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.
In an authentic scenario, the feast setting would be an open outdoor area with a lot of brilliant foliage, bright decorations and lots of room for people. Guests would sit on mats upon the ground and eat traditional dishes without the use of utensils. Everyone receives an aromatic lei as they arrive, Hawaiian music fills the air, there will be island dances and thrill performances provided.
There are several key factors that need to be included if one wants their party to be based on true Hawaiian celebratory traditions. How well this is achieved will depend on the host's dedications to remaining authentic. It is likely that there will be some necessary substitutions because not all items will be available in some areas.
One of the first things that come to mind when thinking of these parties are leis. Made from freshly cut blooms, ferns, kukui nuts or shells, these festive necklaces may also be purchased or constructed out of silk flowers, candy or even money. Greeting each guest by placing one around their neck sets a welcoming and festive mood and brings a bit of authenticity to the event.
The food choices are another key aspect of throwing a party with an authentic island theme. Traditionally they would serve pork cooked in an underground oven, poi, sea snails, squid, lomi-lomi salmon, haupia, fresh local fruits and beer. Realistically, most people who have not acquired a taste for these dishes would probably appreciate substitutions such as barbecue chicken, ribs, kebabs, teriyaki, salads, Mai-tais and punch.
To be authentic, entertainment could be the most time consuming part though there are plenty of groups that provide this service. Some acts that are easy to obtain and sure to delight are tropical birds, Elvis impersonators, a musicians on ukuleles and tribal drums and, of course, grass skirted hula girls. If the money is available and one desires to really get impressive, hiring men who twirl flaming knives, those doing ancient warrior dances or spinners of fire poi are total musts.
When thinking of location, typically a large backyard that has open spaces, parks and beaches that have shelters or tents can be very suitable choices. When looking for something a bit more formal, possible options include boats, yachts, and conference rooms in hotels. Adding decorations like palm trees, potted tropical plants, tiki torches, bamboo, rattan, coconuts and colorful streamers or parrot cutouts can boost the ambiance.
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.
In an authentic scenario, the feast setting would be an open outdoor area with a lot of brilliant foliage, bright decorations and lots of room for people. Guests would sit on mats upon the ground and eat traditional dishes without the use of utensils. Everyone receives an aromatic lei as they arrive, Hawaiian music fills the air, there will be island dances and thrill performances provided.
There are several key factors that need to be included if one wants their party to be based on true Hawaiian celebratory traditions. How well this is achieved will depend on the host's dedications to remaining authentic. It is likely that there will be some necessary substitutions because not all items will be available in some areas.
One of the first things that come to mind when thinking of these parties are leis. Made from freshly cut blooms, ferns, kukui nuts or shells, these festive necklaces may also be purchased or constructed out of silk flowers, candy or even money. Greeting each guest by placing one around their neck sets a welcoming and festive mood and brings a bit of authenticity to the event.
The food choices are another key aspect of throwing a party with an authentic island theme. Traditionally they would serve pork cooked in an underground oven, poi, sea snails, squid, lomi-lomi salmon, haupia, fresh local fruits and beer. Realistically, most people who have not acquired a taste for these dishes would probably appreciate substitutions such as barbecue chicken, ribs, kebabs, teriyaki, salads, Mai-tais and punch.
To be authentic, entertainment could be the most time consuming part though there are plenty of groups that provide this service. Some acts that are easy to obtain and sure to delight are tropical birds, Elvis impersonators, a musicians on ukuleles and tribal drums and, of course, grass skirted hula girls. If the money is available and one desires to really get impressive, hiring men who twirl flaming knives, those doing ancient warrior dances or spinners of fire poi are total musts.
When thinking of location, typically a large backyard that has open spaces, parks and beaches that have shelters or tents can be very suitable choices. When looking for something a bit more formal, possible options include boats, yachts, and conference rooms in hotels. Adding decorations like palm trees, potted tropical plants, tiki torches, bamboo, rattan, coconuts and colorful streamers or parrot cutouts can boost the ambiance.
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