Conquer the Hawaiian waves with a 2-hour crash surfing course followed by a cozy evening at Mauka Warriors Luau
To create the rich, traditional cultural atmosphere seen today, the presence of local artisans is indispensable. These artisans play a central role in preserving and developing Polynesian cultural traditions. They are not just performers showcasing their talents but also the ones who inspire visitors with the heritage and warrior spirit of Polynesia. Below are a few famous local artisans you will encounter at Mauka Warriors Luau.
Sāu: Fire Knife Dance Warrior
Sāu is a true warrior that Mauka Warriors Luau takes immense pride in. He began learning the art of fire knife dancing at just 9 years old, and since then, his skills and passion for the dance have grown to the point of becoming one of the program’s iconic figures. His dedication and persistence make every performance vibrant and memorable, lighting up the stage of Mauka Warriors Luau every night. He is not just a talented artist but also a cultural warrior, embedding the values of tradition into every dance. Mauka Warriors Luau is proud to have Sāu as a member of the Mauka 'Ohana!
Sau is a veteran fire knife dancer
Guyson Aloali'i Jaramillo-King: Dance Warrior
Guyson Aloali'i Jaramillo-King is one of the skilled dance warriors at Mauka Warriors Luau. He began learning dance not only to develop his artistic abilities but also to connect more deeply with his Polynesian roots. Today, Guyson shares this connection with the world through each performance filled with pride. For him, dancing is not just a performance but a sacred act of sharing culture, building community, and welcoming guests from all over the world. Mauka Warriors Luau is proud to have Guyson as part of our 'ohana, bringing performances that are both captivating and deeply immersed in Polynesian cultural values.
Guyson Aloali'i Jaramillo-King brings powerful and captivating dances
Palekoa: Dance Warrior
Palekoa, a warrior with 50% Hawaiian and 50% Samoan heritage, is a symbol of the fusion of two cultures. Along with his beautiful wife and six wonderful keiki (children), Palekoa brings the essence of Polynesia into every performance. He views dancing not just as an artistic pursuit but as a family mission. With every step, Palekoa honors his ancestors, his ethnicity, and preserves traditions. Mauka Warriors Luau is truly fortunate to have Palekoa as an indispensable member of its 'ohana.
Palekoa offers a fusion of two cultures
Hale Motu’apuaka: Fire Knife Dance Warrior
As one of the most impressive warriors at Mauka Warriors Luau, Hale Motu’apuaka is the first person in history to become a FOUR-TIME World Fireknife Champion! This milestone is special not only for Hale but also for Mauka Warriors Luau. Through his persistence and hard work, Hale has become one of the top fire knife dancers in the world. Not only is he a talented artist, but Hale is also humble and dedicated, always giving his best to Mauka Warriors Luau. Mauka is incredibly proud of Hale, who has contributed to creating some of the most impressive and convincing performances.
Hale Motu’apuaka (the one in the middle) is truly a genius fire dancer
Dancer Sina
Sina is one of the talented dancers at Mauka Warriors Luau. Born and raised with both Samoan and Hawaiian blood, Sina began learning dance at a young age, inspired by her mother, a skilled dancer. For Sina, each performance is not just a joy but also a tribute to her homeland and Polynesian heritage. She loves the family atmosphere at Mauka, where everyone is treated like family. Sina puts her heart into every step, creating performances full of emotion and creativity. Mauka Warriors Luau is proud to have Sina as an important part of the team, always bringing vibrant and lively performances.
We can clearly feel the enthusiasm in each dance through the expressions on Sina's face
Outstanding Performances at Mauka Warriors Luau
At Mauka Warriors Luau, visitors will experience a stunning and inspiring art program that recreates the traditional Polynesian culture through spectacular performances. These talented artists will take you on a journey to explore the history, culture, and warrior spirit of Polynesia, bringing ancient stories to life through dance, music, and fire knife dancing. Here are some of the standout performances you won’t want to miss when attending Mauka Warriors Luau:
Fire Knife Dance
One of the most impressive performances at Mauka Warriors Luau is the fire knife dance. This warrior art form, unique to Polynesia, showcases the bravery and resilient spirit of the warriors. Experienced dancers expertly twirl fire knives, creating brilliant flames soaring through the air, symbolizing strength and power. Each movement not only displays mastery in technique but also forms part of a ritual to honor ancestors and protect the community.
Hula Dance
Hula, an integral part of Polynesian culture, is performed with grace and emotion through the fluid movements of the dancers at Mauka Warriors Luau. Hula is not just a dance but a story that tells the legends, traditions, and history of Polynesia. With gentle movements and sharp expressions, the dancers guide visitors through mystical tales of love, bravery, and the protection of ancestors. This experience is both aesthetically pleasing and deeply rooted in cultural tradition.
Polynesian Mask Dance
The Polynesian Mask Dance is one of the unique highlights that visitors will enjoy at Mauka Warriors Luau. The masks, handcrafted from natural materials, not only hold artistic value but also have profound meanings in rituals honoring ancestors and deities. As dancers wear these masks and perform characteristic movements, they not only recount mythical stories but also convey messages of protection, life, and connection to the spiritual world.
Polynesian Music and Dance Harmony
The music at Mauka Warriors Luau is enriched with traditional melodies played on characteristic instruments such as the ukulele, guitar, and Polynesian drums. The talented musicians will immerse guests in a lively, warm, and harmonious musical atmosphere. Visitors will enjoy songs that tell the stories of warriors, seafaring journeys, and the struggle to protect families and homelands. These melodies not only bring the space to life but also create a strong emotional connection with the dance performances.
Interactive Dance Experience
An exciting part of Mauka Warriors Luau is the interactive dance performances, where guests can participate in hula dancing or learn how to perform fire knife dancing with the artisans. This is a fantastic opportunity to experience Polynesian culture in a profound way, not just by observing but actively participating in the activities. The warriors and dancers will guide you through simple dance steps or the safe way to handle fire knives, giving you a sense of what it’s like to be a Polynesian warrior.
Local artisans like Sāu, Guyson, Palekoa, Hale, and Sina are the ones who keep the Polynesian culture alive through every step, each dance movement, and every fire knife twirl. Mauka Warriors Luau is not just an entertainment venue but a space to preserve and celebrate deep cultural values, connecting generations and welcoming guests from all over the world. The fire knife dance, hula, mask dance, and traditional music will help you understand the life, warrior spirit, and pride of the Polynesian people. Come and experience it now!
For more details about ticket packages at Mauka Warriors Luau, see here.
