Keiki's First Birthday Luau Tradition in Hawaii

Recently, my son celebrated his 9th birthday and that sent me on a trip down memory lane. Time goes by fast and it seems like just yesterday that we were celebrating his first birthday with a fun party at Kailua Beach Park!  

If you have an infant or are planning to have children, you should know that a baby’s 1st birthday in the Hawaiian islands is an especially big deal. There was a time, many years past, when many infants did not survive to one year, so it really was a cause for celebration to “Make One.” 

Many families still hold Baby Luaus to celebrate their child’s (keiki’s) first birthday. These parties range from barbecues at the beach, to authentic Hawaiian Luaus, to fancy soirees, attended by hundreds of people.  I have been to one wonderful Keiki First Birthday Party, lasting 7 hours, which was attended by over 300 people.  It had wonderful luau food, a band, a petting zoo, pony rides, bouncy houses, and even a clown that made balloon animals! Wow!

There are many Oahu businesses that specialize in kids’ parties. Local Oahu news will also wish your keiki happy birthday on the air too —- but make sure you make the request several months in advance to ensure it airs in a timely manner! Baby’s First Birthdays in Hawaii are always a lot of fun, however you celebrate.