What happens when you combine the Polynesian cuisine of chef James McDonald (of Pacific’O and I’O restaurant fame), the entertainment expertise of the people who run Old Lahaina Luau, and one of the best oceanfront settings in Hawaii. ? The answer is The Feast at Lele in Lahaina, Maui.
Location
Several years ago, the Old Lahaina Luau moved to larger rooms on the beach near the Cannery Mall in Lahaina. This left his old site empty. The property at 505 Front Street in Lahaina was too valuable and desirable to remain vacant for long. The new occupant became The Feast at Lele .
The name derives from the traditional Hawaiian name for the area now known as Lahaina. This area was once the capital of the Kingdom of Hawaii, where royalty dined on the same beach that now houses The Feast at Lele .
Private dining room
The party at Lele is not a luau. You won’t find the typical imu ceremony, multiple craft demonstrations, or the family-friendly buffet line. The Feast at Lele is more like a fine dinner show than a traditional luau. While guests still receive a traditional flower lei greeting and photos are taken (later available for purchase), other similarities to a traditional luau setting end there. Rather than sitting en masse with strangers, guests are seated at tables specifically arranged for the size of their individual group, be it a party of two or even ten or more.
Each table has a tablecloth, china with cutlery and cloth napkins. Guests receive very personal attention from at least two servers, modeled after a waiter and assistant found in many fine dining restaurants.
Drinks are served to each guest at their table. There is no waiting in a line for drinks here. The open bar includes a wide range of options ranging from traditional Mai Tai, Piña Colada’s, Lava Flow’s, and Blue Hawaii’s to beer, wine, and a variety of stronger spirits.
The ‘Fiesta’ itself is the real star here, closely followed by the excellent entertainment provided by a small but very talented group of artists.
The menu
The menu consists of a five-course meal featuring cuisine from Hawaii, Tonga, Tahiti, and Samoa, plus dessert. Hawaiian dishes include the traditional imu-roasted kalua pork and steamed moi, a rare fish once served only to Hawaiian royalty.
Tongan dishes include octopus, lobster, and ogo salad, as well as delicious pulehu beef served inside freshly roasted pumpkin.
The Tahitian course includes Tahitian fafa – steamed chicken and taro leaves in coconut milk, as well as a wonderful plate of scallops.
The final island sampler features Samoan cuisine and includes grilled fish wrapped in banana leaf, palusami (breadfruit with taro leaf) and coconut cream, shrimp and avocado with lilikoi.
Desserts include a haupia caramel macadamia nut tart, Hawaiian chocolate truffles, and fresh exotic fruit.
Entertainment
Each course is followed by dramatic Polynesian entertainment from each island. For example, the Hawaiian course is followed by Hawaiian hula, the Tonga course by Tongan dancing, etc. After the Samoan course, guests are treated to an amazing Samoan fire knife dancer. You will be amazed at the wide range of talents in these incredible dancers who have mastered the dance of four separate Polynesian cultures.
The Feast at Lele is the closest thing to a good theater dinner you’ll find in Hawaii. If you want to experience the fun of a Hawaiian or Polynesian luau, there are several great options on Maui. If you want a fine dining experience with a selection of foods you will likely never experience elsewhere, excellent service, and top-notch entertainment, then The Feast at Lele is for you.
Updated information
Since we wrote our review, Adrian Aina has taken on the role of Executive Chef at The Feast at Lele .
You can download the current menu and the Fiesta information sheet.
The party in Lele is held daily. Advance reservations are required. Seat time varies by season. Pricing as of Summer 2017 is $ 140 per adult and $ 99 for children ages 2-12.
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