flowergirl

I've read a bit about both of these luaus...I'm seeking anyone's first-hand experience in comparing the two. It seems that the Feast at Lele is more upscale? That is what I'm looking for....for 10th wedding anniv. trip and in our 40's, no kids. Want the nicest experience.
Any responses welcome and thanks in advance!

nicknik

Neither is what anyone would call up scale. But if any could be called the best Old Lahana is the best i have been to both. The feast is in the hyatt hotel very nice but not up scale, the old lahana is more authenic and more hawaiian in my opinion. nick

MikeTravels

I believe that Nick is confused about the Feast at Lele. It is actually located at 505 Front Street in Lahaina, not at the Hyatt (in Kaanapali). I have not tried it yet, but I'm fairly certain it is more upscale than the Luau. Although run by the same folks and sharing some of the same dancers, the Feast offers tablecloths and candlelit tables on the sand with table service, a 5 course menu supervised by James McDonald (a semi-notable local chef) and includes pan-Polensian dancers (Tonga, Samoa, Tahiti). They charge $20 a head more than the Luau and the report I have (from a trusted fellow traveller) is that the food is suprisingly good.

The luau (which I have done) is en masse seating, buffet-style and just a bit silly. I don't mean to offend, since I agree with most on this board who proclaim it the best luau on the islands. I just think that most luaus are terrible. At least this one doesn't involve getting drunks from Kansas to perform ridiculous hulu facsimiles.

I'd really love to hear more first-hand reports from the Feast, but I think it is the only thing you could possibly describe as upscale with a straight face. You don't sound like you are looking for what you find at the Luau to me. If you haven't already, you might want to check out the website www.feastatlele.com for a bit more data.

Patty

Mike is correct, the Feast takes place at the 505 Front Street complex in Lahaina (no association with the Hyatt), we could actually hear some of the entertainment when dining at I'O. If the food at I'O or Pacific'O (same chef) is any indication, then it should be very good. I'd love to hear a report if you do decide on the Feast.

Mauigirl

I've gone to both Old Lahaina Luau & Feast at Lele. Although Old Lahaina Luau isn't your "typical" luau, it is still a luau. Don't get me wrong - I enjoyed it enough to have gone 3 times. I think you're definitely going to enjoy Feast of Lele more! You won't experience the usual luau food - it's a several course dinner with wonderful entertainment. The food was great, atmosphere wonderful. Definitely worth the price. Aloha & enjoy!

shao_lin

Old Lahaina has better ambience. Lele has better food and you are served at tables. Old Lahaina entertainment is Hawaiian (chants and hula). Lele brings in other Polynesian cultures (Samoan fire-knife, Tongan drums, Tahitian dancers). IMHO the entertainment is just O.K. at both, not terrific. Both are expensive.

PatsyKB

The Feast at Lele was fabulous. Not only was the entertainment outstanding but the food was excellent. As some others have said, it's not just Hawaiian, it covers a number of different island cuisines and dance traditions which, to be honest, was fascinating as well as delicious. The setting is lovely and the service terrific.

travelisfun

I just want to "second" the opinions of others about the Feast at Lele--my husband and I really enjoyed it! The food was great--there was SO much! It was nice to be served at the tables and the dancing was very nice--we loved the fire dancer!