the Happy Coconut » Luaus & Parties

Remember Plumeria Flower Leis

Surfa Aunty — Tue, 16 Nov 2010 17:39:47 +0000

Yellow Plumeria - Silk Flower Lei

The plumeria flower is a light fragrant flower that comes in different varieties and colors. It used to grow in many yards here in the islands, I noticed though through the years it is not as abundant as before.

Special remembrances of this flower is that we always made plumeria leis whenever we had special parties, or for our school May Day events, memorial events or just to give to as an act of kindness.

Although there were many varieties and colors the most popular colors are the pink and yellow flowers.

: Pink Plumeria – Silk Flower Lei

See these silk flower leis at: www.wishiwereinhawaiishop.com

The Meaning of Kukui and Kukui Nut Lei’s

Surfa Aunty — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 20:14:22 +0000

With the holidays and parties coming up, many are looking for an alternative to flower leis. For those looking for a definition of what a lei is (from Wikipedia) : “Lei is a Hawaiian word for garland or wreath made up of flowers or objects to be worn around the neck. It is presented upon arrival or leaving as a symbol of affection.”

The Kukui nut lei is an option to think about, they now come with many different designs painted on the nuts and in various colors. The Kukui Nut Tree is also known as the Candlenut Tree here in Hawai’i, and in ancient Hawai’i the nuts were burned to provide light and the oil also has many cooking and medicinal uses.

Interesting to note is that in Hawai’i the meaning of kukui is a symbol of enlightenment, protection and peace. Now when you present a kukui nut lei to someone you can express this meaning to them.

(Click on the image below to see more Kukui Nut Lei’s)

Kukui Nut Leis

: Kukui Nut Leis

Kalua Pig 2 Ways

Sushi Monster — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 22:43:32 +0000

Traditional kalua pig is cooked in an underground oven full of hot rocks. But since that is impractical for most of us, here’s how you can make it in the comforts of you kitchen.

Oven Kalua Pig (serves 6-8 people)

Kalua pig cooked in oven (with optional cabbage)

Ingredients:
Pork butt chunk – 4 to 6 lbs
Hawaiian salt – 2 to 3 tablespoons
Liquid smoke – 2 tablespoons
Aluminum Foil
Roasting Pan

First, take the pork butt and score it all over. Then rub Hawaiian salt and liquid smoke on all sides. Place the seasoned butt onto a piece of aluminum foil and wrap it so that no steam can escape. Place it in a roasting pan and roast in an over preheated to 450F degrees. Cook at this temperature for 1 hour, then reduce the heat to 400F and cook for another 3-4 hours or until done. Shred the butt and add more Hawaiian salt if necessary.

Super Tender Crock Pot Kalua Pig (serves 6-8 people)

Kalua pig cooked in crock pot

Ingredients:
Pork butt chunk – 4 to 6 lbs
Hawaiian salt – 2 to 3 tablespoons
Liquid smoke – 2 teaspoons
Water – 2 cups

Rub the liquid smoke and the salt evenly all over the piece of pork. Add the water to the crock pot and cook on low heat for 6-8 hrs. The finished meat should be very tender and should shred very easily.

Planning a Luau Party at Home

Sushi Monster — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 06:27:56 +0000

A luau is basically a Hawaiian feast to celebrate special occasions like weddings, birthdays, or anything happy and fun. Think of it as a good old Texas BBQ, Hawaii style. Luaus are usually held outdoors but it is too cold, too wet, too hot, or too whatever, you can always have it indoor. The main thing is for everyone to enjoy the food, the company, and the atmosphere. Throwing a successful home luau can be easy and fun if you just follow a few simple steps.

Luau Fundamentals
The 3 things to keep in mind when throwing your luau are: 1) attire, 2) atmosphere, and 3) food. If you plan your party with those things in mind, you should be in good shape. The easiest way to add festive color and visual energy to your party is to have everyone wear a Hawaiian shirt or dress. Add an special Hawaiian flare with a few simple decorations and props like grass table skirts, colorful napkins, wall decor, and tropical props. Ultimately, if you want your party to kick ass, you must have the food. If you do even a half decent job at all 3 areas, your party will be a success. If you just dominate in all 3 areas, there’s a pretty good chance your luau will be epic.

ALOHA ATTIRE

Hawaiian Clothing
The funnest way to give your luau a Hawaiian feel is to have all your guests wear their favorite Hawaiian shirt or dress, which are easy to get online. Luaus are not really high-class dining, so as a rule of thumb, the bolder and louder the print, the better.

Leis
Giving leis (even cheap ones) to your guests at your party is a nice touch. In Hawaii, leis are usually given to guests of honor. If everyone is wearing a lei, then the guests of honor should have better leis. But for the sake of a house party with your friends, cheap is good.

Flowers
If you have flowers, especially fresh tropical flowers, have you guests wear them behind their ear. Traditionally, single women should wear the flower behind their right ear. If a woman is taken, she should wear it behind the left wear. Kinda like being married.

CREATE A LUAU ATMOSPHERE

Music
Play Hawaiian music, traditional or novelty, to put your guests into a fun frame of mind. If you are hardcore, hire a live Hawaiian band. If not, just download a bunch of songs from iTunes or Amazon.com. It’s amazing how much music can affect people’s moods, even when they aren’t listening.

Props
Simple decorations can go a long way in giving your party an exotic ambiance. Decorate your tables with real or fake flowers, coconut candles, and whatever you can think of. Tiki torches are another eye catching prop, especially if you light them at night for outdoor parties. Your local party store should have a bunch of tropical decorations and props.

Paper Goods
Another easy way to add tropical flare to your party is to use plates, cups, and napkins with tropical designs. We like paper goods because it makes the cleanup after that party so much faster. If you don’t have access to tropical paper goods, then go with an assortment of bright solid color items.

SOME PARTY TIPS

Party Invitations
Send invitations to your guest list on island themed cards. If you send your invitations by email, use tropical clipart. Be sure to ask your guests to wear their loudest or favorite Hawaiian wear.

Hawaiian Names
If you need to make name tags for your guests, consider putting their Hawaiian name on it.

Aloha
The word “aloha” has many meanings, including hello, love, and goodbye. Greet your guests with a warm and sincere “Aloha!” just as they would if they arrived in Hawaii.

Outdoors
If you are able to hold your party outside, go for it. Being outdoors can give your party a special atmosphere that is hard to duplicate indoors.

Eat with your hands
Ancient Hawaiians ate with their hands. While it may not be for everyone, if you really want to do it old Hawaiian style, eat without utensils in a sanitary way.

Poi Tips
Poi can be eaten many ways. Some like it plain. Others add sugar. People even mix in some lomi salmon. Experiment to see what suits your taste.

Kalua Pig
Real kalua pig is cooked in the ground. An easy alternative is to make your kalua pig in the oven with some liquid smoke or in a crock pot. It tastes just like the real thing, only it’s a lot easier.