A Luau Party is the perfect way to bring the tropical vibes of the Hawaiian islands to any celebration! Whether it’s for a summer party, birthday, or any occasion that calls for a fun and festive atmosphere, a luau theme will transport your guests to paradise with vibrant decorations, tropical foods, island-inspired cocktails, and island-themed activities. Here’s how to plan a Luau Party that will have everyone feeling like they’re on a Hawaiian vacation!

1. Invitations

Start the party with invitations that set the tropical tone.

  • Tropical Designs: Use palm trees, hibiscus flowers, pineapples, and flamingos on the invitations. Bright colors like turquoise, coral, yellow, and green are ideal for a luau theme.
  • Message in a Bottle: For a fun twist, send the invitations in a mini bottle with a rolled-up invitation, resembling a message from the islands.
  • Ticket Style: Design your invitations like Hawaiian event tickets with fun details such as “Admit One to a Night of Tropical Fun” and themed images like leis and surfboards.

2. Venue and Decorations

Transform your venue into a tropical paradise with lush, colorful, and island-inspired décor.

Outdoor/Backyard Luau Décor

  • Tiki Torches: Set up tiki torches around the venue to add a warm, authentic glow. Make sure they are placed safely to avoid any hazards.
  • Bamboo Furniture: Incorporate bamboo furniture like tables, chairs, and bar stools. If bamboo isn’t available, use wooden or wicker furniture to create a tropical feel.
  • Palm Leaves & Tropical Foliage: Decorate the space with palm fronds, tropical flowers, and greenery to give your party an authentic island look.
  • Grass Skirts: Use grass skirts to decorate tables, chairs, and even walls. You can hang them from the ceiling to create a tropical hut effect.
  • Hawaiian Umbrellas: Place mini tiki umbrellas on tables or as part of a tropical drink display.
  • Bright Florals: Decorate with brightly colored flowers like hibiscus, plumeria, and orchids in vases or scattered across tables.

Indoor Luau Décor

  • Hawaiian Backdrop: Create a tropical photo booth backdrop with images of the beach, ocean, and sunset. Add tropical flowers and props like surfboards, leis, and Hawaiian shirts for fun photo opportunities.
  • String Lights: Hang fairy lights or string lights around the venue to create a warm, island-inspired ambiance.
  • Tiki Bar: Set up a tiki bar serving tropical cocktails with palm leaf decorations. Use coconuts, pineapples, and tropical fruit as décor around the bar.

3. Dress Code

Encourage guests to dress in tropical, island-inspired attire to complete the theme.

  • Hawaiian Shirts & Dresses: Invite guests to wear Hawaiian shirts, floral print dresses, shorts, and flip-flops to embrace the tropical vibe.
  • Leis and Hula Skirts: Provide leis and hula skirts for guests as they arrive to make everyone feel like they’re stepping into paradise. You can offer flower headbands or shell necklaces as fun accessories.
  • Tropical Colors: Suggest guests wear bright tropical colors such as coral, turquoise, lime green, and sunset yellow.

4. Food & Drinks

Serve tropical food and drinks that will transport your guests to an island paradise.

Food

  • Pineapple Boat: Serve tropical fruit salad in hollowed-out pineapples or coconuts for a fun presentation.
  • Hawaiian BBQ: Serve traditional Hawaiian BBQ with teriyaki chicken skewers, grilled shrimp, pulled pork, or barbecued ribs.
  • Tropical Tacos: Set up a taco bar with tropical toppings like pineapple salsa, coconut rice, and mango guacamole.
  • Loco Moco: Serve a twist on the Hawaiian classic with loco moco, a dish with hamburger patties, fried egg, gravy, and rice.
  • Spam Musubi: Serve Spam musubi as a unique Hawaiian dish: a pressed sushi-style snack with spam and rice, wrapped in seaweed.
  • Hawaiian Pizza: Include Hawaiian pizza with ham, pineapple, and cheese for a fun and familiar dish.
  • Luau Fruit Platter: Serve fresh, tropical fruit like mangoes, kiwis, papayas, pineapple, and coconut.
  • Coconut Rice: Pair your BBQ dishes with coconut rice, a staple in many Hawaiian meals.

Drinks

  • Mai Tai: Serve the classic Mai Tai cocktail, made with rum, lime juice, orange curaçao, and orgeat syrup.
  • Piña Colada: Offer creamy Piña Coladas made with rum, coconut cream, and pineapple juice.
  • Tropical Punch: Make a large batch of tropical punch with pineapple juice, orange juice, mango puree, and a splash of grenadine. You can add rum or leave it non-alcoholic for all guests to enjoy.
  • Frozen Daiquiris: Serve frozen strawberry or lime daiquiris for a refreshing tropical option.
  • Coconut Water: Offer chilled coconut water as a hydrating and refreshing drink.

5. Activities and Games

Keep the party lively with fun island-inspired activities and games.

Hula Dancing Contest

  • Host a hula dancing contest where guests can show off their best moves. Provide hula skirts and a mini prize for the winner.
  • Play traditional Hawaiian music or use a luau playlist with upbeat island tunes.

Limbo Game

  • Set up a limbo game with a tiki pole and ask guests to see how low they can go! This is always a fun activity and encourages everyone to get involved.

Coconut Bowling

  • Set up a coconut bowling game using coconuts as the balls and empty cans or bottles as pins. Guests can take turns to see who gets the best score!

Tiki Trivia

  • Play a game of Tiki Trivia with questions about Hawaii, tropical islands, beach culture, and Hawaiian movies.

Hawaiian Crafts

  • Set up a crafting station where guests can make their own flower crowns, shell necklaces, or decorative leis. It’s a fun, hands-on activity that also makes for great souvenirs!

6. Music Playlist

Set the mood with a tropical-inspired playlist to bring the luau vibe to life.

  • “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” by Israel Kamakawiwoʻole
  • “Hula Girl” by The Waikikis
  • “Aloha Oe” by Queen Lili’uokalani
  • “Hot Hot Hot” by Arrow
  • “Jungle Drums” by The Mystic Knights of the Oingo Boingo
  • “Kokomo” by The Beach Boys
  • “Waikiki” by The Tokens

7. Party Favors

Send guests home with tropical-themed favors to remind them of their fun island experience.

  • Mini Bottles of Hawaiian Punch: Give guests mini bottles of Hawaiian Punch or tropical drink mix as a fun and easy favor.
  • Lei Necklaces: Provide guests with colorful leis or flower garlands as they leave the party.
  • Mini Tiki Torches: Send guests home with mini tiki torches or mini bamboo torches.
  • Coconut Cups: Give guests mini coconut cups or tropical-themed tumblers they can use for their own tropical drinks.

8. Photo Opportunities

Create a fun photo backdrop with palm trees, tropical flowers, and surfboards. Guests can take photos with flower leis, sun hats, or sunglasses for a fun, tropical-themed memory.

A Luau Party is an exciting and vibrant way to celebrate with friends and family! With the right décor, food, drinks, and activities, you’ll transport your guests straight to a tropical paradise.