There are definitely pros and cons to all this time at home. I’m enjoying the family time a lot. It’s nice not to be rushing around all the time and to find pleasure in all of life’s simple joys. But I can’t say that I don’t miss traveling. It’s in my blood and this is a long time to go without my fix!

So, when I received a press release from the Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa with tips on how to have a luau at home, I have to admit, it piqued my curiosity in a way that it never would have before. My family and I were actually supposed to be in Maui this week so the timing is perfect…it’s safe to say I’m ready for a Hawaiian holiday! But since those plans have been put on ice temporarily, why not dream about the gorgeous Hawaiian islands by having a luau at home. Below are some ideas courtesy of Hyatt and myself but first up: A video highlighting a luau I attended with my family last time we were in Hawaii. Such great memories!

At-home luau ideas

Dress the part
First things first: Dress the part. You really don’t have to ask me twice to put on one of my Hawaiian shirts. Just wearing one puts me in a good mood. I especially love the shirts I got at Reyn Spooner on my last visit to the islands.

Set the mood
Another thing that always puts me in a good mood? The sound of Hawaiian music. The peaceful rhythm and the sound of ukuleles will always transport me to Hawaii. One of my favorite songs of all time is Israel Kamakawiwoʻole’s “Somewhere Over the Rainbow”/”What a Wonderful World” medley.

Enjoy Hawaiian foods…
If you’re in the mood to cook, look for traditional luau dishes like huli huli chicken, Polynesian fried rice, Pacific ahi poke and chocolate macadamia nut pie (these are all on offer at the Hyatt Regency Maui’s Drums of the Pacific luau). Need more inspiration? Check out these Hawaiian recipes.

…and drinks
Kick back and enjoy a traditional Mai Tai by mixing 2 oz of light rum, 1 oz of dark rum, 3 oz of pineapple juice, 1 oz of orange curacao, 2 teaspoons of orgeat syrup, 2 oz of sweet and sour mix, and a piece of pineapple as a garnish.

Don’t forget the shave ice
Shave ice is seriously one of my favorite treats on the planet. Did you know you can buy a personal shave ice machine and make as many shave ice as you like as often as you like? Well, like me, now you do! And don’t forget your shave ice syrup!

Infuse your home with fragrance
The sweet smell of plumeria is synonymous with Hawaii. Recreate the feeling that the fragrance evokes by diffusing a plumeria essential oil or burning a plumeria scented candle.

Learn to hula
If you’re finding you’ve got way more time on your hands these days, maybe now’s the time to learn something new…like how to hula! Check out iHulaHawaii on YouTube for great tutorials for beginners.

 


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