Posts in luau ideas
Entertained and Educated at Your Next Luau
Entertained and Educated at Your Next Luau

Hosting a luau isn’t just about the food and decor—it’s about creating a truly immersive experience for your guests. At Islanders Luau, we offer a variety of engaging activities that not only entertain but also provide a glimpse into the rich traditions and culture of Polynesia. Here are the top 8 activities that will make your luau unforgettable!

1. Samoan Coconut Village

Discover the art of breaking open coconuts and learn about their versatile uses in the beautiful islands of Samoa. Guests will be amazed by the skill and tradition involved in coconut preparation. As a treat, sample the sweet and creamy Koko rice, a delightful Samoan dessert. This activity is both educational and delicious!

2. Fiji Foto Booth

Capture memories in style with our fun and decorative Fiji Foto Booth. Equipped with playful props and an attendant to guide the fun, this booth provides up to two hours of non-stop excitement. Strike a pose, and take home a personalized photostrip featuring your event name or logo. It’s the perfect keepsake for your guests!

3. Maori Tattoo Village

Dive into the artistry of Polynesian-style tattoos at the Maori Tattoo Village. Guests can choose their favorite temporary tattoo design, inspired by traditional Maori symbols. This interactive activity is perfect for all ages, offering a unique way to embrace Polynesian culture while adding a touch of personal flair to your luau experience.

4. Pago Pago Palm Weaving Village

Engage in the traditional Samoan art of weaving haku headbands with palm leaves at the Pago Pago Palm Weaving Village. This hands-on activity allows guests to create their own unique piece of Polynesian craftsmanship, a wearable reminder of their time at your event.

5. Upolu Ukulele Village

Celebrate the joy of music with a visit to the Upolu Ukulele Village. Here, guests can learn to play a simple Hawaiian song on the ukulele. This fun, interactive experience is perfect for all ages, leaving guests strumming along to beautiful island melodies and connecting with the heart of Hawaiian music.

6. Hawaiian Hula Village

Step into the rhythm of the islands with a lesson in traditional Hawaiian dance at the Hawaiian Hula Village. Our talented Wahines will teach guests simple hula moves, culminating in a beautiful dance to classic Hawaiian tunes like the Hukilau. This activity is a graceful and energizing way to embrace Hawaiian culture.

7. Lahaina Lei Making Village

Join us in crafting the ultimate symbol of Aloha at the Lahaina Lei Making Village. Guests can string beautiful silk flowers into stunning leis, creating their own piece of Hawaiian tradition to wear and cherish. This hands-on activity is perfect for all ages and adds a colorful touch to your luau.

8. Nu'uli Name Tags Village

Personalization meets culture at the Nu'uli Name Tags Village. Guests receive a unique name tag featuring their name in both Hawaiian and English. It’s a simple yet meaningful way to help everyone feel connected to the spirit of the islands while adding a personal touch to the event.

By incorporating these fun and educational activities into your luau, you’ll create a dynamic event that celebrates the vibrant cultures of Polynesia while leaving your guests with unforgettable memories.

Ready to Elevate Your Event?

At Islanders Luau, we specialize in bringing the authentic spirit of the islands to your special occasion. Contact us today to book your luau package and explore these activities and more!

Request a quote at contact to learn more and start planning your perfect luau.


luau ideasVivian FernandoActivities, Lei Making, Photo booth, Hula lesson, Samoa, Coconuts, Ukulele Lessons, Polynesian Tattoos, Temporary Tattoos, Palm Weaving, Name TagsComment
2021-- What a Year!!!

Because of Covid we had almost no luaus until mid-April….when SoCal’s desire to party suddenly exploded! Then we had the challenge of training a very large staff of new workers, since we had lost nearly everyone during 2020’s pandemic. It was a pretty sharp learning curve, but our new workers did their best and we successfully pulled off 197 luaus in the next 8 months. We ended the year having put together more luaus than we have ever done. We are exhausted and ready for the slow season!

luau ideas, entertainers, cateringVivian Fernandoluau entertainment, Luau dancers, luau decorComment
Free Drive-by Mele Kalikimaka entertainment!

Because of Covid, nearly all of our December luaus cancelled, so we were free to perform for our church's Covid-safe Drive-by Christmas Party. Our grand-daughter, accompanied by the Chief, warmed the hearts of over 200 people who drove up to our house to see the show. We decorated our front yard with a Mele Kalikimaka theme, and encouraged folks to take an Almond Joy bar (with some hand sanitizer) on a curbside table.

entertainers, luau decorations, luau ideasVivian Fernandoentertainment, luau entertainment, hula dancer, covid partyComment
We had 206 Luaus in 2019!

Not only are we having more luaus than ever, but we have been doing a wedding nearly every weekend. It is amazing how many memorials we do, and of course big milestone celebrations for people, as well as more and more swanky corporate events! The pressure is on, because we know that each luau is a very BIG deal to our client. They are inviting the most important people in their lives and they expect us to sweep them off their feet. Maril loves the challenge!

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Island Catering, luau ideas, cateringVivian FernandoLuau dancers, luau entertainment, hawaiian cateringComment
Uncle Panesi--Our Talented Musician & Emcee

Panesi Afualo was the lead musician for the Islanders back in the day! He was an amazing guitarist and lead vocalist, wrote and arranged songs for us, and accompanied all of the dances with live music. He was a masterful emcee who always had guests roaring with laughter. He was a self-taught guitarist who started his musical career with a garage band in Santa Ana California, back in the 60’s. He went to BYU-Hawaii where he played volleyball and was voted MVP of the National Championship Tournament. To make ends meet, he worked at the Polynesian Cultural Center where he became the lead musician for the their famous night show. After graduation his sister, Susiana, hired him as the lead musician for her Islanders show, which kept him busy for the next 30 years. When we realized that customer's often didn't have the budget for a full band, he recorded all of the parts for his music, part by part, into his synthesizer, and he became a one-man band. Our kids affectionately called it the Pan Band. Panesi trained his children musically and often brought them along to back him up. He was diagnosed with thyroid cancer, but continued performing for us for another 14 years while he battled the cancer. His last show was only a few weeks before he passed in the summer of 2015. He is a legend in our family and in our business.

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luau ideas, Samoan heritage, entertainersVivian Fernandoluau entertainment, island bandComment
A REAL Fiji Foto Booth! Who knew?

We thought we were pretty creative when we came up with our "Fiji Foto Booth". So, we were totally surprised when we arrived at the airport in Fiji this month, and they had their own Fiji photo op wall (and floor) mural for travelers to snap a photo.  It was incredibly creative. By placing your hand on the wall, where the post is painted, and setting our luggage on the floor, where the bridge is painted, It looks like we are really on a suspended bridge! #PhotoBooth #LuauEntertainment 

luau decorations, luau ideasVivian Fernandophoto booth, luau entertainmentComment
Candid shots!

Here are some of our favorite shots taken at luaus in the last couple of years!

Island Catering, luau decorations, luau ideasVivian FernandoComment