10 alternatives to an expensive night out with friends: Hawaiʻi budgets

HONOLULU (KHON2) — From inflation to price increases due to an impending tariff war, Americans are looking for ways to bond with friends without blowing up their budget each week.

Each decade in the 20th century offered a multitude of events and things to spend their expendable cash on.

But as 9/11 changed the United States’ standing in the world and multiple economic global and American meltdowns that have ensued since the beginning of the 21st century, friend groups have become more interested in ways they can bond without the expense.

A new trend that is picking up steam amongst friend groups ages 18-35 is the potluck party. It’s a fun way to bond without breaking the bank.

The financial burden is spread out amongst the group, allowing everyone to experience a fun time.

KHON2.com developed 10 fun and delicious potluck party ideas that friends across Hawaii can use to enjoy the weekend.

Get Hawaii’s latest morning news delivered to your inbox, sign up for News 2 You

Taco bar

Taco bars are great fun. Everyone can bring their favorite ingredients to share. Build your own tacos and enjoy some movies are popular series.

Comfort food classics

Comfort foods are different for everyone. For this fund experience, you can have your guests bring their favorite comfort foods. To prevent too much repetition, have your guests sign up their items on a list. This will encourage folks who may have similar but different favorites to indulge their desires.

Pupu spread

Who doesn’t love pupu yummies. In Spain, they’re call tapas. In the U.S., they’re called appetizers. Whatever you want to call them, you can have your guests bring their favorites.

Pizza party

Whether it’s homemade pizzas, frozen pizzas or pizzas from their favorite spot, each guest can bring the pizzas they love most. If you’re super brave, you can set up pizza making stations where you and your guests create their favorites.

Breakfast for dinner

Who doesn’t love breakfast? Invite your guests to bring their favorite breakfast foods. It’s a great way to explore new things for breakfast. It’s also a great excuse to have a pajama party. fruit salad, and casseroles.

BBQ bash

Hawaii is the best place for a BBQ bash; we always have great beach days. You can provide the grill, and your guests can bring their favorite grill items and sides.

International cuisine

Stepping outside brings most of us in Hawaii in close contact with lots of international cuisine. Having everyone bring their favorites, you can do it by country or create a hodge podge. Regardless, you have the opportunity to find a new favorite dish.

Soup and salad bar

You cand ask guests to bring their favorite soups, curries or stews; and this can pair these with different kinds of salads and/or sandwiches. It’s easy and can lead to some creative ventures.

Dessert party

This is quite possibly the best one. Have all your guests bring their favorite desserts. There truly is no limit to how amazing this potluck can be.

Healthy potluck

For this idea, you can focus on dishes that you and your friends have discovered on their health journey. It’s a great way to bond and to come up with new ideas for your own healthy eating.

Get news on the go with KHON 2GO, KHON’s morning podcast, every morning at 8

So, as you navigate a world with less money and fewer resources, it’s a great idea to expand your experiences with friends and enjoy what truly matters, bonding with those you love.

Share this >>>