On the island of Oahu, it is rare to find a luau suitable for all ages from children, to adults, and even the elderly like Mauka Warriors Luau. A full luau party at Mauka lasts 4 hours, which is just enough time for you to get acquainted and experience traditional cultural activities before the show begins. This article will provide the specific activity schedule at Mauka Warriors Luau so that visitors can easily grasp and arrange their time reasonably for their experiences.
4:45 PM: Start check-in.
You should calculate the distance from your hotel to the luau to avoid being late.
5:00 PM: Luau ground open.
You will be welcomed by local dancers with lei garlands along with warm hugs. This is the welcoming ceremony for guests entering Ohana.
5:30 PM: Preshow Activities
This is the most special experience time in the trip to Mauka Warriors Luau. During this time, you can freely walk around and join in the traditional cultural activities at the luau below:
Experience making your own lei.
Experience scraping coconuts in the traditional Polynesian way
Taste Kava – a special Hawaiian drink
Try out a Polynesian tattoo
Mauka Warriors Luau dancer guide visitors in Hula dancing
Mauka Warriors Luau dancer performing fire knife dancing
Visitors take souvenir photos with the warriors at Mauka Warriors Luau
6:15 PM: Umu Cooking Ceremony
The Umu oven is the traditional cooking method of the Polynesian people. Pork will be marinated with spices and wrapped in ti leaves, then roasted in the underground Umu oven with hot volcanic stones. The finished dish is Kalua Pork, which you will enjoy at dinner at the luau.
Warriors signal to prepare for the Umu ritual
This is a very special ceremony that visitors should join. Because currently on the island of Oahu, Mauka Warriors Luau is the only luau that still keeps the Umu oven for visitors to experience. It would be truly regrettable if you came to Oahu without witnessing this ritual with your own eyes to understand more deeply about the traditional culture of this island.
Many tourists are interested in Umu ritual
6:45 PM: Dinner time
Visitors will enjoy an outdoor dinner in the romantic sunset scenery. Dinner here is a self-service buffet. The menu at Mauka Warriors Luau is not too diverse but still has enough dishes to suit your taste from spicy dishes, to sweet, and also savory.
Diverse buffet menu at Mauka
Of course, indispensable are traditional tropical island dishes such as Kalua Pork, Poke, Lomi Lomi Salmon, Poi, Haupia.
If you are allergic to any ingredient, please talk directly with the staff; they will advise you which dishes with allergic ingredients you should avoid.
7:45 PM: Show time
The most awaited part has arrived. Visitors will witness traditional dances firsthand. From the warrior dances reenacting King Kamehameha’s unification of the island, to traditional Hula dances, modern Hula, the dramatic fire knife dance, and also Samoan dances.
Fire knife dance
Hula dance
8:45 PM: Ending
A 4-hour experience closes with wonderful moments that help you go deeper into the cultural heart of Hawaii. Luau parties are held every Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday. If you are planning a trip to Oahu, Mauka Warriors Luau is definitely an experience not to be missed.
As one of the most popular luaus on Oʻahu, there are multiple ways to secure your spot at Mauka Warriors Luau:
Our seating chart represents seating sections. You will be seated somewhere within the section shown based on booking date & party size, according to Luau package purchased.
If you have an urgent question or need help with booking, please call our reservations department at (808) 646-3945 for 24/7 guest support or chat/text our 24/7 live agent.
Add transportation to your booking for just $30/person by selecting one of our “With Transportation” options from the booking calendar.
Not sure about transportation? Don’t worry! Mauka Warriors Luau makes it simple. Guests staying in Waikiki can add a round-trip shuttle service for just $30 per person (applies to adults, teens, and kids aged 5–12; infants under 5 ride free as lap children). For those in Ko Olina, complimentary shuttle service is available with four convenient pickup points:
The evening program usually begins around 5:00 PM and wraps up by 8:30 PM.
If it’s your first time at Mauka Warriors Luau, here are a few insider tips to make the most of your night:
1. How long does Mauka Warriors Luau last?
The luau typically runs for about 3.5 hours, starting at 5:00 PM and ending around 8:30 PM.
2. Can children attend the luau?
Absolutely! The event is family-friendly. Children under 5 years old can attend for free when seated on a parent’s lap.
3. What should I wear to Mauka Warriors Luau?
Casual island-style attire is recommended: aloha shirts, sundresses, and comfortable sandals. Since it’s outdoors, avoid high heels.
4. Is parking available at the venue?
Yes, but during peak season parking may be limited. Arriving early is the best way to secure a good spot.
5. Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, booking ahead is highly recommended. Mauka Warriors Luau is one of the top-rated shows on Oʻahu and often sells out quickly, especially during summer and holidays.
6. Are vegetarian or special dietary options available?
Yes. The buffet usually offers vegetarian choices, and staff can assist with dietary needs, it’s best to mention them when booking.
7. How do international travelers usually rate Mauka Warriors Luau?
Looking at any Mauka Warriors Luau review on TripAdvisor or Google, you’ll find consistent praise for the performances, hospitality, and authenticity. Many guests consider it a highlight of their trip to Hawaiʻi.
Sarah L., Los Angeles, USA
“I’ve been to a couple of luaus before, but Mauka Warriors Luau blew me away. The energy of the dancers, the fire knife performance, and the storytelling were all incredible. The food was delicious, especially the kalua pork, and the staff made us feel like family. Honestly, this was the highlight of our Oʻahu trip.”
Hiroshi K., Tokyo, Japan
“We booked after reading a Mauka Warriors Luau review online, and it was even better than expected. The whole evening felt authentic and welcoming. My kids loved learning the hula dance, and the shuttle service from Waikiki made everything so convenient. Highly recommend for families.”
Emily & James, Sydney, Australia
“The luau grounds were beautiful, right by the ocean breeze. Arriving early gave us time to explore and take pictures. The buffet was plentiful, though we wished there were more vegetarian options. Still, the performances and the fire show more than made up for it. Definitely a must-do on Oʻahu.”
Carlos R., Barcelona, Spain
“As a first-time visitor to Hawaiʻi, this was everything I hoped for. The atmosphere was full of aloha spirit, and the live music was so moving. I had read mixed reviews about other luaus, but every Mauka Warriors Luau review I saw was positive and now I understand why. Truly unforgettable.”
Ava M., Toronto, Canada
“What I loved most was how interactive it was. We weren’t just watching, we were participating. From traditional games to painting designs on our hands, it felt personal and fun. I’d recommend booking early through the official website to secure the best seats.”
Mauka Warriors Luau sets itself apart by exploring Polynesia’s history of wars and warriors – a significant but seemingly forgotten aspect of authentic Polynesian culture.
Discover the Waikiki luaus that embody the spirit of Hawaii and immerse yourself in Mauka Warriors Luau, where music, fire, and the warrior spirit light up the tropical island night.
Looking for the most exceptional luau in Honolulu Waikiki? Come Mauka Warriors Luau, where the Hawaiian warrior spirit comes alive through traditional flavors.
Looking for the most unique luaus in Waikiki? Discover Hawaii’s most captivating cultural feasts and experience the unforgettable Mauka Warriors Luau.
