Party Planning: Tips for Hosting a Successful Hawaiian Luau

Hosting a Hawaiian Luau is a fun summer party that guests are certain to enjoy. The ingredients that will ensure a successful Luau and a great party include traditional menu, drinks, entertainment and décor. While it is not an absolute necessity as not everyone has a pool available, hosting a Luau poolside can be especially effective.

Menu

Traditionally in Hawaii a pig is roasted in an earthen pit called an "imu" to make the traditional Luau pork dish, "kalua pork." Complete instructions on how prepare kalua pork are available, but realistically most people will not wish to dig a hole in their back yard to roast a pig in traditional Hawaiian style. A more convenient and an easier to prepare substitute pork dish recipe can be found at Food Network.com.

Fried rice or Chicken Long Rice and authentic Hawaiian Macaroni Salad are traditional side dishes to compliment the pork dish and fill out the main course.

Although it is often not immediately popular with the uninitiated, Poi, a primary Polynesian staple food made from taro is traditionally served at Hawaiian Luaus. Poi is made by mashing baked or steamed taro and adding water during the mashing to produce the desired consistency, which is such that it can be dipped and eaten with the fingers. For the truly authentic Luau experience, Poi can be ordered from a number of Hawaii retailers.

Fresh pineapple should also be featured at an authentic Hawaiian Luau. Prepare platters of sliced fresh pineapple to serve. To prepare the pineapple, lay pineapple on its side and cut off the top (greenery end) in as straight a line as possible. Save the greenery for presentation purposes. Stand the pineapple on end and slice off small sections while turning the pineapple slightly after each cut, continuing until all outer covering is removed. Again laying the pineapple on its side, first slice off the bottom outer covering then cut the fruit in ½" slices. Place the greenery in the center of a platter and then arrange the1/2" slices in a circular pattern around it.

For bread serving, consider preparing some tasty Hawaiian Banana Nut Bread for your guests. A great dessert choice is Macadamia Coconut Cake.

Beverages

Not surprising, fruit juice based cocktails are the choice for Luaus. One excellent choice for cocktails is the Pineapple Mai Tai. To make mix 4 ounces of orange juice, 4 ounces of pineapple juice, one ounce of lime juice, one ounce of dark rum, one ounce of light rum, one ounce of triple sec and one-half ounce of grenadine in a shaker with ice. Shake and then strain into a serving glass garnished with a cherry and pineapple wedge. There are a number of other Mai Tai recipes available (see resource link) but the more traditional recipes do not include pineapple juice.

For non-alcohol gatherings, consider a pineapple-based fruit punch served in the fashion of a Mai Tai and/or Kona coffee.

Entertainment

Music is a given when it comes to Luaus. Depending on your preference you can play recordings of traditional Hawaiian music readily available from most CD retailers or even a soundtrack from one of the popular Hawaiian movies like Blue Hawaii. You can also engage your guests in some Hula dancing or Limbo dancing although the latter is actually of Caribbean origination though many mistakenly associate it with Hawaii.

Décor

Décor helps to establish the proper ambiance for a successful Hawaiian Luau. Since most people associate Hawaii with water (island surrounded by the ocean), pool side Luaus help to capture this theme. But even when a pool isn't available, there are other ways to capture the flavor of an authentic Luau. Tiki torches, artificial palm trees and providing each guest with a Hawaiian Lei (flower wreath or garland) are all easy ways to get into the Hawaiian spirit. Tiki torches and artificial palm trees are available at home improvement stores and while a real flower Lei is difficult to obtain outside Hawaii, suitable substitutes made with colorful artificial flowers are readily available at many party specialty outlets. Also consider constructing a low table for your guests to be seated at while enjoying the traditional Luau meal. Traditionally guests at a Luau sit on the ground at such a table. Another element of décor could be the dress of the host(s) and guests. Many people wouldn't be comfortable wearing a grass skirt but flowery Hawaiian shirts for men and the similarly colorful Hawaiian dresses for women would be a nice touch. For poolside parties, swim wear would also be an appropriate option.

Sources:

"Traditional Hula & Feast". Old Lahaina Luau. July 28, 2009.

"History of the Luau". Polynesian Cultural Center. July 28, 2009.

"Limbo Dance". Roger's Trinbago Website. July 28, 2009.