Break out the tiki torches and the grill!  Summer is the perfect time to throw a luau theme party.  This casual Hawaiian feast brings the flavor and spirit of the islands to the mainland.

Check out my July column on The Family Groove for great tips on how to throw an fun lu’au theme party.

Whether you’re inviting friends to your beach house or throwing a beach theme party on your rooftop, seashell candle holders will add an authentic flare to your beach party decore.  Use real seashells and place a votive candle or tea light (removed from the tin holder) in the open side of the shell.  If you have any lying around, sprinkle tiny little shells inside the candle and watch them float in the wax as the candle melts.  If you aren’t on an actual beach, fill a shallow bowl or plate with sand and nestle the seashells in the sand before lighting them.  A fun use for those shells you collected on vacation, and a great way to create ambiance for your beach party.

Fresh flower leis are beautiful!  But for those of us on the mainland coming across a fresh flower lei isn’t easy, and the shipping cost to have them shipped from Hawaii can be costly.  While there are tons of faux flower leis available (ranging from silk to plastic), kukui nut or shell leis are a great (authentic) alternative to garnish your guests for your next lu’au. 
 

Kukui is Hawaii’s state tree and the leis made from the dried nuts of the tree were worn by royalty, politicians and other important figures in Hawaiian history.  Both men and women wear kukui leis.  They make a great favor for your guests to take home.  They range in price but you can buy a fairly nice one for about $8 (hand made in Hawaii kukui leis start at about $30 each).
 

Shell leis are also a fun alternative and are generally less expensive than kukui nut leis.  They are usually sold by the dozen.  You can give each person one or layer a few together.
 
 

Kukui nut leis
$5 each – http://hawaiistores.com/kukuinutleis.html
$7 each – http://www.alohagiftsfromhawaii.com/kukuinut.html
$9 each - http://www.rainbowhawaii.com/clerherforse.html
$13 each (hand painted with flowers) – http://hawaiiandays.com/KNH/shop_kukui_nut_lei.htm
$29-35 – http://www.iakamai.com/islandproducts/buy_kukui_lei.html

Shell leis 

$4 per dozen – http://hawaiistores.com/shellleis.html
$7 per dozen – http://www.hulasupplycenter.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=75
$20 per dozen – http://www.hawaiianluauparty.com/product.cfm?productid=159
$3 each – http://www.waveshoppe.com/images/Hawaiian-Leis/seashell-leis.jpg

For larger events, most of the sites listed above offer bulk discounts.  There are also other wholesale suppliers online who sell in bulk, but the minimum quantity is generally higher.

*Shown above is a dark brown kukui nut and yellow shell lei, available for $9 at http://us.st11.yimg.com/us.st.yimg.com/I/accredited_1993_177125745

I just discovered this amazingly delicious drink in Hawaii.  It is a variation on a pina colada, with the addition of a strawberry puree.  The drink is aptly named because the strawberry puree bubbles up like flowing lava.  This is a fantastic summer drink (especially for a lu’au theme party), but equally great for times when you just wish you were on a tropical getaway.

Lava Flow
1oz light rum

1oz Malibu coconut rum

2oz strawberries (fresh or frozen)

1 medium banana (fresh or frozen)

2oz unsweetened pineapple juice

2oz coconut cream

ice (preferably crushed) 

 

1.       In the jar of a blender, puree the strawberries and both rums.  Pour the strawberry puree into the bottom of a hurricane glass or another tall glass.  Rinse the blender with water to remove any strawberry residue.   

2.       Blend the remaining ingredients (banana through ice) until smooth and frothy.  Slowly pour the mixture into the glass over the strawberry puree.  Watch the strawberry bubble up like flowing lava.  Serve with a thick straw and garnish with a wedge of pineapple or a fresh strawberry (umbrellas optional).

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