Experience a Hawaiian Luau Without Leaving Home

A trip to Hawaii might be a once in a lifetime experience, but that doesn't mean you can't create a little Hawaiian magic of your own at home. Summer is the perfect time to throw a Hawaiian themed party, so we traveled to Paradise Cove on the Hawaiian island of Oahu to experience a traditional Hawaiian luau and bring you the tips you need to recreate that same experience at home. Here are our top 5 must-haves for throwing a Hawaiian luau.

Proper Attire

It's Hawaiian tradition to place a lei on your guests as they arrive to welcome them, so if you are hosting a party, make sure you have plenty to share! Once you have a lei, have fun accessorizing with things like a grass skirt, coconut bra, and of course, a temporary Polynesian tattoo.

Entertainment

Who doesn't love a good yard game at a backyard summer party? Hawaiians certainly know how to do it. Try spear throwing, or 'ulumaika, an ancient Hawaiian game that is sort of like a cross between horseshoes and bowling. All you need are two pegs in the ground a few inches apart and a round stone. The goal is to see who can roll the round stone between the pegs the most times.

Food

The highlight of any Hawaiian luau is the food. Three traditional must-have dishes at your party are poi, lomi salmon, and kalua pig. And if you don't have time to cook the pig in an underground imu pit, pulled pork is a nice substitute.

Dancing

Once dinner is over, that is when the party really starts heating up! Put on some Hawaiian music and try dancing the hula!

Friends

Hawaii is all about celebrating what they call "the spirit of aloha" and that means treating everyone you meet as a friend. You can never have too much food, too much fun, or too many people at your Hawaiian luau.

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