As Major League Baseball fans across the country have their eyes on the new season, baseball fans here in Hawaii have something to look forward to as well. No, we don’t have a major or even minor league team in Hawaii. But we do have the University of Hawaii Rainbow Warrior baseball team, and the welcoming Les Murakami Stadium to watch them play in.
About Les Murakami Stadium
You’ll find Les Murakami Stadium at the University of Hawaii at Manoa, on the island of Oahu. The Rainbow Warriors baseball team has been playing games there since it was built in 1984, though it was originally called Rainbow Stadium.
In 2001, the stadium received its new name: Les Murakami Stadium.
Murakami was the head coach of the Rainbow Warriors from 1971-2000, and he led the drive to get a new stadium constructed as interest in his team grew throughout the 70s.
Les Murakami Stadium has a capacity of over 4,000, with most seats covered. And while the games are always well-attended, there are almost always tickets available. That is, unless an arch-rival is in town. Then the games sell out with fans there as much to cheer UH on as to heckle the reviled team.
The stadium was also once home to the Hawaii Winter Baseball League, a now-defunct minor league system that began the career of legendary MLB outfielder and certain Hall of Famer Ichiro Suzuki, among many other familiar names that went on to the majors.
A Day at Hawaii’s Ballpark
So, is it worth it to take in a ballgame during your busy Hawaii vacation? We definitely think so, especially if you love the sport and need a break from the sand and surf.
Les Murakami Stadium serves up standard ballpark fare like hot dogs and pretzels, as well as more menu items from Gordon Biersch Brewery. There are beer vendors (Bud Light, Gordon Biersch) at either end of the main concourse, but as with MLB stadiums, sales stop at the 7th-inning stretch.
UH Baseball is a beloved team, and by attending a game, you may even get the chance to see a future MLB star in the making. St. Louis Cardinals second baseman Kolten Wong played at UH and was voted an MLB All-Star.
Pricing & Schedules for Les Murakami Stadium Games
What makes UH baseball games so appealing is their low ticket price. You’ll pay no more than $17, and students, seniors, and kids enjoy a discounted rate.
You can easily purchase tickets on the Rainbow Warriors Baseball website. Plan for an extra $7 to cover parking at Les Murakami Stadium.
The UH Warriors play home games mostly over the weekend when they are not playing away games. They also have daytime game that’s usually on Sundays at 1 pm.
Take Me Out to The Ball Game (Even in Hawaii!)
Baseball is probably not the first thing that comes to mind when you’re planning a Hawaii vacation. But if you’d like to get in on what the locals do, taking in a UH Baseball game at Les Murakami Stadium is a great way to partake in a beloved local pastime. The home game season runs from February through mid-May.
