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 folks who run the Old Lahaina Luau, and one of the best beachfront settings in Hawaii? The answer is The Feast at Lele in Lahaina, Maui.
Location
Several years ago, the Old Lahaina Luau relocated to larger quarters on the beach near the Cannery Mall in Lahaina. This left their old site empty. The property at 505 Front Street in Lahaina was much 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 Hawaiian Kingdom, where royalty dined on the same beach that now hosts The Feast at Lele.
Private Dining
The Feast at Lele is not a luau. You will not find the typical imu ceremony, multiple craft demonstrations, or the familiar buffet line. Rather, 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.
Instead of sitting en-masse with strangers, guests are seated at tables arranged specifically for their individual group size, whether a group of two or even ten or more. Each table features a tablecloth, china with silverware, and cloth napkins. Guests receive personalized attention from at least two servers, following a model similar to that found in many fine restaurants.
Drinks are served at each guest’s table, eliminating the need to wait in a drink line. The open bar includes a wide range of options, from traditional Mai Tais, Piña Coladas, Lava Flows, and Blue Hawaiis to beer, wine, and a selection of harder liquor.
The “Feast” itself is the real star here, followed closely by the superb entertainment provided by a small, yet highly talented, group of performers.
The Menu
The menu offers a five-course meal featuring cuisine from Hawaii, Tonga, Tahiti, and Samoa, plus dessert. The Hawaiian dishes include traditional imu roasted kalua pig and steamed moi, a rare fish once served only to Hawaiian royalty.
Tongan dishes encompass octopus, lobster, and ogo salad, along with a delicious pulehu beef served inside freshly roasted squash.
The Tahitian course features Tahitian fafa – steamed chicken and taro leaf in coconut milk, as well as a delightful bay scallop dish.
The final island sampler showcases the cuisine of Samoa, including grilled fish wrapped in banana leaf, palusami – breadfruit with taro leaf – and coconut cream, along with shrimp and avocado with lilikoi.
Desserts feature a caramel macadamia nut tart topped with haupia, Hawaiian chocolate truffles, and fresh exotic fruit.
The Entertainment
Each course is complemented by dramatic Polynesian entertainment from each island. For instance, the Hawaiian course is followed by captivating Hawaiian hula, while the Tonga course includes lively Tongan dances. Following the Samoan course, guests are treated to an astonishing fire knife dancer from Samoa. You will be amazed by the vast range of talent exhibited by these extraordinary dancers who have mastered the dance forms of four distinct Polynesian cultures.
The Feast at Lele is the closest experience to fine dinner theater that you will find in Hawaii. If you wish to enjoy the fun of a Hawaiian or Polynesian luau, there are several excellent options on Maui. However, if you seek a fine dining experience with an exceptional selection of foods not easily found elsewhere, along with excellent service and top-tier entertainment, then The Feast at Lele is the right choice for you.
Updated Information
Since we wrote our review, Adrian Aina has assumed the role of Executive Chef at The Feast at Lele.
The Feast at Lele is held daily, and advance reservations are typically required. Seating times vary by season. As of Summer 2017, the price is $140 per adult and $99 for children ages 2-12.
