 When the originators of Hawaii’s most award-winning and authentic lu‘au, Old Lahaina Luau, joined creative forces with the creators of two of Hawaii’s hottest restaurants – Pacific‘o and i‘o – the result has been nothing less than spectacular. And that’s exactly the word guests use when they attend The Feast at Lele. The Old Lahaina Luau partners, and the owners, and Executive Chef James McDonald of Pacific‘o and i‘o restaurants transformed the Luau’s original location beachside at 505 Front Street in Lahaina into an intimate sit-down, dinner-show setting.
A unique cultural celebration, The Feast at Lele (Lele is the traditional Hawaiian name for Lahaina) takes guests on a culinary and musical journey through four Island nations – Hawai‘i, Aotearoa, Tahiti, and Samoa.
The creative force behind the dynamic show is Robert Aguiar, whose artistic talent is responsible for much of the acclaim garnered over the years by the Old Lahaina Luau. The menu has been created by award-winning Chef James McDonald and is executed by an exceptional culinary crew. Both the entertainment and the food reflect modern interpretations of Pacific traditions.
The evening begins right here in our beautiful home – Hawai‘i – as the four major islands are honored in chant, song, and hula which speak of the land, the royalty of old and the extraordinary natural beauty. Guests feast on such staples as poi, kalua pork, pohole fern shoot and heart of palm salad, and fresh island fish with a mango sauce and tropical fruit salsa.
 Next you will journey to the land of the long white cloud, or Aotearoa – New Zealand. Watch as the men perform a Haka or ancient war dance, followed by the women performing with poi balls imitating the rhythms and actions of nature. Feast on delicacies such as sea bean duck salad with poha berry dressing, kuku patties (fishcake with fresh fish, mussels and scallops) served with a manuka honey corn relish, and harore kumura (roasted mushrooms, orange sweet potato, onions and garlic).
The journey continues to the exotic island nation of Tahiti. While enjoying the creation chant and official dance of Tahiti, guests savor menu items reflecting the French influence on this island nation. Fafa (steamed chicken and taro leaf in coconut milk), poisson cru, and scallop on the shell, are the menu items presented during the Tahiti portion of the show.
Samoa is the final stop on the voyage where the entertainers recreate the annual Flag Day festival and the stunning fire dance. Supasui (grilled steak with a soy, guava, and ginger glaze), one of Chef James McDonald’s specialties – palusami (young taro leaf and coconut cream), and shrimp and avocado with passion fruit, make up the Samoan course of the feast. The dessert course includes caramel macadamia nut tarts with haupia (coconut pudding), fresh tropical fruit, and Hawaiian Vintage chocolate truffles.
Besides luscious food and magnificent entertainment, the most memorable element of the experience at The Feast at Lele is the “aloha” shown to each guest. Every member of the staff and cast glows with the warm hospitality and love for which Hawai‘i is known. It is something instilled in them by these Islands and passed on to all those who visit their “home.”
For reservations call 808-661-5353 or visit their website at www.feastatlele.com.
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