Everything You Need for a Tropical Theme Party
Lauren Miolene
Editor
It’s time to break out the grass skirts and leis because you’re about to host the best luau your neighborhood has ever seen. A tropical theme party makes a festive event backdrop for the summer months with its laid-back and upbeat vibe. This summertime theme combines your favorite vacation destinations with vibrant decor, entertainment, and of course food and drinks to match.
Use these ideas to host a tropical theme 1st birthday party, plan a tropical graduation party theme, or just a summery backyard pool party. Come sail away to paradise with a tropical party you’re going to want to start planning ASAP!
Here are our 28 favorite tropical theme party ideas for kids and adults…
Fire Dancers
If you’ve ever visited a tropical resort, you’ve probably watched an amazing fire show. These dancers are trained professionals that can whip fire and flames all around, and even eat them! If you’re looking to heat things up at this tropical theme party, a fire dancer is the way to go.
Bright Color Scheme
When thinking of tropical theme party decorations, bright colors are probably one of the first things to come to mind. Fill your space with vibrant shades of pink, orange, yellow, green, and blue that will bring all of the tropical feels. Incorporate these colors into accents like balloons and tableware that will make your event space pop.
Grass Skirts and Leis
You’re going to want to put on your best tropical theme party outfit for this summer get-together. If this is a backyard pool party, start with a bathing suit base, and add a grass skirt, lei, and other accents on top. Guests can also wear Hawaiian print shirts, flowers in their hair, and bright colors.
Flamingo Ring Toss
All parties need a few activities, especially if there will be kids in attendance. Double your decor as a game with flamingo ring toss. The flamingo’s long neck makes the perfect target for guests to test their aim and have a little friendly competition. Easily DIY your own using materials you might already have, or you can purchase flamingo ring toss sets online.
Piña Coladas
When you think of tropical drinks, your mind probably goes to piña coladas. The creamy combination of pineapple, coconut, and rum packs a punch that will transport you to the golden sands of Hawaii. Easily skip the rum for a fruity mocktail that everyone will be able to enjoy. Top with a fresh pineapple wedge, cherry, and a fun straw for the ultimate vacation vibes.
Tropical Candles
You already have decor, music, food, and activities. The only things left to tie everything together are tropical scented candles. Although the party is outside, the aroma of pineapple and coconut will still drift through the summer night air, amplifying the paradise experience. An open flame will also help in keeping away any pesky mosquitoes.
Tiki Bar
Drinks taste better when made by a professional bartender. So, set up a tiki bar, book a mixologist, and get ready to party! Bartenders can curate a special menu for this tropical theme party and still create all the classics for guests to sip on. Browse The Bash to find a bartender available near you.
Fruit Smoothies
Don’t just serve store bought fruit trays during your backyard bash, whip up delicious fruit smoothies. Get creative by mixing exciting flavors like mango, strawberry, and orange for everyone to make their own custom beverage.
Steel Drummer
The sound of a steel drum immediately sends you to paradise. Don’t worry, just be happy with the mellow music and beats to serenade guests during the tropical themed party. Start your search for a steel drummer or band on The Bash.
Sand Buckets
This detail is simple to incorporate into your tropical theme party; swap your normal serving ware for sand buckets and shovels. Of course using new and clean buckets, serve party snacks like pretzels, Goldfish, or even ice for easy access. Small details like this will bring the tropical theme to life.
Tropical Animals
If there are younger guests in attendance, surprise them with animals straight from the rainforest! The Bash has professional animal handlers that work with monkeys, reptiles, and even birds that will make excellent party guests.
Pineapple Upside Down Cupcakes
Cupcakes are always a better cake option since it’s a smaller amount and doesn’t require a plate or utensils. Make miniature versions of this classic cake flavor that will include their own pineapple ring and cherry on top.
Tiki Torches
If your party carries over into the nighttime, light up your backyard with the glow of tiki torches. This will be a great way to add ambient lighting to make a walkway or driveway more visible to guests. The best part of this decor is that it helps create the tropical aesthetic while being practical. We love a dual purpose party detail!
Grilled Kabobs
Shish kabobs are a classic tropical themed party food that are easy to prepare and serve during your event. Assemble different skewers using meat, seafood, and plenty of vegetables. The best part about serving kabobs is that they can be customized for different dietary preferences, so everyone will be able to enjoy them.
Pro Tip: Consider booking a caterer to plan more food ideas for a tropical theme party.
Hawaiian Dancers
No tropical theme party is complete without Hawaiian dancers, especially when there are trained professionals near you! Take a look on The Bash to find Hawaiian dancers in your area that can perform at your event bringing the island culture directly to you.
Neon Sign
This trendy piece of decor will help add to the bright, happy, and fun party aesthetic. Who doesn’t love a photo opp with a glowing neon sign? Search online for signs that match the tropical theme party with different phrases. Maybe things like, “meet me at the beach,” “aloha,” or even a neon pink flamingo.
Fruit Shaped Cups
One of the luxuries of going on a tropical vacation is being able to drink from fresh island fruit. There’s something fun and adventurous about sipping coconut water straight from a coconut or drinking your cocktail from a real pineapple. Bring this tropical detail into your party with fruit shaped plastic cups that will give the same vacation vibes. Shop Amazon or your local party supply store for this party favor.
Hawaiian Cake
Yellow cake layered with pudding, pineapple, and coconut sounds like a delicious way to end your backyard bash. If hosting a tropical themed birthday party, this will make the perfect cake for the guest of honor to blow out their candles.
Palm Trees and Greenery
Set the tone of a beach vacation with plenty of palm trees and tropical greenery. Mixing and matching various colors and textures will help create your backyard paradise. Add pops of colors with vibrant flowers like hibiscus, orchids, and jasmine.
Pro Tip: Find a professional florist on The Bash that will plan and create your tropical arrangements.
Daiquiris
Picture this: you’re laying in a chair on the beach, toes in the warm sand, the sun beating down on you, and a frozen daiquiri in hand. Now that’s paradise! Add this rum-based cocktail to your drink menu that is perfectly sweet, sour, and strong.
Limbo
You’re going to want to raise the bar (or lower it) for the tropical themed party. Rather than a conga line or the Cha Cha Slide, lean into the tropical theme for a few rounds of limbo. People will take turns getting low to the beat of the steel drum and competing for the title of limbo champion.
DIY Flower Crowns
Allow everyone to get crafty by setting up a flower crown bar. Guests will enjoy weaving together different tropical flowers and having the opportunity to wear them afterwards. Whether you use real or fake flowers, this is a unique tropical theme party activity everyone will want to take part in.
Shaved Ice
This frozen and sweet treat is the perfect way to hydrate after a hot day in the sun. Easily make them yourselves using crushed ice and syrups, but they taste much better being made by a professional. Search local food carts on The Bash that offer all types of frozen treats for this tropical theme party.
Ukulele Player
When you think of tropical music, the soothing sound of a ukulele is probably the first thing to come to mind. Talented ukulele players on The Bash can match the vibe of your event with upbeat music, rhythmic tunes, or relaxing melodies.
Shrimp Cocktails
It’s a party classic for a reason; everyone loves a shrimp cocktail. Just because this is a popular party snack doesn’t mean you can’t get creative with the presentation. Rather than serving this appetizer in a ring, hang the shrimp on the edge of a martini glass and fill it with cocktail sauce. This is a simple way to elevate your party food and provide everyone their own serving.
Hula Hoops
An outdoor party needs plenty of activities to keep everyone occupied. Take this hula party to the next level by having plenty of hula hoops for people to play with. Guests will love showing off their skills and tricks as they wiggle their hips.
Exotic Fruit
Serving a variety of sweet and colorful exotic fruits will keep everyone satisfied at this tropical get-together. We’re not talking about your typical pineapple and watermelon though, we’re thinking dragon fruit, papaya, and carambola for a unique party treat and gorgeous table spread.
Beach Balls
Of course a tropical backyard bash needs a few beach balls throughout. Inflate colorful beach balls for guests to play with during the party that will also add another pop of color. They can be used for volleyball, a game of catch, or can be left throughout the space as decor.
Find more party ideas and inspiration here on The Bash.
