The two primary characters at a Luau are Kamapua'a the Hawaiian trickster god and Pele goddess of the volcanoes. Both have highly stylised costumes which can readily be duplicated to ensure a fantastic Luau party; visit http://www.karnival-house.co.uk/acatalog/Beach_Party.html for a fantastic collection of Hawaiian beach party costumes and accessories.

 

Luau Costume Tips

 

The two primary characters at a Luau are Kamapua'a the Hawaiian trickster god and Pele goddess of the volcanoes. Both have highly stylised costumes which can readily be duplicated to ensure a fantastic Luau party; visit http://www.karnival-house.co.uk/acatalog/Beach_Party.html for a fantastic collection of Hawaiian beach party costumes and accessories.

 

Here are some tips on selecting your own Hawaiian Luau costume;

 

o        Kampapua'a is depicted wearing a crown of leaves and amulet.  As identified above, it is common to wear a tusk around the neck together with the traditional Hawaiian leis.  It is usual for men to wear a grass skirt; these are not exclusively for women.  If the thought of a grass skirt is too much however, opt for a long palm leaf skirt instead – these are commonly available – visit the costume accessories section at http://www.karnival-house.co.uk

 

o        Pele as patroness of dance is depicted wearing a crown of flowers and either grass skirt or sarong.  If you opt for the grass skirt, then you may want to consider either a coconut shell or sea shell bikini to

p.

 

o        Although raffia is commonly used for grass skirts, which are available in a variety of thicknesses, you don't have to settle for simple straw colour.  Your Hawaiian leis will be as colourful as the tropical flowers they are based on and grass skirts are available in a variety of colours.  A straw/natural coloured grass skirt does allow the wearer to co-ordinate the colours of the leis, floral headband and armlets being worn and therefore offers a classical backdrop.  Another popular alternative is the longer length palm leaf skirt which is suitable for both men and women.

 

o        Hawaiian leis, floral crowns, wristbands and anklets are all based on tropical blooms including hibiscus, orchid and bougainvillea flowers which are all beautifully coloured.  The trend recently has been towards colour co-ordinated floral accessories with all pieces using the same colour way.  Multi-coloured Hawaiian leis and other components do however remain available.  These same blooms make great table and bar decorations for the perfect luau.

 

o        Plastic Tiki Masks are available for those who want to look more like a Hawaiian god.  A Tiki mask combined with grass skirt and bare chest (God not Goddess!) is a classic look for a luau.  Commercially available masks can restrict vision so care is required where real flame tiki torches are being used.  These masks can also become hot when worn for long periods – what an excuse to cool down with another nice long drink.

 

For those reluctant to dress in grass skirt, why not select general beach or surfing wear.  Another alternative would be to dress as a Hawaiian tourist in flowery shirt complete with Hawaiian lei and camera.  Alternatively a range of humorous costumes are available – Man Eating Shark (or more correctly shark eating man), Padded Pineapple, Big Kahuna, Luau Larry and Aloha Gorilla – again these padded costumes may become warm to wear so a change of clothes would be an advantage.