If you're looking for an easy party idea that involves delicious and nutritious foods, a fun costume element, and can transport kids to another culture, a luau might be just the ticket. A luau is a traditional Hawaiian feast, started in 1819 to commemorate King Kamehameha II's abolishment of the religious practices which barred women from eating with men. Today, the word luau is synonomous with a party (for both genders!), and it often features traditional dress and tropical foods.
So fire up the grill, break out the raffia and get crafty with flowers--it's time to learn how to throw your own luau!
DRESS
Grass Skirts
This is a fun way to dress up your party. While you can buy the plastic kind in most costume stores, it's more fun to make your own.
What You Need:
- Thin rope
- Raffia (found at your local craft store)
What You Do:
Lay your rope out on the floor. Take a strand of raffia and fold it in half. Place the looped end of the raffia on top of the rope, then take the two loose strands of raffia and thread them through the loop so it makes a tight knot around the rope. Repeat this process until your skirt has full coverage. Wear over bike shorts or bathing suit bottoms.
Leis
Nothing says a luau like a lei, the flower necklaces worn all over the islands. Here's how to make your own.
What You Need:
- Waxed dental floss
- Flowers: Commonly used are plumeria, orchids, habiscus, gardenia, and carnations--probably the cheapest option.
- Carpet needle
- Scissors
What You Do:
Cut your dental floss to size, keeping in mind that about 5 inches should be kept free at either end for tying.
Take the stems off each flower.
Thread the needle through the center of each flower (lengthwise or up from the stem). Carefully thread to about five inches before the end of the floss. Repeat this process until reaching about five inches before the other end of the floss.
FOOD
Hawaiian Barbecue Chicken
What You Need:
- 2 red bell peppers
- 2 green bell peppers
- 2 yellow bell peppers
- 6 skinless, boneless chicken breasts
- 2 T soy sauce
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 garlic cloves, peeled and minced
- 3/4 cup pineapple juice
- Black pepper to taste
What You Do:
Cut chicken into cubes and marinate overnight in the refrigerator.
Alternate chicken and bell peppers on a shish kebab.
Grill, turning every few minutes and basting with the leftover sauce until done.
Coconutty Sweet Potaotes
What You Need:
- 6 sweet pototoes
- 3/4 cup butter
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 cup shredded coconut
What You Do:
Boil sweet potatoes until tender. While waiting for sweet potatoes to cool, put butter, sugar, coconut and water in a large saucepan. Heat on medium for about five minutes, stirring occassionally. Peel sweet potatoes, add to saucepan and mash.
Pineapple Coconut Fritters
What You Need:
- Fresh pineapple, cut into thin slices
- 1/2 cup shredded coconut
- 1/4 cup flour
- 2 eggs beaten
- 3 cups bread crumbs
- 1/3 cup sugar
- oil for frying
- paper towels
By Johanna Sorrentino and Bita Arabian
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