Planning a luau party? Then check out these luau party food recipes. There’s appetizers and entrees, sides, mains and of course, dessert!
A luau is a Hawaiian feast steeped in tradition (source).
There’s traditional games, festive dances, and delicious food that unite hosts and guests in the spirit of ‘ohana (family).
No wonder the traditional luau has made its way to the backyard for a more casual celebration, while keeping the spirit of fun, friends and family intact.
If you’re hosting a luau party, you’ll be wanting to create a menu that has everyone coming back for more.
Luckily, you’ll find that here.
From savory appetizers and succulent entrées to tropical desserts, these 35 luau recipes will transport you and your guests to the sandy shores of Hawaii.
Immerse yourself in the flavors of the islands with these luau party food recipes.
Luau party food
Appetizers and entrees
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Ahi tuna poke nachos with wontons
There's no better appetizer to transport you to the islands than this recipe for ahi tuna poke nachos. Fresh crispy won ton chips covered in spicy poke plus avocado and more makes for an amazing combo.
Photo Credit:www.garlicandzest.com
Ahi tuna poke appetizer
If you love Hawaiian poke, but don’t want to fly halfway around the world to get it, this ahi poke recipe is the answer. The key is in the amazing poke sauce recipe, which is tangy, spicy and rich with umami flavors.
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Ahi poke recipe
This classic Hawaiian style ahi poke recipe combines sushi-grade tuna with traditional Asian flavored ingredients for an amazing and fresh appetizer.
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Hawaiian chicken kabobs
Hawaiian chicken kabobs are an easy dinner idea you can make on the grill or in the oven. Think simple ingredients, easy to make and delicious.
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Hawaiian poke
Hawaiian pokeis a simple yet stunning and impressive dish. Cubes of raw sashimi-grade ahi tuna are marinated in soy sauce, sesame oil, sweet onions, and scallions. It's fresh, healthy, and even better yet - no cooking is required.
Photo Credit:thegoodheartedwoman.com
Hawaiian garlic shrimp (Kahuku truck-style)
Relive those Island memories at home with these buttery, velvety shrimp-truck style Kahuku garlic shrimp.
Photo Credit:thesoccermomblog.com
Hawaiian sliders
Ham, cheese, and pineapple are layered on a sweet Hawaiian rolls and baked ’til warm and melty. These easy and cheesy Hawaiian sliders are always a crowd pleaser.
Golden and bubbly, you’re certain to love the tastes of pizza sauce combined with tasty pineapple chunks. One scoop isn’t going to be enough.
Sides
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Authentic Hawaiian macaroni salad
Step into a Hawaiian flavor paradise with this authentic Hawaiian macaroni salad. Enjoy the creamy, tangy, and savory goodness - it's the perfect side dish for your next BBQ or picnic, and it's a breeze to make.
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Hawaii coleslaw
Our Hawaii coleslaw recipe is sweet with pineapple and crunchy with both green and red cabbage. Authentic Hawaiian flavors you’ll love. An easy side dish that is great for brunch or at a barbecue.
Photo Credit:blackberrybabe.com
Best Hawaiian macaroni salad
Get ready for your summer BBQ with this traditional Hawaiian mac salad. This creamy macaroni salad is a great recipe and the perfect side dish for cookouts.
Photo Credit:houseofnasheats.com
Hawaiian mac salad
This Hawaiian macaroni salad is a creamy, comforting, authentic side dish from the islands that's perfect for summer cookouts, barbecues, and luaus (obviously). We're talking local Hawaiian plate-lunch style classic macaroni salad here, and it's delicious.
Photo Credit:cookingwithcurls.com
Hawaiian potato salad
Hawaiian potato mac salad is a crowd-pleasing side dish that is the perfect accompaniment to grilled meats and seafood at picnics, potlucks, and barbecues. This beloved island favorite combines potatoes and macaroni with a creamy dressing that isn't just meant to be served at luaus.
Photo Credit:thegoodheartedwoman.com
Lomi lomi salmon
Lomi salmon, better known as lomi-lomi, is a popular Hawaiian side dish. Always served cold, this simple 4-ingredient recipe is made from fresh salmon, tomatoes, onions, and scallions.
Main dishes
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Blackened mahi mahi
This blackened mahi mahi is incredibly juicy, flaky and flavorful! An easy homemade Cajun seasoning takes this fish from good to exceptional. This mahi mahi recipe is super quick and easy but feels fancy and sophisticated.
Photo Credit:cookingwithjanica.com
Crock pot sweet Hawaiian chicken
An easy set-it-and-forget-it crock pot recipe that your family will love even more than takeout. Imagine juicy chicken cooked in a sticky sweet sauce with pineapple and peppers.
Photo Credit:thesassyfoodie.com
Grilled Hawaiian chicken teriyaki
Teriyaki chicken is a classic meal, packed with salty and sweet goodness. This grilled Hawaiian chicken teriyaki gets a fruity twist, with the tropical goodness of pineapple.
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Grilled steak tacos, Hawaiian style
These grilled steak tacos are hugely flavorful and a hit at every cookout. The marinated steak is tender and succulent. Pineapple salsa lends a sweet, refreshing vibe.
Photo Credit:mikhaeats.com
Hawaiian garlic shrimp recipe
Make (hands down) the best the Hawaiian garlic shrimp with this easy recipe. It's made with simple ingredients that create insane umami flavor - and don't worry, it's beginner-friendly.
Photo Credit:dishnthekitchen.com
Hawaiian mochiko chicken
This tender and juicy Hawaiian mochiko chicken will tantalize your taste buds and transport you to the Hawaiian Islands. Succulent chicken thighs are marinated with and dredged in Mochiko flour then fried to golden perfection.
Photo Credit:houseofnasheats.com
Huli huli chicken
Grilled huli huli chicken with pineapple and rice makes a delicious and simple summer meal. The easy marinade has sweet and savory flavors thanks to brown sugar, pineapple juice, soy sauce, ginger, and garlic, and using chicken thighs means the meat is extra flavorful and moist!
Photo Credit:thesoccermomblog.com
Huli huli ribs (Hawaiian BBQ)
Huli huli ribs are a Hawaiian-style barbecue recipe where the meat is marinated, brushed with a tangy sauce and grilled until fall-off-the-bone tender.
Photo Credit:houseofnasheats.com
Kalua pork recipe
This ridiculously easy, smoky and salty Kalua Pork (aka Kalua Pig) is made with only 3-ingredients in the slow cooker or instant pot. The mouth-watering meat is tender, juicy, and delicious all on its own, but it can also be used for burritos, salads, tacos, and more.
This mahi recipe with coconut sauce is inspired by the Roy's macadamia nut crusted mahi mahi and Mama's Fish House mahi mahi recipe. This version of macadamia crusted mahi is topped with a warm Asian inspired coconut sauce.
Photo Credit:thetopmeal.com
Pulehu chicken
Pulehu chickenis a classic Hawaiian dish that’s savory and deliciously smoky. Tender chicken thighs are marinated in a tangy blend of soyu, ginger and lemon, then quickly grilled in only 10 minutes. It’s an easy recipe to make – and great to prep ahead.
Photo Credit:thesassyfoodie.com
Sheet pan pineapple fried rice
Crisp rice, salty soy sauce, zesty garlic and the surprise sweetness or pineapple make this fried rice absolutely perfect.
Photo Credit:www.ihearteating.com
Slow cooker kalua pork
Slow cooker kalua pork is an easy three-ingredient crock pot dinner recipe. This quick recipe takes less than 5 minutes of prep to make.
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Sweet Hawaiian chicken with teriyaki glaze
A delicious and tropical twist on chicken! This Hawaiian chicken is always a hit.
Photo Credit:thefeatherednester.com
Teriyaki chicken pineapple bowl
The Hawaiian teriyaki chicken pineapple bowl is a delicious and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken marinated in a tangy teriyaki sauce with succulent chunks of pineapple. Served in a pineapple shell, it's a taste of the tropics in every bite.
Desserts
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Easy black sesame mochi
Black sesame mochi is an arranged version of a Hawaiian dessert, the butter mochi cake. It is like a cross between Japanese mochi and cake with a bouncy, chewy, and squishy texture.
Photo Credit:mypinterventures.com
Guri guri - Hawaiian ice cream
Delicious guri guri is a Hawaiian island favorite cold treat. It's super easy to make and only takes 3 ingredients.
Photo Credit:www.ohmyfoodrecipes.com
Hawaiian shave ice
Sweet, delicious, colorful and refreshing Hawaiian shave ice is great for summer and party gatherings.
Photo Credit:strengthandsunshine.com
Mango snack cake with toasted coconut crumb
This mango snack cake with toasted coconut crumb recipe is whole grain, gluten-free, vegan, and top eight allergy-free. The fun tropical flavors of mango and coconut result in a delicious baked tropical treat.
Photo Credit:thericechick.com
Ube butter mochi
Decadent, chewy, and beautiful to look at ube butter mochi.
Ube butter mochi is a delicious rice cake that is easy to make.
Photo Credit:myquietkitchen.com
Vegan chocolate haupia pie
Hawaii's popular chocolate haupia pie gets a dairy-free makeover in this recipe! Flaky pie crust is topped with layers of chocolate and coconut haupia pudding. Haupia pie is a delightful, no-bake dessert.
Enjoy these 35 luau party food recipes for a feast as joyful and welcoming as the islands themselves.