Magic is the name of the game at Waikīkī’s Magical Parlour, a new entertainment located on the first floor of International MarketPlace, which opened May 1. Founded by Leandro Lee Padilla, known as “Magic Lee,” it hosts guest magicians from around the world.
Shows run Tuesday through Sunday. Upcoming guests this month include Joan Dukore, Jonathan Molo, and Lindsey Noel. Headliner magicians have made appearances on television series such as “America’s Got Talent” and “Penn & Teller: Fool Us” or belong to the Magic Castle in Hollywood, Magic Lee told Aloha State Daily.
Magic Lee, who grew up in Kalihi, was drawn to magic as a teenager after watching a magician perform a trick.
“I had a knack for seeing things,” he said. “After that trick, I went to him and I said: ʻI know how you did the trick. I want to learn.’ ”
Eventually, Magic Lee started bartending and incorporated tricks into the way he served cocktails. For inspiration, he watched a bartender magician at Nicholas Nickolas — now The Signature Prime Steak & Seafood — in the Ala Moana Hotel by Mantra.
“I went to see him, and I learned a lot, but I didn't learn magic,” he said. “I learned how to take care of people. It taught me incredible hospitality.”
When he turned 21 years old, Magic Lee headed to Kauaʻi. There, he worked at Stevenson’s Library, which is part of Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa. He also participated in magic conventions and competitions.
Eventually, he moved to California where he became the resident magician for Gallo, a prolific wine company with headquarters in Modesto.
“Then I just stopped,” he said. “For 17 years, I didn't do any magic. I just raised my kids. I adopted two unbelievable kids.”
A seven-year bout with depression took him back to magic, he said. Each day, he tried to find something positive. Doing magic tricks – sometimes recorded for his followers on social media — was part of that.
He moved back to Kauaʻi in 2017. Later, he took a job at the Kūhiō Avenue Food Hall within International Marketplace on Oʻahu and eventually returned to working as a bartender and adding in magic tricks.
“Hawaiʻi was ready for nightlife,” he said. “That pretty much was my drive.”
Today, his parlor is located a short walk from the food hall.
“I want to make it affordable for locals,” he said. “And then, they can come back again, because they can see another show.”
Regular admission is $65 for adults and $45 for keiki who are 12 years old or younger. For kamaʻāina, tickets are $45 for adults and $25 for keiki. Graduates can get $25 off admission this month with the code Grad2025.
Get tickets. Follow Magic Lee on Instagram.
Katie Helland can be reached at katie@alohastatedaily.com.
