Creative Hawaiian Decorations
to Spruce Up Your Luau

When you throw a luau, Hawaiian decorations are key! They're the main ingredient in setting the mood.

Make creative Hawaiian decorations for your luau and set a festive tropical mood!

And if you don't have a tropical mood at a luau party, what's the point? Tropical drinks and a few pineapples will only take you so far.

To complete the tropical mood, experiment with some simple luau recipes and fabulous luau drinks. These authentic Hawaiian goodies also make for great conversation starters.

Hawaiian Decorations

We've been known to throw a luau every now and again, and when we do, these are the luau party decorations we rely on to create a tropical atmosphere:

Of course you and your guests will don grass skirts, but trim tables and patio umbrellas with them and make your own tiki huts. Use one hut as your tropical bar.

Cover all of your tables with different Hawaiian print fabrics (no need to hem them, you're on island time now).

Kitschy hula girl (or ukelele boy) centerpieces with silk hibiscus blossoms sprinkled around them.

String lights of tropical fish or little palm trees all around your party space; if you're outside, use tiki torches too.

Blow up large pictures of tropical fish, breath-taking sunsets and dramatic lavascapes and hang them all around.

Arrange potted plants, the more lush and colorful the better, around your space. If you can find a generous friend or neighbor to lend you a potted palm or two, fantastic!

Burn hibiscus-scented candles and play a cd of the ocean.

Print tribal-patterned tattoos for arm and leg bands and have plenty in a basket for your guests (about $10 for a pack of 5 A4 sheets of special inkjet tattoo paper).

Transforming your backyard or even your living room into a tropical paradise (I love getting carried away) is half the fun of hosting a Hawaiian luau, don't you think?

Creating unique centerpieces, a colorful buffet table, beautiful lighting with torches and luminarias...you'll love the big impact they have on your guests.

Check out these pages for more luau-related ideas and info:

Luau Party Ideas
More Luau Party Theme Ideas
Hawaiian Luau Party Invitations
Recipes for Tropical Drinks
Authentic and Simple Luau Recipes
Luau Birthday Cakes
Luau Party Favors