Three-time Merrie Monarch winner Kamaka Kukowa with show choreographer Reri Septirno have redesigned Wailele Luau at The Westin Maui Resort & Spa. Held outdoors alongside legendary Ka’anapali Beach with a stunning oceanfront backdrop, the dinner show utilizes the elements of earth, fire and water to reflect the rich Polynesian culture through superb performances with vibrant costumes.
The newly-revitalized Aloha Pavilion with cascading waterfalls, tropical gardens and tiki torches presents the perfect setting for guests to embark on an exciting journey to the Polynesian Islands where dance was considered not just as a form of entertainment, but as means of telling stories. Highlights include the story of Pele, Goddess of Fire and a new performance dedicated to Wailele (meaning waterfalls). The show also features dances from Hawaii, Fiji, Tahiti, New Zealand and Samoa. The breathtaking finale is none other than Maui’s only extreme fire-knife dance performance led by fire-knife dance champion Martin Tevaga.
Enjoy a superb Hawaiian meal served buffet style with traditional selections for an authentic experience. The two-and-a-half-hour show includes a free flow of drinks all evening with Mai Tais, signature cocktails, local beers, sodas and fruit juices. Scheduled Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings, additional shows are presented Sunday evenings during holiday seasons. Visit westinmaui.com for show dates and details. For reservations, call the resort at 808-661-2992 or stop at the concierge desks at The Westin Maui Resort & Spa or The Westin Ka’anapali Ocean Resort Villas.
The Feast at Lele, an elegant pageant of Polynesia, is nestled in an intimate beachfront patio in South Lahaina. Executive Chef James McDonald of award-winning Pacific’O and I’O restaurants, 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); an Upcountry Green Duck Salad is served with Fishcakes and Sauteed Sweet Potato and Mushrooms. And when the sweet romance of Tahiti is presented with the exciting hip movements and regal feathered headdresses, there is Fafa-Steamed Chicken and Taro Leaf in Coconut Milk along with Baked Scallops and Poisson Cru. The five-course Polynesian feast orchestrated by Chef James 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 James 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.
