What is a Luau Party?

A Luau theme Party is an event where people get together and enjoy themselves in a tropical environment. It’s also called a “Hula-Hoop Luau” or just “Luau”.

The origins of the Hawaiian Luau come from 18th century Hawaii, where the celebration was introduced by a festive King and included a feast and celebration. The word “luau” comes from a Hawaiian delicacy that is made from Taro root and chicken cooked in coconut milk. The Hawaiians would sit together and eat with friends and family around a fire. So basically it’s like a big backyard barbecue in today's modern time.

The Luau became popular in the '50s and '60's when people started visiting Hawaii to experience the culture, food, and entertainment.

Luau Party Ideas

The Luau is most definitely a chic party idea. There are several variations on the theme of Luau, here we have a run down to help you keep it consistent and see which way you expect the party to go, in terms of look and feel. You could use a variation of the Luau theme or incorporate all the ideas together for a super detailed affair. 

Essential Luau Party Supplies - Grass Skirt, Grass Table Skirt, Tiki Umbrella or Hut, Tiki bar supplies

Pineapple and Coconuts - you could go with a natural and yellow theme to make it bright and easy-going. 

Tropical Theme - Bringing the island to life with Palm Trees, the Palm Leaf, Toucan Bird, and grassy everything. 

Aloha Party - This style is a little bit more bright with vibrant colors and flamingos on display.

Luau Party for Kids vs Adults

There are two types of luau parties: adult luau parties and kid’s luau parties. Adult luaus are usually more formal affairs where guests dress up in their finest attire. They may have live music, dancing, and other activities.

On the other hand, kids' luaus are casual affairs where there isn't much formality. Guests don't wear any fancy clothes and they can be dressed down.

Children's Luau Parties

If you're having a children's luau party, you'll probably want to keep it simple. You won't need to spend a lot of money on decorating and entertaining them. Instead, focus on giving them fun party activities to do while enjoying the atmosphere.

Most likely, you will still like to dress your child in a Luau Themed outfit, and maybe even yourself. If you really want to pull off a tropical vibe, it would be ideal to incorporate some more Luau party decorations. Whether you are entertaining your guests indoors or outdoors in a natural environment, our shopping guide below will help you plan out the best experience for your child's birthday party. 

Adult Luau Parties

Adult Luau parties can be a little bit more elaborate with plenty of palm leaves, hula skirts, and a tropical cocktail or two, to create the right ambiance.

Here is where all the creative ideas can come into play. Maybe you want to get some tiki torches (not safe at kids' parties), some grass skirts, and a bartender to serve up a classic Hawaiian beverage, the Mai Tai. If you want to host an epic party, picking festive party supplies will make all the difference. 

If your luau party is going to be held at a restaurant or hotel, you might want to go all out. For example, if you're hosting a wedding reception, you could hire a band and put on a full buffet dinner. Or if you're throwing a corporate event, you could rent a stage and host a karaoke competition.

You should always try to find something unique for your luau party. Check out the recommendations below for your next Hawaiian Luau Party. 

Hawaiian Luau Party Supply Kits

Are you looking to get a bunch of luau party supplies in one shot? Check out the bulk decorating supplies (packages) available here for the best deal on your dollars. 

Luau Party Outfits

Depending on the Luau theme you select, you should coordinate your outfits with those elements and color schemes. You can read more about what to wear to a Luau party as a guest, host, and birthday girl or boy.

If you are having a pink celebration with flamingos, you may want to wear an outfit with flamingos on them. You can also have the family's outfits coordinated with yours, which is always fun and looks adorable.

If you are having a traditional style luau celebration, you will still need to get some tropical style attire and accessories. For children's parties, getting some child-sized grass skirts as well flower hair clips adds a special touch for every guest.

Luau Party Supplies

Essential Supplies list includes the following categories, to ensure your party runs smoothly make sure you have all of these items.

Disposable Supplies

If you want to make your clean-up easy like a Hawaiian breeze, get your disposable thematic disposable plate set.

Reusable Supplies

Reusable party supplies are great because not only are you able to use them for another occasion or loan them out to a friend; but you can always repurpose them for another party as well. Bestpartykits.com always wants to promote eco-friendly alternatives to those individuals who are waste-conscious. Below are some colorful party supplies that can be reused for many years worth of themed parties in the future. 

Reusable Luau Plastic Party Cups

Reusable Party Lights

For parties that may go on beyond daylight, such as adult luau parties, it would be ideal to have soft lighting in most areas, so including some candlelight as well as artificial led lights or tiki torches will definitely set the mood for a fun and enjoyable night to remember.

Luau Party Accessories

Plastic or Inflatable Palm Trees

The perfect centerpiece for any party! These inflatable trees come in different sizes and shapes so they can fit any space. They also come in various different kits making it easier to coordinate with your over-arching theme.

Beach Balls

Beach balls are a fun and easy way to keep guests entertained, get some air, and exercise while having fun. They are especially necessary at a child's luau birthday party, since children usually have a lot of energy and the tendency to lose interest in things quickly. Inflatable sets are fun, interesting to look at, and definitely cool at a party.

Luau Party Accessories Kit

There so many additional layers of fun accessories that can be added to your party decorations, games, and supplies; check out these cute photo prop glasses for your guests or favor bags!

Giant Tissue Paper Flowers

Eco-friendly and stunning to look at, Tissue decorations are great for making a statement and for adding depth to your surroundings. They are easy to assemble, create the three dimensional effect that balloons would also create and are a plastic-free option for decorating for your party.

Epic Balloon Selection

If you are planning to have balloons at your party you can go with this epic balloon selection.

Luau Party Food

Planning to serve food at a party that coincides with the theme requires some planning ahead to make sure you have the right selection of food for your guests, big and small with large or small appetites.

One thing is for sure, most recipes should include some kind of fresh pineapple as this adds the needed tropical vibe to your food platters. There is nothing like a delicious pineapple to really awaken the senses and liven things up a bit.

Besides the cake centerpiece, you also want to make sure you have a great selection of sugar cookies for the kiddoes, specifically the ones that have cute designs like these adorable surfboard sugar cookies or cookies with candy pearls, or just a cute hula girl like this one.

Luau Party Games

• Hot Coconut - Have each person take turns holding onto the coconut until, passing it around until someone holds it for too long or drops it when the music. When they drop it, they are out. 
• Hula Hoop the Longest - Fro a fun party game, make sure to bring some hula hoops, play some music, and see who can sway their hips for the longest period of time, those who do it win a small prize!
• Limbo - Hawaiians are famous for the limbo, and this game is an easy one to do, everyone can participate. Lastly, who doesn't like to dance a little?

Party Favors

Give your guests a thank you for attending by providing them a little souviner to take home in memory of the festive occasion. You can incoporate the use of your fabulous luau party decoration in this effort, by planning to repurpose them as the party comes to an end. 

Give your favorite guests the beautiful centerpieces to take home, all the giant tropical inflate party accessory for outdoor activities and whatever else seems ideal to gift your guests. 

For the children, little party favor bags with 

will remind them of the joy-filled celebration they have had after attending your party. 

F.A.Q. 

What you need for a luau party?

You will need the party decorations supplies to set the theme, which includes Grass Skirts and all things tropical.

What are luau colors?

Luau colors are generally green with other vibrant colors such as pink, orange, and a little bit of red splashed here and there. The more subtle colors include tan, beige, and a dark oak finish.