Luau party supplies can be found at most party stores and on the Internet. But if you don't find what you need here, you can look around flea markets and curio stores to find tropical motifs.

For planning and decorating, you will need to buy invitation cards (if you are not making your own), placement cards, straws, Hawaiian music, leis, candles. Tiki torches, Hula dolls, paper lanterns, large candles, bamboo baskets, plastic flowers and fresh flowers will give an authentic atmosphere. You can buy shells, fruits, sunglasses, decorative hair combs, fruit and large stuffed parrots and flamingos too. For costumes, think about using coconut shells to make bras and straw to make skirts. It is fun to get the guys wear these to and do the Hula!

Most gift shops stock Luau decorations, invitations, tableware, Hawaiian gifts, and more. Plates and glasses with tropical patterns and color will add to the ambience. Tropical straws, stirrers and tiny umbrellas to dress up your glasses, and plastic flowers to decorate the room are all easy to find if one starts hunting for them early enough.

Keep in mind that one should not just throw all these ingredients into the party and hope it hangs together well. One should coordinate colors so that the various elements do not clash. One should think as big as possible, but don't turn the party into a cliche with careless inclusion of every Luau-related item you can possibly buy. The guests will appreciate your ability to make these types of choices.