Talk Story

by CARLA TRACY / Dining Editor

Do you like to “talk story?” If so, you are chiming in to a favorite Hawaiian pastime, for sure. Especially if you sit outdoors with pals, laughing, sipping cold beverages, sharing pupu (appetizers) around a table and enjoying cool ocean breezes.

True to its name, Hale Mo‘olelo at The Westin Maui Resort & Spa, Kā‘anapali serves as a space to gather with good company and reconnect while enjoying thoughtfully crafted cocktails and local bites. It’s the perfect place to unwind with friends, whether you’re coming directly from a day at the beach or just arriving off your flight.

Translated from Hawaiian, “Hale Mo‘olelo” means “house of talking story,” and this casual restaurant in which to socialize Maui-style has all the right fixings. Situated on Kā‘anapali Beach with expansive ocean and Lāna‘i and Moloka‘i views, it’s open air with a Polynesian theme, large bar and plenty of shade.

The name also is a nod to seven handcrafted cocktails, each tied to a mo‘olelo, or story, about Maui. For instance, imbibe in the awardwinning No Kā ‘Oi Mai Tai and the Lāna‘i Hala Kahiki, a new take on a piña colada, and you’ll be begging the bartender to tell you more.

Sip the Holoholo, refreshing with Grey Whale Gin, St. Germain Liqueur, lime, lilikoi (passion fruit) and prosecco float, and you’ll want to spout off questions about why it supports ocean research and conservation. Order the Aloha Always packed with Querido mango tequila, Cointreau, pineapple juice and Maui Brewing Co. ginger beer, and exercise your gift of gab when inquiring about why it supports Maui reforestation projects.

Arrive right before sunset, at around 6 p.m. during spring and summer, and you may partake in the hale’s unique, non-alcoholic drink experience. Receive a taste of ‘awa, a traditional Hawaiian cultural and wellness beverage, and enjoy the show of nightly live island music, an original oli (chant) and the lighting of the lama kukui (torches).

Derived from the root of the kava plant, ‘awa root was and is sacred to Hawaiians, connecting them with their ancient gods and ancestors. In the oli created for the Westin Maui – Hawaiian deities, Kāne and Kanaloa, are honored for providing water for the ‘awa drink. It is purported to provide relaxation, relieve stress, provide mild pain relief, and enhance mental clarity when properly consumed.

Hawaiians and other islanders traditionally consumed ‘awa for religious ceremonies. Today ‘awa is widely used for medicinal reasons as well as a social and ceremonial drink. At The Westin Maui, ‘awa is served to guests in an ‘apu, a cup fashioned out of half a coconut shell that is served from the kānoa (bowl). The ‘awa is strained and mixed with fresh island juice blends such as calamansi or lilikoi. At sunset, there is a community “cheers” bringing upon the end of the day with gratitude and aloha.

As you shoot the breeze and yada, yada, yada about how relaxed you are, remember that In addition to the cocktails and other libations, Hale Mo‘olelo serves a variety of craft bites for breakfast, lunch, Aloha Hour and dinner. Choose from individual entrees to shareable platters – the latter perfect for jabbering and