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.
In an authentic scenario, the feast setting would be an open outdoor area with a lot of brilliant foliage, bright decorations and lots of room for people. Guests would sit on mats upon the ground and eat traditional dishes without the use of utensils. Everyone receives an aromatic lei as they arrive, Hawaiian music fills the air, there will be island dances and thrill performances 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.
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.
The food choices are another key aspect of throwing a party with an authentic island theme. Traditionally they would serve pork cooked in an underground oven, poi, sea snails, squid, lomi-lomi salmon, haupia, fresh local fruits and beer. Realistically, most people who have not acquired a taste for these dishes would probably appreciate substitutions such as barbecue chicken, ribs, kebabs, teriyaki, salads, Mai-tais and punch.
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.
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.
In an authentic scenario, the feast setting would be an open outdoor area with a lot of brilliant foliage, bright decorations and lots of room for people. Guests would sit on mats upon the ground and eat traditional dishes without the use of utensils. Everyone receives an aromatic lei as they arrive, Hawaiian music fills the air, there will be island dances and thrill performances 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.
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.
The food choices are another key aspect of throwing a party with an authentic island theme. Traditionally they would serve pork cooked in an underground oven, poi, sea snails, squid, lomi-lomi salmon, haupia, fresh local fruits and beer. Realistically, most people who have not acquired a taste for these dishes would probably appreciate substitutions such as barbecue chicken, ribs, kebabs, teriyaki, salads, Mai-tais and punch.
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.
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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