Hawaiian appetizers (known as "pupus" on the islands), are, in Hawaii, a great way to get people outside-- enjoying the beauty of the islands!

Not surrounded by lush Hawaiian landscapes? That doesn't mean you can't pretend! With the right recipe for appetizers for a Hawaiian luau party at home, you can get a little taste of the islands without the hefty price of an airplane ticket.

You'll find lots of great recipes for Hawaiian appetizers and luau party foods right here. Just remember... Hawaiian cooking is all about freshness and flavor... so have fun with it!

One great example of a blended cultural recipe --a concept that is very Hawaiian!-- is this fresh, savory, tropical Hawaiian appetizer. This recipe is easy to make, really different, and delicious anytime.

Tip: For a fun variation, place a small roll of ham slice in the center of the pineapple and use a skewer through the edge of the slice to keep the ham in place.

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Ingredients:
1 medium fresh pineapple
1 1/2 tablespoons butter, melted
1 tablespoon packed brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon curry powder
1/2 cup plain yogurt
2 tablespoons toasted coconut

Directions: 1. Remove core from the pineapple and cut into 3/4 inch thick rings. Or you can also do this on skewers if that seems simpler.

2. In a medium bowl, whisk together butter, brown sugar and curry until sugar is dissolved. Toss the pineapple with the marinade and let rest for 5 minutes.

3. Grill pineapple over medium heat for 6-8 minutes. Turn once and continue to baste with marinade. Serve slices warm with yogurt topping and sprinkled coconut.

Hawaii did not originally have a lot of livestock when the Polynesians arrived. But these beef-based Hawaiian appetizers are still authentic... because new travelers to Hawaiian brought beef, pork, chicken, and new crops along with them to the islands. The mix of tangy-sweet pineapple, salty flavors, and tender beef are a reminder of the blended culture of Hawaii.

Looking for a change? These tasty Hawaiian appetizers are also nice with pork!

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Ingredients:
1 1/2 pounds beef, cut in strips
1 yellow onion
1 green bell pepper, seeded
8 ounces pineapple chunks
1 container cherry tomatoes
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1/4 cup honey
1 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Ground pepper to taste
Skewers, soaked in water

Directions: 1. Cut bell pepper and onion into even 1 inch chunks. Drain and reserve the juice from the pineapple chunks.

2. In a medium bowl mix the pineapple juice with brown sugar, honey, garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce and pepper until sugar dissolves.

3. Take half of the marinade and toss with beef strips in a sealed bag. Let these marinate for 30 minutes.

4. Use skewers to pierce and hold the vegetables and beef strips. Preheat grill to medium high.

5. Grill kabobs for 20 minutes, turning frequently and brushing with marinade often.

Fresh seafood is served everywhere in Hawaii and the tropical flavor of coconut in the recipe reminds you that this food really does come from a sweet paradise. For an extra special Hawaiian appetizer, try using sugar cane skewers in place of ordinary bamboo skewers.

Fish and seafood are major components of the food of Hawaii simply because the islands are surrounded by seas rich with life. (Because fish is very fresh in Hawaii, items like sushi and marinated raw tuna are also very common parts of Hawaiian cuisine.)

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Ingredients:
20 large shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 cups shredded coconut
3 eggs, beaten
2 tablespoons coconut milk
1 cup flour
3 tablespoons garlic powder

Directions: 1. Blend garlic powder with flour. In a separate bowl, beat eggs with coconut milk.

2. Preheat grill to medium high heat.

3. Dredge shrimp in flour mixture and shake off excess flour. Next, dip shrimp in egg mixture and then coconut and lay on a sheet pan.

4. Grill shrimp until they are golden brown and serve immediately. Be careful that the coconut does not burn. Serve these Hawaiian appetizers hot with a spicy dipping sauce, like sriacha.

The islands of Hawaii can inspire great food with simple preparation. If you do not have a grill, don't despair! You can also broil most meats and other Hawaiian appetizer recipes in a hot oven instead.