If your child is under five, it may be better to hold the party at home. New environments can easily overwhelm younger children.
If you are afraid a rain shower might spoil your outdoor luau, it’s a good idea to plan some indoor-friendly party activities just in case. [2] X Expert Source Christina MillikinFounder & CEO, Glow Events Expert Interview. 11 February 2020.
For example, you might want to focus on pinks and oranges, or greens and blues. When selecting a color scheme, consult your child or think about their favorite colors.
Leis can double as a decoration and a party favor! Hang leis on tables and chairs for an instant luau feel, and give leis to kids as they arrive so everyone looks festive!
Invitations should include the time, date, and location of the party. Don’t forget to mention any special details![6] X Expert Source Christina MillikinFounder & CEO, Glow Events Expert Interview. 11 February 2020. For your luau-themed party, you might want to direct children to bring their swimsuits.
If you decide on homemade invitations, flip-flop-shaped invitations made from construction paper are a cute, easy option. Print the invitation text on colored cardstock, then trace and cut out a flip-flop shape. You can find stencils online and print them. Glue on a silk flower for extra flair. [7] X Research source The possibilities are limitless. You could make flower-shaped invitations, or even attach invitations to a lei! Visit party planning websites or blogs for more ideas. [8] X Research source
Try a tropical fruit salad, mango ice cream, or pineapple salsa and chips!
Serve a ham baked with pineapple rings, or pulled pork sandwiches on Hawaiian sweet buns. You could even order a Hawaiian pizza for extra picky eaters! If you feel up to the challenge you can even roast a whole pig if you really want to impress.
Kabobs are easy and tropical. Try making fruit kabobs or ham and pineapple kabobs. [12] X Research source Pizza and sandwiches are simple and versatile. Ocean-themed candy and snacks go well with a Hawaiian luau party, and are easy to buy in bulk! Try Swedish Fish candy or Goldfish crackers.
Garnish your beverages with slices of oranges, paper umbrellas, and colorful straws. [13] X Research source Look online for tons of fun non-alcoholic drink recipes. You might even want to serve some tropical cocktails for your fellow parents. You may want to set up a “bar,” where kids and adults alike can go to get fruity drinks!
When buying a cake, consider allergies and the number of guests. You may need to buy 2 cakes for especially large luaus!
If you are hosting your party at a pool, the water may provide all the entertainment you need, particularly for younger children. Try to pick activities that can also involve the parents, as that can be lots of fun for all the guests![14] X Expert Source Christina MillikinFounder & CEO, Glow Events Expert Interview. 11 February 2020.
Play hot potato using a tropical fruit, like a mango or a coconut, as the “hot potato. " Or, play ring toss using leis as rings. Have players try to loop the leis around mini tiki torches. [15] X Research source Buy a beachy pinata that fits with the luau theme, and fill it with tropical candy, like fruit gummies, Swedish fish, and citrus-flavored starbursts. Blindfold each child, and let him or her take a swing at breaking it open!
Consider providing hula skirts so kids can wear them as they dance. These can double as party favors!
No need to buy a limbo stick–a broomstick works just fine.
If you want, you can purchase beads and shells for kids to add to their leis. You can let older children use construction paper to cut out their own flower designs. Provide a few different flower stencils and let them get creative. [19] X Research source Kids can take these DIY leis home as party favors!
