Conquer the Hawaiian waves with a 2-hour crash surfing course followed by a cozy evening at Mauka Warriors Luau
On any vacation, choosing the right hotel can significantly enhance your travel experience. If you’re planning a trip to Oʻahu and aren’t sure which hotel to pick, this article shares real customer reviews and key details about Ala Moana Hotel. Hopefully, it will help you plan your upcoming trip.
1. Why choose Ala Moana Hotel by Mantra when visiting Honolulu?
If you’re looking for a hotel close to Ala Moana Center and Ala Moana Beach Park in Honolulu, Hawaii, Ala Moana Hotel by Mantra is undoubtedly one of the top choices. It boasts one of the most prime locations in the city, offering maximum convenience for both leisure and business travel.
- 1–2 minutes’ walk to Ala Moana Center, the largest shopping mall in Hawaii, home to hundreds of international brands, fashion stores, cosmetics, souvenirs, and a diverse food court. It’s the perfect stop for shopping and sampling Hawaiian specialties.
- 5–7 minutes’ walk to Ala Moana Beach Park, one of Oʻahu’s most beautiful and peaceful beaches. Unlike the crowded Waikiki Beach, Ala Moana Beach Park offers a tranquil space ideal for swimming, sunbathing, picnics, or evening walks to watch the sunset over the Pacific.
- Right next to the Hawaii Convention Center, a major venue for international conferences, events, and exhibitions. This makes Ala Moana Hotel a preferred choice for business travelers, saving you valuable commuting time.
- Central hub for exploring Oʻahu from the hotel, you can easily reach iconic spots like Waikiki Beach, Diamond Head, Pearl Harbor, and Iolani Palace. Most notably, it’s a convenient pickup point for the Mauka Warriors Luau, a unique Hawaiian cultural show with free shuttle service from the hotel, letting you fully immerse yourself in the Aloha spirit without worrying about transportation.
A typical single room at the Ala Moana Hotel
In short, if you want a trip that combines shopping, relaxation, and Hawaiian cultural exploration, Ala Moana Hotel by Mantra offers the perfect location in Honolulu.
2. Amenities & Services at Ala Moana Hotel
Ala Moana Hotel by Mantra not only stands out for its golden location in the heart of Honolulu but also for its wide range of facilities and services catering to both luxury vacations and professional business trips.
Variety of Rooms
From budget-friendly standard rooms to spacious luxury suites, the hotel has options for every traveler. Many rooms feature stunning Pacific Ocean views (ocean view) or glittering cityscapes at night (city view). Expect comfortable beds, modern bathrooms, and, in some rooms, private balconies, perfect for unwinding after a full day of exploration.
One of the sea view rooms in this hotel
Facilities include
- Large outdoor swimming pool
- Gym and sauna
- Relaxing spa with traditional Hawaiian treatments
- Signature Prime Steak & Seafood Restaurant located on the hotel’s upper floors, this fine-dining spot serves premium steaks and fresh seafood. The open design offers panoramic views of Honolulu and the ocean, especially breathtaking at sunset.
Ala Moana Hotel Swimming Pool
Services include
- 24/7 front desk, luggage storage, and laundry service
- Meeting rooms and event facilities
- Free Wi-Fi
3. Guest Experience: Pros & Cons
Pros
- Prime location: next to the mall, near the beach, close to the convention center
- Friendly, professional staff embodying the “Aloha” spirit
- Fast elevators, reducing waiting time
- Easy to combine sightseeing with shopping
One of the special services at Ala Moana hotel
Cons
- Some older rooms with dated interiors
- High parking fee (~$40/day)
- Certain amenities, like the sauna, occasionally out of service
Ala Moana Hotel has a wide variety of rooms for you to choose from
Tip: When booking, opt for “Renovated Room” or “Ocean View Room” for a better stay.
4. From Ala Moana Hotel to Mauka Warriors Luau: Easy & Free
One of the biggest perks of staying at Ala Moana Hotel by Mantra is the free shuttle service to and from the hotel when you attend the Mauka Warriors Luau, one of the highest-rated traditional Hawaiian cultural shows on Oʻahu.
Famous fire dance performance at Mauka Warriors Luau
At Mauka Warriors Luau, you will:
- Be welcomed with a traditional flower lei
- Take part in the imu ceremony, unveiling the underground oven used for Hawaiian-style roasting
- Enjoy captivating hula performances, Polynesian drumming, and reenactments of Hawaii’s warrior spirit
- Feast on a buffet featuring fresh seafood and local island specialties
Mauka Warriors Luau welcomes you with a beautiful lei
5. Booking Tips
- Book 1–2 months in advance if traveling during peak season (June–August, December–January)
- Look for hotel + luau combo packages to save money
- Bring comfortable footwear for shopping at Ala Moana Center and walking to the beach
Ala Moana Hotel by Mantra is an ideal choice if you want to be close to Ala Moana Center, have easy beach access, stay in a convenient spot for business, and enjoy effortless transportation to the Mauka Warriors Luau with a free shuttle. Here, you can enjoy modern comfort while easily experiencing the authentic culture of Hawaii.
FAQs about Ala Moana Hotel & Mauka Warriors Luau
1. Is Ala Moana Hotel close to the beach?
Yes. Ala Moana Hotel by Mantra is only about a 5–7 minute walk from Ala Moana Beach Park, a peaceful spot with clear waters and fewer crowds than Waikiki Beach – perfect for swimming or picnicking.
2. Is Ala Moana Hotel near Ala Moana Center?
Very close. It’s right next to Ala Moana Center; you can reach Hawaii’s largest shopping mall in just a few minutes on foot.
3. Does Mauka Warriors Luau offer free shuttle service from Ala Moana Hotel?
Yes. Mauka Warriors Luau provides a free shuttle bus that picks you up and drops you off directly at Ala Moana Hotel by Mantra, saving you both time and transportation costs.
4. Is food included at Mauka Warriors Luau?
Yes. Admission includes a buffet with fresh seafood and Hawaiian specialties, as well as the traditional imu roasting ceremony before dinner.
5. How long does it take to get from Ala Moana Hotel to Mauka Warriors Luau?
By luau shuttle, it takes about 25–30 minutes depending on traffic – no driving or parking needed.
6. What’s the best time of year to book Ala Moana Hotel?
The ideal months are April–June or September–November, when the weather is great, rain is minimal, and room rates are lower than peak season.
7. Is Mauka Warriors Luau suitable for kids?
Absolutely. The show includes interactive activities, lively music, hula dancing, and fascinating Hawaiian history stories for the whole family.
See more detail about Mauka Warriors Luau ticket packages here.
