Mauna Lani Luau – Hale Hoaloha
As evening settles over the historic shoreline of Kalahuipua’a, Mauna Lani welcomes guests to a luau shaped by the stories, landscapes and...
Mauna Lani luau under the stars
Hale Hoaloha Luau
Hale Hoaloha Luau takes place at Mauna Lani on the Kalahuipua'a shoreline, with Hawaiian games, live music, an imu ceremony, island buffet and a show honoring Hawaii Island stories.
Hale Hoaloha Luau gathers you on the lawn of Mauna Lani Resort along the Kohala Coast, where five volcanic peaks frame a sky that blazes pink as the sun dips toward the Pacific. Hosts welcome you with a shell lei and a craft cocktail, then guide you past torch-lit ponds to tables set beneath rustling palms. With attendance limited to about 200 guests, you never feel lost in a crowd, and every seat faces the oceanfront stage.
The evening begins with a hands-on walk through the stories of Kalahuipuaa, an area once rich with fishponds, taro paddies and ali'i gatherings. You watch artisans pound fresh poi, weave coconut-leaf bracelets and carve gourds, and you're invited to try each skill for yourself. As the imu pit opens, fragrant steam curls over the slow-roasted kalua pig, and chefs carry it straight to a buffet lined with island fare—ahi poke, grilled mahimahi, ginger-soy chicken, ulu mash and haupia squares beside tropical fruit and sweet bread rolls.
After plates are loaded and glasses refilled, the lights drop for an intimate journey through Polynesia. Musicians layer slack-key guitar and pahu drums while dancers glide through graceful hula, quick Tahitian otea and a Maori poi twirl that leaves trails of firelit motion. The finale arrives on a ring of sparks as Samoan fire-knife performers spin blazing blades against a backdrop of starlit sea and distant mountain silhouettes.
You can upgrade to Alii seating for a closer table, dedicated buffet line and souvenir tumbler, but every ticket includes unlimited soft drinks, two adult beverages and unobstructed views. Photographers roam throughout the night, and digital downloads are available by morning.
Plan to arrive by 5:30 pm for the welcome reception and sunset photos. Resort self-parking is complimentary and just a short stroll from the entrance, though valet service is also available. Wear sandals for grassy paths and bring a light layer—ocean breezes keep the coast cool once the torches take over the sky.
Looking to pair this coastal feast with more island fun? Browse our collection of Big Island luaus, then round out the itinerary with daytime Big Island activities that take you from reef dives to summit sunsets.
Hale Hoaloha Luau Experiences