High tea is an elegant and time-honored tradition, offering a perfect blend of refinement, relaxation, and connection. At Lotus Chefs, we bring the magic of high tea to Maui, combining exquisite locally sourced ingredients with vintage charm and beautifully styled tablescapes. Whether you’re celebrating a bridal shower, baby shower, birthday, or simply indulging in an afternoon of elegance, our Maui high tea service creates an unforgettable experience.

Our commitment to supporting local farmers and artisans is at the heart of everything we do. We believe in showcasing the bounty of Maui, from handcrafted teas grown on the slopes of Haleakalā to fresh, locally sourced ingredients that make each high tea service unique. I fell in love with tea while working as a tea tender in San Francisco, and that deep appreciation for tea culture is woven into every gathering we create. Our passion for sourcing the best teas and curating thoughtful pairings ensures that each high tea experience is as delicious as it is meaningful.

Yes! While many people associate tea with regions like China, Japan, and India, Maui Tea Farm, nestled on the slopes of Haleakalā, cultivates traditional tea (Camellia sinensis) as well as native Hawaiian medicinal plants like māmaki. Their work is a testament to sustainability and small-scale organic farming. We proudly feature their teas in our high tea offerings, allowing our guests to sip on flavors grown right here in Hawai‘i.

Hawaiʻi is also home to other small tea growers dedicated to regenerative agriculture, like Kona Coffee & Tea on the Big Island, which grows traditional Japanese-style green teas. These local farms are pioneering efforts to cultivate high-quality tea in Hawai‘i’s volcanic soil, creating unique flavors that reflect the richness of the land.

While traditional tea comes from the Camellia sinensis plant, Hawai‘i has a rich history of herbal infusions, or tisanes, used for healing and wellness. Māmaki, a native Hawaiian plant, has been used for generations as a restorative tea known to support the nervous system, lower blood pressure, and promote postpartum recovery. Other traditional Hawaiian herbs that have been steeped as teas include:

• Koʻokoʻolau – A medicinal herb known for its detoxifying properties, often brewed to support liver health.
• ʻUhaloa – Used in traditional Hawaiian healing for sore throats and respiratory relief.
• Pōpolo – A native plant used for soothing digestion and calming inflammation.

We incorporate these cherished herbal infusions into our high tea menus, highlighting the deep connection between tea and Hawaiian healing traditions.

Tea arrived in Hawai‘i through the plantation era, when Chinese and Japanese immigrants brought their own tea-drinking traditions to the islands. Chinese laborers, many from Guangdong, brought puer and oolong teas, while Japanese immigrants introduced sencha and matcha to the plantation communities. These traditions influenced local tea culture, blending with Hawaiian and Western customs to create a diverse and evolving tea-drinking heritage. Today, many of the descendants of these early plantation workers continue to honor their heritage through tea ceremonies and locally grown teas.

High tea is often misunderstood. While many envision a delicate afternoon tea with scones and finger sandwiches, the term “high tea” originally referred to a more substantial meal served at a high table in working-class homes. The tradition spread through British colonialism, evolving into a refined social event featuring an array of teas, pastries, and savory delights. Today, afternoon tea and high tea are often used interchangeably, with modern high tea focusing on an elegant assortment of teas, sweets, and savory bites. At Lotus Chefs, we craft customized high tea experiences, blending classic European influences with Hawaiian flavors and tropical aesthetics.

Many people refer to all herbal infusions as “tea,” but true tea comes from a single plant: Camellia sinensis. This includes green, black, white, oolong, and puer teas, each with distinct processing methods. Tisanes, on the other hand, are herbal infusions made from leaves, flowers, roots, and seeds—think chamomile, peppermint, or Hawai‘i’s own māmaki. Both offer powerful wellness benefits, from antioxidants to stress relief, making them a beautiful addition to any tea service.

We specialize in high tea catering on Maui, bringing the charm of vintage tea service to intimate gatherings, weddings, retreats, and private events. Our 100% thrifted vintage tea collection adds nostalgia and charm, featuring “perfectly mismatched” teacups, saucers, and serving trays. Our thoughtfully curated menus blend locally sourced flavors with traditional high tea elements, creating a unique Hawai‘i-meets-high tea experience.

We can bring this special experience directly to your home or vacation rental, creating a cozy yet elegant setting for your private gathering. If you are looking for a larger venue or a picturesque backdrop, we also have relationships with stunning private properties across Maui that are available for rent. Whether it’s an intimate tea service for a bridal party or a full-scale event, we can help you find the perfect setting.

While there are a few places to enjoy afternoon tea on Maui, we offer a private, fully styled high tea service—perfect for intimate gatherings at your home, vacation rental, or event venue. Our customizable menus include locally sourced ingredients, stunning tablescapes, and hand-selected teas that showcase the best of Hawai‘i.

For those looking for an outdoor experience, we can curate a high tea picnic in a beautiful natural setting, blending the elegance of tea service with the breathtaking landscapes of Maui. Whether by the ocean, in a lush garden, or at a scenic mountain retreat, we create a unique and unforgettable tea gathering wherever you choose.

Tea is more than a beverage—it’s a ritual, a connection to tradition, and a moment to slow down and savor life. Whether you’re looking for an elegant afternoon tea, a wellness-focused tea gathering, or a unique event experience, we bring the art of high tea to Maui in a way that blends tradition, sustainability, and aloha.

Ready to book your private high tea event? Contact us today to create a customized tea experience infused with love, intention, and the best of Maui’s local flavors.