Throw a Traditional Luau

A luau is a traditional Hawaiian (with some variations in Polynesia) party, with lots of food and music. Luau, originally a term for the Taro leaves that wrap a traditional dish called laulau, came at a much later date.

In Hawai'i, certian Luaus are very important, including a baby's first luau, or first birthday, graduations, or weddings. In each, Pork or Kalua Pig, is the highlighted dish. Some Luaus in Hawaii will roast a pig in an Imu, or underground pit, but for a backyard bash, oven Kalua is perfectly acceptable!

Steps

 * 1) Send out invitations, you want a lot of people at a Luau. Now days, there are a lot of pre-printed invitations you can pick up at your local party store that are Luau themed.
 * 2) Set the attire to Aloha wear.  Mention this in your invitations to get your guests in the theme.
 * 3) Decide on a menu: Whether you go with traditional kalua pig, poi, poke, and sweet potato, or pineapple chicken and pork kabobs, you should decide on a menu early.  Luau catering may be available in your area, but is expensive.  If you decide to prepare food your self, plan ahead and make sure you have a few friends to help in the prep.
 * 4)  Research some traditional foods:  If Poi is available in your area, pick some up and have guests try some!
 * 5)  Plan for some entertainment:  Many metropolitan areas have Hula or Tahitian groups that can be booked for your party.  While they may be expensive, they are a great way to integrate the traditional dance as well as entertain your guests.
 * 6)  Decorate!  Fresh flowers, coconuts, and pineapples are great reusable decoration.
 * 7)  Get gifts for your guests:  Everyone at your luau should have a lei, you can use either synthetic flower leis or shell leis from a party store or make your own with fresh flowers!

Tips

 * Plan for more people, someone will always have an extra niece, girlfriend, or neighbor they will bring along. In the spirit of Hawaii, you should welcome them all!
 * Research Hawaiian greetings so you can welcome your guests in Hawaiian! Aloha!
 * Buy Hawaiian music to play at your party on. There is a great iTunes essentials mix that will give you a nice selection of traditional and modern Hawaiian music.

Warnings

 * Be respectful of the culture, don't mock traditions of the Hawaiian people. While the Luau is something everyone can enjoy, it's purpose is to be a fun party, not a cultural idiocracy.
 * Don't attempt to roast pork if you don't have experience in doing so. Purchase a pork tenderloin instead and bake it in the oven.  You can ad a dash of liquid smoke to imitate the "in-ground" smoky flavor.

Related Tips and Steps

 * How to Plan a Party
 * How to Throw a Cocktail Party
 * How to Throw a Keg Party
 * How to Host a Successful Party
 * How to Throw a Great Party

Sources and Citations

 * Fun Games for your Luau
 * Roast a pig!
 * Real 360 view of a Hawaiian Luau
 * Wikipedia on Luaus