The wonderful weather, brightly colored foliage and beaches of either black or white sand are just a few of the things iconic about the tropical paradise that is Hawaii. Islands formed from hardened lava, changing constantly due to active volcanoes, make this landscape exotically unique. Polynesian culture are filled with great customs and traditions such as luaus, feasts that celebrate fun and fellowship, that are a treasure to experience.
In ancient times, Hawaiian men ate their meals together, dining on special dishes, while the women, children and servants dined separately, only allowed common foods. In the year 1819, King Kamehameha II abolished all religious taboos by not only decreeing everyone, including him, eat together as equals. He turned this occasion into a glorious feast and thus the tradition began.
To be authentic, the feasts should be held in an outdoor space surrounded by lively foliage, colorful decor and room for everyone. The guests would be seated on the ground upon mats and be served traditional foods to be eaten without utensils. Attendees are welcomed with fragrant leis, traditional music is played, dancers perform and entertaining thrills are 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.
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.
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.
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.
In ancient times, Hawaiian men ate their meals together, dining on special dishes, while the women, children and servants dined separately, only allowed common foods. In the year 1819, King Kamehameha II abolished all religious taboos by not only decreeing everyone, including him, eat together as equals. He turned this occasion into a glorious feast and thus the tradition began.
To be authentic, the feasts should be held in an outdoor space surrounded by lively foliage, colorful decor and room for everyone. The guests would be seated on the ground upon mats and be served traditional foods to be eaten without utensils. Attendees are welcomed with fragrant leis, traditional music is played, dancers perform and entertaining thrills are 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.
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.
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.
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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