Hawaiian visits, as well as decor, begin with a lei, but hardly end there.
Decorating a scene to bring to mind the tropical beauty of Hawaii is not a difficult thing to do. You don't have to make it realistic, because everybody has an idea of what Hawaii is like based on movies and TV shows. In fact, take advantage of the collective consciousness that informs most people's ideas of Hawaii rather than relying strictly on authenticity. Remember that perception is everything. Does this Spark an idea?
Wall Coverings
Shop around at local wall-covering and decorating stores to find temporary wallpaper or corrugated cardboard covering that features a Hawaiian design. Look for images of beach scenes, lush tropical rainforests, surfers or tiki heads.
Tiki Culture
Those tiki heads will come in handy -- use the real deal as well as images on cardboard or wallpaper. Tiki heads come in all sizes and can be made from wood or plastic. If you live near a beach town, chances are you can find some very well-made wooden tiki heads carved by local artisans. You can also incorporate tiki culture into your scene by using tiki mugs.
Grass Skirting
Grass skirts aren't just for wearing around the waist. Use the hula skirt concept to decorate your Hawaiian scene. Unroll the skirts and glue them to tables so that they hang down. This not only contributes to the scene, but hides what lies beneath the tables.
Surfing
Surfing was pretty much invented as a sport in Hawaii, so remember to include some surfing accoutrements. Besides a surfboard and boogie board, you'll want to add some surfboard wax, the board's leash, tubes of suntan lotion and maybe even a wet suit.
Plants and Flowers
Potted palm trees are an excellent way to add some color and texture to your Hawaiian scene. These can be real or synthetic, depending on availability. For added effect, fill a planting container with sand and a handful of seashells. Other tropical plants that scream out "Hawaii" include bird of paradise, orchids and hibiscus. Have plenty of authentic leis hanging around.
Furnishings
The furniture of a Hawaiian scene should reflect the indoor/outdoor quality of materials common to the islands, which means rattan and wicker. Decorations should also incorporate creative use of bamboo stalks and the dark woods common to Hawaii. Wood furnishings that best reflect the Hawaiian sensibility are those made of woods like teak or rosewood that feature ornate carvings.
Food
The meal table of your Hawaiian scene should ideally include a fully roasted pig, if you want to bring forth the traditional luau component. Other table items can include bananas, pineapples, coconuts, poi, salmon, rice and sweet potatoes.
Subtle Pop Culture Touches
Hawaii has been a featured player in much of the pop culture that binds American society together. Incorporating a few of these items is a way to add a little fun icing to your Hawaiian cake. Think Bobby Brady's evil tiki doll. The presence of stenciled words "Book 'em Dano," unobtrusively placed somewhere. A toy version of Magnum, PI's red Ferrari. A poster of one of Elvis Presley's movies set in Hawaii. Stuffed Lilo or Stitch dolls. A PR photo of Burt Lancaster and Deborah Kerr locking lips in the surf from the movie "From Here to Eternity."
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