A luau party is *so* much fun.
The tropical scene is nothing short of refreshing and relaxing, and it presents the perfect theme for a fun party with your loved ones.
But every good party needs food – including easy luau appetizers!
Are you putting together your luau menu?
You likely have a few things on the list already, including the main entree and dessert.
However, if you’re like *many* others who are finding it difficult to think of appetizers, don’t worry – we can help.
We have compiled a list of the 33 absolute *best* easy luau appetizers that are sure to send the taste buds soaring.
Keep reading to find out which easy luau appetizers made the list *and* get some inspiration for decorations, cocktails, and so much more!
33 Best Ideas for Easy Luau Appetizers
Don’t blame me if your mouth starts to water after checking out these yummy and easy luau appetizers!
Pineapple Salsa
Hawaiian Potatoe Salad
Hawaiian Grilled Chicken Kebabs
Hawaiian BBQ Kabobs
Baked Pineapple Cream Cheese Dip
Hawaiian Chicken Skewers
Slow Cooker Hawaiian BBQ Pork Wonton Tacos
Spicy Bacon Wrapped Pineapple Bites
Hawaiian Ham and Pineapple Skewers
Hawaiian Onion Dip
Hawaiian Cookie Tarts
Hawaiian Bake-Ahead Pizza Roll-Ups
Tropical Shrimp Bites
Hawaiian Sliders with Tropical Slaw
Chicken Fajita Kebabs
Slow Cooker Hawaiian Meatballs
Hawaiian Style Lumpia Recipe
Pineapple Teriyaki Kielbasa Bites
Hawaiian Burger Bites
Slow Cooker Hawaiian Little Smokies
Hawaiian Macaroni Salad
Mango Sriracha Chicken Skewers
Grilled Marinated Chicken with Tropical Salsa
Grilled Huli Huli Chicken
Grilled Teriyaki Shrimp Pineapple Bowl in Pineapple Boats
Crock Pot Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Tacos with Pineapple Slaw
Tropical Pulled Pork Sliders with Mango Coleslaw
Grilled Teriyaki Chicken and Pineapple Kebabs
Hawaiian Ham and Cheese Sliders Recipe
Easy Pineapple Upside Down Cheesecake
Hawaiian Style Baked Brie
No-Bake Pina Colada Cheesecake Bites
Glazed Hawaiian Kielbasa
Classic Hawaiian Poke
If you don’t add Hawaiian poke to your appetizer menu, you’re not doing a luau party correctly!
The Classic Hawaiian Poke is, well, a *classic,* and every luau-themed party should have it on the table.
This recipe features marinated raw fish – typically ahi tuna – in a flavorful sauce combining several ingredients such as sesame oil, ginger, garlic, and rice vinegar.
This blend creates a refreshing and invigorating flavor that all will enjoy.
If you want to shake things up a bit, you can add sriracha to your marinade to add heat.
Alternatively, you can use fresh chunks of pineapple and teriyaki sauce for a sweeter version that’ll satisfy any sweet tooth.
Tropical Fruit Salsa
Not everyone is a fan of raw fish, and some are allergic to it.
So, if you don’t want to go with the Classic Hawaiian Poke appetizer, what’s another fan-favorite appetizer?
Tropical Fruit Salsa, of course!
Tropical Fruit Salsa blends diced vegetables and fruit with fresh lime juice, salt, and pepper for a refreshing finish that can be eaten with chips *or* served on top of other foods.
While everyone may have their own recipe to go by, the most common fruits and veggies found in Tropical Fruit Salsa include: pineapple, mango, papaya, red bell pepper, and onion.
Many people also enjoy adding jalapenos and cilantro for the extra heat.
Spam Musubi
Spam is a popular product in Hawaii.
That said, it tends to be a hit at luau-themed parties, too, and there’s no better way to highlight this canned meat product than with the ever-popular Spam Musubi.
Spam Musubi is a popular Hawaiian snack that pairs salty meat with Japanese flavors.
And although it utilizes ingredients like sushi rice and Nori sheets, it’s not *too* complicated to make on your own:
- Cook your sushi rice according to the package’s directions
- Season the cooked rice with soy sauce, sugar, and sesame oil.
- Slice the Spam into thin slices and fry on both sides until it’s perfectly golden brown
- Mold your cooked rice into a rectangle the size of the Spam
- Place the Spam on top of the block of rice
- (Optional) Sprinkle some furikake on top
- Cut a strip of Nori that’s big enough to wrap around the rice and Spam
- Place the Nori shiny side down, add the rice and Spam on the end, and fold the Nori on top of it
- Seal the Nori around the rice and Spam by pressing down with a little bit of water
- After letting the Nori set, use a sharp nice to cut into small, bite-sized pieces
Tiki-Inspired Cocktails
*No* luau is complete without some cocktails – whether they’re loaded to the brim with alcohol or you’re going the virgin route.
Here are three favorites that are sure to be a hit at your upcoming luau party:
Mai Tai
There is *no* denying that the classic Mai Tai doesn’t *scream* island vibes.
This refreshing, tropically-flavored drink is *always* a hit, whether sitting on a sandy beach or simply wishing you were.
This drink is known for being pretty strong, so you don’t need a whole lot to get the party started.
Featuring a blend of light rum, lime juice, and dry Curaçao over ice, this drink is as delicious to look at as it is to sip on.
Try a variation, such as adding pineapple or orange juice.
Sex On The Beach Cocktail
Of course, this drink is going to transport you right to the beach – it’s in the name, after all!
This delectable drink blends various yummy and tropical treats, including peach schnapps, orange juice, and cranberry juice.
To make sure it provides a decent buzz, the drink finishes with some vodka. Yum!
Blue Hawaiian Coolers
This rum-and-coconut alcoholic slushy is *made* for luau-themed parties.
After all, there’s nothing quite like sippin’ on a tropical slush when the temps get over 90F, right?
To make Blue Hawaiian Coolers, you don’t need *too* many ingredients – just some light rum, blue curaçao, coconut rum, cream of coconut, pineapple juice, ice, and a good blender.
The color is *sensational* and the flavor is even better.
Luau Decorations
Your delicious and easy luau appetizers need a luau-themed party to set the scene.
It’s not hard, really. You just need to add some luau-inspired decor to your party.
Some of the top choices include:
- Tropical flowers such as hibiscus and orchids
- Tiki torches (go flameless for safety purposes) and string lighting
- Grass skirts or hula skirts surrounding all of the tables
- Bamboo placemats and utensils
- Beach umbrellas with seating underneath (it’s cute *and* convenient!)
- Hawaiian-inspired music
- Flamingos, coconuts, and pineapples in every direction
- Leis – which can be given to partygoers *and* used as decoration
- A larger-than-life Aloha sign
Conclusion
For your upcoming luau party, bring a taste of Hawaii for you and your guests.
These easy luau appetizer recipes will surely be a hit, whether you opt for the Classic Hawaiian Poke, the Tropical Fruit Salsa, Spam Masubi, or another yummy dish.
Don’t forget to decorate your party and add some tropical cocktails to your menu, too!
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