Luau & Party Food Calculator
Luau & Party Food Calculator
Throwing a luau? Enter your guest count and we'll tell you exactly how much food and drink to buy — no leftovers, no running out.
Your Luau Shopping Plan
Amounts are generous estimates including a small buffer. Adjust to your menu and local appetites.
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About the Luau & Party Food Calculator
Planning a luau or backyard party and not sure how much to cook? This free calculator does the math for you. Enter how many adults and kids are coming, how long the party runs, and how hungry your crowd is, and it returns exact quantities for the classics — kalua pork, chicken, rice, poke, mac salad, fruit, rolls, dessert, and drinks. It uses standard catering portions with a small buffer so you have plenty without massive leftovers. Whether you're roasting a whole pig or keeping it simple with teriyaki and rice, you'll walk into the store with a clear shopping list and walk out ready to party.
Frequently asked questions
How much food do I need for a luau?
A good rule is about 1 pound of food per adult for the main proteins and sides combined, plus drinks. For a sit-down luau plan roughly 1/3 to 1/2 pound of cooked meat per adult, a cup of rice, and a half cup of each side. This calculator scales those portions to your exact headcount and party length.
How much kalua pork per person?
Plan about 1/3 pound of cooked kalua pork per adult as a main, or 1/4 pound if you're serving several proteins. Remember a raw pork shoulder loses roughly 40% of its weight when cooked, so buy more raw than you need cooked. The calculator accounts for this.
How many drinks per person for a party?
A common guideline is about 2 drinks in the first hour and 1 per hour after that. For a typical afternoon luau that's roughly 4 to 5 drinks per adult. Always have plenty of water and non-alcoholic options too, which this tool includes.