30 Best Luau Party Foods
This huge list of luau party foods are sweet and savory and look too good to eat! Add them to your list of the best luau party ideas that will have everyone talking.
Everyone loves going to a luau. They always have the best music, food, games, and drinks. There’s just something about reliving the island life that always puts everyone in a good mood.
Thankfully, luaus are super easy to plan and host. The food is usually the most difficult part – but I’ve got that covered.
Whether you need appetizers, side dishes, or desserts, I’ve got it all in this list!
Scroll through the pictures below and then click through to get the recipes. You’ll be able to fill up your luau menu in no time at all.
First, I have some tips that will help you plan the most epic part that everyone talks about.
Best Type of Food For Luaus
If you’re trying to decide which type of food to serve at your luau, answer a few questions.
Where will the luau be held? What time is it going to be? And how fancy or casual will it be?
If you’re going to host the party around a meal time, then plan some luau party foods that will include an entree, side, and some desserts.
And, yes, I’ve got all of those ideas in this list!
But if you’re hosting a casual get-together, then some finger foods will do just fine.
Where you’re hosting the part matters, too. If it’s outside, then you should serve food is easy to eat whether you have tables or not.
But if the party is inside, you can plan more formal foods with plates and utensils.
The food matters, but you should plan the location and time first, and then match the food to them.
Where To Buy Party Supplies
When you plan your party, you’ll need the basics:
You can get all of those things on Amazon. Get them all shipped within a few days, even!
But if you want something more unique, then get something handmade from Etsy. I love supporting small artisans and creators!
In fact, I like to get the party favors from Etsy. There are some really creative ones on there.
Make a list and then buy all of your party supplies at once.
Luau Mojitos
If you’re going to serve cocktails, then serve mojitos. You’ll never go wrong with a classic one- white rum, mint, and club soda. But if you want to add some flair, here are some of my favorite drink recipes.
- Dirty Mojito
- Pineapple Coconut Mojito
- Blueberry Lemonade Mojito
- Easy Tequila Mojito Recipe
- Pineapple Mojito
- Blueberry Mojito Cocktail
Click through to those recipes. All of them can be made into mocktails, too!
Are you ready for the list of luau party food? Here you go! Click through to get each recipe.
30 Luau Party Foods
Throw a fun and tasty luau party with these 30 easy-to-make dishes. You'll find a mix of traditional and modern recipes that capture the spirit of the islands. Delight in sweet pineapple desserts, flavorful coconut dishes, and refreshing beverages! Your luau will be a hit with these crowd-pleasing foods that bring a taste of Hawaii to your table!
A refreshing and colorful treat that's perfect for beating the heat and at your party set up! It's a block of ice that's finely shaved into a soft, fluffy texture, similar to snow - drenched in a variety of flavored syrups!
Fried rice with sweet pineapple chunks, crispy vegetables, and a hint of savory seasonings that is perfect to pair with a Chicken Hawaiian recipe!
One of the popular foods in Hawaii that you wanna add to your party menu list! A tender, juicy ribs with a rich, smoky flavor that are often garnished with green onions or sesame seeds.
This dip is perfect for scooping up with tortilla chips, breadsticks, or slices of baguette, making it a crowd-pleasing addition to youtr Luau party!
This grilled shrimp is cooked with their shells still on because it enhances the flavors. It's a perfect pair to serve with white rice or Hawaiian rice, making it the best meal!
A smooth, dairy-based ice cream base with pineapple flavor. The taste is refreshingly sweet and tangy, like biting into fresh pineapple chunks.
Mahi Mahi is a type of fish known for its firm texture and mild flavor. This ideal Luau party food is often served in soft corn or flour tortillas.
Butter mochi is a popular Hawaiian dessert that blends traditional Japanese mochi with Western ingredients like butter and evaporated milk.
These skewers are often grilled with pieces of pineapple, ham and sometimes bell peppers or cherry tomatoes, all layered with cheese and a tangy tomato sauce.
Mimic the appearance of beach with this sand in a cup! They typically consist of layers of vanilla pudding mixed with crushed cookies and topped with gummy candies.
A type of Chinese dumpling often prepared using ready-made wrappers filled with a mixture of ground meat, vegetables, and seasonings.
A delicious tropical treat where fresh pineapple slices are lightly grilled until caramelized added with cinnamon for a aromatic flavor.
Learn how to make these cute flip flop cookie desserts for your Luau party and delight your guests with a touch of tropical sweetness!
This recipe is a popular appetizer or snack item at Hawaiian-themed parties like luaus with a savory cheese spread. The cheeseball might be rolled in chopped nuts or coated with a yellow-tinted cheese or seasoning mix to mimic the appearance of a pineapple.
This margarita is typically made by blending fresh or frozen peaches with tequila, lime juice, triple sec or orange liqueur, and ice until smooth and slushy. Learn how to make one here!
These meatballs can be served as appetizers or as a main dish for your next luau part, with easy ingredients such as pineapple, soy sauce, brown sugar, and sometimes teriyaki sauce or ginger.
These shots are made by combining pineapple-flavored gelatin with coconut-flavored rum or coconut milk, giving them a tropical feels!
This Hawaiian sliders are typically consist of ingredients like Hawaiian rolls filled with layers of sliced ham, Swiss cheese, and sometimes like mustard or a sweet glaze.
A gelatin mixture with coconut-flavored liquor or coconut milk, poured into small containers like shot glasses or hollowed-out coconut shells (for an extra Hawaiian vibes!)
What's the best way to complete a Luau party? A Luau Charcuterie Board! It is a variety of Hawaiian and tropical-themed foods like fresh pineapple, papaya, along with sliced meats such as teriyaki chicken skewers.
A refreshing cocktail blending the tropical flavors of pineapple and coconut with the classic minty zest of a mojito.
This easy pineapple salsa is a refreshing blend of diced pineapple, tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and a hint of lime juice. Perfect for scooping up with tortilla chips or topping grilled chicken or fish for a tropical twist on any dish.
This classic cocktail blends sweet pineapple, smooth coconut, and a hint of rum for a taste of the islands in every sip.
A mix of blue curaçao liqueur, coconut rum, pineapple juice, and blue gelatin with a tropical and slightly sweet flavor profile.
Get ready for a taste of the tropics with these Pina Colada Jello Shots! These fun, coconut and pineapple-flavored treats are perfect for your luau, combining the classic cocktail flavors in a playful, wiggly form.
Enjoy the crisp, tangy flavors of a classic lemon mojito! This refreshing drink combines zesty lemon, fragrant mint, and a hint of sweetness for the perfect tropical sip.
These cupcakes often have a coconut-flavored base, either in the cake itself or in the frosting, combined with pineapple flavors. Topped with a pineapple leaf-like sweet.
This refreshing beverage is a perfect blend of flavors, like a smooth, fruity lava flow in a glass, making it a must-have for your next luau!
This next Hawaiian recipe often includes ingredients like pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, and sometimes garlic and ginger. The result? A tender chicken with a sweet and savory sauce!
Hawaiian Wedding Cake is a light sponge cake layered with fluffy whipped cream or creamy frosting. It's great for weddings and perfect for your luau party, with its delicious island flavors.
If you enjoyed this list of luau party foods, then pin this post to Pinterest. That way you can find it whenever you host a luau.