History of the The Feast at Mōkapu Lūʻau
The Feast at Mōkapu Lūʻau invites guests on a cultural journey honoring the arrival of our Polynesian ancestors to Maui and their settlement within the ahupuaʻa, the traditional land division system that sustained life from mountain to sea. Through storytelling, music, and hula, the experience brings to life Hawaiian values rooted in love of the land, deep connection, and kuleana (responsibility) to care for it.
Curated by Tihati Productions in collaboration with Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort, respected kumu hula, and Polynesian cultural experts, The Feast at Mōkapu Lūʻau weaves together traditional stories and original compositions inspired by the surrounding landscape of Honuaʻula and the cultural significance of Mokapu.
Act I: Ancestral Connections Across the Pacific
The first act explores the ancient ties between Hawaiʻi and the South Pacific, with an emphasis on Tahiti and the brilliance of Polynesian navigation. This segment highlights the ingenuity and courage of early wayfinders while grounding the story in the specific place of Honuaʻula, the land on which the lūʻau takes place.
Original music composed and performed by award-winning artists Kale Chang, Afatia Thompson, and Tahitian cultural expert Iona Teriipaia brings these stories to life.
Act II: The Great Chiefs of Maui
The second act honors the legacy of Maui’s great chiefs, Piʻilani and the demi-god Māui. Through traditional chant and song, including “Mele o Kahoʻolawe,” this segment shares the powerful story of the courageous families who worked to stop the bombing of the sacred island of Kahoʻolawe, visible in the distance from Mokapu Beach.
Original compositions by Kumu Hula Kamalani Kia, Kumu Hula Cliff Pali Ahue, and Kumu Kulia Foster underscore the resilience, leadership, and aloha ʻāina that define this chapter of Hawaiian history.
Act III: Paniolo and Celebration
The final act offers a light-hearted tribute to the paniolo—Hawaiian cowboys whose traditions continue to thrive on Maui today. Celebratory hula and song honor the island’s diverse cultural influences, culminating in an electrifying siva afi (Samoan fire knife dance) that brings the evening to a powerful close.
About Tihati Productions
For more than 54 years, Tihati Productions has created lūʻau entertainment rooted in cultural integrity and storytelling. With a mission to share the histories, values, and traditions of Polynesia, Tihati Productions continues to honor the people and places of Hawaiʻi through immersive cultural experiences.