and blend. Serve in coconut cups and garnish with pineapple or toasted coconut.

WALEA!