Creative Luau Party Food Ideas 

A luau is one of the most festive events you can attend in Hawaii. It’s an incredible feast that’s filled with lively music and vibrant cultural performances. If you want to throw a fun and exciting party, a luau is the perfect theme. You can incorporate many of the traditions without having to fly all the way to Hawaii. 

When it comes to luau party food, there are tons of delicious options. Here’s a look at some of the most popular and inspired Hawaiian dishes. 

Luau party food: meat dishes

Meat is typically the main attraction at a luau. While pork may be the most common Hawaiian luau party food, there are also plenty of great recipes featuring chicken, turkey, or even hot dogs! Here are a few ideas to inspire you.

1. Kalua pork

If you’re looking for easy make-ahead luau party food, this kalua pork is the perfect answer. You can toss all the ingredients into the slow cooker and let it cook for 12 to 16 hours. The result is a tender, delicious pork dish that is sure to impress your guests. 

2. Smoked pork tenderloin with pineapple-mango salsa

Pork tenderloin is another excellent option for your Luau menu. Smoked paprika gives it a “just off the grill” flavor, while the pineapple mango salsa creates a fresh, sweet taste. 

3. Hawaiian shoyu chicken

Shoyu chicken is a popular Hawaiian dish with flavors of ginger, cayenne pepper, brown sugar, and soy sauce. It’s traditionally served with a side of white rice.

4. Hawaiian turkey sliders

These light and flavorful turkey burgers get their Hawaiian flare from the addition of teriyaki sauce and grilled pineapple. 

5. Hawaiian meatballs

Pineapple chunks and a sweet, tangy sauce make Hawaiian meatballs a party favorite. You can serve them as a main dish or use mini meatballs to make a tasty appetizer. 

6. Ham and cheddar sliders

Fresh ham is a traditional Hawaiian food, and sliders are the perfect way to serve it. Add some spicy aioli sauce and fried pickles to your sliders to give them a unique and exciting flair. 

7. Hawaiian hotdogs

Want to get your guests talking? Add Hawaiian hot dogs to your luau menu! These hot dogs topped with teriyaki mayo and grilled pineapple are crazy good. You can also add a bit of cayenne pepper for a spicy, smokey flavor. 

8. Jerk prawn and pineapple skewers

Want to add some shrimp to your menu? These jerk prawn and pineapple skewers are marinated in a combination of dark rum, soy sauce, and orange juice. The mixture creates an amazing flavor profile when combined with juicy shrimp and the kick of hot peppers. 

9. Teriyaki pork kebabs

Pork kebabs cooked with a traditional teriyaki sauce are perfect for summertime grilling, and they make a great addition to any luau menu. 

10. Pineapple teriyaki wings

Fresh ginger, honey, and pineapple juice combined with garlic, green onions, and sake bring a luscious flavor to these pan-fried pineapple teriyaki chicken wings. 

Luau party food: appetizers and sides

Once you’ve got the meat taken care of, you’ll need some creative starters and sides. These fun and tasty Hawaiian luau food ideas are perfect for a party, and they look as amazing as they taste.

1. Grilled pineapple

If you haven’t figured it out yet, pineapple is a staple of Hawaiian food. To make this simple appetizer, you’ll start by marinading slices of pineapple in honey, butter, and hot sauce. Then just toss them on the grill. 

2. Rumaki with pineapple

Rumaki is a delicious bite-sized appetizer that combines the fresh crunch of water chestnuts and crispy bacon with sweet fresh pineapple. After they’re cooked, they’re brushed with a sesame-ginger dressing for even more flavor. 

3. Hawaiian fried rice

While fried rice is traditionally a Chinese food, you can give it a Hawaiian twist by adding ham and a bit of pineapple. This is great when served on its own and is also a perfect side for a variety of meat dishes. 

4. Spam musubi

Spam musubi is similar to sushi, but it is made with rice, nori (dried edible seaweed), and fried slices of canned ham. If this gives you pause, don’t worry – it’s absolutely delicious! 

5. Hawaiian macaroni salad

Hawaiian macaroni salad is a unique dish that offers the perfect combination of sweet and tangy thanks to the addition of brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and mayonnaise. 

6. Tropical cucumber salad

This light and refreshing tropical cucumber salad features avocado, mango, and cucumber combined with a salty-sweet dressing. It’s the perfect way to lighten up your luau menu. 

7. Ahi poke salad with macadamia nuts

Serving ahi tuna at your luau party will give it a definite touch of class. This recipe features a combination of sushi-grade tuna, avocado, bacon, cucumber, and toasted macadamia nuts. You can also add a bit of seaweed salad and serve the combination inside avocado halves. 

Luau party food: Hawaiian sweet treats

You can’t have a party without at least a few sweet treats. These recipes are easy to make and are super satisfying. 

1. Fresh pineapple upside-down cake

Pineapple upside-down cake is a classic Hawaiian luau party food. Make it special by topping it off with a dollop of homemade creme fraiche. 

2. Pineapple whip

Pineapple whip is one of the most popular desserts in Disneyland. You can make it at home using only three simple ingredients – fresh pineapple, honey, and almond milk. 

3. Hawaiian pineapple coconut cake

This Hawaiian pineapple coconut cake is the perfect ending to your luau meal. It’s super flavorful and is extra decadent thanks to the cream cheese frosting and chopped walnuts.  

Start planning your Hawaiian luau party today!

Are you inspired to throw your own Hawaiian luau party? You can start planning it right now! Just head over to Instacart.com, create your shopping list and let a professional shopper take care of everything for you. You can pick your order up at your favorite store, or select grocery delivery and have it dropped off right at your front door. Try out today!

Grab it now on Instacart:

McCormick Gourmet™ Organic Smoked Paprika (1 oz)

Seven Farms Cayenne Pepper (1.7 oz)

Stater Bros. Markets Homestyle Meatballs (64 oz)

Farm Rich Crispy Dill Pickle Slices with Lightly Seasoned Breading (20 oz)

Standard Market Pineapple Core (16 oz)

Golden Star Water Chestnuts, Whole (8 oz)

SPAM Classic Canned Meat (12 oz)

Mango (1 ct)

Fresh Ahi Tuna Steak (per lb)

Silk Extra Creamy Unsweetened Almond Milk (59 fl oz)

Red Barn Chandler Walnut Chopped (8 oz)

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