Our Hawaiian Luau Catering NY

When New Yorkers want to escape the city without leaving it, there’s no better choice than a Hawaiian Luau. Whether you’re planning a rooftop birthday, a summer wedding, or a company party that needs a creative twist, Hawaiian Luau Catering brings the energy, color, and flavor of the islands to your space. At Susan’s Kitchen Catering and Events, we specialize in transforming everyday venues into breezy, tropical escapes with bold menus and a service style that captures the laid-back charm of island life.

Our luau-themed events are about more than food. They’re full sensory experiences—from pineapple centerpieces and coconut cups to curated menus inspired by the traditional flavors of Hawaii. This isn’t just a barbecue. It’s a themed event built with detail, balance, and atmosphere, rooted in our broader offerings at Themed Catering in NYC.

What sets a luau apart is how effortless it feels. The menus are bright, flavorful, and satisfying without being heavy. The setup is casual but curated, with plenty of space for guests to mingle, graze, and sip tropical drinks. Whether you’re leaning into a full tiki setup or a light island-inspired backdrop, the Hawaiian Luau is a theme that fits all kinds of events and guests.

What Makes a Hawaiian Luau Special

At the heart of the Hawaiian Luau is flavor. Our menus include slow-roasted pork, citrus-marinated chicken, and seafood grilled to order. Sides like coconut rice, mango slaw, and chilled tropical salads keep the menu fresh and colorful. Even the desserts—like pineapple upside-down cake and passionfruit sorbet—feel like a breeze off the beach. Drinks can include tropical punches, sparkling lime coolers, and mocktails with fresh muddled fruit. Every detail is meant to reflect the warmth and hospitality of the islands.

Sample Menu for Hawaiian Luau Catering NY

• Appetizers: Teriyaki chicken skewers, grilled shrimp with lime glaze, fresh fruit kabobs
• Main Courses: Kalua-style pulled pork, huli huli grilled chicken, pineapple soy glazed salmon
• Sides: Coconut jasmine rice, Hawaiian macaroni salad, mango and cucumber slaw, baked sweet plantains
• Desserts: Pineapple upside-down cake, passionfruit bars, coconut tapioca pudding
• Beverages: Tropical punch, pineapple mint lemonade, guava iced tea

Menus are always customizable. We offer vegetarian and gluten-free options, and we’re happy to tailor the experience based on your guest preferences, location, and seasonal availability. We also handle all setup, staffing, and service so your only job is to show up and enjoy the aloha spirit. You can learn more about our full island package at Hawaiian Luau Catering NY.

Food Stations that Add a Festive Touch

To make your luau even more dynamic, we often recommend integrating interactive stations that create flow and visual excitement. Our Hot Dog Catering Carts can be dressed up with pineapple relish and chili-lime aioli for a tropical twist. Our Pretzel Machine Catering provides a fun salty contrast to sweet island flavors—try adding a coconut honey mustard for dipping. And if you're aiming for playful fun, our Popcorn Machine Catering can be seasoned with sea salt and toasted coconut flakes to stay on theme.

Best Events for a Hawaiian Luau in NYC

Luau catering works beautifully for both formal and relaxed occasions. We've brought this theme to corporate rooftops, community festivals, baby showers, and post-ceremony wedding dinners. It's ideal for any group that wants the energy of summer with the comfort of grilled food, tropical music, and outdoor seating. Combine the luau with our Day at the Beach BBQ for a full coastal experience, or mix in elements from our Picnic Theme Catering for a laid-back afternoon that feels like a vacation in the park.

We also love blending the luau with our LGBTQ+ Catering Theme NYC to bring color, inclusivity, and joy to Pride events and celebrations. Hawaiian decor pairs beautifully with bold visuals and expressive menus, creating a welcoming, vibrant space for any guest list.

Cross-Cultural Fusion Ideas for a Unique Luau

While Hawaiian cuisine has its own rich culinary history, it also pairs beautifully with influences from across the Pacific. One of our most popular combinations is mixing the luau theme with our Asian Fusion Theme. Imagine teriyaki-glazed pork alongside sesame soba noodles or grilled pineapple paired with wasabi slaw. These menus flow together naturally and allow for a creative spin on tradition.

For clients looking to highlight bold flavors and wok-fired excitement, we often blend in service elements from our China Express Theme. Offering spring rolls, bao buns, or spicy stir-fried vegetables can add a level of energy and variety to your luau that’s unexpected and memorable.

Elevate Your Luau with Mediterranean and European Flair

Not every luau has to stay purely island-style. Many of our clients love combining the tropical tone with dishes from other regions for a broader culinary journey. Our Greek Theme Catering adds lemony grilled vegetables, tangy feta spreads, and fresh herb salads that lighten up a summer table. Pair it with grilled fish and ouzo-based cocktails for a beautiful cultural mix.

For something heartier, our Italian Dinner Feast offers grilled seafood pastas and antipasti boards that complement a luau’s grilled meats and fruits. If you’re aiming for elegance, consider layering in pastries and sparkling wines from our French Connection menu. It adds a European sophistication that plays surprisingly well with palm leaves and sunset cocktails.

Add Energy with Carnival and BBQ Themes

For high-energy events like large family reunions or summer festivals, we sometimes combine our luau menu with interactive stations from the Carnival Catering Theme NYC. Think snow cones, cotton candy, and classic treats with a tropical upgrade. You can also pull smoky meats and grilled favorites from our Southwest BBQ setup for guests who want something a little spicier and bolder.

If your event is centered around mingling, our BBQ Station Catering Theme creates the perfect casual flow. Guests move between stations, customizing their plates with luau proteins, summer salads, and grilled sides. It’s efficient, social, and totally on theme.

Bring Island Flavor to NYC with a Local Twist

We also love blending Hawaiian flavors with city-style flair. Our New York Theme Catering can be paired with your luau to highlight street food favorites in an island format—pineapple pretzels, tropical sausages, and beachy twists on deli classics. And if you want to go cinematic, the unexpected combination of luau food with family-style elegance from The Godfather creates a fusion of relaxed luxury and dramatic flavor. It’s perfect for guests who want the best of both worlds.

Plan Your Luau with Susan’s Kitchen

At Susan’s Kitchen, we believe every event should feel like an escape. Our Hawaiian Luau Catering NY experience brings island energy into any borough, turning rooftops, parks, and backyards into tropical destinations. From menu planning to staffing, decor, and cleanup, we handle every detail so you can enjoy the moment with your guests.

Ready to plan your perfect luau? Contact us today and let us help you build a customized island experience—complete with grilled favorites, tropical drinks, vibrant visuals, and full-service hospitality. Summer’s waiting, and we’re ready to bring paradise to you.