This game is licensed for personal, private use only. If you plan to use it for any commercial purpose, public event, business, organization, school, fundraiser, church, promotional activity, paid event, or any use that generates revenue or provides a commercial benefit, you must purchase a Commercial License.
- Type Download
- SKU LUAUPARTY
- Age Range 13 to Adult
- Minimum # of players 8 Suspects
- Max Players (Main Game) 15 Suspects
- Max players available 35 Suspects (Expansion Packs Sold Separately)
- Difficulty rating Moderate, 5/10
- Character roles Flex-Gender
- Game Duration 2 to 4 Hours Average (Flexible Timeline)
- Game format Murder | Guided Clue Mingling | 4 Rounds
- Vibe and Content Notes Clean Summer Fun * Festive Luau Mystery * Neighborhood Drama Vibes
- Date of publication 2011: Last Revised: 2021
A festive backyard luau murder mystery party game. This tropical Sun City mystery is packed with Hollywood celebrities, ambitious entertainers, scandal-hungry reporters, outrageous socialites, bitter rivalries, suspicious secrets, luau-inspired food, lively party games, hidden motives, and murder at the season’s most anticipated backyard celebration.
This is the instant download version, so there is nothing to ship and no shipping fee. Simply download, print, prepare, and play!
Prefer a professionally prepared game? Choose the Boxed Kit version, and our staff will professionally print and prepare the game materials for you.
Helpful Links:
Main-game players can prepare for the party with costume suggestions, character information, details about Sun City, and the backyard luau mystery premise.
The host list, free invitation and sample game materials are at the bottom of the page.
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Expansion Pack #1: Adds 10 Characters
Sold separately. -
Expansion Pack #2: Adds 10 Characters
Sold separately.
Backyard Luau Murder Mystery Party Game Synopsis:
Welcome to Sun City, a glamorous beachside paradise just outside Hollywood, where celebrities escape to enjoy golden beaches, beautiful weather, luxury resorts, and a seemingly endless parade of exclusive social events.
Darby Cerulean, a rising-star magician and one of Sun City’s most charismatic entertainers, is hosting the season’s most anticipated celebration: an extravagant backyard luau. The entire town is buzzing about the guest list, which may include Hollywood icons, pop stars, gossip columnists, socialites, entertainers, business moguls, and several less-than-respectable personalities. Darby promises tropical delicacies, lively games, fascinating conversation, and an unforgettable evening beneath the stars.
Unfortunately, paradise is never quite as peaceful as it appears. Several guests are carrying bitter grudges, bruised egos, financial troubles, career rivalries, scandalous secrets, and motives powerful enough to turn a festive luau into a crime scene. Your invitation has arrived, your most festive luau attire is ready, and this is where your story begins.
Expand the Backyard Luau Murder Mystery Party:
- Main Game: 15 unique suspect characters
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Expansion Pack #1: 10 additional suspect characters
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- Sold separately.
- The characters may be added in any number or combination with the optional main-game roles.
- Expands the game to 25 unique suspects.
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Expansion Pack #2: 10 additional suspect characters
- Sold separately.
- Designed to be used with the main game and most or all of Expansion Pack #1.
- Adds 10 optional unique suspect roles.
- Expands the game to 35 unique suspects.
This is the instant download version of the game. Simply download, print, and prepare everything you need to play, with no shipping fees or delivery wait.
PDF files included:
- Host Instructions
- Printable Game Materials
- Solution
- Optional Extras, such as the free invitation
For the boxed kit, also called the Party Pack, use the link provided on the product page.
Printing Tips
For the best results, open and print the files using Adobe Acrobat Reader, available free from Adobe.com. Other PDF viewers may alter fonts, spacing, colors, page sizing, or interactive features.
- Download the PDF files to your computer and note where you save them before opening or printing.
- Select Actual Size or 100% Scale unless the instructions specify otherwise.
- Do not select Fit to Page, as this may resize cards, labels, or other game materials.
- Confirm that the paper size is set to US Letter, 8.5 × 11 inches.
- Print one test page before printing the complete game.
- Use standard printer paper for any worksheets or investigation sheets.
- Use heavier paper for invitations, clue cards, and other materials that will be handled during the game.
- Print in color when possible for the intended appearance.
- Do not select double-sided printing.
- Allow ink to dry completely before cutting, folding, or assembling the materials.
Printer settings and results may vary by printer.
The murder mystery parties are set up to make hosting so easy. Every portion of the mystery was well though of including suggested recipes.
My daughter's 13th birthday party was the Backyard Luau Party and it was a hit. She and her friends had done another one a couple of years ago so they were all well versed in how to do it. This was appropriate for their age and they had a great time! Only one of the 13 guessed the correct murderer, but they didn't mind. :)
We had a party of 10 players ages 6-56. Everyone enjoyed dressing up for their part and playing their character. We also used a couple of the bonus game ideas throughout the night and they were a big hit too. Nobody guessed who the murderer was although we all pretty much knew who the victim was based on the round one clues.
Used this party pack, with the extension pack #1, for a Halloween Murder Mystery party. We had a lot of fun getting into character and interrogating each other. I really love how new information is continually revealed which kept us on our toes and guessing. It was also super fun to get to have one of us become the victim (although that was very predictable from even the first round). Only one person from our group was able to correctly guess the murderer--we were shocked! Overall, it was a fun party and a fun storyline!
I had family over for my birthday and got a ton of dollar tree luau decorations and it cracked me up how people really got into it. I’m glad I gave myself an ‘optional’ extra role so I could keep the agenda and food running without worrying that I had mandatory info to give people within the game. No one guessed the murderer! The whole thing was really well thought out. And I didn’t realize there was on-theme food and game ideas included too! So quite a lot to print at the library but so worth it to feel so prepared. Would buy again!