How to Throw a Tropical Backyard Luau

A Hawaiian luau is a fun, tropical and casual get-together, birthday or summer party theme idea to enjoy with family and friends. Keep it simple and encourage lots of play with these luau-themed decor, menu and activity ideas, including how to make a DIY limbo bar game.

Make or buy simple invitation cards with the party's date, time and location. Stick with bright, cheerful colors and tropical patterns. Send your invitations out at least two weeks in advance.

Make your guests' lives a tad easier and avoid confusion by having directional signage for important locations and activities. This simple sign was made with thin project boards and letters printed on craft paper and glued to the board. The boards were nailed to an old 2x4 and inserted into a bucket of sand accented with a hula skirt.

Luaus are an active kind of party. Make it easy for your guests to take their food on the go with small bites on picks or skewers.