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FEATURES Why Do Whales Sing?
24
Humpbacks, too, come to Maui to play, and to sing a song that researchers strive to understand.—Story by Judy Edwards
Lono’s Season
30
Hawaiians call it Makahiki—the months when work and warfare cease in celebration of a god’s return. —Stories by Teya Penniman & Kyle Ellison
Acclaimed artists from around the country will spend a week capturing Maui on canvas. Come watch!—Heidi Pool
Kā‘anapali Kayak
38
Grab a paddle and snorkel gear for an adventure that takes you over and under water.—Kyle Ellison
4 Kā‘anapali Magazine
One for the row: Writer Kyle Ellison takes Ka‘anapali Surf Club’s kayak tour—and tells all. Story on page 38. About our cover: Don’t leave without immersing yourself in Kā‘anapali’s underwater attractions, or you might miss sights like these white bar surgeonfish and convict tangs cruising the coral reef. Photograph by Jason Moore
JASON MOORE
Maui Plein Air Painters Invitational 34
You never know what you’ll discover on The Westin Maui’s botanical tour, but we promise you’ll never forget it. See page 67.
Contributors 10
We’re pleased to introduce some of the talents behind Kā‘anapali Magazine.
A Word from the President 12
Meet Thomas Bell, president of Hawaiian Hotels & Resorts and current president of Kā‘anapali Beach Resort Association.
Where . . . ? 14
Keep our resort map handy and find exactly what you’re looking for.
Nīele 16
In Hawaiian, nīele means inquisitive—and if you’re curious about Kā‘anapali’s people, culture, and natural wonders, you’ll want to turn here.—Stories by Sarah Ruppenthal and Shannon Wianecki
6 Kā‘anapali Magazine
DINING Ladies Prefer Kamaha‘o 60
Discover Polynesian pampering at the Hyatt’s Marilyn Monroe-inspired spa. —Story by Shannon Wianecki
Love at First (Play)Sight 64
How to improve your tennis game? Keep your eye on the ball—while the Royal Lahaina’s cameras keep their eyes on you. —Story by Kyle Ellison
See Learn Do 66
Monkeypod Kitchen 46
Like a fine wine, restaurateur Peter Merriman improves with age— as his new Kā‘anapali venture reveals. —Story by Becky Speere
In the Kitchen 50
Sheraton Maui’s executive chef is a local boy whose passions are creating and sharing great food.—Story by Becky Speere
Looking for adventures by land or sea? Hawaiian culture or island history? Whatever activities you’re into, you’ve come to the right place.
Rise and Shine 52
Calendar 72
Dining Guide 56
Check here for special events and resort activities that don’t come along every day, plus a few of our favorite happenings around Maui.
So many choices at Kā‘anapali for breakfast on Maui’s sunset side! —Story by Becky Speere
Hungry? Whatever you’re in the mood for, you’ll find it at Kā‘anapali, just a beach walk away.
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ADMINISTRATIVE
Kā‘anapali Beach Resort Association PUBLISHER
Haynes Publishing Group CREATIVE DIRECTOR
John Giordani
MANAGING EDITOR
Lehia Apana
CONSULTING EDITOR
Rita Goldman
ASSOCIATE DESIGNER
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DIGITAL EDITOR
Adelle Lennox
CONTROLLER & OFFICE MANAGER
Kao Kushner
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Lehia Apana, Judy Edwards, Kyle Ellison, Teya Penniman, Heidi Pool, Sarah Ruppenthal, Becky Speere, Shannon Wianecki CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Cesere Brothers, Steve Czerniak, Mieko Horikoshi, Sue Hudelson, Jason Moore, Bradley W. Paulson, Jose Morales. Becky Speere CONTRIBUTING ILLUSTRATOR
Matt Foster
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KĀ‘ANAPALI MAGAZINE is published semiannually by Haynes Publishing Group, Inc.,
90 Central Ave., Wailuku, HI 96793; (808) 242-8331. ©2018 All rights reserved. This publication may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, in whole or in part, without the express prior written permission of the publisher. The publisher reserves the right to accept or reject any advertising matter. The publisher assumes no responsibility to any party for the content of any advertisement in this publication, including any errors and omissions therein. Printed in USA Individual issues are available upon written request to Haynes Publishing Group, Inc., 90 Central Ave., Wailuku, HI 96793, or by email: info@mauimagazine.net. Cost is $3 per magazine plus postage ($5.60 in the U.S. & Canada). Payments in U.S. currency only. Kā‘anapali Magazine is produced in cooperation with Kā‘anapali Beach Resort Association.
8 Kā‘anapali Magazine
Awaken Your Senses Known for Hawaiian healing rituals, Spa Helani, a Heavenly Spa by Westin™, provides memorable experiences inspired by the islands. Discover rejuvenation through our overflowing menu of services, including massages, body treatments, facials, manicures and pedicures. The Nanea Ritual combines rhythmic massage and an exclusive aromatherapy oil blend designed to help guests achieve deep relaxation. For more information or to make a reservation, call Spa Helani at 808.662.2644 or visit www.westinkaanapali.com/spa Open daily, 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
6 Kai Ala Drive, Kā‘anapali, Maui
*Price excludes service charge and tax.©2017 Marriott International, Inc. All Rights Reserved. MAE-2351
Contributors
The Cesere Brothers are living their dream, one that began when they were children playing in tide pools off the coast of Maine. It was in that frigid water that John and Dan made a pact to stick together, live on an island and pursue a career that enabled them to continue exploring the ocean they love. Twentysome years later, the Cesere brothers live on Maui and work full-time as underwater photographers.
Judy Edwards
Judy is a conservation advocate and writer who has worked to protect the natural world for all of her twenty-six years in Hawaiʻi. She has worked in outreach and education for the federal and state governments, and for nonprofits whose mission is environmental education and public lands. Judy’s passion is biodiversity; she has a special soft spot for the unsung heroes of conservation who quietly hold the world together.
Kyle Ellison
A freelance writer, Kyle is the author of the Moon Handbook to Maui, Moloka‘i, and Lānaʻi. His work has appeared in Travel + Leisure, The San Francisco Chronicle, Travel Channel, Escape, Journey, Hana Hou!, Hawaii Magazine and Maui Nō Ka ‘Oi Magazine. He lives in Kula with his wife and two sons. Follow Kyle online: @TheMauiExpert and TheMauiExpert.com.
Matt Foster
An artist with a love for nostalgia, Matt is inspired by nature’s inventions, foreign cultures and the quest for simplicity. He thinks the keys to creativity are curiosity, play and discovery. Matt finds inspiration as a trail runner throughout Kapalua. He has lived on Maui since 1988, and considers this his “vacation island” that he gets to live in full time.
Mieko Horikoshi
Equal parts foodie and photographer, Mieko finds that the island’s culinary scene serves as a constant—and delicious—muse. She is a member of the Professional Photographers of America and the American Society of Media Photographers. Born and raised in Japan, Mieko moved to Maui in 1994, where she lives with her two daughters.
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Sue Hudelson
One of the highlights of Sue‘s four years on Maui was capturing the historic launch of the voyaging canoe Mo‘okiha O Pi‘ilani. Sue shot assignments for Maui Nō Ka ‘Oi Magazine, Hana Hou!, Hawai‘i Magazine, Modern Luxury Hawaii, and Edible Hawaiian Islands. Even though she felt embraced by the islands and considers Maui one of her homes, work and family pulled her back to Los Angeles, where she currently resides.
SECOND FROM RIGHT: HANA HORIKOSHI-HOFFMAN
Cesere Brothers
Jason Moore
With his deep love for the ocean, it’s no wonder photographer Jason Moore calls Hawai‘i’s waters home. Jason spends the winter working with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) as a research and rescue assistant for humpback whale research. When he’s not in the water or shooting on location, Jason shows his artwork at the Four Seasons Wailea on Saturdays.
Teya Penniman
Teya’s interest in chronicling island life grew from her years as a biologist studying seabirds on remote isles. Her article about cultural activities during Makahiki season sparked this thought: “Imagine what life would be like if we all took several months a year to mend our nets, talk story, and let the reefs replenish their bounty!”
Heidi Pool
As general manager of the adventure company Hike Maui, and as a freelance writer, Heidi delights in experiencing everything the island has to offer. She shares her discoveries in publications such as Kā‘anapali Magazine, Maui Nō Ka ‘Oi Magazine, and The Maui Concierge.
Sarah Ruppenthal
Sarah is an awardwinning journalist and freelance writer. Her stories have appeared in Maui Nō Ka 'Oi Magazine, FLUX, Hawaii Magazine, The Maui News and other regional publications. When she’s not working on a story, Sarah is relaxing at home on Maui’s north shore with her husband, Matt, and 135-pound “puppy,” Odie.
Becky Speere
The daughter of a Hawai‘i-born mother of Japanese ancestry and a father from an Alabama coal-mining town, Becky grew up on the Big Island amid a world of flavors: butter beans and ham hocks, bamboo shoots, fiddlehead ferns and wild-boar sausage. The former owner of Pa‘uwela Cafe in Ha‘ikū, Becky is a chef consultant and shares her passion for all things culinary as dining editor of Maui Nō Ka ‘Oi Magazine.
Shannon Wianecki
Named Travel Writer of the Year by the Hawaii Ecotourism Association and Best Independent Journalist by the Society of Professional Journalists Hawaii Chapter, Shannon has traveled to Iceland, the South Pacific, and all points in between in search of stories. Her favorite spot remains the beach within walking distance of her house on Maui. Follow her adventures: @swianecki.
Letter
FROM THE KĀ‘ANAPALI BEACH RESORT ASSOCIATION
Aloha
It is both an honor and my pleasure, as the president of Kā‘anapali Beach Resort Association, to welcome you to this world-class resort destination. We hope you will enjoy Kā‘anapali Magazine throughout your visit, and take it with you as a keepsake from what we know will be a dream Hawaiian vacation. While you are with us, we encourage you explore all that Kā‘anapali has to offer—from dining to culture, from performances to activities on land and sea—with this magazine as your guide. We take pride in knowing that Kā‘anapali is the place where the world comes to play. And not just people! As I pen this letter, a mother whale and her baby are playing in the waters that comprise the view from my office. What an inspiration! We love this season, when hundreds of humpback whales escape cold Arctic seas to romp, relax and romance in Hawai‘i’s warm, inviting waters. In my opinion, some of the best whale watching happens here in the sheltered channels separating Maui, Lāna‘i, Moloka‘i and Kaho‘olawe—the islands of Maui County. From now through April, keep an eye out for whales spouting, breaching, or waving a friendly fluke as you take one of the many whale-watching cruises Kā‘anapali offers, or while watching a beautiful sunset or moonrise from your ocean-facing lānai (balcony). If seeing these majestic mammals piques your interest, you’ve come to the right place to immerse yourselves in the rich history and fascinating lives of humpbacks. The splashiest of whale events is Whale Trust Maui’s annual Whale Tales (February 16–19, 2018), hosted at Kā‘anapali by the Hyatt Regency Maui. Whale Trust cofounder and featured speaker Dr. Jim Darling will discuss his research into the mysteries of whale song: why only males sing, why they sing the same song, and how it varies from year to year—for reasons no one yet knows. (See our story “Why Do Whales Sing?” on page 24.) Could the whales be singing Maui’s praises? We may never know, but we can say for certain that artists from around the United States are drawn here each year to capture the island’s landscapes, people and culture on canvas during the Maui Plein Air Painting Invitational. Between February 17 and 25, you’re invited to observe as two-dozen accomplished artists paint en plein air (outdoors), conduct lectures and workshops, vie in timed competitions, and offer paintings for sale, with our own Royal Lahaina Resort as host for many of these events. (For details, see our story on page 34.) And that’s just touching the surface of what awaits you in this issue of Kā‘anapali Magazine. You can also find our past issues online at MauiMagazine.net/Kaanapali. Please also feel free to visit our website, KaanapaliResort.com, for round-the-clock access to photography, rates and more. Enjoy your Kā‘anapali vacation, and know that we look forward to welcoming you back in years to come. Back issues of Kā‘anapali Magazine are available online. Go to MauiMagazine.net/ Kaanapali-Magazine and click the link “Free Digital Edition.”
12 Kā‘anapali Magazine
Mahalo,
Tom Bell President, Kā‘anapali Beach Resort Association
Majestic Maui Vacation Like Royalty Nestled alongside a secluded stretch of award-winning Kā‘anapali Beach, the Royal Lahaina Resort offers oceanfront accommodations, locally-inspired cuisine and gracious island hospitality.
Experience Maui’s Most Exciting Oceanfront Luau! • Shell lei Aloha greeting • All-you-can-eat Hawaiian buffet • Complimentary Mai Tais • Exclusive buffet for keiki (kids) and open bar • Cultural journey of enchanting • Imu ceremony song and dance performances
• Awe inspiring fire knife finale • Breathtaking backdrop of Maui’s spectacular sunset • Special Offer: Free parking and free family photo
For reservations, call (808) 425-9591 or visit MythsofMaui.com.
2780 Kekaa Drive | Lahaina, Maui, Hawaii 96761 | 1-800-22-ALOHA | RoyalLahaina.com
Resort Map
Pu‘ukoli‘i Road
A
Honoapi’ilani Highway
30
C
B
Kai Ala Drive
Keka’a
U
D
Q Y
E Z
NORTH
I A‘
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Hotels & Condos
A. The Westin Nanea Ocean Villas B. The Westin Kā‘anapali Ocean Resort Villas C. Aston Maui Kaanapali Villas D. Royal Lahaina Resort E. Maui Eldorado KaanapaliSM by Outrigger® F. Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa G. Kā‘anapali Beach Hotel H. Aston at The Whaler on Kaanapali Beach I. The Westin Maui Resort & Spa J. Kaanapali Alii Resort K. Marriott’s Maui Ocean Club L. Hyatt Residence Club, Kāʻanapali Beach M. Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa N. Kā‘anapali Royal
Spas & Salons
* Full spa
(wet & dry Alana Spa (D) therapies) Alii Spa (J) Beauty of Aloha Spa & Salon (G) Hale Mana Wellness Center (K) Heavenly Spa by Westin* (I) Kamaha‘o, a Marilyn Monroe Spa* (M) The Spa at Black Rock* (F) Spa Helani, a Heavenly Spa by Westin* (B) Third Heaven Spa (C) The Spa at the Whaler (H) 14 Kā’anapali Magazine
Drive
Beachwalk
Aqualani Locations: Aston at The Whaler on Kaanapali Beach Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa Marriott’s Maui Ocean Club Royal Lahaina Resort Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa The Westin Kā‘anapali Ocean Resort Villas The Westin Maui Resort & Spa The Westin Nanea Ocean Villas
Dining
Auntie’s Kitchen (B) Beach Bar (I) Beach Walk Kau Kau to Go (K) Black Rock Kitchen (F) Castaway Café (C) China Bowl Asian Cuisine (X) CJ’s Deli & Diner (X) Cliff Dive Grill (F) Colonnade Café (I) Hank’s Haute Dogs (F) Honolulu Coffee Company (M) Hula Grill & Barefoot Bar (W) Inu Pool Bar (A) Island Press Coffee (X) Japengo (M) Kā‘anapali Grille & Tap Room (K) Kai Ala Market (B) Lahaina Provision Company (L) Leilani’s on the Beach (W) Mai Tai Bar (F) Mauka Makai (A) Monkeypod Kitchen (W) Pailolo Bar & Grill (B)
Paradise Grill (V) Pūlehu, an Italian Grill (B) Pu‘ukoli‘i General Store (B) Pau Huakaʻi Tiki Bar (L) Relish Burger Bistro (I) Relish Oceanside (I) Round Table Pizza (X) Roy’s Kā‘anapali (O) Royal Ocean Terrace Restaurant & Lounge (D) Royal Scoop (D) Sangrita Grill + Cantina (X) Sea Dogs Snack Bar (I) Starbucks (K) Swan Court Breakfast/ Son’z Steakhouse (M) Teppan-yaki Dan (F) Tiki Bar & Grill (G) Tiki Terrace Restaurant (G) Ululani’s Hawaiian Shave Ice (M) ‘Ūmalu (M) Whalers Village Food Court (W)
Activities
Your concierge will be happy to provide a full list of resortwide attractions. Here’s a sample:
Aqualani (Z) Island Style Adventures (W) Kā‘anapali Golf Courses Clubhouse (O) Ka‘anapali Surf Club (Y) Kahekili Park & Keka‘a Beach (Q) Hale Huaka’i Ocean Activities Center (G) Skyline Eco Adventures (P) Sunset Cliff Dive Ceremony (R) Tennis Ranch (U) Teralani Sailing Adventures (S) UFO Parasail (T) Whale Center of Hawai‘i (W)
Lu¯‘au
Drums of the Pacific Lū‘au (M) Legends of Kā‘anapali Lū‘au (G) Maui Nui Lū‘au at Black Rock (F) The Myths of Maui Lū‘au (D) Wailele Polynesian Lū‘au (I)
INA
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Kā’anapali Beach Resort Association
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Keka ’a
M Kā’a na
pali
H
Park w
ay
L I
W
J
S
R
Noh
K
Beachwalk
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Shopping W. Whalers Village Shopping Center JEWELRY Alex and Ani Baron & Leeds Glass Mango Design Hawaii Jewelers Martin & MacArthur Maui Divers Jewelry Na Hoku Pandora Pearl Factory Swarovski Crystals Whalers Fine Jewelry SUNDRY ABC Stores
SERVICES Island Style Adventures Kā‘anapali Surf Club REAL ESTATE Marriott’s Maui Ocean Club Timeshare Resales Hawaii Whalers Realty Inc. SPECIALTY FOOD Choice Häagen-Dazs
Island Vintage Coffee Ono Gelato Company Maui Shave Ice Yogurtland FOOD COURT Fresh . . . Eat Well, Live Well Joey’s Kitchen Nikki’s Pizza Subway
X. Fairway Shops at Kā‘anapali Artistic Nails & Spa China Bowl Asian Cuisine CJ’s Deli & Diner Edward Jones The Hair Hale Harris Hawaii Realty Island Attitudes Furnishings & Design Island Press Coffee OneMain Financial
Round Table Pizza Sangrita Grill + Cantina Skyline Eco Adventures The Snorkel Store Spa Juva & FitExpress Urgent Care West Maui Valley Isle Fitness Center VanQuaethem Chiropractic Whalers General Store Whalers Realty
GIFT, ART, SPECIALTY Chapel Hats Crystal Rainbows Honolulu Cookie Company Martin & MacArthur Home Newlin-Chaney Gallery Oakley Sand Kids Sand People Sandal Tree Royal Trading Company ~ D Sephora The Shops at the Hyatt ~ M Sunglass Hut Totally Hawaiian Gift Gallery Shops at Westin Maui ~ I
Y
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i Driv
a ea K
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APPAREL Billabong Blue Ginger Blue Ginger Kids Cariloha Cinnamon Girl Crazy Shirts Crocs Cruise Honolua Surf Co. Kahala Kate Spade Logowear Maui Lost On Maui Lululemon Athletica Louis Vuitton Mahina Malibu Shirts Maui Resort Wear Maui WaterWear PacSun Quiksilver/Roxy Rip Curl Soul Lei T-Shirt Factory Tommy Bahama Tori Richard Volcom
V
Drive
G
F
O
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3M
Public Parking
Medical Services
Beach Access
Kā‘anapali Trolley
Kā‘anapali Trolley Tel: (808) 667-0648 Kā‘anapali area only. Travel complimentary among Kā‘anapali hotels, golf course, Whalers Village Shopping Center, and Fairway Shops. ADA lifts. Runs from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.
Maui Public Transit (Roberts) Shuttle Tel: (808) 871-4838 From Whalers Village Shopping Center in Kā‘anapali, ride to Kapalua Resort, Lahaina Cannery Mall or Wharf Cinema Center in Lahaina, or Walmart/Kmart in Kahului. $1–$2 between each point (Call for details.)
DISTANCES
Hyatt to Golf Course........................... 0.5 Mile Hyatt to Whalers Village..................... 0.5 Mile Hyatt to Sheraton................................ 1 Mile Sheraton to Golf Course..................... 1 Mile Hyatt to Royal Lahaina........................ 1.5 Miles Royal Lahaina to Golf Course.............. 1.5 Miles Kā‘anapali to Lahaina (Banyan Tree)... 3 Miles Kā‘anapali to Kapalua Airport............. 3.5 Miles Kā‘anapali to Kahului Airport.............. 26 Miles
Spring -Summer 2018 15
N¯ıele
LEADERSHIP
Starting from Scratch
STORY BY SARAH RUPPENTHAL | PHOTO BY JASON MOORE Long before he became general manager of The Westin Kā‘anapali Ocean Resort Villas, Ryan Nobriga was dubbed “the Backscratcher Man.” Twenty years ago, while making his rounds as a security officer at Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa, Ryan overheard a bartender apologetically inform a couple seated at the bar that the resort had run out of wooden backscratchers— a clever garnish for a cocktail called “The Tropical Itch.” A few days later, Ryan mailed a backscratcher to the couple’s home in Dallas. “They visit every year, and even though I’m no longer at the Sheraton, I always make time to see them. They still call me ‘the Backscratcher Man,’” he laughs. Ryan was born and raised on O‘ahu, but spent many of his childhood summers on Maui. After college, he set his sights squarely on a career in law enforcement. When a friend mentioned that the Sheraton had an opening for a security officer, he pounced on the opportunity. That’s when Ryan discovered he had a talent not only for keeping guests safe, but happy, too. It wasn’t long before the Sheraton took notice, and offered him his first leadership role, as a guest-services manager. A year later, the hotel promoted him to head of food and beverage. In 2002, nostalgia for his one-time career path led Ryan to trade his managerial name tag for a TSA officer’s uniform. But after six months on the job (and frequent encounters with puzzled Sheraton regulars at the airport), he realized his true passion lay in the hospitality industry. Ryan returned to the Sheraton, and in the years that followed, quickly rose through the ranks—from food and beverage, to front office, to property operations. In 2011, a new opportunity knocked: The Westin Kā‘anapali Ocean Resort Villas offered Ryan the position of hotel manager. “Leaving the Sheraton was bittersweet,” he admits, but the offer was too good to refuse. Five years later, he was promoted to general manager of the 1,021-unit property. Like any self-respecting GM, Ryan oversees the hotel’s day-to-day operations, and makes sure guests’ needs are tended to (so far, there have been no backscratcher requests). But the activities he organizes to build team spirit among his staff and to encourage community service can range from removing invasive plant species from Honokōwai Valley, to paddling outrigger canoes from Lahaina to Lāna‘i (a thirty-four-mile round-trip journey) to raise money for the Pacific Cancer Foundation. Ryan credits his upward trajectory to the mentors who encouraged him along the way, and the employees he’s managed over the years. “A true leader can turn around and see a team following them,” he says. “I believe in my team and they believe in me—that’s what carries me forward.” 16 Kā‘anapali Magazine
N¯ıele
CULTURE
Star of Gladness
A crewmember partly swims, is partly hauled aboard after untying one of the lines securing the Hōkūle‘a to the jetty.
18 Kā‘anapali Magazine
SUE HUDELSON
By Hōkūle‘a, Hawaiians found their way home. The mother of Hawai‘i’s modern sailing canoes made its maiden voyage to Tahiti in 1976, its crew navigating entirely by traditional wayfinding: guided by stars and sea swells. That watershed journey lent validity to the theory that ancient mariners capably traversed thousands of nautical miles to settle an incredible expanse of islands. This oceanic migration extended north to Hawai‘i, south to New Zealand, and east to Rapa Nui, ultimately forming the geographic triangle we call Polynesia. Hōkūle‘a’s original crewmembers were among a generation who grew up believing it wasn’t okay to be Hawaiian. Western colonization, followed by the overthrow of the Hawaiian kingdom, led to a repression of native culture that lasted through the first half of the twentieth century. During that time, Hawaiians stopped practicing their arts, their religion, their customs, even their language. Traditional knowledge, once passed on through oral history, was lost.
TOP (2): SUE HUDELSON; COURTESY OF KĀ‘ANAPALI BEACH RESORT ASSOCIATION
When Hōkūle‘a arrived in Tahiti in 1976, it reawakened Hawaiian culture, showing the world—and Hawaiians—what their ancestors had achieved. The voyaging canoe became the emblem of the Hawaiian Renaissance, and lived up to its name, Hawaiian for “Star of Gladness.” Hōkūle‘a also inspired Hawaiian communities throughout the Islands to build their own vessels. In 1975, the nonprofit Hui o Wa‘a Kaulua was established on Maui to support the construction of a wa‘a kaulua—a double-hulled canoe. Its name, Mo‘olele, or “Flying Lizard,” recalls the legendary mo‘o (lizard or water spirit) said to inhabit the inland waters surrounding Moku‘ula. The site of that vanished lake and island lies across Front Street from Hui o Wa‘a Kaulua’s headquarters. On July 11, 2014, after nearly two decades in dry dock, a second voyaging canoe, Mo‘okiha o Pi‘ilani, set sail from Mala Wharf, led by Captain Timi Gilliom, testing the canoe and crew in the waters off Lahaina for future long-distance journeys. These vessels have functioned as living classrooms for Maui’s voyaging community and visitors alike, and this educational exchange anchors the mission of Hui o Wa‘a Kaulua. “Anything you want to learn in school,” Gilliom says, “you learn on the canoe—math, science, culture.” Building canoes and promoting the spirit of voyaging helps keep traditional knowledge alive. Through hands-on experience, students of all ages and ethnicities learn about Polynesian voyaging—how the canoe sails, and fundamental values like teamwork, commitment, respect, and conservation—that can’t be taught by books. Hui o Wa‘a Kaulua conducts educational tours aboard Mo‘okiha o Pi‘ilani and Mo‘olele on weekends, 9 to 11 a.m., and Mondays, 3 to 5 p.m. Tours depart from Mā‘alaea Harbor. For more information, visit HuiOWaa.org.
SINCE1985
Like No Place On Earth
Hui o Wa‘a Kaulua translates as “Assembly of the Double-hull Canoe,” the nonprofit organization behind Mo‘okiha o Pi‘ilani (opposite page). Organization president Kimokeo Kapahulehua (top right), and Mo‘okiha o Pi‘ilani captain Timi Gilliom (top left) prepare for launch on July 11, 2014. Hawaiians believe the best way to learn is by doing. Wa‘a Kiakahi, held at Kā‘anapali Beach June 1 through 3, gives you that chance with free sailingcanoe rides, talks by Hawaiian Sailing Canoe Association crew and more. See our calendar for more information, or visit HSCA.info.
Inshore Fishing & Private Charters
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Spring -Summer 2018 19
N¯ıele
NATURE
? Uh, unusual! u h U
Parrotfish are strange beasts. Called uhu in Hawai‘i, these spectacularly painted reef dwellers have blunt heads and fused teeth that give them cartoonish smiles. They’re noisy eaters; you can hear them munching on coral underwater. After a snack, they expel a stream of sand—as much as a ton a year per fish! In fact, most of Hawai‘i’s white sandy beaches are actually parrotfish poop. Seven species of uhu dwell in Hawaiian waters, including three endemics. The regal parrotfish, native to our archipelago, is fiery orange with brilliant purple fins. The stareye wears pink eye makeup that would make David Bowie proud. The bullethead is perhaps the most flamboyant of the bunch, dressed in a rainbow of psychedelic pastels. All parrotfish start out drab. Many stay that way, but some female fish transition into males. Brightly colored and territorial, these “supermales” dominate the best spawning sites. Each supermale controls a harem of females with whom he individually spawns. When he dies, the next-highest-ranking female in the harem changes sex and takes his place. Hawaiian fishermen in the past believed that parrotfish behavior could hint at what was happening at home. Capering and frolicking fish might mean that the men’s wives were playing around. Meanwhile, if an attractive wahine (woman) walked by, a man might comment: “Momomi wale ku‘u ‘ono i ka uhu mā‘alo i ku‘u maka.” (“My mouth waters for the parrotfish passing before my eyes.”) A slippery uhu referred to a wily person. Which brings us to the weirdest parrotfish fact. Some uhu sleep in a cocoon made of mucus. You read that right. Before drifting off to sleep, certain parrotfish secrete a snot balloon up to three inches thick. Biologists theorize that the bubble protects slumbering fish from eels out on the prowl or parasitic crustaceans. It doesn’t prevent local fishermen from bagging the fish. Uhu are as delicious as they are unusual.
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Featuring Saturday, Feb 17 • 7:30 am - 1 pm Lahaina Harbor Kick Off Paint Out & Art Sale
Friday, Feb. 23 • 6 - 9 pm Art to Heart – Gala & Art Sale*
Sunday, Feb 18 • 10 am - 3:30 pm Youth Paint Out & Reception Campbell Park & Pioneer Inn
Saturday, Feb. 24 • 10 am - 4 pm Artists’ Aloha Reception & Art Sale* Artists’ Panel Discussion with Q&A 3 pm
Monday, Feb. 19 • 6 pm - 8:15 pm “Artists of Influence” Lecture by Jean Stern of the Irvine Museum and Art Mini-Paintings Silent Auction Wednesday, Feb. 21 • 3 pm - 8 pm Kapalua Bay Afternoon Paint Out & Art Sale
Sunday, Feb 25 • 10 am - 4 pm Artists’ Mahalo Gathering & Art Sale* Art Enthusiasts’ Panel Discussion with Q&A 3 pm * Events at Royal Lahaina Resort
Friday, Feb. 23 • 9 am - 11 am Hanakao`o Beach Park (Canoe Beach) Quick Draw
Debra Huse (CA)
Jacobus Baas (CA)
Painting by Debra Huse
Suzie Greer Baker (TX)
Ronaldo Macedo (Maui) James McGrew (OR)
Greg Barnes (NC)
Joshua Been (CO)
Mark Brown (Oahu)
Jim McVicker (CA)
Terry Miura (CA)
Larry Moore (FL)
Presented by:
Carleton (Maui)
Mike Carroll (Lanai) Michael Clements (Maui) Jennifer Diehl (OR)
Mary Pettis (MN) Morgan Samuel Price (FL)
Scott Prior (CA)
Ray Hassard (OH)
James Richards (GA) Patrick Saunders (MO)
Leon Holmes (AU)
Greg LaRock (CA)
Aaron Schuerr (MT)
Randy Sexton (CA)
Sponsors: Royal Lahaina Resort, Makana Aloha Foundation, One Main Plaza, Mary Anne Fitch & Nam Le Viet, Pioneer Inn, Montage Kapalua Bay, Kaanapali Land Management Corp., The Irvine Museum Collection UCI, Maui Land & Pineapple Co., Mala, Honu, & Frida’s Restaurants, Southern Glazers Wine & Spirits, Taverna, Maui Printing Company, Hyatt Residence Club, Southwest Art, Fine Art Connoisseur, Plein Air Magazine, Maui No Ka ‘Oi Magazine, On Maui!, Maui Concierge, Gamblin, Guerilla Painter, JFM Enterprises, SourceTek, Revelite, Jack Richeson & Co.
www.MauiPleinAirPainting.org
PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE RESPECTIVE RIGHTS HOLDERS
N¯ıele SHOPPING
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Pretty Birdie
Le Vian Aloha® bird-of-paradise pendant has 1.22 carats (total weight) of amethyst, rhodolite, tsavorite, sapphire and 0.03 carats (total weight) of vanilla diamonds® in 14K honey gold™. 18” 14K yellow-gold chain included. Pendant measures approximately 1”. $699. Matching earrings available. By and at Na Hoku, Whalers Village, 2435 Kā’anapali Parkway, 667-5411; Hyatt Regency Maui, 2010 Nohea Kai Drive, 6677780; and NaHoku.com
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The Wood to Watch
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Calm to Your Senses
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Girls Just Wanna Have Fun
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Maui Divers’ red sandalwood men’s watch features Citizen movement, stainless-steel hands and Roman numerals, and is water resistant to 3 ATM. $145 at Maui Divers Jewelry, Whalers Village, 2435 Kā’anapali Parkway, 661-1097, MauiDivers.com In Hawaiian, mālie means ”tranquil, serene,” so it simply makes sense that Kamaha‘o Spa would feature Mālie Organics. These allnatural fragrances embody the romance of the islands. Indulge her senses with plumeria eau de parfum (shown), pīkake, coconut vanilla, hibiscus, or mango nectar. $45. Kamaha‘o Spa, Hyatt Regency Maui, 200 Nohea Kai Drive, Kā‘anapali, 667-4500; and Malie.com
W H A L E R S V I L L AG E
Made on Maui, this posey playset has a tiered dress with smocking and matching panties. $39 at Blue Ginger in Whalers Village, 2435 Kā‘anapali Parkway, Kā‘anapali, 661-1666; BlueGinger.com
Go with the Flow
Lava formations from Hawai‘i Island’s active volanoes inspire artist Marian Fieldson’s gleaming glass platters—like this 4"x6" tray, $95 at Martin & MacArthur in Whalers Village, 2435 Kā‘anapali Parkway, 6677422; and The Westin Maui Resort & Spa, 2635 Kā‘anapali Parkway, 270-0880; MartinAndMacarthur.com
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Encircling diamonds and heart-shaped prongs hold a square-cut 17mm amethyst in Lisa Nik’s 18K rose-gold ring. Price on request at Baron & Leeds in Whalers Village, 2435 Kā‘anapali Parkway, Kā‘anapali, 661-6806. BaronAndLeeds.com
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11/27/17 11:39 AM
why do
Humpback whales seem to be nearly as curious about us as we are about them, and will commonly approach boats in Hawaiian waters, inspecting us humans with a crystalline blue eye as big as a grapefruit. The pattern across the top of these pages transcribes part of a Hawaiian humpback whale’s song as recorded by Dr. Jim Darling.
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Whales Sing? �tory by judy edwards | Photography by jason moore
Spring-Summer 2018 25
Above: Competition pods consist of multiple males and a single female. Their behavior is dramatic both above and below the surface, with breaches, head lunges, and even wrestling visible as the pods barrel past, intent on their own internal dynamics.
It was the 1990s and I was working for a whale-watch company on Maui, along with my then-boyfriend, who was the onboard naturalist the day Dave Barry took one of our tours. I was a rabid fan of the Pulitzer Prize-winning humorist and fawned over him the whole time. After Mr. Barry returned to his job at the Miami Herald, he wrote a column about what he learned about humpback whales on the trip, and even sent us a thank-you card. However, the information he got, and then told the world, was wrong. Back then, we were all saying that singing males, for singing whales are all male, were singing to female whales (presumably to attract them). The graphic that accompanied Mr. Barry’s column even showed a humpback crooning a Sinatra song into a hydrophone hanging under the boat. But Dr. Jim Darling had a feeling that what we thought we knew might be a mistake, and he was right. Males are singing, yes. And that singing attracts other whales, yes. But none of those “joiners,” as they’re termed, is female. Darling has spent countless hours on boats with hydrophones in the water and cameras on deck, recording humpback song and scrupulously analyzing it. He puts 26 Kā‘anapali Magazine
it this way: “People are reluctant to give up the idea that the males aren’t singing to females, and it’s possible that there is something we’re missing, but I have never seen a female attracted to a [singing] male, ever.” Then why are the males singing? That question is at the heart of Darling’s research into the social behavior and communication patterns of whales: If they’re not wooing the ladies, why invest so much energy and time in song? To get that answer, Darling and his Whale Trust Maui cofounders, Dr. Meagan Jones and National Geographic photographer Flip Nicklin, head out of Lahaina every day during whale season in a twenty-four-foot research vessel, along with a close-knit group of devoted volunteers. They will find a singing whale and stay with him the entire day, watching and listening. Jones says, “We know that the females are listening, but that’s not what’s driving singers. They sing until another male comes. It’s changed the way we look at [their] social organization.” In fact, it’s starting to look like males are using song to organize themselves in a loose group that then goes looking for a female that may be ready to mate. When they find her, those resultant “competi-
Female humpbacks and calves bond immediately, and moms are never far from their young. Though a one-ton baby would seem to have few threats, calves need to breathe much more often than adults, and the ocean’s surface can be dangerous for them. By law, boats must keep their distance and use care when navigating Hawaiian waters during whale season.
tion pods” can get raucous and even bloody as the barnacle-bearing males scrape up against one other, each trying to outmaneuver the rest. Females who already have calves won’t be ready to mate again until at least the following year. Jones’s data shows that when they hear one of these big rowdy groups, they get themselves and their calves away as fast as possible. This is why steady, detailed research is important. Patterns and answers only emerge after millions of hours of patient work on and off the water. Fortunately, technology is also evolving, presenting new tools to help researchers get fresh answers. When I ask about what’s new in the field, Darling says, “Well, drones are new. And, since the 1990s, DNA technology has allowed us to determine genders of whales. By running new tests on biopsies [plugs of whale skin and blubber], we can also look at hormone levels in every whale we find. We can, for example, determine if whales are pregnant from taking samples from skin, breath [a neat feat accomplished by holding a long pole topped with absorbent material over an exhaling whale], and poop. We’ve always presumed that singing is related to testosterone levels
“Different populations sing different songs that transform gradually over time. When populations mix, so does song.” in the males, which drop in the [nonbreeding] summer and rise in the winter; now we can test that theory on singing and nonsinging males in different seasons.” On Whale Trust’s to-do list: Analyze the song of humpback whale populations in four locations across the North Pacific over three seasons. Different populations sing different songs, which transform gradually over time. When populations mix, so does song. “We’re finding Spring-Summer 2018 27
“One of the great truths about whale biology is how much we don’t know.”
No one is sure why humpbacks breach, but they seem to do so far more often in breeding and calving waters. The calves learn breaching via imitation, and are adorably floppy while they are learning.
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Audition in the key of sea: A curious humpback approaches a hydrophone that’s been picking up his song. Whale songs contain a series of repeated themes; the spectrogram at the top of pages 24 and 25 show such a series. Though the themes change gradually, every singer within a specific population sings the same song, at the same time. To hear an example of whale song, visit WhaleTrust.com. This photograph by Flip Nicklin/Minden Pictures was taken under NMFS scientific research permits 987 & 753-1599.
ILLUSTRATION: MATT FOSTER; TOP: FLIP NICKLIN/MINDEN PICTURES
WHAR SHE BLOWS Learn what’s new in whale research at Whale Tales 2018. Talks will be held February 16 through 18 at The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua, and on the 19th at the Hyatt Regency Maui. There will also be whale-watch cruises and other activities. Over the last eleven years, Whale Tales activities have raised more than $575,000 for research and education through the Whale Tales Beneficiaries Program. For a list of presenters, schedule of events, and information on becoming a sponsor, visit WhaleTales.org. WEB EXCLUSIVE: See and hear a
humpback sing at WhaleTrust.org/ singing-behavior-of-humpback-whales.
THERE’S MORE TO THE TALE
Can’t make it to Whale Tales? Kā‘anapali makes it easy to learn about Maui’s part-time cetaceans any time of year. The Whale Center of Hawai‘i is an interactive, educational experience that integrates robotics, the latest technology and scientific discoveries, VR (virtual reality) and AR (augmented reality) with original exhibits from the former Whalers Village Museum. Open Tuesday–Sunday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Whalers Village Shopping Center, Third Level To learn more about whale behaviors and other life under the sea, head
that whales across the Pacific share song patterns, which means that populations are mixing in some way. It appears now that song is also a measure of populations’ interactions across the Pacific, which has implications for management.” Meaning: the people in charge of protecting humpback whales at the governmental level in different countries may have to broaden their concept of whose whales are whose, and shift their methods accordingly. Darling adds, “We have a really good idea of what singers do [in structuring their song], when they do it [breeding times], and who they do it to [other adult males], but still no clear idea why. All the ideas out there—and there are lots of them—are still speculation.” And for a researcher who loves a puzzle as much as Darling does, that’s pretty great. “I was as surprised as anyone when the [genetic] data came back [that all singers were] males. One of the great truths about whale biology is that all we learn is how much we don’t know.” Images were taken under NOAA research permit #15240 and NOAA MMHSRP permit #tel:932-1905 during research and response-related activities outlined by these permits.
towards Whalers Village’s Whale Pavilion (where the whale skeleton is) for a Whale Talk presented by a representative from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, 11 a.m.–1 p.m. on the half-hour. Maui Ocean Center has partnered with Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa to establish the Hawaiian Marine Life Hale. Stop by to learn more about humpbacks and their migration patterns, other marine life, reef etiquette and snorkel safety tips. Open daily along the beach path fronting the Sheraton, 9 a.m.–noon. The Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary welcomes and trains volunteers for school and community outreach, sea-turtle strandings, and more. The minimum commitment is six months—perfect for those who, like the whales, spend their winters on Maui. 726 S. Kīhei Rd., Kīhei; 808-879-2818 or toll free 1-800-831-4888
Spring-Summer 2018 29
USMC/CPL. REECE LODDER
30 Kā‘anapali Magazine
lono’s Season Hawaiians call it Makahiki—the months when work and warfare cease in celebration of a god’s return. �tory by teya penniman
Lewa Makali‘i, lewa Na-huihui Swings the Pleiades, Makali‘i, swings the Cluster, na Huihui From the creation chant Kumulipo
Opposite: A modern-day procession in Waimānalo, O‘ahu, signals the arrival of Makahiki. The wooden staff, with its crosspiece draped in white kapa and feather lei, represents the god Lono. Top: The Pleiades determine Makahiki, the beginning of the Hawaiian year, but dates vary. Here’s how the Bishop Museum Planetarium explains the calculation: Wait for the Pleiades to rise at sunset (November 17 in 2017). Watch for the next new moon, and the first crescent moon that follows this new moon. It should be visible in the west at dusk (on December 1 in 2017), the official start of Makahiki. Above: A drawing by John Webber captures a boxing match held for Captain Cook “at Owyhee, Sandwich Islands,” on January 28, 1779. The warm welcome Cook first received in Hawai‘i had much to do with the uncanny resemblance his ships’ sails bore to the effigy of Lono, and to a coincidence of timing—he arrived, like Lono, during Makahiki.
Once a year, as the sun slips into the ocean, a cluster of stars rises from the East. The Pleiades, known in Hawaiian as Makali‘i, signals Makahiki season, whose ancient ceremonies celebrate Lono—god of thunder, rain and harvest. Before European contact, the practices of Makahiki helped islanders manage the bounty of land and sea, and mandated four months of peace and festivities. Priests closed the temples associated with Kū, the god of war. Bloodshed and many forms of manual labor halted. The people honored Lono and his power to ensure future crops. In Hawaiian belief, each aspect of life has its own god, and each god can take many forms, or kino lau. The sacred is inextricably linked to the natural world, for all parts of nature are manifestations of the divine. Lono’s many kino lau include the kukui tree, clouds and the sweet potato. According to Miki‘ala Pescaia, a Hawaiian cultural practitioner on Moloka‘i, incorporating those kino lau in worship engages the god himself. Among the Hawaiian pantheon, Lono is the only deity who departs and returns with the seasons, and the only god who each year circumnavigates all the islands. In Hawaiian Mythology, folklorist Martha Beckwith recounts this legend: In a fit of jealousy, Lono kills his wife, Kaikilani, after overhearing a stranger address her as his lover. Overcome with anguish, Lono establishes games of physical and mental skill to honor her memory, then “he embarked in a triangular boat . . . and sailed to a foreign land,” promising to return. In old Hawai‘i, Lono’s priests reenacted the god’s circuit around each island, carrying an effigy called the akua loa, or “long god”: a great wooden staff with a carved human head. Sheets of white kapa (bark cloth), feather lei and ferns fluttered from its crosspiece. Chiefs, commoners, and priests traveled in this procession, stopping at every altar marking the boundary of an ahupua‘a, the traditional land division. At each boundary, the local people paid tribute in bananas, sugar cane, pudding, kapa, feathers for cape making . . . the best from their villages. Farmers sought assurance of plentiful rain; chiefs accepted tributes as a levy of taxes. If the Spring -Summer 2018 31
Crackling is the voice of the thunder, Crackling within the shining black cloud, Broken are the mountain springs below, The god returns and dwells in the clefts; The god returns and dwells in obscurity, The god Lono returns and dwells in the softened soil.
From Fornander’s Collection of Hawaiian Antiquities and Folklore
offerings were sufficient, the akua loa moved on, ushering in festivities presided over by akua pā‘ani—the god of sports and games. Kepā Maly, ethnographer and executive director of Lāna‘i Culture and Heritage Center, says these ceremonial tributes allowed the people to take stock of their resources; abundant offerings signaled healthy lands and reefs. “Makahiki,” Maly says, “is about knowing that resources have limitations. If we take too much today we will have zero for tomorrow.” Pescaia emphasizes Makahiki’s value as a respite from war. She theorizes that Moloka‘i, a place of many resources, was also easy prey for marauding chiefs from other islands. During the four months of Makahiki, “People could tend to their nets, fix canoes, spend time with family, make plans, or teach their children without having their guard up.” After the akua loa had traversed an ahupua‘a, the people of the district held feasts and competitions that lasted for weeks, with foot races, wrestling, spear throwing, chanting, tug-of-war, and demonstrations of 32 Kā‘anapali Magazine
intellect. Boxing, by both men and women, became especially prominent at the games. Makahiki rituals faded as Hawai‘i experienced a sea change in religion and politics. Queens Ka‘ahumanu and Keōpūolani abolished the kapu system of laws in 1819, and heiau (temples) were later destroyed. But in some areas, Makahiki ceremonies persisted, including pockets of Moloka‘i. Pescaia says that when her grandmother was a child, she camped for weeks with her family at the Makahiki grounds at Nā‘iwa, seeing the last of the traditional celebrations. Decades later, Pescaia’s grandmother and other elders asked, “How blessed could we be if we [expressed] our thankfulness the way our ancestors used to?” Moloka‘i’s modern Makahiki festival grew from that thought, drawing competitors and spectators from across the islands. The reflowering of Hawaiian culture has accompanied a growing appreciation for the lessons of Makahiki. Kepā Maly says, “It connects people with the sacred, familial relationship shared with the land.” When the Makali‘i climbed from the eastern horizon at sunrise and was no longer visible in the night sky, Hawai‘i’s harvest festival drew to a close. Towards the end of the festivities, men lifted a large net filled with many kinds of food and shook it. Food slipping through the mesh promised a time of plenty—the opposite warned of famine. An unpainted canoe was put to sea, lifting the kapu on farming and fishing. Filled with a basket of food, the canoe was set adrift: Lono departing the island. This story first appeared in the November/December 2012 issue of Maui Nō Ka ‘Oi Magazine.
LEFT: USMC/CPL. REECE LODDER; RIGHT: HAWAI‘I STATE ARCHIVES
Recent years have seen a return of Makahiki festivities. This ceremony took place in November at Bellows Air Force Station, O‘ahu. The men in the foreground bear ho‘okupu, gifts of sugar cane and taro. Inset photos from the Hawai‘i State Archives depict games of kōnane (Hawaiian checkers) and ‘ulu maika, a type of bowling.
IMAGES COURTESY OF AUBREY HORD PHOTOGRAPHY AND KĀ‘ANAPALI BEACH HOTEL
Makahiki at ka¯‘anapali beach hotel
Stay at Kā‘anapali Beach Hotel this winter, and you might notice a small, native fern in your room, placed there by Housekeeping. It’s one of a number of indigenous plants that the hotel’s departments have been cultivating for Makahiki, which began in November and continues through March. Housekeeping took on the kuleana (responsibility) of caring for the ferns throughout this season. Food and Beverage employees grew māmaki, whose leaves are used to make tea. Accounting staff chose maile to grow in their offices; it’s a vine that doesn’t need much sun. At an opening ceremony hosted by Kā‘anapali Beach Hotel on November 22, a representative from each department presented one of the cultivated plants to a kahu (Hawaiian priest) as a ho‘okupu (offering). The hotel has conducted ceremonies to honor Makahiki since 2007. Now the plants are part of its efforts to mālama honua (care for Island Earth)—a message spread around the world by the Hawaiian voyaging canoe Hōkūle‘a. When the canoe visited Maui last August, hotel staff joined crewmembers, students and 500 local volunteers in planting 5,000 indigenous plants in Honolua Valley, part of the Pu‘u Kukui Watershed Preserve. When Makahiki ends, staff will collect the plants they’ve cultivated on the hotel grounds and move them to Honolua Valley to help restore the native forest that once thrived on these slopes. For Dee Coyle, organizer of the hotel’s Makahiki events, the process of helping reforest the valley is a way “to educate our employees and guests about the importance of native plants.” The word ‘recreation’ (for which Makahiki is known) “also means to ‘re-create,’” says Coyle. “That’s what we’re doing—we’re starting something new.”—Kyle Ellison
Kā‘anapali Beach Hotel invites everyone to attend festivities of dance and chant that commemorate the close of the Makahiki season in March. In the top left photo, a warrior holds Lono’s staff, whose crosspiece and kapa so resembled the masts and sails of Captain Cook’s ships that islanders mistook him for the god. Bottom photo: Organizer Dee Coyle holds a native plant to present as a ho‘okupu, or ceremonial offering.
Spring -Summer 2018 33
Maui Plein Air
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Maui artist Ronaldo Macedo captures a coastal scene during the 2017 Invitational’s Quick Draw Paint Out at Hanaka‘ō‘ō Beach Park. The result is the oil painting at left.
BRADLEY W. PAULSON; OPPOSITE TOP: JOSE MORALES
Painting Invitational “We paint history,” says Ronaldo Macedo, founder of the Maui Plein Air Painting Invitational, now in its thirteenth year. “We capture a moment that will never be exactly repeated.” During the Invitational, which runs February 17 to 25, two-dozen accomplished plein-air painters from Hawai‘i and the U.S. Mainland (and one artist from Australia) will set up easels all over Maui to capture island scenes on canvas—and invite you to watch. On February 23, 125 of the paintings will be on display, and for sale, at an artists’ reception that for one night will turn the Royal Lahaina Resort ballroom into a gallery. Painting en plein air (outdoors) became popular in France in the 1850s after the invention of the collapsible paint tube. Before that time, artists kept their paints simmering on a stove so they wouldn’t harden. The paint tube did more than merely free artists from their studios—it opened up new possibilities for capturing the essence of nature. “The best way to paint a landscape accurately is to be outside,” says Opposite, from left: Maryland artist Hiu Lai Chong captured the contemplative mood of a hula dancer at the 2017 Afternoon Paint Out. Oregon’s James McGrew and Utah’s Josh Clare were among the artists finding her their muse.
STORY BY HEIDI POOL
Jean Stern, executive director of the Irvine Museum Collection at the University of California at Irvine. Stern returns to the island to present a lecture during the Invitational, and to judge the works in the final exhibit. “Maui is perfect for plein-air painting; there’s clear and intense light, and the colors are true.” Indeed, plein-air painting is all about the light. While the Invitational includes several timed competitions—such as the Kick Off Paint Out at Lahaina Harbor, and the Quick Draw Paint Out just south of the Hyatt Regency at Hanaka‘ō‘ō Park (known locally as “Canoe Beach”)—plein-air artists are always in a race for time, usually completing a painting in two to three hours, before the light changes. For Macedo, the Invitational isn’t just about capturing light. “We capture the heart and soul of Maui,” he says. Having mainland and international artists join their island counterparts brings fresh eyes to the event. “Often, visiting artists find things to paint that we [who live here] have overlooked.” Spring -Summer 2018 35
Top to bottom, left to right: New Mexico‘s Joe Anna Arnett draws onlookers at the 2017 Quick Draw. This small wonder by Californian Debra Huse appeared in the Mini Paintings Silent Auction. At the Kick Off, Maui’s Michael Clements captures Lahaina’s waterfront in pastels. Kneeling helps Leon Holmes gain perspective. A visitor observes Clements at work. Californian Rita Pacheco gives literal yet lyrical expression to Canoe Beach.
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eVenTS aT a GLanCe
Saturday, February 17: Kick Off Paint Out, Lahaina Harbor, 7:30– 11:30 a.m. • Art Sale, Pioneer Inn Courtyard, 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m. Sunday, February 18: Youth Paint Out, Campbell Park, 10 a.m.– 2 p.m. • Reception, Pioneer Inn, 2:30–3:30 p.m.
Monday, February 19: The Artists’ Mini-Painting Silent Auction, Pioneer Inn, 6–7 p.m.; final bidding 8–8:15 p.m. • “Artists of Influence, The Evolution of Art through the Ages,” lecture by Irvine Museum Collection executive director Jean Stern, Pioneer Inn Courtyard, 7–8 p.m. The Invitational depends nearly entirely upon sponsors and volunteers, and boasts strong community backing, with local families hosting all visiting artists. And the support goes both ways: every year, at least one coveted space for each workshop is given to a local high school art student. Also, a portion of proceeds from art sales benefits the Maui Arts League, whose aim is to promote arts education and appreciation in our island community, as well as raise funds for the future West Maui Fine Art Museum. Is there a protocol for approaching an artist working on location? Since time is of the essence, “it’s best to just watch,” says Macedo. “If the artist invites conversation, it’s all right to chat.”
Friday, February 23: Quick Draw Paint Out, Hanaka‘ō‘ō Park (Canoe Beach), 9–11 a.m. • Art to Heart Gala & Art Sale, Royal Lahaina Resort, 6–9 p.m. Saturday, February 24: Artists’ Aloha Reception & Art Sale, Royal Lahaina Resort Ballroom, 10 a.m.–3 p.m. • Artists’ Panel Discussion with Q&A, Royal Lahaina Resort, 3–4 p.m. Sunday, February 25: Artists’ Mahalo Gathering & Art Sale, Royal Lahaina Resort Ballroom, 10 a.m.–3 p.m. • Art Enthusiasts’ Panel Discussion with Q&A, Royal Lahaina Resort Ballroom, 3–4 p.m. For more details, including pre- and post-Invitational workshops, visit MauiPleinAirPainting.org.
ALL PHOTOS: BRADLEY W. PAULSON; EXCEPT OPPOSITE MIDDLE LEFT: JOSE MORALES
Above: Australia’s Leon Holmes (left) takes Best in Show at last year’s Maui Plein Air Painting Invitational. With him is Jean Stern, executive director of the Irvine Museum Collection at UC–Irvine. Below: Artists and aficionados gather in the Royal Lahaina’s ballroom for the 2017 Artists’ Aloha Reception and panel discussion.
Wednesday, February 21: Afternoon Paint Out, 3–6 p.m., Montage Kapalua Bay • Art Sale, Montage Kapalua Bay, 6:30–8 p.m.
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�tory by kyle ellison
Photography by jason moore
Our intrepid writer follows the lead of his Ka‘anapali Surf Club guide as they paddle past Pu‘u Keka‘a, the lava promontory known colloquially as Black Rock.
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Kayaking strokes are easily mastered, but guides still offer a quick lesson to fine-tune the techniques.
It’s 8 a.m. and I’m sitting on the beach below The Westin Maui Resort & Spa. Or, more precisely, I’m sitting in a kayak that’s sitting on the sand, preparing for an “island sleigh ride.” That’s what guide Avery Lau calls it when he grabs the back of my kayak and sprints down the sand, pushing the vessel into the water—while I’m seated inside. It’s a practical means of getting past the shore break, and a fun way to kick off the morning’s oneand-a-half-mile tour. Ka‘anapali Surf Club offers the only kayaking tours along Kā‘anapali Beach, and despite the surge in popularity of standup paddleboarding, many people still prefer kayaking, which doesn’t require as much balance, and lets you relax and enjoy the view. Before we headed into the water, Avery had given me a review of basic steering and strokes, saying to keep the paddle as vertical as possible when the blade enters the water, and that paddling backwards on one side will help me stop or turn. 40 Kā‘anapali Magazine
Minutes later, we glide past the shore break and are cruising through the crystalline waters about fifty yards from shore, watching schools of colorful reef fish swim beneath our boats. Our early start lets us beat the blustery afternoon winds and enjoy a calm, peaceful paddle to Pu‘u Keka‘a, or “Black Rock.” As we approach the lava-rock promontory, Avery points out an orange umbrella that marks our landing site, where we’ll beach our kayaks and jump into the water to snorkel, but not before we enjoy an adventure around the rock’s “backside.” More than thirty feet high, Pu‘u Keka‘a separates Kā‘anapali’s two beaches, whose northern part is known as Kahekili Beach, or, colloquially, Airport Beach, for its proximity to the old West Maui airport. Formed by an ancient lava flow, the rock is sacred to native Hawaiians as a leina a ka ‘uhane, a place where the soul departs this world and leaps into eternity. This is the spot where King Kahekili, the eighteenth-century ruler, famously practiced
We paddle past Pu‘u Keka‘a, where a Maui chief challenged fate.
Getting to relax and enjoy the view makes kayaking a popular water sport. No surface tension here!
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Avery offers a second “sleigh ride,” pulling Kyle’s kayak onto the sand before they grab snorkel gear to see how the other half lives. . . .
lele kawa, the ancient sport of cliff jumping. While the rock itself isn’t very high, it required exceptional mana, or strength, to defy the gods and return unscathed. Luckily for us, it doesn’t require too much strength to paddle around the backside, where Pu‘u Keka‘a rises so abruptly it blocks out the morning sun. Snorkelers rarely venture back here, where the water is close to thirty feet deep and marine life stays far below the surface, so we have the area to ourselves as we watch ‘a‘ama, or black crabs, scuttle across the rocks. There’s a sense of seclusion here, and a calm that comes from simply sitting on the water. After five minutes of relaxing in the shadow, we turn our kayaks around and Avery tells me to get ready, since “the view around the corner is the best one on the trip.” Sure enough, as we return to the south side, we’re met not only by sunshine, but by a sweeping view of the summit of West Maui’s mountain, 5,787 feet in elevation and one of the world’s wettest spots. This morning, however, it’s free of clouds, and keeps a watchful eye on us as we slowly paddle up to the beach 42 Kā‘anapali Magazine
and park our boats on the sand. Once we don our snorkeling gear and head out into the water, Avery doubles as a snorkeling guide who’s always right by my side. Or, as he says with a laugh, he’s “right there like an insecure boyfriend—constantly asking if you’re ok.” Over the course of the thirty-minute snorkel, he points out everything from starfish to their cousins, brittle stars, and from he‘e (octopus) to honu—the Hawaiian green sea turtles that graze on limu (seaweed) growing on submerged rocks. As we swim through the shallows, we even stop to “run rock” in the sand—a classic island exercise of diving to the bottom, picking up a rock, and running as far as you can. Back in front of The Westin Maui at the end of the two-hour tour, I feel tired, but also refreshed, energized, and healthy. That’s one of the strong points of Ka‘anapali Surf Club’s kayaking tours, says Lucas Teixeira, the club’s director of water sports. “We’re far enough from Black Rock that it isn’t too close, but close enough that it isn’t too far. Plus, when the whales are breaching offshore, we have front-row seats to the show!”
Federal and Hawai‘i State laws prohibit people from getting close to endangered sea turtles—but there’s no penalty for honu who decide to check out the humans.
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Above: A he‘e (octopus) moves surreptitiously over coral that makes her difficult to see. Below: White bar surgeonfish and yellow convict tangs cruise the reef, grazing on algae.
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If You Go
Ka‘anapali Surf Club’s kayaking tours depart at 8 a.m. daily in front of The Westin Maui. Group tours start at $99/person for a tandem kayak. Private tours are available for less-experienced swimmers, small children and people with disabilities; and prices include snorkel gear and rash guards. For tour options and other information, visit Kaanapali SurfClub.com.
A Christmas wrasse sporting psychedelic colors, and Moorish idols striped in yellow, black and white, stand out against the coral amid more camouflaged reef fish.
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Monkeypod kitchen Like a fine wine, restaurateur Peter Merriman improves with age—as his new Kā‘anapali venture reveals �tory by becky speere Photography by steve czerniak & mieko horikoshi
Tucked into locally made tortillas, fresh, line-caught fish will remind you of a Baja street-food encounter. Pair it with one of Monkeypod’s thirty-six draft beers.
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When Peter Merriman opened his first restaurant, Merriman’s Waimea, on Hawai‘i Island thirty years ago, it firmly established this chef extraordinaire as one of the twelve founding stars of Hawai‘i Regional Cuisine. Two decades later, he proved his mettle again with Merriman’s Kapalua; and in 2011, with partner Bill Terry, opened Monkeypod Kitchen in Wailea. Since then, the readers of Maui Nō Ka ‘Oi Magazine have voted Monkeypod a dozen Gold and Silver ‘Aipono Awards, including Restaurant of the Year two years running: 2016 and 2017. As I enter the open-air Monkeypod Kitchen at Whalers Village with my husband, Chris, and my mother-in-law, Florence, I’m curious: Will this newest iteration by Peter Merriman live up to its proud heritage? We head past the dining room’s thirty-two-seat bar, its turquoise fishing floats forming a translucent wall. I’m already anticipating the cloudlike liliko‘i foam atop one of my favorite cocktails: the award-winning Monkeypod mai tai created by Jason Vendrell, Monkeypod Wailea’s sommelier and bar manager/mixologist. According to restaurant lore, the drink became so popular, Merriman’s dedicated a warehouse to the ingredients for the award-winning cocktail.
Above: “Lucky Live Hawai‘i” resonates with locals and visitors alike—a reminder to enjoy all the good the islands have to offer. Case in point: garlic truffle-oil fries with Parmesan cheese, whole-grain mustard aioli and Monkeypod ketchup. The Monkeypod Mai Tai has Old Lahaina rum, orange curaçao and house-made macadamia-nut orgeat, topped with honey-liliko‘i foam. Find the recipe at MauiMagazine.net/Monkeypod-Mai-Tai.
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Top photo: At Monkeypod Kitchen, diners enjoy spacious, open-air seating and a view of the island of Lāna‘i across the ‘Au‘au Channel. Above left: “Pete’s Fresh Fish & Chips” puts a local spin on a classic, with line-caught mahimahi cooked tempura style and served with crispy fries and malted vinegar aioli. Above middle: Vietnamese flavors spice up Monkeypod’s banh mi burger: beef from locally raised, grass-fed cattle, served on a toasted bun with marinated daikon and carrots. Above right: Crunchy Waihe‘e Valley mac nuts, mandarin orange and sweet Maui onion grace an organic kale salad dressed with miso sesame vinaigrette.
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As we settle into our seats, Christian, our server, says, “You should try the Nō Ka ‘Oi martini made with honeyed liliko‘i, muddled Thai basil, and Maui Ocean Vodka. It’s our second most popular cocktail, and one of my favorites.” Soon all eyes are on the white-capped mai tais Chris and Florence have ordered, and on my bright, sunflower-yellow martini. The refreshing lime and tropical fruit flavors burst on my taste buds and my brain registers another fave drink from Jason’s repertoire. Florence and Chris have broad smiles. Christian says to me, “If you think Nō Ka ‘Oi with vodka is good, you need to try it with tequila.” I tuck that into my “next visit” drink list . . . or perhaps, this time?
Monkeypod’s pizzas are hand tossed and flat-out delicious. Examples? The Proletariat (left) comes topped with pepperoni, all-natural sausage, green peppers, olives and fresh mozzarella. Or dig into the Hāmākua wild mushroom pizza with truffle oil, Parmesan, fresh thyme and white sauce. Decisions, decisions!
Merriman’s reputation precedes him: In the dining room, families, millennials, and every other age group are enjoying Monkeypod dishes, while guests crowd the bar, sipping cocktails and waiting their turn at tables. The open kitchens add to the upbeat vibe as pizza and pantry chefs work their stations. From a corner stage, a musician serenades with contemporary Hawaiian tunes, the music vying with boisterous conversations. The menu is similar to Monkeypod Wailea’s, with the addition of a fresh-ground Maui Cattle Company beef burger served bahn mi style, topped with a tangled, crunchy mélange of marinated tart-sweet veggies. Along with the burger, we order the ever-sublime roasted butternut squash ravioli with walnut-sage pesto, napped in a goat cheese-lemon cream; Kaua‘i shrimp and Hāmākua oyster mushroom potstickers atop a garlic-ginger and citrus soy-mustard sauce; a seafood trio tasting of red, über-fresh ‘ahi (tuna) macadamia-nut poke; Tahitian-style ono (wahoo) poisson cru in lime and coconut cream tossed with crisp radishes and cucumbers; and sliced tako poke in soy, jalapeño and lemon. Florence confesses, “I’ve never eaten octopus before . . . never thought I’d like it, but this is delicious. What do you think is in the sauce?” She masterfully reaches with her chopsticks for another slice. Family style, we share a perfectly cooked, medium-rare New York strip steak, garlicky jalapeño mashed potatoes, a generous portion of green beans, and golden macadamia nut-crusted, fresh mahimahi. We also opt for charred Brussels sprouts with Parmesan and spicy broccoli tossed in chili-soy sauce. We’re full, but how could we leave without treating ourselves to one—
or two—of Monkeypod’s signature pies? Strawberry pie (I think it should be renamed “strawberry dream pie,” because you will dream about it later) and banana cream pie arrive at our table, only to disappear, Houdini-like, from our plates. As we prepare to leave, I can’t help but notice that, although it’s nearly 9 o’clock, the restaurant crowd is not thinning, but growing. I ask Christian, “What’s up with all these young people coming in so late?” He explains that Monkeypod has two happy hours: one from 3:30 to 5 p.m., the other from 9 to 11 p.m. “It’s one of the most popular spots in Kā‘anapali for late-night happy hour; a lot of guests, plus employees who are just getting off work, come in for food and drink.” As we make our happily sated departure, it’s clear that the word is out on Peter Merriman’s latest endeavor. I recall something he said that explains, in part, the quality of his cuisine—while illustrating his penchant for sharing the credit: “We started doing ‘farm to table’ before it had a name,” said Merriman. “We were in search of the freshest, best-tasting food. It’s been my honor to work with the farmers, ranchers and fishermen of Hawai‘i over the past thirty years. They’re the folks who make us chefs look great.” Monkeypod Kitchen Whalers Village 2435 Kā‘anapali Parkway | 878-6763 | MonkeypodKitchen.com
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e h K t itche n I n
a d n o h shi n o oriko d n eko h y l f e mi y h b e C tography v i t u o with Sheraton Maui ’s Exec ky speere Ph y b ec b �tory
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When Hurricane Iselle roared across the Pacific in 2014 and devastated Hawai‘i Island, Chef Lyndon Honda organized Maui’s top chefs to help survivors. The chefs set up food stations at The Mill House, a restaurant in Maui’s central valley, with all proceeds—$28,000—going to disaster relief. For Honda, helping others seems only natural. “My mom was a single parent who raised me and my brother,” he says. “Although we weren’t rich, we didn’t starve. Her fisherman friends would [often] give us fish: aku [skipjack], akule [scad]. We were lucky.” In 1990, at the age of seventeen, Honda enrolled in the Culinary Institute of the Pacific, part of the University of Hawai‘i. It turned out to be a good choice. “I’ve spent twenty of my twentyfive work years holding an executive chef position,” he says. When he was twenty-six, Honda started managing the food-service program at UH’s Mānoa campus. Eventual job offers on Maui led to a position as corporate chef for Nā Hoaloha ‘Ekolu, an award-winning restaurant group. (Among the young chefs working the line helmed by Honda was Sheldon Simeon, who would go on to be a fan favorite on Bravo Channel’s Top Chef.) Before joining the Sheraton, Honda owned Laulima Events and Catering, a private-chef and culinary-consulting company, but gave it up when the hotel opportunity arose. “I need to be challenged and I didn’t feel it, running my own business,” he explains. “I had a lot of clients, but I wanted to teach again. I wanted a team to work with so I could accomplish more.” Since April 2017, as Sheraton’s executive chef in charge of operations, Honda has managed fifty cooks and thirty stewards at the hotel’s four restaurants. Cliff Dive Grill is a casual oceanside venue offering burgers, brews, tropical cocktails . . . and a great view of the iconic lava-rock prominence Pu‘u Keka‘a. The poolside Mai Tai Bar is known for light fare (try the avocado fries), and delicious cocktails prepared by akamai (knowledgeable) bartenders. Sheraton’s Maui Nui Lū‘au specializes in traditional and contemporary island dishes, such as Pacific catch in ginger lemongrass-butter sauce, slow-roasted kalua pork, and pūlehu (grilled) soy-glazed chicken with Maui Gold pineapple salsa—all served with a side of Polynesian dance and storytelling. The flagship Black Rock Kitchen and Lounge serves breakfast á la carte or buffet style, and lavish dinners featuring quality local produce; blue-cheese brûlée rib-eye steaks and tai snapper with soy truffle dashi are just two of Black Rock’s new creations. When I ask what drives Honda’s work ethic, he says, “Mentoring, inspiring and developing a chef is the most rewarding job. I see it as my turn to give back. I enjoy creating new menu items and teaching the cooks new techniques. It’s my life. It’s where I feel the happiest.”
On the menu at Black Rock Kitchen: (opposite page) pan-seared scallops with foie gras, butternut squash, pearl couscous and pomegranate agrodolce; (top left) jumbo shrimp with local corn tamale, chorizo and tomatillo; (top right) spicy Korean chicken wings with kochujang ranch; (inset) Hawaiian ‘ahi “poke‘tini” with Maui onion, ogo, inamona and Hawaiian chili pepper (inset). Below: Working with other culinary pros ignites Chef Honda’s creativity.
Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa 2605 Kā‘anapali Parkway 808-921-4600 | Sheraton-Maui.com/Dining-in-Maui
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So many choices at Kā‘anapali for breakfast on Maui’s sunset side! �tory by becky speere Kā‘anapali Beach Hotel
Arrive at this Sunday brunch bonanza, and your first question is sure to be, “Where to begin?” Head for the omelet station, and have the chef make yours to order? Steer towards the seafood bar for crab legs, oysters, and ‘ahi poke? How about the cold bar’s pohole (fiddlehead fern), cranberry-broccoli salad, lomilomi salmon, and poi? Have juicy prime rib, roasted leg of lamb, and guava-glazed ham carved to your desire—but know that seventeen more plantation-inspired entrées 52 Kā‘anapali Magazine
await, including shrimp pasta, kalua pork, barbecued beef brisket, and chow mein. How to conclude this culinary marathon? With custardy bread pudding and an oh-sosatisfied groan. 2525 Kā‘anapali Parkway, 808-661-0011
Mauka Makai
Kā‘anapali’s newest hotel named its oceanside restaurant after the traditional Hawaiian land division: from the mountain (mauka) to the sea
(makai). Like its namesake, Mauka Makai offers a bounty of dining selections. I went á la carte and chose fresh, seasonal juice with island greens, chorizo gravy atop poached eggs—a revelation of paprika and garlic flavors—on a bed of ‘ulu (breadfruit) hash, and pan-fried, kiawe-smoked bacon. And who could resist grilled pork belly in a scratch broth garnished with a sublime tempura-batter fried egg yolk? The Westin Nanea Ocean Resort Villas, 45 Kai Malina Parkway, 808-662-3000.
RYAN SIPHERS PHOTOGRAPHY & KĀ‘ANAPALI BEACH HOTEL
Rise and Shine
Above, from left: Breakfast acquires a Spanish accent at Mauka Makai, with chorizo sausage gravy on poached eggs and ‘ulu hash. Roasted new potatoes and sweet Maui onions buddy up with poached eggs and house-cured, kiawesmoked bacon. Our favorite hangover cure: Island-style saimin noodles in a velvety butter broth with crispy pork belly. Right: Pow-abunga! Choice’s açai bowl will kick-start your morning with granola, fresh fruit, almonds and honey, drenched in mac-nut milk. Opposite: Kā‘anapali Beach Hotel’s breakfast buffet has more than sixty dishes to choose from. Don’t make plans for the rest of the day after booking this feast!
TOP (3): BECKY SPEERE; RIGHT: MIEKO HORIKOSHI
Choice
Choice makes vegetarian dining delicious, with organic salads, superfood desserts and Buddha bowls. A new açai bowl, POW-abunga, drenches berries, almonds, and plant-based protein in macadamia-nut milk and tops it all with crunchy granola, fruits, almond butter and honey. A state-of-the-art cold-press juicer creates delicious green juices, tangy citrus blends and soothing watermelon-cucumber coolers. Or release your inner Cookie Monster with a smoothie of the same name: a blend of coffee, dates, almonds, banana, coconut, shilajit (a Himalayan mineral compound), plant protein, and cacao nibs. Zeolite clay, a flavorless detoxifying powder, makes the smoothie creamy and rich. Dine in or take out. Whalers Village, 2435 Kā‘anapali Parkway, 808-667-0585
Island Press Coffee
When I staycation in Kā‘anapali, this is my go-to place for coffee and locally baked banana bread. I walk up the hill to the coffee shop, read the paper and people-watch. It’s my Zen time. Owner Ken Park sources the island’s best coffee beans and baked goods. He says, “Maui coffee has been beating Kona coffee at competitions for the last Spring -Summer 2018 53
seven years!” Take home bags of Mauigrown roasted mokka, red and yellow catuai, and peaberry. They’re the perfect thank-you gift for your sister in Michigan who’s watching your pooch. A loaf of that delicious banana bread tucks nicely into a suitcase, too! Fairway Shops, 2580 Keka‘a Drive, 808-667-2003
Auntie’s Kitchen
Left: You’re on vacation—who says you can’t indulge your sweet tooth at breakfast? Island Press Coffee pairs its house brew with assorted treats from Maui Sweet Cakes and other island bakers. Below, from left: At Auntie’s Kitchen, smoked salmon positively blossoms with flavor atop avocado toast made from Maui crunch bread and piled high with island vegetables and Surfing Goat Dairy feta. Or go local with a hamburger steak plate lunch: a wagyu burger patty, macaroni salad, mushroom gravy, and lup cheong fried rice with caramelized onions.
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LEFT: MIEKO HORIKOSHI; BOTTOM (2): BECKY SPEERE
Avo toast? Imagine my surprise when a dish worthy of Monet’s palette arrived at my table. Thick ribbons of lox, crumbled feta, capers, and a tangle of beets, carrots and edible flowers lay open-faced on two thick slices of whole-wheat toast. Delicious! Want something meatier? Dive into the hamburger steak plate lunch: a half-pound Angus beef burger atop a mound of lup cheong (Chinese sausage) fried rice, smothered in pan gravy and sautéed onions, with Auntie’s macaroni salad on the side. And don’t miss the haupia French toast with a scoop of fresh macadamia-nut gelato. Auntie’s Kitchen will make you wish you lived next door. The Westin Kā‘anapali Ocean Resort Villas, 6 Kai Ala Drive, 808-667-3259
Dining Guide RR Reservations recommended $ Average entrée under $15 $$ Under $25 $$$ Under $40 $$$$ $40+
Auntie’s Kitchen, The Westin Kā‘anapali Ocean Resort Villas, 667-3200. Enjoy breakfast (à la carte or buffet), lunch or dinner. Fresh fish dishes, plate lunches, and burgers mingle with other local fare. 7 a.m.–9 p.m. Happy Hour 3–5 p.m. Local Mixed Plate. $–$$ Beach Bar, The Westin Maui Resort & Spa, 667-2525. This oceanfront pool bar serves beer, wine and award-winning cocktails. Light meals include seared ‘ahi wraps, stone-fired personal pizzas, Wagyu burgers, shrimp summer rolls, desserts and more. 11 a.m.– 9 p.m. Happy Hour 7–9 p.m. $$ Beach Walk Kau Kau to Go, Marriott’s Maui Ocean Club, 667-1200. The perfect place for breakfast and lunchtime sandwiches, cold drinks, snacks, and salad entrées. Featuring Pizza Cucina (gluten-free option available) and local dishes. 6:30 a.m.–7 p.m. $$ Black Rock Kitchen, Sheraton Maui, 808-921-4600. Choose the breakfast buffet with made-toorder omelets and build-your-own waffles; or go à la carte. Dinner brings farm-to-table options with an island twist. Try the ‘ahi poke‘tini, Korean-style chicken wings, or bone-in rib eye. Breakfast 6:30– 11 a.m. Dinner 5:30–9 p.m. Lounge 5:30–10 p.m. American/ Hawai‘i Regional. $$–$$$ Castaway Café, Aston Maui Kaanapali Villas, 661-9091. This beachfront restaurant serves 56 Kā‘anapali Magazine
an ocean view, casual fare with a local twist, and an award-winning wine list. Breakfast 7:30 –11:30 a.m. Lunch/Dinner 11:30 a.m.–9 p.m. Happy Hour 3–6 p.m. American. $$ China Bowl Asian Cuisine, Fairway Shops, 661-0660. Cantonese, Mandarin and Szechwan dishes, plus local favorites like saimin and kau yuk. Dine in, take out, or have them deliver. Winner of Gecko Publishing’s Maui Choice Award for best Chinese cuisine. Monday– Saturday 10:30 a.m.–9:30 p.m. Sunday 11 a.m.–9:30 p.m. Kidfriendly. Chinese. $ Choice, Whalers Village, 667-0585. Juices, smoothies, salads, soups and açai bowls are all made with fresh, local ingredients. Daily specials and an epic entrèe with forbidden rice and marinated broccoli in red pepper-sesame sauce. 8 a.m.– 9:30 p.m. American. $ CJ’s Deli & Diner, Fairway Shops, 667-0968. Specializing in comfort food that’s easy on the wallet, CJ’s huge billboard menu features homemade meat loaf, deli sandwiches and burgers, alongside local favorites like loco moco, mochiko-chicken plate lunch, coconut prawns, and mahimahi with lemon-caper sauce. 7 a.m.–8 p.m. Kid-friendly. American. $ Cliff Dive Grill, Sheraton Maui, 661-0031. Cozy up to the bar— voted 2015 Silver ‘Aipono Award winner for Best Bar by the readers of Maui Nō Ka ‘Oi Magazine—and
DINING DIRECTORY (See map on page 14.) Aston Maui Kaanapali Villas, 45 Kai Ala Drive Fairway Shops, 2580 Keka‘a Drive Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa, 200 Nohea Kai Drive Hyatt Residence Club Maui, 180 Nohea Kai Drive Kā‘anapali Beach Hotel, 2525 Kā‘anapali Parkway Marriott’s Maui Ocean Club, 100 Nohea Kai Drive Royal Kā‘anapali Golf Clubhouse, 2290 Kā‘anapali Parkway Royal Lahaina Resort, 2780 Keka‘a Drive Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa, 2605 Kā‘anapali Parkway Westin Kā‘anapali Ocean Resort Villas, 6 Kai Ala Drive Westin Maui Resort & Spa, 2365 Kā‘anapali Parkway The Westin Nanea Ocean Villas, 45 Kai Malina Parkway Whalers Village, 2435 Kā‘anapali Parkway enjoy spicy chicken wings and classics like burgers, sandwiches and tacos. Sunset entertainment is like no other: torch lighting followed by a cliff diver’s leap from Pu‘u Keka‘a (Black Rock). Food service 11 a.m.–9 p.m. Aloha Hour 3–5 p.m. $$ Colonnade Café, The Westin Maui Resort & Spa, 667-2525. Treat yourself to a light breakfast or refreshing snacks beside koi-pond gardens inhabited by flamingos and swans. Selections include pastries, sandwiches, assorted wraps, smoothies, fresh fruit, Starbucks coffee and nonalcoholic specialty beverages. 5:30 a.m.– 6:30 p.m. $$ Drums of the Pacific Lū‘au, Hyatt Regency, 667-4727. Immerse yourself in an evening of Polynesian culture. Enjoy authentic song and dance (including a three-man Samoan fire-knife dance), an all-you-can-
eat buffet of island specialties, Polynesian arts and crafts, hula lesson, and an island-wear fashion show at this production voted 2017 Silver ʻAipono Award winner for Best Lūʻau. Nightly. Kidfriendly. RR $$$$ Food Court, Whalers Village. Refresh and recharge at this fast-food emporium featuring Fresh, Joey’s Kitchen, Nikki’s Pizza, and Subway. 7:30 a.m.–9 p.m. Kid-friendly. Eclectic. $ Häagen-Dazs Ice Cream Shop, Whalers Village, 667-5377. Indulge in irresistible ice creams and sorbets, a decadent warmbrownies á la mode sundae, or a signature Dazzler frozen dessert. 10 a.m.–10 p.m. Kid-friendly. $ Hank’s Haute Dogs, Sheraton Maui. Man bites dog! Man says, “Delicious!” Located oceanside, this takeaway venue offers gourmet hot dogs, snacks and
nonalcoholic refreshments. 11 a.m.–3 p.m. American. $
sandwiches and salads. 6 a.m.–10 p.m. Food served 6 a.m.–2 p.m. $
Honolulu Coffee, Hyatt Regency Maui, 661-1234. Jump-start your day with a selection of coffees, fresh-baked pastries, tropical-fruit smoothies and açai. 5:30 a.m.–8 p.m. $
Japengo, Hyatt Regency Maui, 667-4727. Winner of 2017 Gold ʻAipono Awards for Best Asian Cuisine and Best Pacific Rim Cuisine, Silver for Best Sushi, and honorable mention for Most Romantic Setting, Japengo offers world-class steaks, seafood and creative cocktails, blending the flavors of the Pacific Rim with local ingredients. Dine indoors, outdoors, or in the chic Sushi Lounge. Live music. 5:30– 9:30 p.m. Happy Hour 5–6 p.m. Seasonal pairing dinners and special events. Sushi/Pacific Rim/ Asian. RR. $$$
Hula Grill, Whalers Village, 667-6636. Winner of the 2016 ‘Aipono Award for “Best Shorts & Slippers Dining.” Dip your toes in the sand at the Barefoot Bar and enjoy live entertainment and casual fare. The open-air dining room offers unobstructed views, and dishes like fire-grilled ‘ahi steak. Bar 10:45 a.m.–10 p.m. Dining Room 4:45–9:30 p.m. Happy Hour 3–5 p.m. Kid-friendly. Hawai‘i Regional. $$–$$$ Inu Pool Bar, The Westin Nanea Ocean Villas, 662-6400. Sip hand-crafted cocktails and local draft beers paired with beyondaverage bar bites like crispy buffalo tako (octopus), poke bowl, or edamame sliders. 10:30 a.m.– 10 p.m. Happy Hour 3–6 p.m. American, Hawai‘i Regional. $$ Island Press Coffee, Fairway Shops, 667-2003. Maui-grown coffee, breakfast, sandwiches, beer, wine, ice cream and Mauimade kombucha, indoor/outdoor seating, free Wi-Fi. 6 a.m.–4 p.m. $ Island Vintage Coffee, Whalers Village, 868-4081. Perk up with a cup of coffee, or fill up with a hearty selection of açai bowls,
Joey’s Kitchen, Food Court, Whalers Village, 868-4474. Food-court fare gets a gourmet upgrade with dishes like braised short-rib pho atop house-made rice noodles, corn and sweet Filipino peppers in a rich ginger beef broth. 8 a.m.–9 p.m. Asian Fusion. $ Kā‘anapali Grille & Tap Room, Marriott’s Maui Ocean Club, 667-7733. From the people who brought Cheeseburger in Paradise to Lahaina comes this venue serving burgers, sandwiches, pizzas and salads. Dinner adds steak, fresh fish and pasta. Thirty wines under $30 a bottle. 7 a.m.–10 p.m. Happy Hour 2–5 p.m. American. $–$$ Kai Ala Market, The Westin Kā‘anapali Ocean Resort Villas, 662-2676. Purchase ready-to-
cook items and sundries at this well-stocked grocery. Choose from an appealing selection of marinated meats, fresh vegetables, salads, and more. It’s also a great place to pick up pastries, sandwiches, snacks, and beverages before you head off to explore the island. Monday– Thursday 6:30 a.m.–8 p.m. Friday–Sunday 6:30 a.m.–9 p.m. American. $ Lahaina Provision Company, Hyatt Kā‘anapali Beach, 662-1000. Choose from fresh pastries, graband-go goodies, made-to-order sandwiches, salads and hot foods, plus a fine selection of wines and fresh produce. 6 a.m.–9 p.m. (Closing time varies.) American. $ Legends of Kā‘anapali Lū‘au, Kā‘anapali Beach Hotel, 667-0128. Lei Pono Productions tells the story of Kā‘anapali through hula and narration, culminating in a fire walk. The call of the conch gathers guests for a shell-lei greeting and welcome cocktail, followed by a feast of island fare prepared by awardwinning chefs. Mondays 5–8 p.m. October–April, 5:30–8:30 p.m. May–September. RR. $$$$ Leilani’s on the Beach, Whalers Village, 661-4495. Snack on coconut shrimp, calamari, sashimi, burgers or fish tacos while enjoying the view of sparkling sands from the openair Beachside Grill. Or dine on fire-grilled daily catch, herbroasted jidori chicken, or prime rib while overlooking the ocean. Beachside Grill 11 a.m.–10:30
p.m. Dining Room 5–9:30 p.m. Aloha Hour 3–5 p.m. Kid-friendly. Steak/Seafood. RR. $$–$$$ Mai Tai Bar, Sheraton Maui, 661-0031. This beachside location at the foot of Pu‘u Keka‘a (Black Rock) offers poke bowls, sandwiches and salads 11 a.m.–3 p.m., and tropical cocktails like the classic Black Rock mai tai (light and dark rum, island fruit juices, and more than a splash of aloha). Bar service 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Happy Hour 10 a.m.–noon American. $$ Maui Nui Lū‘au at Black Rock, Sheraton Maui, 877-HULA. This oceanfront, all-you-can-eat buffet features such traditional island foods as slow-roasted kalua pork unearthed and presented fresh from the imu (underground oven), cultural arts and crafts and Polynesian entertainment. Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays (seasonal), 5:30–8:30 p.m. Kidfriendly. Pacific Rim. RR. $$$$ Mauka Makai, The Westin Nanea Ocean Villas, 662-6400. Inspired by the ancient Hawaiian way of life in the ahupua‘a (traditional Hawaiian land division), Executive Chef Ikaika Manaku’s menu honors the farming and fishing cultures of old Hawai‘i with contemporary flair. 6:30–10:30 a.m., 5:30–9 p.m. Hawaiʻi Regional. $$$$ Monkeypod Kitchen, Whalers Village, 878-6763. Locally sourced ingredients shine at this Peter Merriman restaurant that dishes up pizza, burgers, tacos and ramen. Spring -Summer 2018 57
Dining Guide RR Reservations recommended $ Average entrée under $15 $$ Under $25 $$$ Under $40 $$$$ $40+
Their best-selling Monkeypod Mai Tai is topped with honey-liliko‘i (passion fruit) foam. 11 a.m.–11 p.m. Happy Hour 3–5:30 and 9–11 p.m. Hawaiʻi Regional. $$ See story on page 46. The Myths of Maui Lū‘au, Royal Lahaina Resort, 661-9119. Maui’s longest-running oceanfront lū‘au travels through time and space to reveal the stories of Hawai‘i, Tahiti and Samoa through music, song and dance. Nightly June–August; closed Saturdays September–May. Kid-friendly. Hawaiian. RR. $$$$ Pailolo Bar & Grill, The Westin Kā‘anapali Ocean Resort Villas, 667-3200. Unwind and enjoy expansive views of the ocean and neighboring islands, plus your favorite televised sports, all in an open-air setting. Burgers, tacos, sandwiches, chicken wings and salads. And check out Pailolo’s Woodie-style food truck for some ‘ono (delicious) grinds. 10:30 a.m.–10 p.m. Happy Hour 4–6 p.m. American. $$ Paradise Grill, 2291 Kā‘anapali Pkwy., 662-3700. Fifteen different televisions make it easy to catch your favorite Direct TV game, including NBA, NCAA, NFL and hockey. Half-off listed breakfast items 7–8 a.m., halfoff listed dinner items 4–5 p.m. Bar opens at 2 p.m. with pool table and $3 Bud Light drafts. Live music. At the entrance to Kā‘anapali Resort. 8 a.m.–2 a.m. Kid-friendly. American. $$ Pau Huaka‘i Tiki Bar, Hyatt Residence Club Maui, 66258 Kā‘anapali Magazine
1000. Watch the day melt into the ocean while master mixologists entertain you with liquid libations. Full menu, including burgers, fish tacos, wraps and salads, till 8 p.m.; limited bar fare till 8 p.m. Daily, 11 a.m.–11 p.m. Happy Hour 11 a.m.–noon and 5–6 p.m. American. $ Pūlehu, an Italian Grill, The Westin Kā‘anapali Ocean Resort Villas, 667-3254. Chef Jesse Pita creates classic Italian cuisine with a fresh, sustainable twist. Winner of Maui Nō Ka ‘Oi Magazine’s 2016 Silver ‘Aipono Award for Best Italian Restaurant, it’s the perfect place to enjoy risotto-crusted fresh catch, house-made lasagna, tender rib eye, and fine wine. Thursday– Monday 5:30–9:30 p.m. Italian. RR, OpenTable.com $$$ Pu‘ukoli‘i General Store, The Westin Kā‘anapali Ocean Resort Villas, 667-3200. Carryout baked goods, deli sandwiches, salads, marinated meats for grilling, ice cream, and the store’s specialty: homemade pizzas. 6:30 a.m.– 8:30 p.m. American. $ Relish Burger Bistro, The Westin Maui Resort & Spa, 667-2525. This family-friendly outdoor venue features a poolside garden setting and bar area with TVs for sports fans. Menu includes à la carte and buffet breakfast as well as all-day dining and lounge-style selections at night. Enjoy classic burgers, salads, sandwiches, fish tacos, saimin bowls, and local plate lunches. 6:30 a.m.–10 p.m. Happy Hour 4–5 p.m. American/ Hawai‘i Regional. $$-$$$
Relish Oceanside, The Westin Maui Resort & Spa, 667-2525. Unrivaled oceanfront dining for two, as well as family-style seating amid waterfalls and glowing tiki torches. Sink your fork into island-inspired cuisine such as blue crab and macadamia-nut mahi mahi, bone-in rib eye, pork belly buns, and seared ‘ahi. Save room for delectable desserts. 5–10 p.m. Happy Hour 5–7 p.m. Contemporary. OpenTable.com $$–$$$
“broke da mouth” baked lobster mac-n-cheese, or a fresh ‘ahi poke bowl, while a graceful hula dancer and solo musician perform Hawaiian classics. 6:30 a.m.–9 p.m. Kid-friendly. Hawai‘i Regional. $$
Round Table Pizza, Fairway Shops, 662-0777. Try local favorite Maui Zaui: ham, bacon, pineapple, Roma tomatoes, red and green onions, and three cheeses atop Polynesian-style red sauce. Sunday–Thursday 11 a.m.–9 p.m. Friday & Saturday 11 a.m.–10 p.m. Kid-friendly. American. $$
Sangrita Grill + Cantina, Fairway Shops, 662-6000. Chef Paris Nabavi creates innovative dishes like ‘ahi ceviche, avocado fries, seafood chile rellenos, and shortrib fig mole enchiladas. Open-air dining options and full-service bar with exceptional margaritas. 11:30 a.m.–9 p.m. Happy Hour 4–6 p.m. Mexican, $$.
Roy’s Kā‘anapali, Royal Kā‘anapali Golf Clubhouse, 669-6999. Celebrity chef Roy Yamaguchi rocks vibrant local fish and produce, preparing them with an Asian attention to detail. Roy’s blackened ‘ahi, and macadamia-nut-crusted mahimahi with lobster butter sauce, are menu standouts. Save room for the award-winning chocolate soufflé. 6 a.m.–10 p.m. Hawai‘i Regional. RR. $$$. Royal Ocean Terrace Restaurant & Lounge, Royal Lahaina Resort, 661-9119. At sunset, a traditional torch-lighting ceremony heralds the evening at this open-air casual restaurant that offers commanding views of the Pacific and the islands of Moloka‘i and Lāna‘i. Enjoy
Royal Scoop, Royal Lahaina Resort, 661-3611. Continental breakfast items, deli sandwiches, specialty coffees, frozen yogurt, and Maui’s own Roselani ice cream. 6 a.m.–7 p.m. $
Sea Dogs Snack Bar, The Westin Maui Resort & Spa, 667-2525. Hot dogs, popcorn, shave ice, nachos and sandwiches; pick up a snack at this oceanside spot on your way to the beach or other adventures. 11 a.m.–4 p.m. $–$$ Son’z Steakhouse, Hyatt Regency Maui, 667-4506. Overlooking a hidden lagoon and waterfall, Kā‘anapali’s premier steakhouse features the finest cuts, including filet mignon and prime New York strip. This fine-dining restaurant also offers fresh fish and lobster, plus an expansive wine list and full bar. Nightly, 5:30–9:30 p.m. Happy Hour 5–6:30 p.m. American. RR. $$$$
Starbucks, Marriott’s Maui Ocean Club, 667-1200. Find all your favorite Starbucks offerings at this full-service store. Starbucks gift cards accepted. 5:30 a.m.–7 p.m. $ Swan Court Breakfast, Hyatt Regency Maui, 661-1234. Start the day with a lavish breakfast buffet or à la carte selections of fresh, local flavors and traditional favorites, as you watch swans gliding by. 6:30–11 a.m. American. $$ Teppan-yaki Dan, Sheraton Maui, 808-921-4600. Watch your skillful chef prepare succulent steak, lobster, shrimp, scallops, and fresh fish to perfection right before your eyes. Tuesday–Saturday, 5:30–8:45 p.m. Japanese/Steak & Seafood. RR. $$$ Tiki Bar & Grill, Kā‘anapali Beach Hotel, 667-0236. Have your picture taken next to the largest tiki in Hawai‘i at Maui’s only outdoor tiki bar. Munch on appetizers, salad, pizza, or a sandwich at this relaxed poolside venue. Grill 11:30 a.m.–8 p.m. Bar 10 a.m.–10 p.m. Happy Hour 3–6 p.m. American. $ Tiki Terrace Restaurant, Kā‘anapali Beach Hotel, 6670124. Chef Tom Muromoto presents fresh island seafood, juicy steaks and nightly specials. Tiki Terrace is the perfect vantage for watching the popular (and free) nightly hula show, while its Grab-n-Go outlet offers light snacks and specialty coffee drinks. The Sunday brunch is legendary—and a winner of Maui
Nō Ka ’Oi Magazine’s Readers’ Choice ‘Aipono Award for Best Brunch. Breakfast 6:30–11 a.m. Dinner 6–9 p.m. Kid-friendly. Hawai‘i Regional. $$ Ululani’s Hawaiian Shave Ice, Hyatt Regency Maui, 661–1234. Ululani’s elevates this favorite local treat to gourmet proportions with fun add-ons, premium Roselani ice cream, and homemade tropical-flavored syrups like liliko‘i and coconut. 10 a.m.–5:30 p.m. Dessert. $
Italian, Greek & Middle Eastern Comfort Food
‘Ūmalu, Hyatt Regency Maui, 661–1234. Head poolside for certified Angus beef sliders or ‘ahi poke nachos. Knock back a “Mutiny on the Carthaginian” cocktail inspired by Lahaina’s rowdy whaling past, and enjoy seasonal evening entertainment. 11 a.m.–midnight. Bar opens 10 a.m.; Happy Hour 5–6 p.m. American/Pacific Rim. $$ Wailele Polynesian Lū‘au, The Westin Maui Resort & Spa, 661-2992. Held outdoors, this award-winning Polynesian dinner show features a real Fijian chief as host, dances and songs from Hawai‘i, Fiji, Tahiti, New Zealand and Samoa; and an extreme fire-knife dance finale. Hawaiian buffet inclusive of drinks all evening. 5:30–8:30 p.m. Tuesday, Thursday, Sunday. Kid-friendly. Hawaiian. RR. $$$$ Yogurtland, Whalers Village, 661-9834. Create your own frozen-yogurt concoction from myriad flavors and toppings. 10 a.m.–10 p.m. Kid-friendly. $
Voted “Best Pizza 2017 ” and “ Best mediterranean 2017 ” Maui Nō Ka ‘Oi Magazine ‘Aipono Award l unch • dinner • ta k e ou t • order online
(808) 667-2929
oPen dailY FroM 10a M t o 9PM 3350 lower honoapiilani road • ka'anapali honokowai Marketplace next to times Supermarket
PizzaParadiso.com Spring -Summer 2018 59
Ladies Prefer Kamaha‘o Discover Polynesian pampering at the Hyatt’s Marilyn Monroe-inspired spa.
�tory by shannon wianecki | Photography by mieko horikoshi Arrive early, and let Kamaha‘o’s relaxation room begin your rejuvenation even before your treatment begins.
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The steps leading up to Kamaha‘o, a Marilyn Monroe Spa at the Hyatt Regency Maui, have a certain grandeur. It’s easy to feel like a celebrity ascending them and entering the spa’s bright lobby. Inside, large portraits of Monroe evoke a flirty, glamorous era. Giant windows frame the Pacific Ocean, which is startlingly blue along this stretch of coast and sparkles with invitation. These naturally occurring diamonds are a girl’s best friend, indeed. The freestanding spa has dedicated parking immediately adjacent to the building, a welcome convenience. I arrived forty minutes early for my treatment—a lomilomi massage in a beachside cabana—so that I could enjoy the facilities. I slipped into a plush robe and disappeared into the women’s lounge, where I found a eucalyptus-scented steam room, a cedar sauna, and a whirlpool beneath a skylight. After indulging in each of these in turn, I visited the oceanfront relaxation room. This is one of Kamaha‘o Spa’s chief amenities and I wished I had planned more time to enjoy it. The opportunity to recline in a comfy, temperature-controlled
Quiet on the set: Kamaha‘o chose its location with an eye for scenic beauty and the restorative powers of nature.
Marilyn Monroe’s blend of innocence, glamor, vivacity and charm inspired Kamaha‘o. The spa offers a range of locally made salon products by Ola Tropical Apothecary and Ali‘i Kula Lavender to help you find your own blend of beauty and vibrancy.
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Kamaha‘o’s treatment rooms are serene and relaxing, but for a truly indulgent experience, consider a beachfront cabana fragrant with the salt scent of an ocean breeze.
lounge, catch up on the latest health and beauty magazine trends, and gaze out the window at the azure ocean is simple, underrated luxury. Before I could doze off, my therapist, Luanne Bryant, retrieved me. We walked together down the beach path to the cabana. The massage table sits on the grass, a sandal’s toss from the sea. The sound of the rolling surf couldn’t be more relaxing. The south end of Kā‘anapali Beach is relatively quiet, though at first I was worried that passing foot traffic might distract me. Not at all. Once the massage started I only heard the heartbeat of the waves gently thumping to the shore. A confident practitioner, Luanne immediately put me at ease. She is obviously well versed in lomilomi techniques; my massage started with long, powerful strokes down the length of my body. Lomilomi is a centuries-old Hawaiian healing therapy that employs forearms and elbows to relax muscles, align the spine, and increase circulation. Hawaiians have long believed that a person’s mana (life force) expands when the tension in the muscles and ligaments is relieved. Ancient Hawaiians practiced lomilomi in four contexts: as a digestive aid and a luxury offered to ali‘i (royalty), a restorative practice exchanged by family members, one of several therapies employed by experts in lā‘au lapa‘au (plant medicine), and a prescription for warriors preparing for or
The spa’s cabana is mere steps from the sand and the lulling rhythm of the surf. Even with the curtains drawn open, the setting provides ample seclusion.
recovering from lua (Hawaiian martial arts). A good massage can make one feel like both a warrior and a queen. Luanne worked down one side of my body, then the other, rotating my arms and legs to open my hip and shoulder joints. Before we started, I had mentioned some concerns—a ticklish spot in my lower back and tightness in my psoas muscle—and she made sure to give these areas gentle attention. Because we were outside, I wore a swimsuit. If I had wanted more privacy, we could have closed the cabana curtains or I could have opted for one of the spa’s tranquil indoor treatment rooms. (The couple’s room with the extra-large soaking tub and panoramic ocean view looks especially tempting.) As it was, I found the natural ambiance deeply rejuvenating. The salty breeze, rhythmic tide, and faint fragrance of plumeria flowers enhanced my sense of relaxation. Kamaha‘o means wonderful, and this healing treatment at the sea’s edge certainly lives up to the name. Kamaha’o, a Marilyn Monroe Spa Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa 200 Nohea Kai Drive | 808-667-4500 Maui.Regency.Hyatt.com
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Spring -Summer 2018 63
Love at First (Play)Sight �tory by kyle ellison
In 1996, at the age of twelve, I lost a tennis match at the Royal Lahaina Tennis Ranch that was a close 6–4 in the third. More than twenty years later, I still remember that forehand hitting the net—the final point in an epic match that just didn’t go my way. If you’d asked me back then why I didn’t win, I would have answered in generalities so commonly heard in tennis: “He was simply the better player today,” or “I just felt a little bit off.”
Had that same match taken place today, however, on the Royal Lahaina’s SmartCourt, I could tell you that my opponent made 20 percent more serves and had better height over the net, or I could look at the data that tracks our movements, and see how he was aggressive and attacking, whereas I hit off my back foot. Thanks to the PlaySight technology that’s now at Royal Lahaina Tennis Ranch, players have access to match analytics that can help them see and learn from their mistakes. Using six cameras affixed to the court, PlaySight shoots video that tracks the ball and players’ movements, and uploads that video—along with your stats—to your profile on PlaySight’s website. You can even upload your video to YouTube, or capture that perfect backhand volley and share it over on Facebook. “Everyone loves watching themselves play,” says teaching pro Kaz Yamanoha, who adds that seeing yourself on video makes it easier to understand the areas you need to work on. Yamanoha says the video is an invaluable teaching tool. Since all the video is saved in the Cloud and uploaded onto the website, players can record their hitting session, and their coach back home can log on to PlaySight and see exactly how it went. While only the SmartCourt records statistics, five other courts at Royal Lahaina are equipped with live streaming cameras, so family members and coaches can watch your match as it’s played. PlaySight’s technology instantly gathers match analytics and makes them available to view on the website. It’s the high-tech version of “charting” a match.
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Royal Lahaina Tennis Ranch offers Hawai‘i’s first courts with PlaySight technology.
Still, it’s the analytics that make PlaySight such a revolutionary feature. Just how valuable is the data-driven feedback? I was an NCAA All-American in college, before this sort of tech was invented, and I’m blown away by how much it could have helped me improve. So many tennis matches are decided by only a couple of points per set—points that this sudden windfall of analysis can help turn in your favor. The Royal Lahaina Resort installed the system in 2016, making it Hawai‘i’s first club to feature PlaySight technology. For Tom Bell, president of Hawaiian Hotels and Resorts (Royal Lahaina’s parent company), tennis is a strength worth investing in. “We’re one of the few destination tennis resorts around,” he says. “We’d like to be the best.” Kaz and I hit for thirty minutes, and then check out the stats PlaySight has been keeping about our session. Reading from the “brain,” the monitor that sits next to the court, we rewind the video to confirm that I still take too much of a swing on my volley, and watch in slow motion, frame by frame, a particularly good forehand return. The video and match data are instantly saved and uploaded onto my personal profile—available on PlaySight.com—where I can watch and analyze my strokes and stats more closely later that night. Even with the trove of detailed data that PlaySight can offer players, Kaz admits that everyone’s favorite is seeing how fast they can serve. We scroll through the stats and find a serve that was 119 mph—an ego boost that, at least for the moment, makes me feel I’ve still got it. Royal Lahaina Tennis Ranch Royal Lahaina Resort 2780 Keka‘a Drive | 808-667-5200 TennisMaui.net
The frame-by-frame video breakdown of their strokes enables players to analyze their movements and see where they need to improve.
neT aSSeTS
Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa 6 courts | 7 a.m.–sunset daily | 661-1234
Clinics and private lessons available. 667-5200
Kaanapali Alii 3 courts | 7 a.m.–5 p.m. daily Clinics and private lessons available. 667-1400
Sheraton Maui Resort 3 courts | 8 a.m.–noon & 2–6 p.m. daily Lessons available. 667-9200
Maui Marriott Resort & Ocean Club 1 court | 7 a.m.–sunset daily | 667-1200 Royal Lahaina Resort 11 courts (1 a stadium court) 8 a.m.–noon & 2–6 p.m. Mon–Fri; 8 a.m.–5 p.m. Sat & Sun
The Westin Kāʻanapali Ocean Resort Villas 2 courts | 7 a.m.–10 p.m. daily Clinics and private lessons available. 667-3250 The Whaler on Kaanapali Beach 3 courts | 7 a.m.–10 p.m. daily | 667-2211
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SEE
Lahaina wishes hau‘oli lā hānau (happy birthday) to its famed banyan tree with a celebration at Banyan Tree Park on April 21 and 22, 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Come enjoy birthday cake, live music, a silent auction, works by Maui artists, even a magician! One of Lahaina’s most beloved landmarks, the banyan tree was planted in 1873 to commemorate the fiftieth anniversary of the arrival of Maui’s first missionaries. Imported from India, the tree was just eight inches tall at the time of planting. It now has a dozen main trunks and spreads over two-thirds of an acre. VisitLahaina.com 66 Kā‘anapali Magazine
ROB DECAMP
Banyan Tree Birthday
SEE LEARN DO
Outdoor Movie Nights
Enjoy a good film and the great outdoors as Whalers Village hosts a free outdoor movie every Tuesday on the mall’s lower level. Show starts fifteen minutes after sunset. Bring a beach mat or low beach chair, blankets and snacks to enjoy a family-friendly screening under the stars. Call 661-4567 or visit WhalersVillage.com.
Fireworks
TOP RIGHT: MITCHELL LEA; MIDDLE: J. ANTHONY MARTINEZ
Obon Festivals
From June through August, Buddhist temples welcome all to a festival honoring the departed. Families clean graves and say prayers—but itʻs not a somber event. Dancers in vibrant kimono move to the rhythm of booming taiko (drums) that welcome ancestors back to this world. Lahaina Jodo Mission celebrates with a lantern procession around its great Buddha statue, ending at the beach fronting the property. There, lighted lanterns inscribed with personal messages and prayers for loved ones are set out to sea. It’s the only lantern-floating ceremony on Maui. For a schedule, visit CalendarMaui.com
Maui Open Studios
For three weekends in February, more than seventy professional artists around the island will open their studios to the public—and they’re hoping you’ll drop by. This self-guided tour invites you to visit them in their creative spaces, observe their techniques, ask questions, and get to know the talents behind the creativity. Find an artists’ directory, maps, schedule of events and more at MauiOpenStudios.com.
This 4th of July, leave the pyrotechnics to the pros. Every year, the West Maui community and local businesses collaborate on a fireworks display that’s ignited from a barge offshore of Front Street. The fireworks get cracking at 8 p.m., but the party starts well before, with live bands, keiki (children’s) activities, food and shopping specials throughout Lahaina town. For details, see VisitLahaina.com. For another kind of aerial entertainment, check out The Westin Maui Resort & Spa’s annual flower drop on July 4. Be there as a helicopter showers guests with fresh flowers. Sure beats confetti.
Westin Botanical Tour
Most Wednesdays at 10 a.m., The Westin Maui offers its guests a guided tour of the hotel’s sprawling gardens, and the chance to learn about plants brought to the islands by the Polynesians who voyaged here more than a millennium ago. Not staying at The Westin? Take a self-guided tour with your smart phone. Scan the QR code featured on each botanical tour sign for detailed descriptions. WestinMaui.com Spring -Summer 2018 67
LEARN
Snorkel Pu‘u Keka‘a
COURTESY KĀʻANAPALI BEACH HOTEL
Peek beneath the surface and see how Maui’s other half lives. The experts at Kāʻanapali Beach Hotel’s ocean activity center, Hale Huaka’i, invite guests to hop on a giant inflatable raft and paddle to Puʻu Kekaʻa—also known as “Black Rock.” There you can spot myriad underwater dwellers, including the colorful butterflyfish that lives up to its moniker, green sea turtles gliding past, and Hawaiʻiʻs state fish, the humuhumunukunukuāpuaʻa. (Try saying that five times, fast!) Children ten and older are welcome to participate. Reserve your tour at Hale Huaka’i, located along the beach fronting the hotel. KBHMaui.com/local-area/hale-huakai
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SEE LEARN DO
Kiakahi Fitness
TOP: COURTESY OF KĀ‘ANAPALI BEACH HOTEL/AUBREY HORD PHOTOGRAPHY; MIDDLE RIGHT: JASON MOORE; ALL OTHERS COURTESY OF THEIR RESPECTIVE RIGHTS OWNERS
Kiakahi Maui’s trainers can’t promise you a body like Polynesian powerhouse Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, but they do offer a fun alternative for breaking a sweat: movement inspired by Polynesian dance, Hawaiian martial arts and Makahiki games—an ancient tradition in which competitors display their skills and athleticism. Participants will also challenge their minds as they learn Hawaiian words, phrases and values. The experience, for ages twelve and older, happens every Thursday at 8 a.m. at The Westin Kāʻanapali Ocean Resort Villas. $65 per person. To reserve your place, call 667-3254, or visit the concierge desk.
Body in Balance Fitness Classes
Body in Balance is not your ordinary fitness studio—innovative classes include hip-hop and breakdancing, aerial yoga, and a contortion workshop. Adventurous souls can let loose with a pole workout, or head to the ocean for stand-up paddle yoga or Pilates. Drop-in rates are available; classes are held daily at 142 Kupuohi Street, Suite F2, in Lahaina. BodyBalanceMaui.com
Sailing Lessons
Guests at Aston Maui Kaanapali Villas can hop aboard a Hobie catamaran for a one-hour adventure with sailing champion Captain Chuck Johnson. Reserve your spot at Aston’s Beach Activity Center, located on the property, or by calling 870-7308. The center also rents fun-in-the-sun toys like standup paddleboards and paddles, kayaking and snorkeling equipment, and underwater cameras. AstonMauiKaanapaliVillas.com
Chef Demonstrations
If the way to your heart is through your stomach, this culinary series is for you. Join Westin’s Fire up the Fun demos at The Westin Kā‘anapali Ocean Resort Villas on Fridays at 4 p.m., and at The Westin Nanea Ocean Villas on Thursdays at 4:30 p.m. Learn about island cuisine and cooking techniques, and treat your taste buds with samples of the chef’s favorite dishes, paired with a handcrafted cocktail. Reservations: 667-3254
Turtle Talks
Five of the world’s seven sea-turtle species live in Hawaiʻi, including the endangered green sea turtle. Starting in March, Hyatt Regency presents Turtle Talks on Mondays from 1 to 2 p.m. at its Japengo restaurant, overlooking Kāʻanapali Beach. Complimentary for Hyatt Regency and Hyatt Residence Club guests, each session is led by marine-biology experts from the Maui Ocean Center. Maui.Regency.Hyatt.com Spring -Summer 2018 69
DO
Nothing says you’ve arrived in Hawaiʻi like a mound of fluffy ice drenched in flavorful syrups. Located along the beach walk fronting the Hyatt, Ululani’s has upgraded this island tradition to gourmet status with homemade syrups in exotic flavors. Local favorites include pickled mango, coconut, and lilikoʻi (passionfruit). Sweet adzuki beans and tapioca pearls are a few of the fun add-ons. Find other Ululani’s locations in Lahaina, Kīhei, Wailuku and Kahului. UlulanisHawaiianShaveIce.com 70 Kā‘anapali Magazine
MIEKO HORIKOSHI
UIulani’s Hawaiian Shave Ice
SEE LEARN DO
FootGolf
No golf ball? No problem. Soccer meets golf in this hybrid sport that’s played on modified holes (cups twenty-one inches in diameter) along Kāʻanapali’s Kai Course. The growing sport is popular in Europe and combines soccer and golf, allowing just about anyone to be able to take it up on a whim. The course comprises nine different holes that range from 60 to 150 yards, and to avoid any awkward encounters with golfers, FootGolf begins at 3:30 p.m., once the golfers have played through. Cost is $15 to walk and an additional $15 to ride a shared cart. Soccer balls rent for $5. KaanapaliGolfCourses.com
MIDDLE LEFT: MELANIE AGRABANTE; MIDDLE RIGHT: BOB BANGERTER; ALL OTHERS COURTESY OF THEIR RESPECTIVE RIGHTS OWNERS
Hina Matsuri
Brought to Hawai‘i by early plantation workers, this custom is rooted in an ancient Shinto ritual celebrating daughters and spring as the season of renewal. Kāʻanapali Beach Hotel hosts a festive brunch on March 4, with demonstrations and hands-on activities by the Japanese Cultural Society of Maui. Past years have included taiko (drum) performances, kimono dress-up and photos, calligraphy and ikebana (flower arranging). Known as “Girls’ Day” in Hawaiʻi, Hina Matsuri translates as “Doll Festival,” A collection of ceremonial dolls will be on display at the hotel. KBHMaui.com
Pali Trail Hike
This rugged hike is more than five miles long, lacks shade, and has enough uphill sections to set your calves on fire. But the challenge reaps major rewards, including unparalleled ocean and neighbor-island views. The trail snakes along a rocky cliff, with trailheads near Māʻalaea Harbor Shops on one end, Ukumehame on the other. For the full hike, park a car at each trailhead. For just a taste of the trail, park at one end, go half the distance you can comfortably hike, and return to your starting point. Either way, go early to avoid the intense midday heat. Details at HawaiiTrails.eHawaii.Gov.
Kāʻanapali Logo Wear
We get it—it’s tough to pack your bags and say aloha to your dream Maui vacation. The good news is that you can take a piece of Kāʻanapali with you. Kāʻanapali Golf & Resort Shop is the only place to find resort logo apparel, including golf shirts, hats, and other items. KaanapaliGolfCourses.com/Shop
Fourth Friday Lahaina
Each of Maui’s small towns has a charm and character all its own—and each hosts a family-friendly party one Friday per month, with live music, food and product vendors, arts and crafts, and discounts and specials at area shops. The revelry rotates throughout the island: Wailuku on the First Friday of each month, Lahaina the second Friday, Makawao the third, and Kīhei on the fourth. If a month has a fifth Friday, the party moves to neighboring Lānaʻi. MauiFridays.com Spring -Summer 2018 71
Longest Lei Exchange, May 1
KĀ‘ANAPALI EVENTS February 16–19 Whale Tales, Hyatt Regency Maui Hosted by Whale Trust Maui, this annual fundraiser is an international gathering of scientists and conservationists who share their insights about Maui’s humpback whales. Enjoy presentations, parties and a whale-watching cruise. Whale Tales supports research on Maui and across the Pacific. 572-5700; WhaleTrust.org. See story on page 24. February 17–25 Maui Plein Air Painting Invitational Plein-air painters from Hawaiʻi and the mainland spend the week capturing Maui on canvas. Come watch. Events include workshops, paint-offs, lectures, panel discussions, artists’ receptions, and opportunities to purchase works created during the Invitational. Schedule at MauiPleinAirPainting.org. See story on page 34. March 4 Hina Matsuri, Kāʻanapali Beach Hotel Add this Japanese celebration to the list of beloved local traditions brought to Hawaiʻi by early plantation workers. Kāʻanapali Beach Hotel hosts a festive brunch, cultural demonstrations and hands-on activities by the Japanese 72 Kā‘anapali Magazine
Cultural Society of Maui. Past years have included taiko (drum) performances, kimono dress-up and photo taking, calligraphy, and ikebana (flower arranging). Commonly known as “Girls’ Day” in Hawaiʻi, Hina Matsuri translates as “Doll Festival,” and a collection of ceremonial dolls will be on display at the hotel. KBHMaui. com March 31 The Bollywood Ball, Hyatt Regency Maui Hosted by Imua Family Services, this popular gala helps fund therapeutic services for children with disabilities. The evening celebrates the culture, beauty and music of India, beginning at 5:30 p.m. Guest stars include Broadway talents Teal Wicks and Matt Doyle. Not ready to stop the party? Join the Taj Mahalo After Party, with live music by Eric Gilliom & Band and DJ beats until 2 p.m. For tickets and details, visit ImuaFamilyServices.org. April 13–15 Maui Hawaiian Steel-Guitar Festival, Kāʻanapali Beach Hotel Hawaiʻi calls—over the strings of the Hawaiian steel guitar. This free event brings together master steel-guitar players and aficionados from around the world, and features
performances, presentations, workshops, and jam sessions focused on the instrument and its importance in the Hawaiian music genre. Cultural activities such as hula, lei making, ʻukulele and storytelling take place throughout the weekend. For a schedule, visit MauiSteelGuitarFestival.com. April 25 Penguin Celebration, Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa Walk, skip or waddle to the hotel and learn about its resident African black-footed penguins. In honor of World Penguin Day, Hyatt Regency will celebrate with themed activities. Watch a penguin feeding, snap a photo with a penguin mascot, and learn more about these charismatic creatures. Maui.Regency.Hyatt.com May 1 Longest Lei Exchange, The Westin Maui Resort & Spa Flower lei are synonymous with Hawaiʻi, and there’s no better day to celebrate this island tradition than May 1st—known in the Islands as Lei Day. The Westin Maui welcomes you to share in this second annual exchange, joining a living strand of people who give and receive lei until everyone is adorned in flowers. 7:30–11:30 a.m. 677-2525; WestinMaui.com
May 5 Annual Golf Classic, Royal Kāʻanapali Course Get in the swing of things at this fifth annual tournament hosted by and benefitting LahainaTown Action Committee and Lahaina Junior Golf Association. The scramble-shotgun-start format includes eighteen holes of golf, prizes, food and more. 661-9175; VisitLahaina.com May 13 Mother’s Day Brunch, Kāʻanapali Beach Hotel Food, fashion, shopping and a show—celebrate Mother’s Day in true island warmth. This is the champagne brunch buffet voted best on Maui by the readers of Maui Nō Ka ʻOi Magazine, and it’s held at Kāʻanapali’s most Hawaiian hotel. In the lobby, island artisans showcase their crafts. Outside, near al fresco seating, hula dancers double as runway models in locally designed apparel. Reservations: 667-0124 or HawaiianSundayBrunch.com June 1–3 Waʻa Kiakahi, Kāʻanapali Beach The ancient Hawaiian art of outriggercanoe sailing comes to life during this free event that is part of the Hawaiian Sailing Canoe Association season. Crewmembers from all the islands willl share their knowledge of the history and traditions of sailing canoes with the public. Festivities include sailing-canoe rides, talks with HSCA crew, and Hawaiian welcoming and closing ceremonies. HSCA.info June 2–3 Maui Jim Ocean Shootout, Kāʻanapali Beach Cheer your favorite competitors as they challenge themselves in the kinds of contests ocean lifeguards use to build their skills, strength and endurance. Individual and relay races take place in the waters fronting Kāʻanapali Beach Hotel. The top three teams will earn prizes, and the Overall Waterman and Waterwoman will be crowned after the Waterman Challenge finale race. MauiJimOceanShootout.com
JAKE MAROTE/WESTIN MAUI RESORT & SPA
Calendar
Make cherished memories at Maui’s most exciting lu‘au! Stunning sunset views from the oceanside venue Traditional imu ceremony Delicious all-you-can-eat Hawaiian cuisine Open bar featuring beer, wine, Mai Tais and more On-stage hula lesson Authentic songs, chants and dramatic dances Three-man Samoan fire knife dance! Receive a FREE GIFT when you book online at
drumsofthepacificmaui.com
Enter special offer code: KAANAPALI
Best Maui Lu‘au
‘Aipono Award Winner
200 NOHEA KAI DRIVE, KA‘ANAPALI HYATT CONCIERGE 808.667.4727
Offer available for online reservations only, Offer expires 12/31/18. May not be combined with other offers. A Tihati Production. The trademark HYATT and related marks are trademarks of Hyatt Corporation. ©2018 Hyatt Corporation. All rights reserved. TA-161-564-6720-01
Calendar MAUI EVENTS
February 23 Chinese New Year, Wo Hing Museum, 858 Front St., Lahaina Ring in the Year of the Dog during this free community celebration featuring lion dancing, cultural activities, martial arts demonstrations, live music, and more. 5–9 p.m.; 661-5553; LahainaRestoration.org. March 17 Jake Shimabukuro, Maui Arts & Cultural Center, One Cameron Way, Kahului Renowned for his lightning-fast and complex finger work, this ʻukulele wizard has redefined the meaning of music that comes from Hawaiʻi’s beloved instrument. 7:30 p.m.; 242-7469; MauiArts.org. March 24 Hoʻomau, Maui Nui Botanical Gardens, 150 Kanaloa Ave., Kahului This benefit for Pūnana Leo o Maui Hawaiian language immersion school features Hawaiian music, crafters, food booths, demonstrations, live and silent auctions, a keiki (children’s) zone, and more. 9 a.m.–sunset. HoomauMaui.com April 28 Cazimero Lei Day Concert, Maui Arts & Cultural Center, One Cameron Way, Kahului Beloved entertainer 74 Kā‘anapali Magazine
OluKai Hoʻolauleʻa, April 28–29
Robert Cazimero presents contemporary Hawaiian music and hula with his award-winning Hālau Nā Kamalei hula troupe. Preshow festivities include crafters and entertainment. 7:30 p.m.; 242-7469; MauiArts.org. April 28–29 OluKai Hoʻolauleʻa, Kanahā Beach Park, Kahului SUP and OC1 paddlers race the eightmile Māliko Bay “downwinder.” Back on dry land, participate in activities celebrating Hawaiʻi’s ocean culture, enjoy live music and food. OluKai.com May 12 Seabury Hall Craft Fair, 480 Olinda Rd., Makawao This Mother’s Day weekend tradition— and one-stop shop for all things Maui made—is one of the most anticipated local craft fairs of the year, with vendors ranging from painters and photographers to jewelers and sculptors. SeaburyHall.org May 19 Maui Brewer’s Festival, Maui Arts & Cultural Center, One Cameron Way, Kahului If you’re twenty-one or older, come enjoy craft beers from Hawai‘i and beyond, appetizers by local tastemakers, live entertainment,
door prizes and a home brew competition. Don’t like beer? Sip hard cider, hard kombucha, and root beer. 4–7 p.m. 242-7469; MauiArts.org. June 2 MAMo Wearable Art Show, Maui Arts & Cultural Center, One Cameron Way, Kahului This popular runway show grew out of Maoli Arts Month, Oʻahu’s annual celebration of native Hawaiian art. Expect cutting-edge design, and traditional patterns and motifs translated for contemporary styles. 7:30 p.m.; 242-7469; MauiArts.org. June 13–17 Maui Film Festival, Wailea and Kahului Movie buffs, armchair critics, and curiosity seekers will converge at this favorite summertime festival. A curated selection of films will light up the screens in the MACC’s Castle Theater and Wailea’s outdoor Celestial Cinema. The festival will serve up its usual mix of cinematic fare, celebrity sightings, filmmakers’ panels, culinary events and extravagant parties. MauiFilmFestival.com. July, dates TBD Makawao Rodeo, Oskie Rice Arena, 80
Ohaoha Pl., Makawao Saddle up for this Fourth of July tradition from Hawai‘i’s paniolo (cowboy) past. The rodeo lasts over several days, with an opening parade. The state’s top cowboys and cowgirls compete in bull riding, steer chasing, calf roping and more. For details, contact the Maui Roping Club at 357-3524. July 4 Fireworks This Fourth of July, leave the pyrotechnics to the pros. Every year, the community and local businesses band together to raise money for a fireworks display ignited from a barge offshore of Front Street. The fireworks get cracking at 8 p.m., but the party starts well before, with live bands, keiki (children’s) activities, food and shopping specials throughout Lahaina town. For details, see VisitLahaina. com. For another kind of aerial entertainment, check out The Westin Maui Resort & Spa’s annual flower drop at noon on July 4. Be there as a helicopter showers guests with fresh flowers. Events are subject to change. Please call the venue to confirm before heading out.
COURTESY OF OLUKAI HOʻOLAULEʻA
Monthly Fine Art Fair, Banyan Tree Park, 648 Wharf St., Lahaina The Lahaina Arts Society invites the community to its art display and sale. Come browse paintings, ceramics, photography, jewelry, carvings and more under the banyan tree next to the Old Lahaina Courthouse. For details and dates, call 661-0111 or visit LahainaArts.com.
Dancing Fires Tempting Flavors Wailele Polynesian Luau Discover the wonders of Hawaii and Polynesia at our spectacular revue featuring authentic songs and dances, complemented by island-style buffet dinner and all-inclusive beverages. Oceanfront at the Aloha Pavilion Reservations Required. For show schedule and ticket information, visit westinmaui.com/luau or call 808.661.2992.
2365 Ka‘anapali Parkway Lahaina, Hawai‘i 96761
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