Create the Ultimate Luau to Celebrate!

(ARA) - Ever wonder why the Hawaiian Islands always seem so happy and care-free? Because it’s all in the language and culture. The Hawaiian word luau means a festival or celebration that brings together a family or community for any occasion, at any time. So, whether you’re on an island or in the quiet of your own backyard, planning to entertain for a dad or a grad, there is no better way to celebrate than with a luau. The following are a few tips and a selection of recipes provided by King's Hawaiian to help make your tropical paradise party flow as smoothly as a Mai Tai:

Decorate with color and creativity: Create festive tables with brightly colored floral tablecloths from a fabric store and centerpieces made from island fruits like pineapples, coconuts, bananas or mangos. Colorful flowers (fresh, silk or even homemade) can be placed in key locations to brighten up entryways, restrooms or other gathering areas.

Greet your guests with the Hawaiian spirit: Welcome your guests with a flower lei and a big “Aloha,” or for the more advanced, “He mai” (welcome). Encourage your guests to dress festively. A Hawaiian shirt, sundress, sarong or mu’umu’u are always appropriate luau attire. For female guests, you may also want to have loose flowers on hand to tuck behind their ears. Those who are romantically available should place the flower behind their right ear, but if her affections are currently occupied, put the flower closest to the heart, behind the left ear.

Food: Happy guests are well-fed guests! Plan your menu to include a variety of authentic King’s Hawaiian dishes from easy-to-prepare appetizers, an entrée from the kô’ala (barbeque), and a sweet island dessert that will have your guests exclaiming “’Ono loa!” (very delicious!).

Set the mood: No luau is complete without Hawaiian music and dancing. Pick up some Hawaiian tunes in the international section of a music store or even at your local library. Games like the limbo or learning a simple hula can be great ice breakers and provide fun photo opportunities. And if any of your guests are so inclined to pick up the ukulele or don a grass skirt, all the better.

Keep the party going: Just because the sun is going down doesn’t mean the party has to come to an end. Tiki torches and floating candles add a nice touch and a little extra light as you and your guests enjoy a sunset and each other’s company.

Here are some simple recipes that will give your luau an authentic Hawaiian flavor:

King’s Hawaiian Maui Artichoke and Crab Dip

2 16-ounce loaves King’s Hawaiian Bread
3 8-ounce packages cream cheese, softened
1 cup mayonnaise
1/3 cup Dijon mustard
3/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
2 14-ounce cans artichoke hearts, drained & chopped
12 ounces cooked crab meat, fresh or frozen (imitation may be used)
8 ounces cheddar cheese, shredded

Carefully hollow out one of the loaves to within 1 inch of sides and bottom. Cube the remaining loaf and bread that was removed into 1-inch chunks. Store in King’s Hawaiian plastic bags until ready to serve. Mix cream cheese, mayonnaise, mustard, cayenne pepper, and garlic powder, until smooth. Fold in artichoke hearts and crab. Gently warm seafood mixture in microwave or stovetop. Remove from heat. Reserve 1/2 cup cheese for garnishing. Mix remaining cheese into mixture. Pour warm dip into hollowed bread loaf. Garnish with remaining cheese. Arrange bread cubes around loaf when ready to serve. Serve warm or cold. Makes 1 quart. Preparation time: 20 minutes.

Grilled Hawaiian Chicken Sandwich on King’s Hawaiian Sweet Bread

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 12 to 14 ounce bottle teriyaki sauce
4 1 1/2-inch slices King's Hawaiian Sweet Bread
4 canned pineapple rings, drained
4 leaves green leafy lettuce
8 1/4-inch slices red bell pepper rings

Place chicken in self-sealing plastic bag along with half of teriyaki sauce. Seal; marinate at least 1 to 2 hours, turning once or twice. Remove chicken from bag. Discard marinade. Grill chicken breasts over medium heat about 6 to 8 minutes on each side or until done. Baste with remaining teriyaki sauce while cooking, 2 or 3 times. Add bread and pineapple slices to grill the last few minutes while cooking chicken, turning once to lightly brown both sides. Top each bread slice with lettuce, bell pepper, chicken breast, and then pineapple. Serve immediately. Makes 4 servings.

For more recipes, Hawaiian luau tips and information on where to find King's Hawaiian bread and rolls, visit www.kingshawaiian.com. Courtesy of ARA Content

King's Hawaiian Strawberry French Toast
Makes 4 servings

1-1/2 inch slices King's Hawaiian Sweet Bread
2 cups sliced strawberries (fresh or frozen)
4 large eggs
1/2 cup milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
1/8 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 cup sugar (optional)
1 tablespoon grated rind or orange (optional)
powdered sugar (garnish)
syrup (garnish)

Cut each slice of bread into thirds. Using a serrated knife, cut a pocket in edge of each slice and fill with strawberries. Combine desired remaining ingredients.Quickly dip (do not soak) slices in egg mixture. Cook on hot buttered or oiled griddle or pan until golden brown on both sides. Keep mixture well blended. Sprinkle with powdered sugar and top with additional strawberry slices (a happy face pattern is fun). Serve with warm syrup.

Oven Kalua Pig

3 lb pork butt
1-1/2 tsp liquid smoke
2-1/4 tsp Hawaiian salt, sea salt, or kosher salt

Preheat oven to 350-400 degrees F. Pierce pork butt all over with carving fork. Rub salt and liquid smoke into meat. Place pork fat side up in a roasting pan or deep casserole dish. Cover and roast in oven for 2-1/2 - 3 hours. Remove the pork from pan and shred with two forks. Makes six servings.

Tip: You can also do this in a slow cooker. Just cook on low for 16-20 hours turning once.

Aloha Salad

1/3 cup olive oil
3 Tbsp sugar
3 Tbsp rice vinegar
1 tsp salt
1 tsp pepper
1 tsp sesame seed oil
1 package ramen noodles (shrimp flavored)
1 cup green scallions chopped
1/3 cup slivered almonds
2 Tbsp sesame seeds
1 head of napa cabbage shredded

Remove flavor packet from the ramen noodles. Leave the noodles in the package and break them up into small pieces. Place noodles, almonds and sesame seeds on a baking tray. Bake at 350 degrees for 10 minutes or until browned. Mix together oil, sugar, vinegar, salt, pepper, scallions, and ramen flavor packet with the napa cabbage. Add noodle mixture to dressing and pour over cabbage. Makes about 6 servings.

Watermelon

You can hollow out half of a watermelon and place fruit inside, or a couple of pineapples cut lengthwise and hollowed out also make a great serving piece to place fresh fruit in.

Haupia (Coconut Pudding Dessert)

12 ozs chilled coconut milk
1-1/2 cups water
1/2 cup + 2 Tbsp sugar
1/2 cup + 2 Tbsp cornstarch

Combine all ingredients in saucepan and stir over medium heat until thickened. Lower heat and cool for ten minutes, stirring constantly to avoid lumping or burning. Pour into 8x8-inch dish and chill until set. Cut haupia into squares & serve. Serves 8-10 people.

Macadamia Nut Cream Pie

1-1/2 cups milk
3/4 cups sugar
1/2 cup chopped macadamia nuts
Dash salt
1 tsp vanilla
1 egg
5 tsp cornstarch
2 egg whites
1 9 inch baking pie shell
Real whipped cream in a can

In a saucepan combine 1 cup of the milk, 1/4 cups of the sugar, 1/4 cups of the nuts, the salt and the vanilla, scald. Mix the remaining 1/3 cup milk with egg and cornstarch. Thoroughly stir some of the hot mixture into egg mixture; return all to the saucepan. Cook 5 more minutes, stirring constantly, until mixture thickens. Cool 1 hour. Beat egg whites until soft peaks form then fold carefully into cooled mixture. Pour into pie shell and chill. Before serving top with can of whipped cream and remaining 1/4 cup nuts. Makes 8 servings.

Volcanic Punch

3 cans frozen fruit punch concentrate
1 64 oz-can pineapple juice
1 can cream of coconut
2 2-liters ginger ale
Ice cubes
Optional: vodka

In a large punch bowl add the 3 cans of frozen fruit punch concentrate. Keep one of the empty frozen cans. Fill the can with water 6 times and add to punch bowl. Add pineapple juice, one bottle of ginger ale, and ice cubes then stir. Then add as much of the 2nd bottle of ginger ale as possible leaving at least 3 inches from the rim of the punch bowl and stir again. Pour in the can of cream of coconut on top. If you want the punch to be alcoholic add vodka. Will serve 40-50 people.

Mai Tai

A word of wisdom, don't have one Mai Tai after another or you might be dancing a hula to the pounding in your head!

2 oz light rum
1 oz Triple sec orange liquor
1 Tbsp almond liquor or almond flavored syrup
1 Tbsp Grenadine
1 Tbsp lime juice
1 dash 151 proof rum or dark rum (optional)

Shake ingredients (except the rum) and strain into a large glass about 1/3 full with crushed ice. Decorate with a maraschino cherry speared to a wedge of fresh pineapple. Top with a dash of dark rum for that reddish color. You can put an orchid in each drink for the full effect!

Island locals practice the tradition of "pot luck" luaus. Each person or family attending is responsible for making and bringing one dish. Creating an authentic Hawaiian luau just takes a little know-how!

For more recipe ideas, visit www.kingshawaiian.com
Courtesy of ARA Content

Aloha Ball - A wonderful opportunity for your guest to arrive in their formal attire. A pool area is easily transformed into a tropical paradise. Tiki torches and Luminaries make the atmosphere romantic. String some twinkle lights around for a festive touch. Hang lots of colorful beads, garland or banners and decorate the tables with tropical floral centerpieces.

Greet each guest with a silk lei and a smile. Make it easy on yourself and hire a band, DJ, bartender and someone to clean up. Serve Kahlua Pork and Aloha Salad with tropical drinks and finish with scrumptious Pineapple cake.

On a more relaxed note try...

South Seas Splash - There is no limit to the fun and excitement having this party by the pool can generate. Set a tropical mood. A limbo using a stream of water instead of a stick is a sure way to cool off the guests. Serve only desserts and set up a "Dessert Island". Combine with some pirate accessories and you will please the children as well as the adults.

Luau Cruise Ship - Set up the buffet as though you are on a fabulous South Seas cruise. Assign an "activities director" to supervise games and activities. Award prizes to winners - anything from party favors to free "cruises" (tickets to use the pool for a private party as a mini-give away). Hold a costume contest with the prize to the "passenger" with the cleverest island tourist attire. Hold a cruise ship talent or Karaoke show, invite guests to perform by the poolside.

Other theme ideas -
Shipwrecked
Pirates Cove
Pink Flamingo Lounge

Luau Theme Invitations

Luau Decorating Items
Nautical Decorating Items
Balloons
Centerpieces
Palm Trees
Tableware
Wearables
Favors

 

Item #... or keyword(s)

Tropical Luau Accessories

LUAU PARTY SUPPLIES

Luau Party Shop
Luau Party Items
Hula Skirts & Costumes
Luau Paper Goods
Luau Decorations
Luau Scene Setters
Luau Table Decorations
Luau Light Decorations
Luau Print Your Own Invitations
Luau Music and Games
Luau Banners
Luau Candy Bar Wrappers
Luau Gift & Favor Bags

Luau Scene Setters
Hawaiian Sunset or bamboo fencing...these make a great backdrop for pictures whether you are hosting a Luau or a Beach theme party.

Cinnamon Bay Wall Mural
Tropical Wall Mural
Dolphin's Paradise Wall Mural
Pebble Beach Wall Mural

LUAU THEME PAPER GOODS

Flamingo
"Ohana" is a term meaning family in Hawaiian. Get your Ohana and have some fun at the beach, poolside, or create your own tropical paradise.

Tiki Island Party
Sunshine for Your Table! Brighten your table with Tropical Sun. Great for any occasion.

Tropical Sun Party
Tropical Paradise! Add a touch of the Islands to your tropical party. Makes sure to add Silk Flower Leis, Hair Combs, Wristlets and Palm Trees. Luncheon Napkins

Luau Party
Flip Flops
Let's Hula
Cabana Rio
Tiki
Jungle Paradise
Tropical Cool
Coral Reef
Tropical Sun
Surf's Up

Luau Party Items
Luau Accessories

Luau Table Accessories
Luau Light Up Accents

Luau Music and Games
Luau Custom Banners

20" Beachballs
6" Beach Ball

FAVOR BAGS

Cool Drink Mixes combined with fish squirts, a beach ball, leis, beach safes, and many more favors to choose from will be a reminder of the fun time they had. Transporting your guests from everyday life to a tantalizing tropical island escape for an evening is well worth your time. This simple luau can be transformed into many different scenarios. By using some of the luau decor and pirate decor, you can have a Pirate Party or have a Summertime Fun Party. With a little imagination the list is endless, but for now round up all your family and friends and Hele mei hoohiwahiwa…or, come celebrate!

LUAU DECORATIONS

Tropical Decorations

Bamboo Torch Candle
Light Your Luau! Our 11" Bamboo Torch Candlesticks sits beautifully on your tables. Works great for a  candle.

Luau New Year's for 24
Aloha New Years! Now the most popular theme is available to bring in the New Year. Our Luau New Year's kit will ring in a colorful celebration.

Luau Salt and Pepper
Luau Fun! Accent your table with our Hula Girl and Palm Tree ceramic salt and pepper shakers. Great Gift, too.

DECORATING IDEAS

Here are some recipes and ideas from the family-owned King's Hawaiian company to get the entire ohana around the table this season.

46" Inflatable Parrot
This Parrot Does Not Talk! Our 46" Parrot will add a Tropical Look to your summer party.

Inflatable Palm Tree
Tropical Tree! Decorate with this 36" inflatable palm tree for a beautiful setting at your party.

Assorted Tropical Fish
Clown Fish and Friends! Go fishing for a great favor with our 2.5" colorful tropical fish assortment.

Tropical Hawaiian Posters

Luau at Sunset Shan
Buy this Mounted Print for $24.98

Hawaiian Paradise
Buy this Mini Poster for $4.98
Framed   Mounted

Hawaiian Essence I
Paquin, Nick
Buy this Art Print for $26.99
Framed   Mounted

Royal Hawaiian Hotel, Waikiki, Hawaii
Buy this Art Print for $10.80
Framed   Mounted

Flamingo Races
You will need: 
Two 10.5 " Flamingo Plates
Two Flamingo Balloons
Two pieces of rope or string about 2 feet long. 

Choose two guests to participate in the race. On even ground, place the two pieces of rope about 15 – 20 yards apart. Have both contestants line up behind one of the ropes. At the signal, each contestant USES THE Flamingo Plates TO  FAN THE Flamingo Balloons TO MOVE THEM TO THE FINISH LINE. Contestants may not touch the Flamingo with anything, only fan with the plates. The first to cross the finish line wins.

Flamingo Party Supplies

Hawaiian Paradise Buy this Mini Poster for $4.98 Framed   Mounted Hawaiian Essence I Paquin, Nick Buy this Art Print for $26.99 Framed   Mounted Royal Hawaiian Hotel, Waikiki, Hawaii Buy this Art Print for $10.80 Framed   Mounted Mahalo, Hawaiian Menu Graphic Buy this Magnet for $4.99 Hawaiian Beauty with Leis Buy this Magnet for $4.99 Hawaiian Beauty with Fruit Buy this Magnet for $4.99 Hawaiian Beauty with Lei Buy this Magnet for $4.99 Hawaiian Islands Buy this Magnet for $4.99 Hawaiian Blue Glass Buy this Framed Art Print for $80.98 Luau at Sunset Shan Buy this Mounted Print for $24.98