Preparation:

Arrange your table for mealtime, cake & ice cream. Add tropical flair with a real pineapple which has been sliced vertically down the middle, and scooped-out...use as a bowl for a fruit medley which may include pineapple, strawberries, kiwi, bananas and mango. I also placed a few pieces of silk fern in the chandelier.

To make the waterfall that was pictured on our invitation map, I taped blue and green strips of crepe paper (which hung to the floor) to the long edge of the table cloth. I also hung a few fish under the table since this would be part of our Island Adventure later.

Prepare a few games: the highlight of our party was the Island Adventure using the maps we had drawn. You can also:


Do The Limbo
Make Flower Leis

All islanders need a hula skirt upon arrival. Here are directions for making your own:
Hula Skirt Materials:
crepe paper in assorted colors (cut about 1/4-inch wide and about 2 feet long).
1-inch wide masking tape
scissors

Hula Skirt Instructions:
Hula skirts are quick, cheap and fun. They can be tied on over regular clothing.
You'll need to work on the floor for this one. Pile up some cut strips of crepe paper. Cut a strip of tape about 6-inches longer than your child's waist measurement. Lay the tape on the floor, sticky side up. Make the skirt by laying one end of the paper strips on top of the tape. Place the strips next to each other-the closer together, the more skirt to sway.
When the length of tape is full of paper strips, lay another piece of tape on top of the first one and press together to create a waistband. Wrap the skirt around their waist. Overlap and fasten with a large safety pin or more masking tape.
adapted from Kids Create! by Laurie Carlson

Either present guests with a flower lei, or have them begin making their own when they arrive.
Flower Leis Materials:
colorful drinking straws, 6 for each lei
cardboard, 5 x 5-inch
colored tissue paper, small pieces in several colors
string or yarn, about 30-inches for each lei
paper punch
pencil
scissors

Flower Leis Instructions:
Every hula skirt needs a flower lei to complete the outfit. Make a flower template out of cardboard. Trace and cut out tissue paper flowers. Cutting through three layers of tissue at once goes faster...the older children may be able to do this step themselves, or you may want to precut the flowers prior to the party. Punch a hole in the center of each flower.
Cut the straws into 1-inch long pieces. Cut a piece of string or yarn about 30-inches long.
String a straw piece first and knot the yarn around it, so the pieces won't fall of as you continue stringing.
String the straw pieces, putting three paper flowers between each section of straw. Knot the ends to create a long necklace.
Adapted from Kids Create! by Laurie Carlson

Island Adventure:
Send the island guests on an adventure using the invitation maps as a guide...an adult may be needed to provide hints on the map reading. Clues were written ahead of time on 3 x 5-inch index cards to be hidden throughout the house; each clue then leads to the next (these got a little corny, but the kids loved them and took it rather seriously). The ultimate goal was to reach a treasure box which was filled with party favors. Tape the first clue to the bottom of one paper plate to be found after the meal (we usually have a meal first and serve cake later, after the games).

Suggested Clues for index cards:

Clue#1 Welcome to this tiny paradise island. You are stranded here until a rescue party arrives. They are searching for you at this moment. However, while you wait you're survival depends on an ability to follow instructions and read your maps. You are in search of a treasure box...the jewels you find there can reflect the sunlight to signal a rescue party should they come close to the island. Go to the island leader (Mom or Dad) to seek your next clue."

Clue#2 Welcome my friends! So you have come to me to seek guidance as you were instructed. Good! You are brave and follow instructions well. I'm sure you will reach the desired destination. But first you must endure tests of strength and wit. You must not fail. Make your way now to "Cavern of the Waterfall" - look carefully. (Remember...on the map, the dining room table is the "Cavern of the Waterfall", so have the next clue visible somewhere near the table).

Clue#3 To reach the other side you must have endurance to swim under the waterfall and through the cave. When you have succeeded, there you'll see a large area of sunken ground caused by volcanic tremors. Carefully walk to the one tree still standing (a house plant) - hoping the ground does not collapse under your feet.


At this point everyone "swims" under the table, then tiptoes carefully on the other side to the next clue...pretty amusing to watch!

Clue#4 Flee from here quickly before it's too late. Run to the beach where there are 2 dugout canoes and a campfire (pictured on our map). Look for your clue and leave before the natives spot you - there are rumors that they are cannibals...the campfire might be for their cooking pot!

Clue#5 You must be exhausted from your journey. Have a sugar cane to regain your energy (a bowl of candy where this clue was found). Check your map. Turn toward the small crystal cave of sunlight (a porch room we had on the map). Go before the natives come - I hear their drum beats in the distance. Go to find your next clue.

Clue#6 I'm so glad you arrived safely - uncooked! Your next test of endurance requires you to be limber. Journey to the Yakanewa Village (a corny name we came up with for one of the rooms on our map) where they are having a celebration of birth, and join in the festivities. (This clue leads them to an area designated for the Limbo dance...have the next clue waiting at the broom handle, or any pole used for the Limbo).

Clue#7 I see you are already adorned with flowers & costume. Let the festivities begin! Think limber and low. The person who limbos the lowest will receive the next clue. (Begin the "Limbo" music and the fun).

Clue#8 Congratulations! Go to the hunting grounds (our kitchen on the map). Take your friends along. Search the storage hut where food is kept fresh and cool (the refrigerator - yes, the clue is in the refrigerator!)

Clue#9 Ah!...Relief from the sun's heat. It's so cool in here due to air flow coming from the underground caves. Walk 3 laps around the "Cavern of the Waterfall". Then stop, facing toward the beach (or whatever area you wish to designate). Take "__" steps forward and it will be revealed to you (fill in the blank with the number of steps required to reach the next clue).

Clue#10 You are very close now. Your treasure will be found at the window of world wide knowledge (meaning the computer...they will probably need a little help figuring this one out).

The Treasure:
Party favors were wrapped in netting tied with a string - one for each guest - and place in a box hidden at the computer desk to where the last clue will lead. Party favors may include...beaded necklaces, rings, chocolate coins wrapped in gold foil, etc.. I highly recommend Oriental Trading Company, Inc. for purchasing such items. Catalogs may also be obtained by calling 1-800-228-2269.