Mauka Warriors Luau brings Hawaii’s history to life through the story of King Kamehameha, the hero who united the islands and became a symbol of national pride.
Today, it’s rare to find places that still preserve the rich culinary traditions of Hawaii. While dishes like Kalua Pork appear on nearly every restaurant menu across the islands, few remain true to the traditional methods. At Mauka Warriors Luau, you’ll experience Kalua Pork the way it was meant to be cooked by slow-roasted in an underground Imu oven. This is an immersion into the heart of Polynesian culinary heritage.
A Polynesian Buffet Like No Other
At Mauka Warriors Luau, guests are treated to a vibrant buffet showcasing iconic dishes of Polynesian culture:
Kalua Pork
This Hawaiian delicacy is seasoned and wrapped before being slow-cooked in an underground imu oven for several hours. The result is incredibly tender, smoky meat that falls apart with flavor. A staple at every Luau celebration, Kalua Pork is both a culinary centerpiece and a symbol of ancestral food preservation. On the island of Oʻahu, Mauka Warriors Luau proudly operates one of the few remaining traditional Imu ovens and guests can even take part in the preparation process themselves.
Kalua Pork
Poi
A humble yet meaningful staple, poi is made from mashed taro root and can be enjoyed thick or thin depending on taste. Its earthy flavor and smooth texture pair beautifully with meats like Kalua Pork or fresh seafood. It is one of the most traditional dishes in the Hawaiian diet, embodying simplicity and natural nourishment.
Poke
This beloved Hawaiian dish features diced raw tuna tossed with soy sauce, sesame oil, onions, and chili. Light, fresh, and full of ocean flavor, poke is a must-try that perfectly encapsulates the coastal essence of Hawaii. To visit the islands without tasting their fresh seafood offerings would be a missed opportunity.
Poke
Haupia
The dessert course is headlined by Haupia. It is a silky coconut pudding that melts in your mouth. Made from rich coconut milk, this dessert is lightly sweet and refreshingly cool, often served at festivals and celebrations across Hawaii. Its creamy texture and tropical flavor make it a perfect finish to a hearty meal.
Haupia
Cultural Activities Before the Show
Beyond the food, Mauka Warriors Luau invites guests into a hands-on cultural journey that deepens their appreciation for Hawaii’s heritage. Before the main performance, you can participate in a range of immersive activities, from traditional cooking and lei making to Polynesian tattoos and even tasting the ceremonial drink known as kava.
Become a Polynesian Warrior
Before the evening show begins, guests can step into the role of a traditional Polynesian warrior. You'll learn the symbolic meanings behind fierce pre-battle expressions, the rhythmic stomps, and combative postures that were once used to intimidate enemies and summon courage. You’ll also be introduced to Hula dancing, Hawaii’s most iconic art form. Each movement of the Hula tells a story of gods, love, nature, and war. And the skilled performers will guide you through their meanings and origins. It's an unforgettable experience for both adults and children, building connection and cultural insight through movement and storytelling.
Experience a day as a Polynesian warrior at Mauka Warriors Luau
Polynesian Tattoo Experience
Ever wondered about the large, mysterious tattoos worn by Polynesian warriors? At Mauka Warriors Luau, you’ll not only learn about the ancient origins and sacred meanings of these designs, but you’ll also get the chance to try on an temporarily traditional Polynesian tattoo. Take home a piece of cultural identity with you.
Special tattoos of warriors
Lei Making
In Hawaiian culture, physical life and nature are deeply intertwined. The lei, a vibrant garland made from leaves and native flowers, symbolizes affection, honor, and the spirit of aloha. Here, you can create your own lei from natural materials, adding a personal touch to your cultural experience.
In addition to these, children can participate in age-appropriate hands-on workshops, including cooking demonstrations at the imu oven, interactive cultural games, and photo ops with traditional Polynesian weapons.
Let's make your own lei.
A Breathtaking Performance to End the Night
Following your immersive experiences, you'll witness a dazzling live performance that brings Polynesian heritage to life on stage:
Hula Dancing
Hula is the soul of Hawaiian culture. Each performance is a living story, narrated through graceful hand gestures and rhythmic movements. You'll be mesmerized by dancers retelling tales of gods, historical battles, and heartfelt romances through this sacred art form.
Hula dancing at a typical Mauka Warriors Luau party
Fire Knife Dance
One of the most thrilling highlights of the evening is the fire knife performance. Warriors twirl, toss, and spin blazing batons with mesmerizing speed and skill, creating a spectacle of fire and rhythm that lights up the night sky.
Fire Knife Dance is one of the most spectacular performances at Mauka Warriors Luau
Stories of Hawaiian Warfare
The performance also delves into the history of Hawaii’s warrior past. Through choreographed storytelling, music, and dance, the audience is transported to ancient battlegrounds and heroic tales of island warriors.
Mauka Warriors Luau Address
Mauka Warriors Luau takes place at 91‑1780 Midway Street, Kapolei, HI 96707, located inside the Coral Crater Adventure Park – one of the most exciting destinations on Oʻahu’s west side. Just a 40-minute drive from downtown Honolulu, this venue offers a peaceful, natural setting far from the city's hustle, perfect for immersing yourself in a soulful, culturally rich Hawaiian luau experience.
The luau is held on:
Sundays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays – giving guests plenty of flexibility when planning their itinerary.
Check-in starts: at 4:45 PM
Gates open: at 5:00 PM
Parking: Free on-site at Coral Crater
Mauka Warriors Luau is a complete journey through the food, rituals, and spirit of authentic Hawaiian culture. Be sure to book your tickets in advance so you don’t miss this unforgettable experience during your stay on Oʻahu.
Mauka Warriors Luau Seating Chart
The Mauka Warriors Luau seating area is thoughtfully divided into three main sections, each corresponding to a different ticket package. Your exact seats will depend on booking time and group size, but every section is arranged to ensure a great view of the stage — no matter where you sit.
Mauka Warriors Luau seating chart
Mōʻī Experience – Royal Package
This is the premium experience, placing you right in the front row, just steps from the stage — where you can feel every drumbeat, every movement, and every fiery moment of the warriors' performance.
Includes:
- Fresh flower lei greeting
- Welcome drink
- 3 drink tickets
- Premium souvenir
- Fast-track entry and exclusive bar access
Ali‘i Experience – Premium Package
A perfect balance of value and view, this package offers mid-section seating, giving you a clear line of sight to the stage and all the cultural rituals.
Includes:
- Traditional kukui nut lei
- 2 drink tickets
- Classic souvenir
- Prime seating close to the action
Koa Experience – Classic Package
A budget-friendly option that still delivers the full luau atmosphere, with seating in the rear section — designed so that even from the back, nothing blocks your view.
Includes:
- Shell lei greeting
- 1 drink ticket
- Standard seating with good visibility
Mauka Warriors Luau is an all-encompassing journey into the spirit of Hawaii. With iconic dishes like Kalua Pork, Poke, and Haupia, alongside traditional activities and spectacular cultural performances, this luau offers an unforgettable experience that immerses you in the rich tapestry of Polynesian life. Whether you're crafting a lei, savoring imu-roasted pork, or feeling the heat of the fire dance, Mauka Warriors Luau captures the soul of Hawaii like nowhere else.
