The wonderful weather, brightly colored foliage and beaches of either black or white sand are just a few of the things iconic about the tropical paradise that is Hawaii. Islands formed from hardened lava, changing constantly due to active volcanoes, make this landscape exotically unique. Polynesian culture are filled with great customs and traditions such as luaus, feasts that celebrate fun and fellowship, that are a treasure to experience.
In the early days, Hawaiian servants, children and women dines on common foods away from the men who ate richly prepared meals. These religious taboos were abolished in 1819 when King Kamehameha II that everyone, regardless of sex or status, eat together as equals. Thus he began the glorious celebratory feasting traditions of the islands.
To be authentic, the feasts should be held in an outdoor space surrounded by lively foliage, colorful decor and room for everyone. The guests would be seated on the ground upon mats and be served traditional foods to be eaten without utensils. Attendees are welcomed with fragrant leis, traditional music is played, dancers perform and entertaining thrills are provided.
To host a party that is truly based on Hawaiian celebration traditions, some of the key aspects have to be represented. The authenticity is going to depend on how dedicated one is to being as realistic as possible. Some substitutions may be necessary in order to accommodate what items are easily available locally.
The first things most people think of when they hear there's going to be a luau are leis. These are brightly colored necklaces traditionally made from fresh flowers, ferns, shells and kukui nuts but can be given a fun twist by using silk blooms, money or candy to make them. Passing these out to welcome all guests will not only create a festive atmosphere but also lends an air of authenticity to the gathering.
Another central aspect to throwing an island themed party is the food choices. To be authentic, the meal would include things like pork that has been roasted in a traditional ground pit oven, poi, haupia, sea snails, squid and lomi-lomi salmon along with local fruits and beer. The issue is that most people without experience with these dishes are not likely to find them appetizing so substitutions like teriyaki, barbecue chicken, ribs, kebabs and salads with punch and Mai-tais to drink.
To be authentic, entertainment could be the most time consuming part though there are plenty of groups that provide this service. Some acts that are easy to obtain and sure to delight are tropical birds, Elvis impersonators, a musicians on ukuleles and tribal drums and, of course, grass skirted hula girls. If the money is available and one desires to really get impressive, hiring men who twirl flaming knives, those doing ancient warrior dances or spinners of fire poi are total musts.
Backyards with plenty of open space, park shelters or beach tents are great locations for these parties. If something more on the formal side is needed, one may consider booking a hotel conference room, or renting a boat or yacht for the occasion. To give the selected area a more festive and tropical ambiance, decorations like colorful streamers, parrots, coconuts, bamboo, rattan, potted hibiscus, palm trees and tiki torches can be very effective.
In the early days, Hawaiian servants, children and women dines on common foods away from the men who ate richly prepared meals. These religious taboos were abolished in 1819 when King Kamehameha II that everyone, regardless of sex or status, eat together as equals. Thus he began the glorious celebratory feasting traditions of the islands.
To be authentic, the feasts should be held in an outdoor space surrounded by lively foliage, colorful decor and room for everyone. The guests would be seated on the ground upon mats and be served traditional foods to be eaten without utensils. Attendees are welcomed with fragrant leis, traditional music is played, dancers perform and entertaining thrills are provided.
To host a party that is truly based on Hawaiian celebration traditions, some of the key aspects have to be represented. The authenticity is going to depend on how dedicated one is to being as realistic as possible. Some substitutions may be necessary in order to accommodate what items are easily available locally.
The first things most people think of when they hear there's going to be a luau are leis. These are brightly colored necklaces traditionally made from fresh flowers, ferns, shells and kukui nuts but can be given a fun twist by using silk blooms, money or candy to make them. Passing these out to welcome all guests will not only create a festive atmosphere but also lends an air of authenticity to the gathering.
Another central aspect to throwing an island themed party is the food choices. To be authentic, the meal would include things like pork that has been roasted in a traditional ground pit oven, poi, haupia, sea snails, squid and lomi-lomi salmon along with local fruits and beer. The issue is that most people without experience with these dishes are not likely to find them appetizing so substitutions like teriyaki, barbecue chicken, ribs, kebabs and salads with punch and Mai-tais to drink.
To be authentic, entertainment could be the most time consuming part though there are plenty of groups that provide this service. Some acts that are easy to obtain and sure to delight are tropical birds, Elvis impersonators, a musicians on ukuleles and tribal drums and, of course, grass skirted hula girls. If the money is available and one desires to really get impressive, hiring men who twirl flaming knives, those doing ancient warrior dances or spinners of fire poi are total musts.
Backyards with plenty of open space, park shelters or beach tents are great locations for these parties. If something more on the formal side is needed, one may consider booking a hotel conference room, or renting a boat or yacht for the occasion. To give the selected area a more festive and tropical ambiance, decorations like colorful streamers, parrots, coconuts, bamboo, rattan, potted hibiscus, palm trees and tiki torches can be very effective.
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