Looking for some Hawaiian party theme menu ideas? Wait until your try these quick, easy, and CRAZY GOOD luau party food ideas.
Planning a Hawaiian-themed party and need some mouthwatering food ideas? Look no further! This collection of insanely delicious luau recipes will make your celebration unforgettable.
From savory Kalua pork to vibrant tropical cocktails and easy pineapple dump cake, these dishes are perfect for bringing the flavors of the islands to your table. Whether you’re hosting a big luau or a small gathering, these recipes will impress your guests and make your party a hit.
Dive in and discover the best Hawaiian party recipes you need to try!
(Posts on stacyling.com may contain affiliate links. Click HERE for full disclosure.)
Hawaiian luau parties are so fun aren’t they? They make super fun themes for casual get-togethers, birthday, or summer dinner parties.
And luau food is pretty amazing too!
My supper club and I got together this month to kick off summer with a Hawaiian party theme and today, we are sharing the incredible menu. And we each featured a dish using a similar ingredient. Can you guess what it is without scrolling down?
At the end of this post, let me know if you got it right in the comment section.
Wait until you see these CRAZY GOOD luau party food ideas. My mouth is watering just reading all the recipe names! Mahalo!
What is a Luau Party?
A luau party is a traditional Hawaiian feast that combines a rich variety of food, music, and cultural performances. It celebrates the vibrant culture of Hawaii and is often characterized by a festive, relaxed atmosphere.
Luaus can be held to mark special occasions such as birthdays, weddings, or simply as a way to gather friends and family for a fun and memorable time. Key elements of a luau include traditional Hawaiian music, hula dancing, and a feast featuring local Hawaiian cuisine.
While you may not be able to board the next flight to Hawaii any time soon, you can host a luau-inspired party right in your own backyard. The key is to use traditional luau food and drink to inspire your own luau menu.
What food do you serve at a luau party?
The food at a luau is central to the experience, featuring a variety of traditional Hawaiian dishes and flavors. To give you some ideas, here are some of the most popular luau party foods:
- Kalua Pork: This is a must-have, typically prepared by slow-cooking pork wrapped in banana leaves in an underground oven called an imu.
- Poke: A popular Hawaiian dish made from raw fish, usually tuna, marinated in soy sauce, sesame oil, and mixed with onions and seaweed.
- Lomi-Lomi Salmon: A fresh and flavorful dish made with salted salmon, tomatoes, and onions, served cold.
- Huli Huli Chicken: Grilled chicken marinated in a sweet and savory sauce made from pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, and ginger.
- Tropical Fruits: Fresh pineapple, mango, papaya, and coconut are commonly served, either as part of a fruit platter or in fruit salads.
- Sweet Potatoes and Taro Chips: These can be served as sides or snacks.
What kinds of drinks are served at a luau?
Drinks at a luau are typically refreshing and often feature tropical flavors. Here are some of my favorite ideas for simple luau party drinks:
- Mai Tais: A classic tropical cocktail made with rum, lime juice, orgeat syrup, and orange liqueur.
- Piña Coladas: A sweet and creamy drink made with rum, coconut cream, and pineapple juice, often served blended with ice.
- Blue Hawaiians: A vibrant blue cocktail made with rum, blue curaçao, pineapple juice, and cream of coconut.
- Lava Flows: A visually stunning drink that combines frozen Piña Colada and strawberry daiquiri for a layered effect.
- Fresh Coconut Water: Served straight from the coconut, it’s a hydrating and authentic non-alcoholic option.
- Tropical Punch: A non-alcoholic blend of various fruit juices like pineapple, orange, and guava, often garnished with fresh fruit slices.
These are just a few luau party food ideas you can incorporate into your next get-together. For some of my favorite dishes and recipes, keep reading to see exactly what was served at my luau party.
Luau Party Appetizer Ideas
You can never have too much food at a party, right? While my elegant luau was held as a sit-down meal, a luau can also be a more casual event with lots of appetizers too.
Here are some of my favorite easy appetizer ideas for luau parties:
- Spam Musubi: A popular Hawaiian snack made with grilled Spam, rice, and nori seaweed. Don’t knock it until you’ve tried it!
- Pineapple Chicken Skewers: Grilled skewers with marinated chicken and fresh pineapple chunks.
- Taro Chips with Mango Salsa: Crispy taro chips served with a refreshing mango salsa. You can even get both store-bought at your local grocery store (if you can’t find taro chips look at a store like Whole Foods).
- Kalua Pork Sliders: Mini sandwiches filled with tender, smoky Kalua pork and coleslaw. These would also be delicious using huli huli chicken on Hawaiian slider rolls!
- Stuffed Mini Sweet Peppers: Sweet peppers stuffed with a mix of cream cheese, pineapple, and herbs. These are light, refreshing, and perfect for adults and kids alike.
- Tropical Fruit Salad or Skewers: Make a classic fruit salad with a tropical twist by incorporating pineapple, passion fruit, and other exotic flavors. Or, make things even more interesting by putting the fruit on skewers and grilling them.
Insanely Delicious Luau Recipes You Need to Try
Whether you are hosting a Hawaiian party theme or not, these food-for-luau ideas can easily stand on their own at any summer-inspired party. What I love most about each recipe for luau food is the ease of making the dish.
I don’t know about you, but I love recipes that are quick and simple to make but pack a lot of flavors. And these luau party food ideas are no exception!
Malibu Sunset Tropical Rum Cocktail Recipe
Get ready to transport your taste buds to a tropical paradise with the Malibu Sunset Tropical Rum Cocktail. This vibrant and refreshing drink combines the smooth sweetness of Malibu rum with the fruity flavors of pineapple and grenadine, creating a stunning layered effect that looks as good as it tastes.
Perfect for any luau or summer gathering, this cocktail is sure to impress your guests and become a staple in your entertaining repertoire.
This cocktail recipe for summer is light, fruity, and tastes so refreshing. So it’s perfect for a Hawaiian luau or tropical themed dinner party. But it’s also a great drink to make if you are enjoying a fun summer gathering or lazy Saturday afternoon on the porch too.
Cheers to tropical vibes and delicious sips!
Refreshing Pineapple Basil Cocktail
Quench your thirst with the delightful Pineapple Basil Refreshing Cocktail, a perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors. This cocktail combines the juicy sweetness of fresh pineapple with the aromatic freshness of basil, resulting in a unique and invigorating drink.
Ok I’ve never had this one before but it sounds AMAZING doesn’t it? My good friend Michele from Vintage Home Designs made this super light and refreshing pineapple basil cocktail and knocked it out of the park.
Ideal for summer parties or a relaxing evening at home, this cocktail is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make. Serve it chilled and garnish with a basil leaf for an extra touch of elegance.
It sounds like the perfect summer beverage and definitely one of the best drinks for a luau. And I love that I can harvest fresh basil from my vegetable garden to make this drink too.
Cheers to a refreshing twist on your usual cocktail!
Fresh and Easy Pineapple Salsa
Holy pineapple yumminess. I love a good salsa but never made one with pineapple before, have you?
Brighten up your next luau or summer gathering with this Fresh and Easy Pineapple Salsa. This vibrant and zesty dish combines the sweetness of fresh pineapple with the bold flavors of cilantro, lime, and jalapeño for a perfect balance of sweet and spicy. Not only is it incredibly refreshing, but it’s also a breeze to make.
Serve it as a dip with tortilla chips, or as a topping for grilled meats and seafood to add a burst of tropical flavor to any meal. Enjoy the taste of the islands with every bite!
My good friend Jen from Midwest Life and Style made this simple and fresh pineapple salsa that looks so good for our luau food! But I think it would also make a great coconut shrimp taco topping too!
Easy Recipe for Coconut Shrimp
Speaking of coconut shrimp, this simple recipe for coconut shrimp is a tasty dish that combines the sweetness of coconut with the succulence of shrimp. It has so many great flavors that make it perfect for a luau menu.
Whether you’re planning a Hawaiian luau party or simply craving a taste from the islands, making coconut shrimp at home is easier than you might think.
While it can also be served as a main course, it makes an amazing appetizer to serve because it brings a taste of the tropics and offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures. I love it with a side of pineapple salsa. The flavor combination hits just right!
My family and I make this recipe all summer long. Wait until you try it!
Grilled Huli Huli Chicken with Grilled Pineapple
Experience a burst of Hawaiian flavor with our Grilled Huli Huli Chicken and Grilled Pineapple. This dish features tender, juicy chicken marinated in a sweet and savory sauce, perfectly charred on the grill for an authentic island taste.
Paired with caramelized pineapple slices, this recipe brings a delightful balance of smoky, sweet, and tangy flavors that will have your guests coming back for more. It’s an ideal centerpiece for any luau or summer barbecue, offering a delicious taste of the tropics.
My good friends Anne and Ann Marie from Simply 2 Moms shared their super delicious recipe for grilled huli huli chicken. As you might remember, huli huli chicken is a traditional luau food to serve. I need to try this one, doesn’t it sound so good?
They even grilled some pineapples and I bet they taste amazing off the grill! Have you ever done that before? I haven’t – so I’m looking forward to trying this luau food.
Easy Oven Roasted Vegetables Recipe
Discover the perfect way to enjoy a healthy, delicious side dish with our Easy Oven Roasted Vegetables Recipe. This simple yet flavorful recipe brings out the natural sweetness and texture of a variety of fresh vegetables, making them a hit at any meal.
Whether you’re looking to add more veggies to your diet or need a quick, nutritious side dish for your next dinner, this recipe is sure to please. Packed with nutrients and bursting with flavor, these oven-roasted vegetables are a must-try.
I’m always looking for new side dish recipes and this one is a must-try! My good friend Rachel from The Ponds Farmhouse shared her easy recipe for oven roasted vegetables and it looks so tasty doesn’t it?
It pairs so nicely with the huli huli chicken that Anne and Ann Marie made. Plus, I can harvest the zucchini straight from my garden..
Pineapple Fried Rice
Elevate your luau menu with this delicious Pineapple Fried Rice recipe. Bursting with vibrant colors and tropical flavors, this dish combines tender rice with juicy pineapple chunks, savory vegetables, and a hint of soy sauce for a perfect balance of sweet and savory.
Ideal as a side dish or a main course, Pineapple Fried Rice is not only visually appealing but also incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re hosting a Hawaiian-themed party or simply looking for a unique and tasty meal, this recipe is sure to be a hit!
I am a huge fan of fried rice, are you? Whenever we order out from a Chinese or Thai restaurant, fried rice is always on the family order. So when my good friend Libbie from a Life Unfolding share her recipe for pineapple fried rice, I thought to myself that I have to make it!
Doesn’t it look divine?
Dump Cake Pineapple Recipe
And we can’t forget the dessert for a luau party! Indulge in the delightful simplicity of this Pineapple Dump Cake Recipe, a perfect dessert for any luau or tropical-themed gathering. With minimal ingredients and effort, this cake delivers maximum flavor and enjoyment.
Combining the tangy sweetness of pineapple with the rich texture of cake mix, this dessert is a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to impress. Whether you’re hosting a party or just craving a taste of the tropics, this Pineapple Dump Cake is an easy and delicious treat that everyone will love.
This dump cake pineapple recipe is the best of both worlds with minimal ingredients and simple preparation. If you love dishes that are dump and bake – this one is totally for you. It is heaven in a bowl and a must-try because it is ridiculously easy to make and melts in your mouth.
Allow it cool and serve it over a bowl of vanilla ice cream and enjoy! And the best part?
It’s a great dessert to serve with food for luau parties, but it’s also a festive dish for a patriotic celebration or summer barbeque.
How to Host an Elegant Luau Party for Adults
If all this luau party food has you feeling inspired, it’s time to start planning your own Hawaiian themed party! I had so much fun hosting my luau for my supper club and focused on keeping things bright and tropical with an upscale flare. You can learn more about my luau decor, luau table settings and all the details of the Hawaiian party decor in my luau planning guide.
Final Thoughts on Luau Party Food Ideas
Hosting a luau party is a fantastic way to bring a taste of Hawaii to your home, and with these delicious recipes, you’ll have everything you need for an unforgettable celebration. From savory Kalua pork to refreshing tropical cocktails, each dish will transport your guests to the islands.
Don’t be afraid to get creative with your menu and add your own twists to these classic recipes. Enjoy the process, and most importantly, have fun sharing these incredible flavors with friends and family.
Mahalo!
Do you have a fun luau party recipe you love? I would love to know more in the comments below.
If you have any questions, comments or suggestions, please let me know in the comments below. I’d love to hear! And feel free to share this post with anyone you think would find it helpful too.
Thank you for visiting the blog today!
Enjoy your day! xo
Looking for More Summer or Food for Luau Ideas?
Wait until you try these recipes for your next summer or Hawaiian party theme!
- The Best Recipe for Watermelon Sangria
- Best Mixed Drink with Rum for Summer
- Easy Homemade Coconut Shrimp Recipe
- Simple Coconut Shrimp Tacos
- Refreshing Strawberry Lemonade Recipe
- The Best Recipe for Peach Sangria
- Best Blueberry Mojito Recipe
- Simple Salad Cucumber Tomato Onion
- Refreshing Cucumber Salad with Dill
- The Best Bellini Recipe
