Hawaiian parties are great summer fun.
Hawaii has been a state since 1959, and its centuries-old rich culture of music, food and dancing, with influences from both Polynesia and Tahiti, are both exotic and exciting. Its warm climate and lush tropical landscapes make it like nowhere else in the United States. Create your own Hawaiian paradise by hosting a themed party that draws on Hawaii's customs and history to make it the party of the summer. Does this Spark an idea?
Poi Eating Contest
Explain to the party guests that poi is a traditional Hawaiian food made by cooking and mashing taro roots until it is soft and mushy. Choose guests to participate in a poi eating contest and tell them they can not use their hands or any utensils to eat the poi. Blindfold contestants and give each a bowl of "poi," which is really vanilla pudding with mashed bananas added for texture. Part of the fun is to see who refuses to try the "poi."
Tropical Relay Race
Gather two sets of grass skirts, leis, sunglasses, flip-flops, Hawaiian shirts and hats. Divide the party guests into two teams and divide each team in half. Place the two halves of each team 25 feet away from each other. The first team member in line must put on all the Hawaiian clothes and run to the first team member on the other side. He must then transfer the clothes to the team member to the other side, who must then run back to the first other side. Keep playing until every team member has worn the clothes and run across to the other side. The first team to get through all its members wins.
Traditional Ancient Hawaiian Games
According to the Aloha Friends website, it is easy to make a modern version of ancient Hawaiian games. Throw pointed sticks at a watermelon for a spear-throwing contest. Be careful to have all players standing back while one person at a time throws his stick. Foot races of all kinds, including obstacle courses, were held to showcase a warrior's speed and agility. Adapt these by staging your own obstacle course or running three-legged or relay races. Similar to horseshoes, stones were thrown at a marker in the ground to see whose aim was the most accurate. Have players choose their own stones and mark them with a permanent marker. Use butcher paper or piece of cloth for a target. These games are authentic and easy to copy for a party.
Traditional Games with an Island Twist
Traditional party games are easy to fit into a Hawaiian theme. Collect small colorful hand towels and beach music for a game of musical towels. Play the same as musical chairs. Simon Says can become The Big Kahuna Says and King Neptune Says. Play Pin the Apple on the Pig instead of Pin the Tail on the Donkey. Pass the Coconut is played the same as Hot Potato but with a coconut and island music.
Printable Games
You can print bingo, dominoes and memory cards for free from the Internet for some quiet games. These games involve pictures of items found in Hawaii such as the sun, surfing, tropical fruits and beach clothing. Word games, such as word searches, use words like "pineapple," "macadamia nuts," "volcanoes," "lei" and "luau." Combine these word games with coloring pages and bind them together in a book for a party favor or prize.
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