Luaus

Entertainment Maui Style

By Karee Carlucci

A typical Hawaiian celebration is the lu‘au feast. For the out-sider, it means a grand hula production with dinner. Did you know that the word lu‘au means to be filled full, but also refers to the tender green leaf of the taro plant? These leaves were used as cooking vessels. ‘Aha‘aina was the original Hawaiian word for feast, which literally means “a gathering of the land.” At one time, the people of Hawai‘i had to find an excuse not to hold a lu¯‘au. Just mentioning it would start everyone gathering the needs for a successful feast.

Sunset

Music fills the air as the sun disappears under peach-lavender skies, and the celebration begins! Gather with friends and family at the Sunset Lu‘au located at Montage Kapalua Bay. Feast on locally sourced delicacies from the mountains and the sea and enjoy traditional Polynesian entertainment under the starry Maui sky. Let the island rhythms and swaying dancers whisk you away to another time.

At the resort’s sunset patio, the evening begins poolside with a lei welcome, a complimentary Mai Tai or mocktail, and plenty of aloha. Throughout the evening, bartenders will enthusiastically handcraft your favorite mocktails and cocktails to accompany your lu‘au experience.

The Feast at Lele, an elegant pageant of Polynesia, is nestled in an intimate beachfront patio in South Lahaina. Executive Chef Adrian Aina combines fine dining with exciting Polynesian entertainment at The Feast at Lele. Set in an intimate garden setting, private tables are terraced around a raised beachfront platform. As the sun sinks, silhouetting Lana‘i island across the Auau channel, an outrigger canoe paddled by Hawaiian warriors is welcomed ashore with the blowing of the conch. A seamless presentation ensues as the dancers take diners on a tour of Hawai’i, Aotearoa (New Zealand), Tahiti and Samoa. As Polynesia is explored, corresponding cuisine is brought to the table. While the New Zealand Maori frighten their foes with their famous tattooed faces and haka (war dance); a 5 Hour Island Scented Braised Beef in Kiwi Jus and Sauteed Sweet Potato

From the mountain would come a pua‘a (pig) which was baked in the ground. From the ocean limu (seaweed) was gathered; it was believed to release someone from wrongdoing. And from the cultivated land would come kalo (taro) root pounded into poi and ti leaves to cover a table (or mat) to elicit protection. But the essential ingredient for a truly successful lu‘au is sharing Aloha. Visitors to these islands soon find that the feast accompanied by music and dance is one of the best ways to celebrate Hawai‘i.

While Maui’s own Manutea Nui E engages you in the songs, dance and lore of Hawai'i and Polynesia, Montage Kapalua Bay will serve flavors of Polynesia, caught, grown and gathered on Maui. Enjoy Hawaiian-inspired cuisine with flair—kalo (taro), Molokai sweet potatoes (u`ala), and breadfruit (`ulu) served with fresh island catch, Hawaiian-style poke, prawns, traditional kalua pork, and more. Dinner will be served family-style right to your table.

For more information and reservation, please visit Eventbrite.com or call (808) 662-6627. sunsetluaukapaluabay.com (see page 27) and Mushrooms are served, along with a 3rd seasonal Chef special. And when the sweet romance of Tahiti is presented with the exciting hip movements and regal feathered headdresses, there is Grilled Ginger Chicken with a Tahitian Lime Aoili and Mango Relish and Poisson Cru, along with a 3rd seasonal Chef special. The five-course Polynesian feast orchestrated by Executive Chef Aina will satiate any appetite and please the gourmet palette immensely.“Island grown fruits and vegetables, many from our own organic farm, are incorporated into traditional Polynesian fare,” Chef Aina said. “Complete with tableside service, this is a ‘foodie’s’ luau.” A burst of fire signals the grand finale, a stunning exhibition of Samoan fire knife dancing. For more information on The Feast at Lele visit www.feastatlele.com or call (808) 667-5353. (see pages 18, 19)

A POLYNESIAN FEAST & SHOW

Journey Through Polynesia

A musical and culinary journey to Hawai‘i, Aotearoa, Tahiti and Samoa.

Aotearoa

The land of the long white cloud, Aotearoa – New Zealand, is home to the Maori people. They have an artistic culture, and are well known for their elaborate art work.