Have you done the typical luau in Maui or other locations in Hawaii and looking for something similar yet different? Or, are you looking for a luau that’s more adult-oriented and a little more intimate? Look no further than the Feast at Lele in Maui.
Before we get into it, if you’re looking for great food options in Maui, check out my Maui food posts here and here!
I’ve done a couple of the typical luaus in Hawaii, one in Honolulu on-site at a large hotel and another one in Maui, an independently run luau. When I was in Maui last, I really didn’t have any plans on going to another luau, mostly because they’re all kind of the same after you go to a couple.
Then we found the Feast at Lele in Maui!
Upon further investigation, we found out that the Feast at Lele is a luau of sorts, if you will. It’s not hosted at a hotel and they don’t serve kalua pork with mac salad. It’s right on the beach and while children are allowed, it’s more adult-centric; a more romantic setting. They call it a ‘celebration of Polynesian cuisine‘ by Executive Chef Adrian Aina.
So of course, we decided to give it a try.
Location:
The location was stunning. It’s on Front Street, which is a popular street in the Lahaina area of Maui. The Feast at Lele is located in a small shopping complex but it leads straight to the beach once you check in. It’s not a ‘beach view’, you’re actually on the beach; tables and chairs on sand!
Experience:
Once we checked in, we were assigned a table. If you’re familiar with classic luaus, you expect to be seated with other people. However one of the unique aspects at the Feast at Lele is that you get a private table, which I think it makes it a much more intimate setting. We grabbed a drink (open bar!) and headed outside where the feast is held. We were of course greeted with a beautiful (and real) lei to wear for the evening and escorted to our private table.
Since the feast is timed around sunset, we were able to take gorgeous photos of the sunset before the even started. We were served appetizers while we waited for others to settle and I so appreciated having the extra time to take pictures of the gorgeous venue.
Another unique aspect of the Feast at Lele is that it’s not just Hawaiian food. They celebrate the polynesian makeup of Hawaii so they divide the evening up by 4 sections: Hawaiian, Taihitian, New Zealand, Samoa. We got to try delicacies from each location while we enjoyed the performance of traditional dances.
Cost:
For the Feast at Lele selling itself as a more intimate, luxurious experience, the price is actually not much different from typical luaus. For adults, the price is $135 per person, excluding taxes.
Food:
First Course: Hawaii
Kalua Pua’a – Prepared in a traditional cooking style, slow-roasted in an imu – underground oven. Pipikaula & Poi – Paniolo dried cured beef & maui poi w/pickled vegetable salad.
Third Hawaii menu item – Chef’s special creation, specials change daily.
Second Course: Tahiti
Miti Hangi – 5 hour island scented braised short ribs in a kiwi fruit jus.
Harore Kumara – Medley of stewed mushrooms over baked orange & purple sweet potato. Third Aotearoa menu item – Chef’s special creation, specials change daily.
Third Course: New Zealand
Ginger Moa – Marinated chicken breast in a mango soy sauce w/Tahitian lime aoli & mango relish. E-iaota (Poisson Cru) – Fresh island diced fish & vegetable marinated in coconut milk & lime juice. Third Tahiti menu item – Chef’s special creation, specials change daily
Fourth Course: Samoa
Palusami – Braised coconut cream corned beef w/baked ulu wrapped in young taro leaf.
Stew Figota – Fresh island fish in a mussel, calamari, clam & shrimp stew w/coconut banana cream. Third Samoa menu item – Chef’s special creation, specials change daily.
Fifth Course: Dessert
Vanilla coconut mousseline cake w/ caramelized pineapple & salted caramel. Whipped haupia cream w/ island fruit sauce.
Final Thoughts:
Overall, I’m so glad I found Feast at Lele! I was a little tired of the typical luau and hoped this was going to actually be unique – and it sure was! If you’re feeling the same way I was, I recommend you give the Feast at Lele in Maui a try. It’s more intimate, more variety in food, more culture and the venue is absolutely stunning as it’s right on the beach and takes place at sunset. It’s a wonderful place to celebrate your honeymoon, anniversary, birthday or just celebrate being on vacation!
Information:
Feast At Lele
Website: https://www.feastatlele.com/
Address: 505 Front Street, Lahaina, Maui, Hawaii 96761
Phone: 866.244.5353
Price: $130 + Tax
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