We are debating between these two luau's. We are a family with three children ages 16,12and 7. My son will turn 8 while we are away and we thought that would be a fun evening for us all. Could someone recommend one over the other? We are staying in Wailea, is it a very long drive from there? Any suggestions would be appreciated.

The feast a LeLe has a meal that is less flexible than the luau. Here's the menu: http://www.feastatlele.com/lele_menu.htm

The Feast at Lele is served rather than buffet. The setting is more elegant than the Luau.
The entertainment is more varied at eh Feast as it showcases a little of the south pacific dance instead of strictly Hawaiian dance.

The OLL was about an hour's drive from our hotel in Wailea. OLL says their check-in is 5:45PM, and we left our hotel around 1PM to spend some time walking around Lahaina before the luau. From what I remember, the Maui Ocean Center was along the way so you might want to consider stopping by.

They served mai-tais (alcholic and non-alcoholic) and had some musicians while you waited in the entrance area for the luau to start. When the luau area finally opened, they gave you a lei and you posed for a pic before being seated. While everyone was being seated, you could walk around the grounds and view the different crafts available for purchase. Then, they unearthed the Imu or the pig cooked in the ground. Afterwards, the buffet was served. (There's a menu on their website.) Two types of dessert were served at the table. The actual dancing (no fire) is after dinner, and it ended around 8:30-8:45PM.

There was a really young girl at our table and the server was really accomodating. She seemed restless at times which was understandable (I was too) but for the most part seemed entertained. We did mat seating which was sometimes a bit uncomfortable (but nothing unbearable) because there's no place for your legs, but it allows you a closer view of the stage.

I'd read on some Fodor's threads before going that the food was terrible and had some really low expectations, but I liked the meal. We enjoyed the luau and were glad we did it, though I don't know if I'd do it a second time.

I haven't been to the Feast of Lele so I can't really comment on it.

So is the food at Feast of Lele good?
Is it served by country as it is presented on website or do you get it all at once?
I think Maui Revealed said their squash was really good!
It sounds kind of um unusual to me - but I live in the Midwest so maybe that's why! My DH would probably eat everything but I can see myself eating only 1 or 2 things from each country!

I personally would not bring my kids - they might eat the chicken if we were lucky!

The Feast of Lele is served in courses and the courses coincide with the dance. It's a nicely paced dinner and show but I don't think my kids would enjoy the food. More choices in the luau buffet.

I went to the Feast at Le Le. For a couple wanting a romantic evening it can't be beat. But since the meal is 4 separate main courses that are served between entertainment acts, I would not take children. It would be too excruciating slow and long for a child. Plus the foods are exotic---not what a typical child would like. However, for teenagers and adults it is a fabulous experience.

We've been to both the Feast at Lele and the Old Lahaina Luau, and we definitely prefer the OLL. Both are about an hour drive from Wailea.

The OLL food is a buffet, so better for kids who can take all they want of what they like best, and can skip the foods they don't like. Feast at Lele serves you each course, and there will be courses that the kids will not want to eat, and then they won't get more of the courses they do like. In addition, the Feast at Lele is more dragged out, so kids will prefer the pace of the Old Lahaina Luau.

LOTS more Maui information at
www.mauihawaii.org

Aloha,
Jon

Aloha,

I have been to both of these luaus and they are both phenomenal!

My advice, though is go for the Old Lahaina Luau. Even though the Feast At Lele is great, it is not really conducive to children. The food is very avant gaard and I, as a concierge, have seen many people (who did not ask my advice first) spend too much money on their children, who would NOT eat ANY of the food.

The Feast at Lele is much more for an adult crowd IMHO and the Old Lahaina Luau caters more to families.

Both of these luaus are located in Lahaina (approximately 1 hour's drive from Wailea), but you will find they are both worth the drive.

If you would like more information on either of these or any other activities on Maui, you are welcome to contact me.

[email protected]

Shannon

So, for a couple, w/ no kids, looking for a nice night out, would you say the Feast at Le Le would be more enjoyable/recommended?

I agree with previous posters that the Feast at Le Le is not good for kids. I went there as a couple, however, and it was one of the highlights of my trip. The food, service, beach/sunset setting, dance shows, and music were all wonderful-----a very romantic evening.

I've beed to feast 2 times and OLL once. My advice don't go to OLL unless you like mediocre food that had flied all over it before you eat it. Food was so bad no one at my table went for seconds. Show was a little better but not the best.