Thursday 26 November 2015

Luaus Make Great Party Themes

By Marci Nielsen


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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Food is yet another important aspect to throwing one of these tropical themed parties. By tradition, pit cook pork, poi, lomi-lomi salmon, squid, sea snails, and a gelatin like dessert called haupia, would be served along with beer and tropical fruits. However, as many non-Polynesians find these dishes difficult to handle, kebabs, ribs, barbecue chicken, teriyaki, salads, punch and Mai-tais make great substitutions.

Entertainment may be one of the more difficult aspects to authenticate, though it is not impossible as there are many groups who specialize in this type of performance. A live band consisting of 2-4 musicians playing drums and ukuleles, a few hula girls, tropical bird shows and even Elvis impersonators are always big hits. If one has the means and desire to create an all out extravaganza, acts that are sure to thrill the guests are fire poi twirlers, warrior dancers and flaming knife handlers.

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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