After a fun-filled day in the sun we a wonderful sunset dinner on Front Street in Lahaina at The Feast at Lele. Lele is the ancient name for Lahaina; the Maui Royal Family would entertain and feast at this same beach, which has a spectacular sunset view.
The Feast at Lele features dancers, music and traditional dishes of four of the cultures of the Polynesian Triangle. Many people advised us to go hungry because it is a great deal of food and they were right it is a great deal of DELICIOUS food. As appetizers we were served: Banana, Taro and Sweet Potato Chips with a Tropical Ginger and Ogo Seaweed Salsa.
Our first course was from Hawaii; with Imu Roasted Kalua Pig, Pohole Ferns and Heart of Palm salad, Fresh Island Fish with Mango Sauce and Poi.
From Aotearoa (New Zealand) our second course was Sea Bean Duck Salad with Poha Berry Dressing, Kuku Patties, Maori Fishcake with Mussels, Salmon and Scallops, Harore Kumara, Roasted Mushrooms, Sweet Potato and Garlic.
Our third course was from Tahiti; it was Fafa Steamed Chicken and Taro Leaf in Coconut Milk, E-iaota, Poissen Cru Scallops on the Shell and Baked Scallops.
From Samoa our fourth course was Supasui, Grilled Steak Palusami, Breadfruit with Taro Leaf and Coconut Cream, Shrimp and Avocado with Lilikoi.
Our FIFTH and final course, DESSERTS 😀 Caramel Macadamia Nut Tart topped with Fruited Coconut Pudding (Haupia) and Hawaiian Chocolate Truffles.
One of the beautiful dancers posed for a photo with Jack on our way out.
When I got back to the resort that night I was amused by the collection of our leis, today was an AMAZING day but I happen to know that tomorrow will be one of the best days of my life.
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Five Years Ago Today ❤
Five Years Ago Today ❤
Today will actually contain two posts, this is because it was a very busy day with a whole lot of fun packed in. 🙂
As we headed out, I saw this and thought does this give new meaning to the term house boat?
It was an early windy morning in Ma’alaea and we are going snorkeling at Molokini Crater and off the coast of Lana’i with the Pacific Whale Foundation.
As we leave Mala’aea I can see both West Maui and South Maui growing smaller.
Kaho’olawe was established in the 1830’s as a penal colony by Kamehamahea I, after the “Great Mahele” ranchers allowed sheep and goats to consume all the vegetation; an effort was made to bring back the vegetation until the attack on Pearl Harbor, after which it was designated for target practice by the government. It was not until 1990 that it was returned to Hawai’i, after such long-term contamination it was declared unsafe and uninhabitable; at this time preservationists are working diligently to remove anything that has not exploded, re-vegetate and rejuvenate the land.
We have arrived at Molokini Crater, this popular dive and snorkel spot is a crescent-shaped partially submerged volcanic crater.
♪♫Up on the shore they work all day,
Out in the sun they slave away,
While we devotin’,
Full time to floatin’,
Under the Sea♪♫
La Perouse Bay is visible as we leave Molokini.
Sweetheart Rock, legend has is that a Princess from Maui was captured by a Warrior from Lana’i, she was so beautiful he did not want other men to see her so he hid her in a sea cave close to the rock. One day a storm came, although he rushed back to the cave, she drowned. Brokenhearted he climbed the rock, buried her and leapt to his death. (This is a legend, so please don’t try to climb the rock!)
This rock formation marks a well-known dive spot off Lana’i, our tour guide said if you are in the “know” you would recognize the rock; I wonder if she means First Cathedral? 😉
This is a large resort off the coast of Lana’i and the area we snorkel in.
It’s funny how the pali don’t really look that high from far away but when you get up close you realize they are monstrous.
Look some friends (Spinner Dolphins) came out to escort us back to Maui.
West Maui Mountains
Our Captain must have been Ishmael, his crew thought he was crazy when he turned off the engines because he saw whale-sign in the water. I’m glad he did because if not I would not have gotten this very cool shot of a baby whale breaching.
Five Years Ago Today ❤
Today we go to Lahaina Town, I read that their Banyan Tree is one of the oldest in the United States but nothing prepared me for how big this tree is. It is an Indian Banyan that was planted in 1873 by Sheriff William Owen Smith, it takes up most of the block.
What a wonderful way to browse the local artist’s wares than under the shade of a huge tree. Jack is getting restless and wants to go surfing. 😉
Downtown Lahaina
This sign made me smile and giggle.
The next two photos were taken by Ric Larsen, who while talking to us, told us to keep and eye out for his son’s Westley and Granger who at the time were up and coming surfers. 😉
This is Gene our Royal Hawaiian Surf Guide knocking off… I think.
THIS was going on in the background while we were surfing, that tail slap usually means, going to be under for a long time.
I always visit the Hard Rock Cafe’s when I travel, I love to check out the memorabilia, I must agree the Lahaina Hard Rock is Mai Tai Kool!
This Houli!!! HAha! 😀 Jack and King Kamehameha I
Kamehameha I, a warrior chief became “Lord Over the Hawaiian Islands”, after his victory at the battle of Nu’uanu in O’ahu. After his death his remains were secreted to a place unknown and his mana (life force) continues to watch over Hawai’i.
Not a whole lot to say except, “Le Sigh”.
There really is no better way to spend an afternoon than under palm fronds…
in a hammock.
Heaven, I’m in heaven ♪ ♫
Lahaina Laura 