Mauka Warriors Luau is a proud resurrection of ancient Hawaiian culture, where every flame, drumbeat, and hula step rekindles the soul of the islands.
Mauka Luau is a bonding experience for the whole family. From young children to grandparents, every member can join in, learn something new, and enjoy memorable moments together. Below are some of the most beloved activities families especially enjoy:
1. Traditional Lei Making
Best for: Kids ages 4 and up, adults, and grandparents
Activity: The whole family will be guided step-by-step in making a traditional Hawaiian lei, a sacred symbol of welcome and affection. Each person can create their own personalized lei using fresh flowers and native palm leaves.
Join your family in making lei
Value: This is a gentle moment of connection between generations. Together, you’ll create a “living keepsake” and a memory to cherish from a special evening under the Oʻahu sky.
2. Introductory Hula Dance Lesson
Best for: All ages from energetic kids to elders looking for a light activity
Activity: With the help of local cultural artists, you’ll learn the basic movements of traditional Hula. Through each gesture, Hawaiians have passed down their myths and stories from one generation to the next.
Value: For kids, it’s a fun way to move, explore nonverbal expression, and feel emotion through dance. For adults, it’s a joyful experience that encourages physical movement and family connection. Everyone dances together in rhythm as one.
Even children are curious about hula dancing
3. Imu Pig Roasting & Traditional Food Presentation
Best for: Families with children ages 6 and up
Activity: Witness one of the oldest and most unique culinary rituals in Hawaiian culture: cooking a whole pig in an underground oven called the imu. From digging the pit, lighting the fire, layering hot stones, placing the pig, and covering it all with banana leaves and earth.
Value: Children will get to see how ancient Hawaiians cooked without gas stoves or microwaves, just nature and patience. Adults will feel the essence of slow living and a deep connection to the land through the smoke rising from the earth.
Traditional Imu Roasting Ritual at Mauka Warriors Luau
4. Explore Polynesian Weaponry, Instruments, and Crafts Exhibit
Best for: Families with curious children who love history and hands-on discovery
Activity: At the traditional weapons and crafts exhibit, the whole family can observe and learn about authentic artifacts marked by the warrior spirit of Polynesia from battle knives, wooden spears, ceremonial masks, to pahu drums and many native instruments. Guides will explain the myths, rituals, and purpose of each item, from tribal battles to spiritual ceremonies.
Value: For kids, it’s an open space to fuel curiosity and develop historical thinking through colorful, tangible experiences. For adults, each item is a puzzle piece revealing a deeper understanding of islanders’ warrior spirit, belief systems, and centuries-old civilization.
Each weapon is used in different activities
5. Buffet Dinner for All Ages
Best for: Families with young kids, vegetarians, or older adults
Activity: Dinner at Mauka Warriors Luau is a rich culinary experience featuring dishes like kalua pork roasted in the imu, fragrant grilled chicken, white rice, green salads, steamed taro, and refreshing tropical fruits. All dishes are lightly seasoned, easy to digest, and suitable for everyone from toddlers to elders.
Value: You won’t need to bring food for picky eaters or worry about elderly family members adjusting. Each dish is thoughtfully selected to be safe, nourishing, and familiar to Asian palates. This is an opportunity for the whole family to sit together, share joy, and embrace the Hawaiian spirit of putting family above all.
Buffet at Mauka has a variety of dishes
Why Mauka Warriors Luau Is the Perfect Choice for Families
- Open-air nature setting: Nestled in the untouched mountains of Oʻahu, Mauka Luau offers fresh, spacious air, a far cry from crowded performance venues. Here, your family can enjoy every moment together without stress or congestion.
- Truly multigenerational-friendly: From grandparents to energetic 3-year-olds, every activity: lei making, hula dancing, watching the imu pig roasting, or taking photos with performers is designed so everyone can join in comfortably, without feeling out of place.
- Enriching for children: Each activity subtly integrates cultural traditions, helping kids learn about Hawaii through vivid, interactive storytelling.
- Restful for adults: No need to juggle child-minding with fatigue. At Mauka, parents can relax, enjoy the buffet, watch the sunset, sip a cocktail, while the little ones safely have fun under the guidance of local artists. It’s a rare place where all three generations feel seen, cared for, and connected in a shared experience.
Mauka Warriors Luau is where families create memories together. Whether it’s a hug after making a lei, or the laughter when your child dances hula for the first time, every moment becomes part of your own Hawaiian story.
