Hawaiian party food ideas are a fun way to get that tropical feel for your luau or island themed event. With some orchids and Hawaiian shirts along with a great menu, you can have a festive and colorful get together.
Poi Oh Boy
A couple of bowls of poi can add an authentic flavor to your party. If you are busy sending out the invitations and buying leis, you may not have the time to grind the taro root to make poi so you may want to order it from an online source. It may seem a bit strange at first, but as a side dish it will compliment all your other Hawaiian party food ideas.
Barbecue It
Break out the grill and fire up the coals. A bit of Huli Huli on each plate is a sure way to make your guests happy.
Ingredients
- 5 pounds chicken pieces
- 1/3 cup ketchup
- 1/3 cup soy sauce
- 1/2 cup brown sugar or honey
- 1/4 cup sherry wine
- 1/4 inch gingerroot, minced
- 2 garlic cloves, crushed
- 1 teaspoon curry powder
- 1 tablespoon Thai sweet chili sauce
Instructions
- Mix all the ingredients together until thoroughly incorporated.
- Place the chicken on the grill, turning and basting with sauce until it is done.
Traditional Hawaiian Pork
Another good Hawaiian party food idea is the extremely popular Adobo. This dish originated in the Philippines but has since been adopted by Hawaiians.
Ingredients
- 1/2 a yellow onion diced
- 1 head of garlic (yes, the whole head of garlic) minced
- 2 pounds of pork of your choice cut into1 inch squares
- 1 cup of vinegar
- 2 cups of water
- 1/2 cup of balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 cup of soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon of paprika
- olive oil
- 2 tablespoons of cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons of water
Instructions
- Add a little olive oil to a pot and brown the onions and garlic.
- Add the water and vinegar to the onions and garlic and bring to a simmer.
- Add the pork and balsamic vinegar and continue to simmer for 10 minutes.
- Add the soy sauce and simmer for another 10 minutes. Remove the meat from the sauce and brown it in a separate pan with the paprika.
- Mix the 2 tablespoons of water with 2 tablespoons of cornstarch to make a slurry and thicken the sauce with it.
- Adobo is usually served with rice.
Hawaiian Chicken Wrap Recipe
Here's a fairly simple sandwich wrap that makes a great party finger food.
Ingredients
- 2 and 1/2 cups chicken breast, precooked
- 2 cup white rice, cooked
- 1 cup pineapple chunks, drained
- 4 tablespoons salsa
- 4 flour tortillas, warmed to soften
Instructions
- Dice the chicken and place in a large bowl.
- Add the rice and pineapple and stir thoroughly.
- Place 1 tablespoon of salsa on each of the tortillas and spread to 1-inch from the edges.
- Top with chicken down the middle of the tortillas and roll up.
- Use a toothpick to hold wrap closed if necessary.
The Drinks Make the Party
If you like Pina Coladas or Mai Tais, your Hawaiian party food ideas are definitely headed in the right direction.
To make a Pina Colada you will need:
- 1 part creme de coconut and 2 parts pineapple juice (Or 4 ounces of pina colada mix)
- 1 ounce light rum
- 1 cup ice
- 1 ounce half and half
Combine ingredients in a blender or mix well and enjoy on the rocks. Garnish with a cherry and pineapple.
For a Mai Tai you will need:
- 1 ounce light rum
- 1 ounce dark rum
- 1 ounce orange curacao or Grand Marnier (Triple Sec can substitute)
- 1/2 ounce Amaretto (Almond liqueur)
- 1 ounce orange juice
- 1 ounce pineapple juice
- 1 dash lime juice
- 1 dash grenadine
Shake well and pour over ice. Garnish with a Cherry and Orange slice
For Elvis fans, be sure to have some Blue Hawaiians on hand. To make a Blue Hawaiian you will need:
- 1 ounce light rum
- 1 ounce blue curacao
- 3 ounces pina colada mix (Or 1 part crème de coconut and 2 parts pineapple uice)
- 1 cup ice
Mix well and pour over ice.
Hawaiian Party Food Ideas
Your local party supply store should be able to provide you with everything you need to have a successful Hawaiian party. Then you just need to send out the invitations and pick up some tropical party favors, and your Hawaiian party food will guarantee a great party.
