by E.A. Paul

Created on: July 09, 2008   Last Updated: July 01, 2010

If you're looking for a unique and memorable time for your next party or get together, a Hawaiian luau is just the thing that can leave a lasting impression on your guests.

The luau originated in Hawaii in 1819 when King Kamehameha II abolished the old religious practices of men and women eating apart, and the common people not being allowed to eat certain delicacies. The King abolished these old practices by eating with the women at robust feasts to symbolize the start of doing away with these old ways and the start of the luau.

At these luau feasts, there was an abundance of food laid out as well as lavish decorations consisting of flowers, lauhala mats on the floor, and tables covered with ferns. Many people were invited to the Kings luau to take part in these lavish feasts. The food consisted of: chicken, poi...a main staple, coconuts, meats, sweet potatoes, and fish. The leaves of the taro plant were combined with chicken that was baked in coconut milk and called luau, therefore giving the luau it's name.

If you'd like to have a luau of your own, you'll want to do three things. First, you will need some Hawaiian recipes for some real good down to earth Hawaiian food. Next, you'll need some Hawaiian decorations to give your party that real lual feel. Finally, you'll need to get a hold of some authentic Hawaiian music, preferably music that is played at a luau.

As far as the food is concerned, there are some good web sites available where you can get your recipes. After searching the web, I found this web site which has some great Hawaiian recepies: http://gohawaii.about.com/od/luaurecipes/Hawaiian_Lu au_Recipes.htm
Actually, this site has 31 Hawaiian food recepies. Just to name several:

Aloha sweet potatoes
Dorie's luau recipes
The complete luau menu
How to prepare and cook food in an imu
Pineapple calabash punch
Sauteed Mahi Mahi.

As far as decorations go, you'll want to have lots of Hawaiian luau decorations. Again, after searching the web I found this great web site: www.hawaiianluauparty.com
Here you will find some real lual decorations such as:

Grass skirts
Sarongs
Silk leis
Hair clips
Tikis
Tiki bar
Tableware
Decorations

Now that we have the food recipes and decorations accounted for, we need some real authentic Hawaiian music to put the guests at your party in the right "Hawaiian mood". Again, after searching the web I found this great site where you can get all of the music that will fill the air with great Hawaiian sounds. Again, the previous web site, Hawaiianluauparty.com has all the music you'll need. You'll find Hawaiian music greats such as:

The best of the Brothers Cazimero
Don Ho
Na Leo Pilimehana
Teresa Bright
Jake Shimabukuro

So, now that we have the food recipes, the decorations, and the music...Let's have a luau!

Go To: http://hubpages.com/hub/How-To-Plan-A-Back-Yard-Luau -Party for luau recipes, music CD suggestions, and party decorations.

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