There are many wondrous things for which Hawaii is known such as the beautiful foliage colors, amazing white and black sand beaches, and great weather. The islands were formed from the lava of many volcanoes, some still active, which gives the exotic state a unique landscape. The multiple cultures of Polynesia have traditions and customs including luaus, parties used for gathering people for food and celebration, for which they are known.
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.
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.
One of the biggest challenges might be to provide authentic entertainment, though this is not an impossible feat as there are groups who specialize in this. Some things that usually go over well are musicians playing island drums and ukuleles, tropical birds, Elvis impersonators and especially hula girls in grass skirts. If the idea is to throw an extravaganza and the means are available, warrior dancers, flaming knife twirlers and fire poi spinners are always sure to thrill the crowd.
As far as location goes, a big backyard with lots of open space, or parks with tables set up under large tents or shelters, are definitely acceptable substitutions. If a more formal venue is desired, there are other options available such as hotel conference rooms, boats, yachts, or even the beach. Decorations such as tiki torches, palm trees, tropical flowers, rattan, bamboo, coconuts and colorful bird cutouts provide a lot of ambiance.
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.
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.
One of the biggest challenges might be to provide authentic entertainment, though this is not an impossible feat as there are groups who specialize in this. Some things that usually go over well are musicians playing island drums and ukuleles, tropical birds, Elvis impersonators and especially hula girls in grass skirts. If the idea is to throw an extravaganza and the means are available, warrior dancers, flaming knife twirlers and fire poi spinners are always sure to thrill the crowd.
As far as location goes, a big backyard with lots of open space, or parks with tables set up under large tents or shelters, are definitely acceptable substitutions. If a more formal venue is desired, there are other options available such as hotel conference rooms, boats, yachts, or even the beach. Decorations such as tiki torches, palm trees, tropical flowers, rattan, bamboo, coconuts and colorful bird cutouts provide a lot of ambiance.
About the Author:
Luaus is a traditional Hawaiian dance and celebration. To know more about this big tradition of Hawaii visit the following website at http://bigkahunaluau.com.
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