Experience a traditional Hawaiian lūʻau set against the breathtaking backdrop of Kalāhuipua‘a, the spiritual heart of Hawaiʻi Island. Surrounded by five sacred mountains, Hale Hoaloha offers an unforgettable evening of local cuisine, cultural storytelling, and vibrant Polynesian performance. From imu ceremonies and makahiki games to a fireknife finale under the stars, this intimate gathering blends the flavors, music, and legends of Hawaiʻi into one extraordinary celebration.

What to Expect

Guests begin arriving at 5:30 PM to the Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection, nestled in the revered land area of Kalāhuipua‘a. As the sun lowers over the Kohala Coast, check-in is smooth and friendly, with a complimentary welcome cocktail in hand. The scent of plumeria and salt air lingers as guests are guided to their seats.

By 5:45 PM, preliminary activities begin on the Hoaloha Lawn. You’re invited to participate in traditional makahiki games—playful, historic competitions once celebrated during the ancient Hawaiian harvest festival. Live Hawaiian music floats through the evening air, setting a relaxed and festive tone.

Dinner service begins promptly at 6:00 PM. This is no ordinary buffet—it’s a showcase of island cuisine, sourced mauka to makai (from mountain to sea). Guests savor fresh ahi poke, Molokai sweet potato salad, coffee-rubbed roast striploin, kalua pork, mahi mahi with lilikoi butter sauce, and much more. The raw bar, keiki station, and an expansive dessert spread offer something for every palate. A self-serve station provides hot Kona coffee and local tea. And of course a assortment of beer, wine, and cocktails from the bar. 

Just before 7:00 PM, torches are lit and the imu (underground oven) ceremony takes center stage. Guests witness the ceremonial uncovering of the kālua pig, slow-cooked since morning in hot stones, ti leaves, and banana stalks. It’s a rare look into a time-honored culinary practice that connects the evening to ancient Hawaiian life.

As twilight deepens into night, the Hale Hoaloha performance begins. Under the stars, the gathering is formally blessed, and guests are immersed in the stories of Kalāhuipua‘a and the five mountains that encircle this sacred site. Through music, chant, and hula, tales of ancestry, resilience, and nature unfold. The show builds in energy and spectacle, culminating in a thrilling fireknife finale that lights up the night and leaves the audience breathless.

By the end of the night, hearts are full—of food, of song, and of connection. Guests depart with memories of a truly immersive Hawaiian evening.

Included

• Luʻau-style seating
• Complimentary welcome cocktail
• Full dinner & dessert buffet
• Soft drinks & juice
• Polynesian show

Dinner Menu

Salads and Sides

• Mixed Greens & Shaved Vegetables with Lilikoi Vinaigrette
• Waimea Tomatoes, Basil, Goat Cheese with Li Hing Mui Vinaigrette
• Molokaʻi Sweet Potato Salad
• Poi and Jasmine Rice
• Lomi Lomi Salmon
• Ocean Salad
• Vegetable Crudités
• Kids Chicken Tenders and Mac & Cheese

Raw Bar

• Shoyu Poke, Spicy Poke, Tofu Poke
• Shrimp Cocktail
• Sashimi

Grill Stations

• Coffee-Rubbed Roast Striploin
• Roasted Farmers Market Vegetables
• Garlic Fried Rice with Bok Choy
• Kalua Pork
• Mahi Mahi with Lilikoi Butter Sauce & Pineapple Salsa

Desserts

• Lilikoi Haupia
• Pineapple Upside Down Cake
• Local Poha Berry Mac Nut Tart
• Kona Coffee Chocolate Fudge Cake
• Fresh Fruit Platter
• Assorted Cookies

Beverages

• Complimentary Welcome Cocktail
• Assortment of Beer, Wine, and Cocktails
• Unlimited Juice & Soft Drinks
• Self-Serve Coffee & Tea Station

Requirements

• All ages welcome; children’s menu available at the keiki station
• Alcohol service available only for guests 21+
• Menu subject to seasonal changes
• Please inform staff of any food allergies or dietary restrictions upon check-in