Les Murakami Stadium

Les Murakami Stadium Honolulu Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Visitor Guide

Date: 04/07/2025

Introduction

Les Murakami Stadium, set in the lush Mānoa Valley on the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa campus, is an iconic venue for baseball and a vibrant hub of Hawaiian sports culture. Known as “The Les” or “the house that Les built,” this stadium is the home field of the University of Hawaiʻi Rainbow Warriors. With its blend of NCAA Division I baseball action, breathtaking views of Diamond Head, and a uniquely local game-day atmosphere, Les Murakami Stadium is a must-visit for sports fans and travelers exploring Honolulu’s historical highlights. This guide offers comprehensive information on visiting hours, ticketing, accessibility, amenities, nearby attractions, and travel tips to ensure you have an unforgettable stadium experience.

U.S. Marine Corps Col. Speros Koumparakis talking to Rich Hill, baseball coach, at University of Hawaii baseball game

Les Murakami Stadium baseball field with seating and scoreboard under blue sky

Welcome to Les Murakami Stadium
Visiting Hours and Ticket Information
Accessibility and Visitor Amenities
Parking and Transportation
Stadium Architecture and Seating
Food, Beverage, and Merchandise
Fan Experience and Local Traditions
Family-Friendly Features
Nearby Attractions
Special Events and Guided Tours
Historical Background and Les Murakami’s Legacy
Sustainability Initiatives
Safety and Security
Visitor Tips
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Visuals and Media Suggestions
Internal Links
Summary and Travel Tips
References

Welcome to Les Murakami Stadium

Situated just two miles from Waikīkī Beach and surrounded by the scenic beauty of Mānoa Valley, Les Murakami Stadium is more than a ballpark; it’s a cultural landmark. Visitors can expect modern amenities, family-friendly facilities, and a welcoming atmosphere that celebrates both local heritage and top-tier collegiate baseball. Whether attending a thrilling Rainbow Warriors game or joining a special event, every visit is enriched with the spirit of aloha (Hawaii Athletics), (TripHobo Les Murakami Stadium).

Visiting Hours and Ticket Information

Les Murakami Stadium operates primarily during the University of Hawaiʻi Rainbow Warriors baseball season, from February through May. Gates usually open one hour before the scheduled first pitch, and the ticket office opens simultaneously. For special events, hours may differ—always check the official events page for updates.

Ticket Options:

Premium Seats: ~$20
Standard Seats: ~$17
Select Promotions: As low as $5
General Admission (typical): $10–$12 for adults, discounts for seniors, youth, and UH students
Children under five or six: Free (varies by event)

Tickets are available for purchase online via the University of Hawaiʻi Athletics website, the stadium box office, and authorized third-party vendors such as honolulu.events. Digital ticketing is standard and highly recommended for a smooth entry. Early purchase is advised for high-demand games.

Accessibility and Visitor Amenities

The stadium is dedicated to providing an accessible and comfortable experience for all guests:

Wheelchair-accessible seating, ramps, and elevators throughout the venue
Accessible restrooms and parking near main entrances
Service animal accommodations
Concessions offering vegetarian and gluten-free choices
Family restrooms, water fountains, and bottle-filling stations are available

For personalized assistance, contact the stadium manager at (808) 956-7404 or [email protected] (Hawaii Athletics).

Parking and Transportation

Address: 1337 Lower Campus Road, Honolulu, HI 96822, on the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa campus.

Parking: Available in the Lower Campus Parking Structure (fee: typically $7 per vehicle). The ground floor is reserved for accessible parking. Arrive early for best options, especially for popular games (wanderboat.ai).
Public Transit: Honolulu’s TheBus system serves the campus with several convenient stops.
Rideshare: Uber, Lyft, and local services are readily accessible.

Stadium Architecture and Seating

Les Murakami Stadium seats 4,312 fans and features a blend of chair-back and bleacher seating. Over 85% of seats are covered, providing protection from sun and the frequent “Manoa Mist.” The stadium’s design ensures excellent views from nearly every location, with the best panoramas in upper and mid-level sections like Section JJ. The field’s synthetic turf meets NCAA standards and was most recently upgraded in 2025 for enhanced playability (Stadium Journey), (hawaii-aloha.com).

Food, Beverage, and Merchandise

Concessions:
Enjoy a mix of classic ballpark fare and Hawaiian specialties, including:

Hot dogs, pizza, nachos, burgers, and fries
Local favorites like saimin (noodle soup) and chili bowls
“Warrior” foot-long hot dog and spam musubi
Shave ice, teriyaki plates, and more

Drinks:
Soft drinks, bottled water, and alcoholic beverages (beer) available to guests of legal age. Most vendors accept cards and mobile payments (MapQuest Reviews).

Merchandise:
The team store offers Rainbow Warriors apparel and memorabilia, including special editions and gear commemorating Coach Les Murakami’s achievements.

Fan Experience and Local Traditions

Game days are lively, featuring performances by the university band, cheerleaders, and themed nights celebrating Hawaiian culture. Local traditions include crowd participation in cheers, “the wave,” and singing “Sweet Caroline” during the seventh-inning stretch. The atmosphere is warm and inclusive, with fans close to the field and involved in every play (Hawaii Athletics Fact Book).

Family-Friendly Features

Les Murakami Stadium prides itself on family-friendliness. Affordable tickets and concessions, a respectful crowd, and a safe environment make it an ideal outing for all ages. Early games are quieter; evening games are energetic and engaging for kids and adults alike.

Nearby Attractions

Enhance your visit with trips to:

Waikīkī Beach: 2 miles away—perfect for pre- or post-game walks
Manoa Falls Trail: Short drive for a scenic rainforest hike
Bishop Museum and ʻIolani Palace: Rich cultural and historical context
Japanese Cultural Center of Hawaiʻi, Foster Botanical Garden, Honolulu Zoo: All within easy reach
Dining: Leonard’s Bakery, Sweet E’s Café, Café Kaila, Fresh Catch Kapahulu, Da Spot, and Yama’s Fish Market for local flavors

Special Events and Guided Tours

The stadium occasionally hosts youth clinics, alumni games, and community events. Guided tours are available seasonally and provide behind-the-scenes access. Check the official site for the latest schedule.

Historical Background and Les Murakami’s Legacy

Opened in 1984 as Rainbow Stadium, the venue was renamed in 2002 to honor Les Murakami, who led the Rainbow Warriors to national prominence, including a runner-up finish in the 1980 College World Series. The stadium has hosted nearly one million fans in its golden eras (1989–1994), set NCAA attendance records, and continues to be a centerpiece for local pride and community engagement (Hawaii Athletics Fact Book), (Stadium Journey).

Sustainability Initiatives

The stadium incorporates energy-efficient lighting, water-saving fixtures, recycling programs, and all-artificial turf to reduce water and chemical use, aligning with Hawaiʻi’s commitment to sustainability (huffsports.com).

Safety and Security

Security staff, clear signage, emergency exits, and first aid stations ensure a safe environment. Expect bag checks at entry and a no-smoking policy. Outside food and drinks are prohibited.

Visitor Tips

Arrive Early: Secure parking and enjoy pre-game activities
Check Weather: Bring a hat, sunscreen, or a light rain jacket
Digital Tickets: Purchase and manage tickets online
Cashless Payments: Most concessions are card/mobile-only
Embrace Local Cuisine: Try saimin, chili bowls, and local snacks
Plan for Accessibility: Contact staff for mobility assistance (Hawaii Athletics)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: When does the stadium open for games?
A: Gates and ticket office open one hour before game time.

Q: How do I buy tickets?
A: Purchase online via University of Hawaiʻi Athletics, at the box office, or through authorized vendors.

Q: Is Les Murakami Stadium accessible?
A: Yes—accessible parking, seating, restrooms, and elevators are available.

Q: Can I bring outside food or drinks?
A: No, but a wide variety of concessions are available.

Q: Is the stadium family-friendly?
A: Absolutely—kids and families are welcome.

Q: What are the best nearby attractions?
A: Waikīkī Beach, Bishop Museum, ʻIolani Palace, and more.

Visuals and Media Suggestions

Images recommended for planning and sharing:

Panoramic views of the stadium with Diamond Head in the background
Fans enjoying covered seating
Close-up of the new 2025 turf with the Hawaiʻi ‘H’ logo
Map showing the stadium’s proximity to Waikīkī and the UH campus

Alt text examples: “Les Murakami Stadium with Diamond Head backdrop,” “Covered seating at Les Murakami Stadium,” “2025 turf upgrade at Les Murakami Stadium.”

Internal Links

For further information:

Summary and Travel Tips

Les Murakami Stadium is the heart of college baseball in Hawaiʻi, offering a welcoming atmosphere, affordable tickets, diverse food options, and exceptional accessibility. Easily reached by car or public transit, it’s surrounded by some of Honolulu’s finest attractions. Plan ahead by checking visiting hours and ticket availability, embrace the unique local traditions, and make time for nearby cultural sites. Stay connected by following the University of Hawaiʻi athletics on social media, and for live updates or ticketing convenience, consider downloading the Audiala app. Every visit to Les Murakami Stadium celebrates the legacy of Coach Les Murakami and the vibrant spirit of Hawaiʻi baseball.