Hawaii is known for many wondrous things such as stark white or black sand beaches, beautifully colored foliage and incredible weather. The amazing series of islands are formed from the hardened lava of multiple volcanoes, some of which remain active, giving this exotic locale an unique landscape. The people of Polynesia have many tantalizing customs and traditions with Luaus, the traditional parties for bringing people together, being among the most well known.
The ancient ways had Hawaiian men eating their meals of specially prepared dishes together while the women, servants and children were fed separately and only common foods. King Kamehameha II changed that in 1819 when he declared everyone, he included, eat as equals in the same place, doing away with religious taboos. He made this occasion a grand celebration and glorious feast, beginning the tradition.
According to authentic standards, these feasts are typically conducted outdoors with plenty of room for all, surrounded by bright foliage and colorful decorations. Guests are seated on mats on the ground and traditional foods are served without utensils. Fragrant leis are distributed as a welcome to all in attendance, music is played, dances are performed and thrilling entertainment is provided.
When hosting a party based on the traditions of this festive Hawaiian celebration, there are a few things that need to be represented. How truly representative one wants the gathering to be is going to depend on their level of dedication to authenticity. Substitutions can be made on many aspects to suit what is readily available in the designated area.
Leis are probably one of the most popular icons of these celebrations. They are necklaces that are traditionally made using shells, kukui nuts, ferns but most commonly, brightly colored fresh blossoms, though substituting purchased ones or making them using silken flowers, money or candy can be a fun twist. Placing them around the neck of each guest as they arrive boosts the festive feeling of the event.
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.
One of the biggest challenges might be to provide authentic entertainment, though this is not an impossible feat as there are groups who specialize in this. Some things that usually go over well are musicians playing island drums and ukuleles, tropical birds, Elvis impersonators and especially hula girls in grass skirts. If the idea is to throw an extravaganza and the means are available, warrior dancers, flaming knife twirlers and fire poi spinners are always sure to thrill the crowd.
As far as location goes, a big backyard with lots of open space, or parks with tables set up under large tents or shelters, are definitely acceptable substitutions. If a more formal venue is desired, there are other options available such as hotel conference rooms, boats, yachts, or even the beach. Decorations such as tiki torches, palm trees, tropical flowers, rattan, bamboo, coconuts and colorful bird cutouts provide a lot of ambiance.
The ancient ways had Hawaiian men eating their meals of specially prepared dishes together while the women, servants and children were fed separately and only common foods. King Kamehameha II changed that in 1819 when he declared everyone, he included, eat as equals in the same place, doing away with religious taboos. He made this occasion a grand celebration and glorious feast, beginning the tradition.
According to authentic standards, these feasts are typically conducted outdoors with plenty of room for all, surrounded by bright foliage and colorful decorations. Guests are seated on mats on the ground and traditional foods are served without utensils. Fragrant leis are distributed as a welcome to all in attendance, music is played, dances are performed and thrilling entertainment is provided.
When hosting a party based on the traditions of this festive Hawaiian celebration, there are a few things that need to be represented. How truly representative one wants the gathering to be is going to depend on their level of dedication to authenticity. Substitutions can be made on many aspects to suit what is readily available in the designated area.
Leis are probably one of the most popular icons of these celebrations. They are necklaces that are traditionally made using shells, kukui nuts, ferns but most commonly, brightly colored fresh blossoms, though substituting purchased ones or making them using silken flowers, money or candy can be a fun twist. Placing them around the neck of each guest as they arrive boosts the festive feeling of the event.
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.
One of the biggest challenges might be to provide authentic entertainment, though this is not an impossible feat as there are groups who specialize in this. Some things that usually go over well are musicians playing island drums and ukuleles, tropical birds, Elvis impersonators and especially hula girls in grass skirts. If the idea is to throw an extravaganza and the means are available, warrior dancers, flaming knife twirlers and fire poi spinners are always sure to thrill the crowd.
As far as location goes, a big backyard with lots of open space, or parks with tables set up under large tents or shelters, are definitely acceptable substitutions. If a more formal venue is desired, there are other options available such as hotel conference rooms, boats, yachts, or even the beach. Decorations such as tiki torches, palm trees, tropical flowers, rattan, bamboo, coconuts and colorful bird cutouts provide a lot of ambiance.
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