Hawaii is a lot closer than you think! Bring this tropical climate right into your backyard with a luau-themed or hula girl-themed birthday party. These activities, recipes, crafts, and more will have everyone doing the hula in no time!

Best for

Hula dancers in a mini hula skirt set and flame throwers from ages three through 12 will enjoy these summertime tropical festivities. In Hawaii, the men wear flowers around their necks just like the women, so no need to ease up on the botanicals!

Party Planning

For peace of mind, begin planning your bash six to eight weeks in advance. This will allow you time to gather all the supplies that you need, including decorations, gifts, and menu items. Planning ahead also gives your guests time to RSVP and make travel plans, if needed. Don't panic if you find yourself short on time; you can still plan a great party! Planning ahead simply reduces the risk of conflicts with guests' plans and may increase your party’s attendance.

Create fun invitations by cutting out skirt shapes from tan or green construction paper and fringing the bottom edges to make Hawaiian grass skirts. Glue the skirts to the top of construction paper cards, and write “It’s a Summer Luau!” underneath. For a more tropical feeling, cut colorful flowers from construction paper, and create leis by gluing them to the front of your cards.  Or, if you’re short on time, purchase personalized or pre-printed luau invitations online. We recommend mailing your invitations three to four weeks prior to the party—any sooner and your guests may forget, any later and they may already have plans.

To simplify the rest of the party planning process, check out our Party Planning Timeline, take a look at our When & Where to Have the Party page, and read the paragraphs below for information on selecting decorations, supplies, activities, and more for your child's party.

What You’ll Need

If you plan to use paper tableware and themed party supplies, our Suggested Party Supply List may be quite helpful. Please note that you may not need everything on the list; it is intended only as a guide.

Colors and luau patterns for this party are numerous. Use solid or patterned partyware that resembles tropical or summer plants, such as partyware in shades of green, pink, yellow, orange, red, purple, or other warm colors. Choose colorful streamers to hang and white balloons to float for simple décor.

For goodie bags, visit our sister site, Birthday in a Box, where you’ll find luau-themed favor sets and individual luau favors, such as toy tropical fish, beach items, sand toys, luau candies, and more. Place these items inside clear or printed cellophane bags, and tie the bags closed with colorful chenille stems or pretty ribbons.