Break out the tiki torches and crank up the theme from Hawaii Five-O.  This tropical party is infused with all of the elements that will keep the native islanders talking. Welcome your guests with a lei and a tropical island breeze served in a coconut cup…this is a great way to set the mood.

Create a glowing path lined with tiki torches.  You can also line the path with brightly colored flower petals.  Use paper lanterns, hurricane vessels or votives to illuminate the party after the sun goes down.

Colorful cushions set around a low table make for comfortable, yet simple seating. To create the low table, head to your local hardware store and pick up a piece of plywood and six 5 gallon paint buckets (the extra buckets will keep the table from sagging in the middle).  Cover the table with a tablecloth or fabric and then use grass skirting to wrap around the entire table in order to disguise the paint buckets underneath.  For the table decor, add a rattan runner down the length of a table or a pareo; top with bamboo vases filled with colorful, tropical flowers, coconut candles and wooden serving trays. 

If you are looking for more natural options, pineapples or halved papayas make for great table decor as well.  Use Bamboo Veneerware plates or a tropical paper plate for easy clean up.  Another cool idea is to use large tropical leaves as placemats.  You can find these at a florist or your local flower market.  You can also add bowls of water with floating flowers such as orchids or even floating candles.

When it comes to the menu, it’s easy to serve traditional Hawaiian fare.  Grilled pineapple, ahi tuna and potstickers are great starters, or try our recipe for Maui Wowie Shrimp Salad and serve it in take-out boxes, very simple and very yummy!  (You’ll need: bibb lettuce, capers, sweet onions, avocadoes, feta cheese, cherry tomatoes and caper lime vinaigrette. Sauté shrimp with garlic and a touch of olive oil finished with a tablespoon of soy sauce.  Combine avocado and shrimp together, drizzle dressing over and toss well, top with all the other ingredients).  BBQ grilled Pork or chicken makes for great entrées or, if you want to keep it simple, order take-out from your favorite local Polynesian restaurant (bet there are more in your area than you will believe).

For your bar, consider decorating it with flowers as well.  Offer a tropical punch spruced up with edible florals and fruit slices.  Serve drinks in coconut cups and offer up paper parasols.  You can use any remaining grass skirting to decorate an oversized ice bucket.

For entertainment, download music from the greats like the Beach Boys (Greatest Hits), Don Ho (Hawaii’s Greatest Hits), Elvis (Soundtrack to Blue Hawaii), Jack Johnson (any album/song… he’s so good), or if there is room in the budget, you can hire live music.  A few years ago I attended a birthday party and the host had hired traditional hula dancers who taught the guest how to hula and then they put on a fabulous show.  Talk about making a statement!

And of course no luau would be complete without: L-I-M-B-O!!!!  Everybody loves to limbo!  It’s the perfect game to get people out of their seats on their feet (that is until they end up on their backs!)

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