The word "luau" means "feast" in the Hawaiian language. Luaus mean more than just good food, though - they mean a gathering to share good fun as well! So here are some tips for hosting a truly memorable luau.



First, set a budget and allow plenty of time to plan and set up the luau. In Hawaiian tradition, real luaus took months to prepare because Hawaiians didn't have any of today's labor-saving devices. So take advantage of calendars, calculators and party supply stores.

And since a luau is a practice of South Pacific culture, think "tropical" when setting up party plans. Use decorations such as tiki torches along with palm tree cutouts, shells, candles, leis, straw hats, grass skirts, silk flowers, and brightly colored streamers. In other words, go "coconuts" with bright tropical décor.

Hold your luau outside if at all possible. Should space or weather cause the party to move inside, be sure the decorations and food are portable. Make life and clean-up easier for everyone with paper and plastic utensils.

Next, be sure your guests know the party theme of "Hawaiian luau." They can get out their flashiest Hawaiian shirts, shorts, sarongs, grass skirts, surfer baggies, sandals and any other island gear. Be sure you greet each guest with a hearty "Aloha!" and a plastic or silk flower lei.

When it comes to beverages, plan to offer tropical cocktails like Pina Coladas, Mai Tais and Daiquiris. Have non-alcoholic versions of these drinks as well, along with pitchers of iced tea or punch with plenty of floating fruit slices. Serve the drinks in coconut shells if possible, and be sure to top them with little cocktail umbrellas!

Get out plenty of pineapple and fresh fruit chunks for the food menu. Pineapple juice makes a great marinade for meat as well. Check online recipes sites for authentic Hawaiian delicacies. Some traditional foods include poi, Lomi salmon and chicken long rice. A whole roast pig turning on a spit is an impressive option, but only attempt this is you're brave or experienced. A local butcher shop should be able to help you find a pig suitable for roasting. If the pig is too much of a challenge, then stud a nice big ham with pineapple rings and cloves.

Fun at a real luau involves games and tests of skill and strength. If youngsters are invited, consider having them string their own leis with fake flowers and fishing line. Give a Hawaiian twist to familiar games by playing "Hot Coconut" instead of "Hot Potato," or "Pin on the Piggy's Tail." Grown-ups and older children can join in spear-throwing contests with darts or racing around an obstacle courses (no fire-dancing, please!). Prizes for these games can include small, tropical-themed toys and gadgets for the kids, or some Kona coffee, one of Hawaii's greatest exports, for the adults.

No Hawaiian luau would be complete without island music. Party stores often have CDs of beach tunes and Hawaiian songs, as do libraries, friends or online music sites.

The most important thing to remember about a Hawaiian luau is that it's all about the fun and conviviality - for the hosts and the guests.