Luau Crafts for Kids

Hula Skirts and Leis

No luau party is complete without the proper luau attire. Let kids outfit everyone at the party by setting up a hula skirt and lei-making station. Use tissue paper and string to make leis for parents and adults.

Kids can create their own hula skirts using these simple instructions:

1. Cut a large piece of green yarn to fit around each child’s waist.
2. Have kids cut long strips of green construction paper.
3. Fold the paper over the top of the yarn and staple.
4. Continue stapling strips until only a few inches are left on each side (enough room to tie the skirt).
5. Take scissors and split each strip into smaller cuts to make the skirt more “grassy.”
6. Tie the finished skirt on each child.

Seashell Crafts

Seashells are a versatile supply that can be used for several different crafts. Pick up an assortment at a beach near you or buy cheap ones in bulk from craft or party supply stores.

Small shells can be glued onto cheap plastic or wooden picture frames. They can also be used to string onto necklaces or bracelets. Create homemade windchimes by tying seashells to the bottom of brightly colored yarn that is attached to a piece of driftwood.

Larger shells are perfect for painting tropical scenes. Suggest kids paint fish, beachballs, sunsets, birds, tiki torches and other aquatic creatures. Glitter and colored sand can be glued on for added appeal.

Sand Art

Colored sand can be used to create several different luau party crafts. Use sand in the following ways:

• Fill shaped bottles with multiple colors of sand
• Put sand in the bottom of glass jars and add a candle with shells surrounding it
• Have kids “paint” a picture using glue and different colored sand

At a beach party, you can have kids make actual sandcastles. Pick up plenty of shovels, pails and castle molds to let kids get their most creative. Be sure to snap a photo of the children with their creations so they have a memento of their project.

Luau Accessories

Kids love to make things they can use or wear at the party. Gather plenty of fabric paints, fabric flowers (like hibiscus), and luau stencils. Let children decorate their own fabric crafts like:

• Canvas beach bags
• Visors
• Towels
• T-shirts

Let the items dry while you play luau games and eat party food. Once everything has dried, let kids fill their bags or wear their visors/shirts for the rest of the day.

Luau Crafts for Kids Kits

Hunting down the various craft party supplies can take a lot of time. Figuring out the best way to construct the crafts can be hard for those who are not handy. Buying a luau craft kit can save shopping and organizing time, and even money.

Fun craft kits for kids with a luau theme include:

• Flip Flop and Sunglasses Craft Kit
• Bookmark Color Your Own Fish
• Tropical Flower Craft Kit
• Lovely Luau! Sun Catcher Kit
• Beachcomber Hat Craft Kit
• Tropical Fish Lantern Craft Kit

Get lots of craft kits, ideas and instructions from the website MakingFriends.com. Luau crafts like windsocks, bird gliders, tiki centerpieces and button leis are listed along with supply lists and instructions. Links to purchasing the various supplies are often found in the lists.

More Crafts for Kids

Find more luau crafts for kids ideas in these articles from LoveToKnow Crafts:

• Easy Crafts for Kids
• Flower Crafts
• Outdoor Craft
• Summer Crafts

Share your own luau party ideas for kids’ crafts by adding a comment at the end of this article.