MauiTimes - Volume 02, Issue 12 December 2022 - Get Small Tiny Homes

Wailuku, HI 96793 Tel. 808-244-0777 www.mauitimes.news

CIRCULATION 52,995 Mailed

We live on a small island. So, it’s fair to ask, are tiny homes the solution to our increasing housing crisis? Or, at least, part of the solution?

Reporter Dan Collins examines that question.

Contributor John Starmer looks at the growth of sustainable, organic landscaping and how it feeds the concept of mālama ʻāina.

A 12-year-old Kalama Intermediate School hero, native seabirds, declining UH Maui enrollment, and humpbacks rise to the surface in Coconut Wireless.

MauiTimes film critic Barry Wurst II gives a nuanced, mixed review of the Marilyn Monroe biopic “Blonde,” streaming now on Netflix (key takeaway: watch at your own risk, and don’t let the keiki near it). Dining aficionado Jen Russo offers mouthwatering options for visitors and locals alike in Broke Da Mout

We check back in with local MMA fighter Sumiko Inaba, whose last Bellator bout was tough but left her undefeated. And we profile a Makawao author and former MauiTime (before the “s”) contributor who wrote a delightfully spaced-out book.

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CHIEF OPERATIONS OFFICER

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MANAGING EDITOR

Jacob Shafer - editor@mauitimes.org

REPORTER/PHOTOGRAPHER

Dan Collins - dan@mauitimes.org

CALENDAR EDITOR/ADMINISTRATION

Shan Kekahuna - shan@mauitimes.org

SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

Tommy Russo - tommy@mauitimes.org

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

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SALES ASSISTANT

Michelle Hendricks - michelle@mauitimes.org

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Brittany Skiller - design@mauitimes.org

FREELANCERS

Daisy Finch, Ron Pitts, John Starmer, Barry Wurst II

DISTRIBUTION MANAGER

All of that, plus the island’s most comprehensive events calendar and top picks are in these pages, along with more.

We welcome your feedback and appreciate your readership. Mahalo nui loa.

Jacob Shafer, Managing Editor

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Daniel Smith

Kamie Davis of Tiny Sugar Shacks of Maui envisions little villages made up of inexpesive dwellings.

Shoutouts

Relative Invasions

Coqui frogs are a major nuisance, but “invasive species” is such a relative term [“War of the Frogs,” Nov. 2022]. When the Hawaiian islands were formed there was no life here at all. Everything that lives or breathes on Maui came here from somewhere else. Why do we single out certain plants and animals for eradication? And, especially, when we humans are the biggest, most damaging invasive species of all?

—K.L., Wailuku

Correction:

In our November Vote issue, we incorrectly stated the number of years between the formation of county charter commissions. The correct number is 10 years.

More Good News

Mahalo for your story about David Raatz and his liver donation [“The Giver,” Nov. 2022]. What an inspiring man! And what an amazing gift he gave, with no need for reward. We need more good news. Thank you to MauiTimes for spreading it.

—Gianna Miles, Kihei

MauiTimes welcomes reader feedback. Send it, 300 words or less, via email (letters@mauitimes.org) or post (1955 Main St. #200, Wailuku, HI, 96793). Please include first and last name and town of residence. Letters may be edited for clarity and length. Facebook comments will also be considered for publication. Follow us: Facebook.com/mauitime

Don Kloet

COCONUT WIRELESS

Courtesy GILLIG BAE

The County Department of Transportation rolled out a half-dozen new hybrid electric, 35-foot buses produced by California-based GILLIG BAE, which will initially be deployed in Central Maui. They can carry 40 passengers and have rooftop batteries powered and restored by a diesel generator.

The buses also have a feature that allows a wheelchair to be secured in less than a minute, according to the county.

“These hybrid buses represent an investment in protecting the environment and improving the health and quality of life of our residents,” said Mayor Michael Victorino. “With improved fuel efficiency, we save money and reduce carbon emissions that contribute to global warming and climate change.”

By

Jacob Shafer and Dan Collins

Trapping Mosquitos to Save Native Birds

Mosquitos are more than just a blood-sucking nuisance. They’re a significant invasive species that can spread avian malaria and pose a threat to endemic birds. To combat this threat, the Maui Forest Bird Recovery Project (MFBRP) has been setting traps on the North Shore, trying to capture male Southern house mosquitos.

The idea, explained MFBRP coordinator Hanna Mounce, is to release these “incompatible males” into the wild, where they will breed with females that will then not lay viable eggs. Over time, this strategy can reduce the mosquito population.

Matter

RECORD

Courtesy Flickr / Sean McCann

Emma-lee McCord, a 12-year-old student at Kalama Intermediate School in Makawao, was nominated for a Red Cross Lifesaving Award for her crucial role in assisting a 51-year-old French woman who was badly bitten by a shark in Pāʻia Bay and ultimately survived. “To be nominated for a national award is few and far between,” Loren Lapow, a Red Cross volunteer at the Paia Youth and Cultural Center told Hawaii News Now. “It is a pretty elite honor in the Red Cross. These honors are typically reserved for professional first responders.”

The U.S. Department of Agriculture is sending $1.9 million to University of Hawaii at Manoa and UH Maui College. The money allocated for UH Maui will be spent on the Ike Kupuna: Integrating Traditional Knowledge into Natural Resource Sciences program. “This funding is an important investment in the future of Hawaiʻi’s food and agriculture system, and the Native Hawaiian communities that have been stewards of the land for centuries,” said Sen. Mazie Hirono

Want to help Native Hawaiian seabirds? Now is the time. According to the Maui Nui Seabird Recovery Project (MNSRP) , every year from October through December, endemic seabird chicks leave their burrows and are vulnerable to artificial lighting , which can cause them to become disoriented and be grounded on land instead of in the water. It’s commonly known as “fallout season” and was the subject of a lighting-restriction measure adopted by the County Council and signed by the mayor in October. The species most impacted include aʻo (Newell’s shearwater), ʻuaʻu (Hawaiian petrel), ʻakēʻakē (bandrumped storm petrels), and ʻuaʻu kani (wedge-tailed shearwater). If you find one, gently put it in a box with ventilation, do not give it food or water, and call the MVSRP hotline: 573-BIRD (2473) .

New signs are going up across Hawaiʻi, reminding residents and visitors that it is illegal to intentionally trap or kill a shark in Hawaiʻi waters. Between eight and a dozen such signs are being posted at harbors, ramps, and other waterside facilities on each island, according to the Department of Land and Natural Resources’ Division of Boating and Land Recreation (DOBOR) . “While we hope the signs engender respect for sharks and their natural and cultural roles in Hawaiʻi, they also serve as a reminder of a new law that went into effect on Jan. 1, extending protections to more than 40 species of sharks that frequent state waters,” said DOBOR administrator Ed Underwood .

Maui County Adds Six Hybrid Electric Buses

Ophelia Bird creates giant bubbles to accompany live street music in Pāʻia put on by Jammin' on Maui. Want to have your photo featured as our photo of the month? Tag @maui_times_news in your favorite photos on Instagram for a chance to be featured here.

Dan Collins

PHOTO OF THE MONTH

NUMBERS

Median sale price for a home in Maui County

The Explainer: Why Do Humpbacks Breach

We’re at the height of humpback whale season, when our annual, seasonal visitors return to Maui to mate and birth their young. The shallow, warm waters between Maui County’s four islands are the largest humpback breeding ground in the northern Pacific.

Visitors and locals alike can use whale season to mark the arrival of the holidays, or as a reason to take a whale-watch tour or simply marvel at these amazing marine mammals from afar.

Their most spectacular display is, of course, the breach, wherein whales leap from the sea in an incredible display of strength and return the water with a massive splash.

Which brings us to the question: Why do they do it?

For years, the scientific consensus was, “we’re not sure.” Stunning fish to eat? Warding off predators? To shed barnacles? Because it’s fun? Just showing off?

A study in the journal “Marine Mammal Science” concluded there is one definitive answer: communication. The splashes they create send sound through the water, which sends a message to other whales who may be far away.

“The probability of observing this behavior decreased significantly when the nearest whale group was within 4,000 meters compared to beyond 4,000 meters,” according to the study. “Involvement in group interactions, such as the splitting of a group or a group joining with other whales, was an important factor in predicting the occurrence of pectoral, fluke, and peduncle slapping.”

So, the next time you see a humpback splash, that’s just them talking. Maybe flirting. Just make sure you keep your distance.

U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz,announcing the release of $1 million in federal funding for seven Native Hawaiian organizations under the 2016 NATIVE Act, which he authored

“Everyone who visits Hawai‘i should understand and appreciate Native Hawaiian culture.”

Courtesy Maui Activities & Tours / Wikimedia Commons

DECEMBER 1-4

“WHITE HAWAIIAN”

Back by popular demand…This smart and witty one-man show starring Eric Gilliom is an entertaining autobiographical stage show. Covering his career, his Maui upbringing as a Caucasian with Hawaiian roots, and the TV, film, and Broadway roles that have given him hilarious stories to share. Furiously donning outlandish wigs with gaudy costumes, his frantic character changes make the full circle story even more rich and entertaining. Additional shows Jan. 5-6 and 2-5. View show schedule online: ProArts Playhouse (Kīhei); 808463-6550; Proartsmaui.org

DECEMBER 2 & 3

MAUI MAN ULTRA TRIATHLON X 2

Swim, Bike, and Run your way through paradise in South Maui. There will also be random door prizes for all participants and volunteers. For more information or to volunteer contact Kawika Carlson at: 808-462-1313

DECEMBER 2-4

HFUU 2022 ANNUAL CONVENTION

Celebrating local agriculture. Informational classes and workshops. All are welcome, optional camping and local food. Hawaiʻi Taro Farm (Waikapū); Hfuuhi.org

DECEMBER 9

2ND FRIDAY LOCAL ARTIST SHOWCASE

This month features artist Josh Ackerman. Stop in for a drink and view his works. Artists contribute to the Children of the Rainbow Pre-School in Lāhainā, to assist with art activities and buy art supplies for our local keiki students. 5-10pm. Down the Hatch (Lāhainā); 808-661-4900; DTHmaui.com

DECEMBER 10 & 11

MAUI COMIC CON 2022

Giving local cosplayers a voice, and a stage to be proud of who they are surrounded by fellow nerds for a weekend. Headliners include: Agnes Garbowska, Geof Isherwood, David Nakayama, Frank Cho and Amy Mebberson. The cosplay contest will be hosted by Night Darling. Further details online. War Memorial (Wailuku); Mauicomiccon.com

DECEMBER 15-22

BRUCE MUSIC MAUI TOUR

From Park City, Utah returning for a 3rd Maui Tour. Bruce Christenson performs solo, acoustic jam rock with blues, funk, jazz, and reggae grooves for a magical musical experience every time! View show schedule online: Brucemusic.net

DECEMBER 19

MAUI TECHIES MEETUP

Whether you are just beginning or already an expert in your field, or if technology is your hobby, join in an evening filled with conversations about all things techie. 5-7pm. Gilligans Bar & Grill (Kīhei); 808-868-0988; Gilligansmaui.com

DECEMBER 30

KE KANI HONE

O WAILEA

Award-winning kumu hula Nāpua Greig and her Halau will present a special performance. 5:30-7pm. The Shops at Wailea (Wailea); 808-891-6770; Theshopsatwailea.com

By Shan Kekahuna

DECEMBER 17

PETCO ADOPTION DAY

The Maui Humane Society welcomes the community to check out some adoptable pets and answer any questions. There will be kittens, bunnies and guineas ready to walk straight into your heart and your ʻohana! 11am-1pm. Petco (Kahului); Mauihumanesociety.org

Courtesy

Going ‘Missing’

Steven Dabney’s spacey novel is a labor of love, decades in the making

By Jacob Shafer

Steven Dabney moved to Maui in 1968. In the early ’70s, he formed a band called, fittingly, Supernatural. He wrote about various watermen—including, fair disclosure, for the old MauiTime—and was one himself. He partied. He got himself into and out of some trouble. He settled into Makawao.

Now, he’s published a book, titled “Missing Link.”

Dabney came into our Wailuku office toting an energetic, fetching little brown dog tugging on its leash and a pair of freshly picked avocados to give away (the avocados, not the dog).

He started writing his novel, published through Atlanta-based Westwood Books (westwoodbookpublishing.com), in the ʻ90s. He describes it, with a wink and a chuckle, as “basically a history of the world.” It’s a work of fiction, but

Here are two excerpts from a true Maui character’s magnum opus:

The migration of the birds, discordant, was the first sign. What normally were harmonious patterns of flight, the flocks had abandoned their symmetrical shapes. Gone were the flying wedges, only to be replaced by chaos, as if they were trying to run away from something, but there was nowhere to escape. All were flying in different directions, turning around, then trying another way as if attempting to flee from something unseen.

Dabney’s writing is distinct, his voice is engaging, and the yarn he weaves is worth following to the end.

it weaves in real people and familiar places. Dabney said the response, thus far, has been positive.

“I used their names, got permission,” he said. “They all had a good read out of it, and they all say they’re loving it.” (We’ll leave spoilers aside for longtime Maui residents who will get a kick out of the references and call-outs.)

How does it feel to have finished something he’s been working on so long? “It feels like completing an emotional s--t,” Dabney said with a wry laugh. Now, he’s working on another one, as-yet-untitled. “I’ve got a few pages,” he said. “I just have to let the inspiration flow when it does.”

“Missing Link” involves aliens and Atlaneans and clean energy and… well, a lot of things. It’s sprawling, jumping through places and spaces and time. It can lose you in moments. But Dabney’s writing is distinct, his voice is engaging, and the yarn he weaves is worth following to the end.

Their screeching was another hint. No singsong chirping, only the sounds of utter panic as if they were being chased by some form of predator, yet there was nothing, just a feeling…a paranoid wail as if their lives were in danger from some unseen force which was yet to appear.

It’s not that very odd things hadn’t been happening lately, since the Higher Ones had arrived and bestowed upon the Lemurian inhabitants what they called ‘the gift.’ Everything had been changing rapidly.

It was possible that the birds’ actions were the result of one of the new air machines passing somewhere close by, or perhaps the rumors were true that the Elders were using their newfound ener-

gy source to control the weather. Things certainly were very different. …

The headless people in the smoke-filled room were somewhat apprehensive. A stranger in their midst was out of the ordinary. To the best of their knowledge it had never happened before. And most likely would never happen again. But here he was, in the middle of the sur-

rounding tables that were occupied by a member of the Trust, a stranger in their midst, albeit a blindfolded one at that. Violet had called it mandatory that he wear one.

Any attempt on his part to keep track of where they were going would be met with severe recrimination; as in, not living to see the light of another day. …”

SMALL

By Dan Collins

Tiny homes can be attractive in many ways. Some are just plain cute, while most boast appealing economic and environmental benefits.

Conservation-minded nature lovers, perhaps inspired by Thoroeau’s “Walden,” like the idea of shrinking their footprint while living outdoors, immersed in the natural environment. And the lifestyle they promote—simple, minimalist, Spartan, outdoorsy—has its own appeal, especially to younger couples starting out who don’t feel ready to be saddled with a house payment, or aren’t sure if they plan to stay put long enough to pay off a mortgage.

Tiny living’s not for everyone, but it could be part of the solution to the housing crisis that has driven up Hawaiʻi’s real estate prices and rental rates at an accelerated pace for the past decade or more. The appeal is multifaceted, and yet the obvious downside of limiting your living space, in terms of storing treasured possessions—or enjoying any sense of personal privacy—can be a deterrent.

The simplicity of a downsized lifestyle and the uniqueness of the hand-built structures have a strong hipster appeal to millennials. But there’s a significant downside, too. Tiny house means tinier closet, so

plan on shrinking your wardrobe. And forget about hosting dinner parties, game nights, big holidays, and overnight guests.

The average size of a new single-family home in the U.S. grew from 1,780 square feet in 1978 to 2,662 square feet in 2013. Home construction on Maui has generally followed that trend, as we have evolved into an international market where local home buyers are no longer just competing with their peers. Wealthy investors worldwide recognize

And when they are completed, the units are typically allocated by lottery years in advance.

For all of these reasons, the tiny house trend has taken hold in Hawaiʻi. These trailer-mounted quasi-RVs are an especially good match for the islands’ rural districts.

We’ll define “tiny” as less than 1,000 square feet, although most are closer to half that size. Because they are mounted on wheels, off grid, and self-contained, they are not subject to building permits. However, they

the plates in storage with the DMV and avoid paying taxes until the next move.

The tiny house movement has roots as far back as the 1960s. Interest was renewed by the financial crisis of 2007-08. A generation disillusioned by their diminishing financial prospects further fueled its growth—not just as an affordable alternative for working families, but also for their potential as transitional housing for the growing unsheltered population.

Maui has been fertile ground for the movement, with several businesses now manufacturing or importing tiny houses of all kinds, from craftsman-style cabins built by hand out of imported timber, to homes made from used shipping containers.

Maui’s appeal and want to buy in. It’s hard for a working family to compete when market demand keeps driving up prices, and with a median home price hovering above $1.2 million, even modest properties have been pushed out of reach of local working class families.

Low-income housing projects get a lot of press when they are proposed, but often meet community resistance and can take decades to gain final approval and break ground.

are treated like any other housing unit when it comes to zoning density.

Since they are, in essence, an RV or travel trailer, they must be properly registered with the DMV. In order to transport the home on public streets and highways on its way to its destination, the DMV requires a manufacturer’s certificate of origin, weight stamp, safety inspection, and the usual taxes and fees for title and registration. Once the home is in place, one could conceivably put

Kamie Davis brought a tiny home with her from Idaho Falls when she moved here seven years ago to be close to her grandchildren. Her daughter married a local boy from Molokai and they are raising their kids on Maui.

“I saw his family…having to move off the island and I just wanted to be part of the solution,” said Davis.

“People from the mainland can’t be greedy and buy [tiny homes] and then turn around and sell them for

Dan Collins

James Bruggeman and his wife Tennille Chapa of AAA Tiny Homes build their own designs on Maui.

five times their value. It stays level. It’s a way to control the inflation.”

Davis has an evangelical air about her as she talks about all things tiny. Lately, she’s less focused on importing the homes themselves and more intent on securing land to create small communities where tiny homeowners who don’t have their own real estate can lease space. One such site is a residentially zoned parcel next to McDonald’s drive-in in Pukalani that Davis has negotiated to locate several units on. She envisions it as a temporary site for buyers to live and keep their tiny home until a permanent scenario manifests, so she’s talked the owner into offering short-term month-to-month leases for about $1,000 a month.

“The people who work at McDonald’s or Serpico’s or Ross, you know, they cannot afford an eight or nine hundred thousand dollar house,” she said. “There’s a breaking point, and people just start moving to Las Vegas and moving to Utah. They can’t take it any more. How many people are we going to lose?”

Tiny doesn’t necessarily mean cheap. The building cost per square foot is higher than four full-size houses. Maybe that seems obvious, since a bigger house enjoys a greater economy of scale, bringing down overall costs. But a tiny home still has to have amenities, just in a smaller space. You have to buy all of the large appliances, fixtures, air conditioning and whatnot that a full-size house requires. Add with the high cost of materials in Hawaiʻi, even a fairly small, basic design could cost upwards of $100,000.

Davis remains undeterred. She recalls her most difficult challenge—delivering a house to Hana. “It took us 17 hours to get it there. It had to be followed by a forklift and it had to be lifted over all those bridges on every corner, and we had to have pilot cars the whole way. It took forever.”

“But the people living there, they had 18 people living in a one-bathroom house. And we delivered that house and everybody came out bawling their eyes out, they were so happy. We can make a difference.”

The owner of the Pukalani site which Davis is coordinating is now leasing space to two of Joey MacDonald’s buyers who’d had an agreement to place their prefab homes on property elsewhere that fell through. (A reminder to make sure you have a place to park a tiny home before you start shopping for one.)

In addition to building custom trailer homes, McDonald’s company, Aloha Tiny Hales, is one of several on-island that import prefabricated expandable container-shipped homes manufactured in China. His base model is a 20 x 20 ft. two-bedroom, two-bath cottage with a full kitchen. A second model is twice the size at 800 sq. ft. and can be configured with up to four bedrooms.

Once removed from the container, both of the sides expand outward lengthwise, tripling the volume of the structure. The modular walls are painted stainless steel, but quite thin, and insulated with a core of styrofoam. The interior looks sleek and modern, but basic. The outside looks, well, prefabricated.

McDonald can deliver and install one of the smaller units for about $65,000. The larger 20’ x 40’ unit runs about $88,000 delivered, he said. Fully trimmed and finished with a corrugated roof, solar electric, appliances, and plumbing, it will set you back about $130,000. Still, not bad for a four bedroom.

McDonald was inspired by a conversation with Aunty Patty Nishiyama of Na Kupuna O Maui under the banyan tree in Lahaina one day, in which she lamented the housing problems faced by her niece and nephew. “I started looking into it and it’s friggin’ nuts, it’s just insane,” he said.

A former shop manager for Aloha Tiny Hales, James Bruggeman left to start his own business. Having started out building tiny homes for McDonald in Wailuku, he and his wife Tennille Chapa decided that they’d prefer to work for themselves and opened AAA Tiny Homes. They now have shops in Wailuku and Lāhainā where the couple builds some of the most handsome tiny homes around, handcrafted from the axles up.

They also import a few compact container homes, including one with a pop-out, all-glass sunroom called the “Skyview” that James predicts will be their next big seller. He has it on special now, he said, for $44,000.

The smaller 20 x 10 “Honu” unit sells for $35,000, fully outfitted and installed. He has a couple of financing options with reasonable terms available. He also sells a 20’ x 20’ pull-out similar to those which MacDonald imports for about $40,000, including siding and an A-frame roof.

Seemingly driven more by passion than profit, James and Tennille are longtime advocates for the homeless and drive to Lahaina weekly to volunteer feeding the hungry. They view tiny homes as housing solutions for the low-income and homeless.

Bottom line, said Bruggeman, is that “the county needs to remove the restrictions that do not make sense and that they, themselves, don’t follow,” citing lax enforcement of existing laws. He’d start by lifting restrictions on agriculturally zoned land.

Davis agrees. She’d like to see the law changed to allow mobile housing for farmworkers, who are sometimes forced to sleep in tents, she said, simply because reasonably priced housing is unavailable.

Mandala Eco Homes is owned and operated by Pāʻia shop owners Bruce and Satya Douglass, who rank among the island’s first tiny home enthusiasts, having begun importing bamboo kit houses from Southeast Asia more than 20 years ago. Their latest “Tiny Temple” homes on wheels, hand crafted in spectacular detail by Balinese woodworkers, are among the most beautiful tiny homes anywhere and cost about $130,000 delivered to Maui.

While a few builders on Maui are making tiny homes from scratch, to find manufacturers actively turning out finished homes in meaningful numbers, you have to set sail for Hawaiʻi Island, where inexpensive land has made for fertile ground for the movement.

Paradise Tiny Homes currently has eight houses under construction, all of which are slated for sites on the Big Island, but two of the first

Carpenter Len Storey trims out AAA Tiny Homes’ latest creation, a 32’x10’ trailer home with a spacious loft.

Paradise Tiny Homes on the Big Island designs and builds some of Hawaiʻi’s most attractive tiny houses, two of which have been shipped to customers on Maui.

Courtesy Paradise Tiny Homes

five units they built were shipped to Maui. The inter-island trip by barge cost about $5,000 the last time they shipped one, but the rates can shift dramatically, so it’s important to consider that added cost when shopping for a house on wheels.

It was while on a road trip to a family reunion in Michigan that owners Dan and Ellie Madsen decided to partner in a tiny home building business. Dan had built a fairly basic tiny home previously, and Ellie was exploring interior design. “It just had a little kitchenette kind of deal and a sleeping quarters,” she recalled. “But it got me to thinking. I’d always wanted to build a tiny home for myself. So, we started talking about possibly getting into a project together.”

Returning home to Hawaiʻi, they started the business in 2019. They sold the first tiny home they built to the first person who came to their open house, so they built two more just like it. They have now delivered five finished homes and have eight more under construction.

As part of the movement, Madsen feels an obligation to promote acceptance of tiny homes in the community.

“One of the ways we do that is by building to the highest standards that we possibly know how to and also by making them beautiful so that people aren’t complaining about something ugly going in next door,” she explained.

In regards to the resistance, she’s pragmatic. “The more structures like this are out and about, the more they will be trying to regulate them, I would presume,” she admits. “But we are in a housing crisis. It’s not like they’re going out and giving people violations for having unpermitted structures and things…it would be a really cruel world if what they were up to right now is giving people violations for living in certain structures when we just don’t have the housing and this is a solution.”

Chad Unrein owns Mockingbird Homes, the Big Island’s other major player in the tiny homes game. He thinks the trend is simply a matter of economics.

“On the Mainland, it’s more of a minimalist back-to-basics trend. Here, I think it’s just cost of living,” he said. “Most of our customers are buying these because they can’t afford even a condo with HOA fees.”

Mockingbird’s website summarizes the lifestyle well: “Living in a small but tailored space with fewer possessions can be liberating. More time, money, and energy can be spent on relationships and experiences. For many people, minimalism can be a very meaningful decision that increases happiness and reduces stress.”

For details, visit:

Aaatinyhomes.com Alohatinyhales.com Facebook.com/hawaiisimpleliving Mandalaecohomes.com Mockingbirdtinyhomes.com Paradisetinyhomes.com

Imported from Indonesia, Mandala Eco Homes are beautifully handcrafted by Balinese woodworking artisans.

Compassionate Cardiac Care

State-of-the-art outpatient cardiovascular care in beautiful Upcountry Maui is now available! We are pleased to announce that Maui Heart & Vein has opened a new location in the brand new Kulamalu Plaza this spring, and we are ready to meet your cardiovascular care needs. Our office also welcomes Natalia Colome Mansanas, PA-C, to the Maui Heart & Vein ʻohana. Natalie is a board certified PA with 12 years of cardiology experience and bilingual in English & Spanish. We strive to give quality care by providing consultations and diagnostic testing in our facilities promptly and communicate our findings back to the referring physicians in a timely manner. We look forward to providing expert, qualified care to Mauiʻs community at our two conveniently located clinics in South Maui and Upcountry Maui.

CARING FOR THE LAND

Organic landscaping is growing on Maui

By John Starmer

“Iwill never let my kids play on a lawn that doesn’t have dandelions.” This emphatic statement came from a professor visiting my school to give a talk on how pesticides act as endocrine disruptors—chemicals that act much like hormones in both animals and plants. His research showed elevated levels of cancer in workers at lawn care companies that were using pesticides.

Later that year, a graduate student presented how Atrazine, an endocrine-disrupting herbicide banned in Hawaiʻi in 2020, would cause male frogs to develop as females. In both cases, non-lethal levels—often levels that are difficult to even detect in the environment—can alter developmental pathways, cause tumors, trigger diseases such as cancers, and in some animals, change sex.

Research increasingly highlights the health and environmental problem with synthetic pesticides, which includes the -icide categories such as herbi-, insecti- and fungicides. As the dangers of chemicals that act as artificial hormones in our bodies and environment come into focus, there has been a swelling interest on Maui and around the world in caring for the land using more sustainable, tra-

ditional, or “organic” methods.

While the Organic Landscape Association dryly defines the approach as “…the creation and maintenance of naturally sustaining systems whereby soil and plant nutrition and plant health are the byproducts of a chemical-free management program,” the kanaka maoli have long had a simpler way to express this: mālama ʻāina. Though there is far more wrapped up in those two words than the idea of simply taking care of the environment, it is important to note that it includes the concept of responsibility and reciprocity. You care for the land not as a commodity, but as a relative, and the land will care for you.

I had the opportunity to chat with Duane Sparkman, an advocate of organic landscaping, at Kipuka Olowalu Cultural Reserve, a grassroots organization that provides a place to experience and share the traditional value of mālama ʻāina while also exploring modern organic landscaping practices. Sparkman volunteers his services at Kipuka Olowalu and works as a chief engineer, formerly at the Westin Maui Resort & Spa and currently at Royal Lahaina Resort, and has introduced and proven the effectiveness of organic landscaping at two large resort properties.

Sparkman noted that using organic methods is not only proving to be as functionally effective as using commercial fertilizers and -icides; it also comes with a number of benefits. The products used in organic landscaping reduce operating costs as fewer and often less expensive products can be used to maintain the property. The property also becomes more consistently accessible, as traditional herbicides and pesticides can require a no-entry period of up to 72 hours, which is not the case with organic products.

Using locally sourced compost “tea” as a fertilizer and recycled R1 water rather than drinking water can further help recycle “waste” products and bring them back into the natural cycle of growth and decomposition. Sparkman added that the application rates of compost tea are also lower when compared to conventional fertilizers, as they allow the soil to function as a system that generates its own fertilizer, as it would naturally.

At the root of organic growing processes is soil health. Applying conventional herbicides and pesticides results in loss of soil function with very low levels of soil bacteria, fungi, and protozoans (single-celled organisms). While fewer bacteria might seem like a good thing, the

community of soil microorganisms is what supports the breakdown of organic waste (i.e. lawn cuttings or fallen leaves) and slowly releases the nutrients that plants can then utilize as fertilizer. This healthy soil tends to hold water better as well. Sparkman noted, “Treat the soil like it is king and the plants will follow.”

Another problem with conventional -icides and fertilizers is that they often persist in the environment and tend to wash downstream and into our coastal waters. In an effort to further its goal of protecting coral reefs, the Maui Nui Marine Resource Council (MNMRC) has started a Reef Friendly Landscaping Certification Program for businesses in Maui. The project’s coordinator, Jill Wirt, said the program provides a year of complimentary consulting by a local organic landscaping expert and complementary resources to allow landowners to experience the results of an organic landscaping approach firsthand.

The pilot program is a partnership with several local organizations: Edaphic Perspective, LLC, Environmental Solutions Maui, Beyond Pesticides, West Maui Ridge to Reef Initiative, and Maui Visitors and Con-

Darris Hurst

vention Bureau and is funded by the Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority.

Participants in the pilot program receive a free property assessment that includes soil testing, guidance about transitioning to reef-friendly landscape products, and complementary applications of the locally produced “Soil Thrive” compost tea to regenerate soil health if needed.

Wirt noted that in another, ongoing MNMRC organic landscape pilot program that includes test plots in tee boxes at Mākena Golf and Beach Club, a baseball field at Maui County’s Keopuolani Park, and a turf field within Wailea Community Association, are showing improved soil health after a few applications of a compost tea solution developed locally by Environmental Solutions Maui.

The ultimate goal of both programs is to get facilities to move to chemical-free landscaping. Businesses that reduce or eliminate their chemical use receive recognition through MNMRC’s reef-friendly landscaping certification. Wirt noted that the program has benefits beyond the target of coral reef protection as when properties join the program “it will have positive

effects on the health of their guests, Maui’s residents, aquifer, nearshore waters, and reef health, all at the same time.”

While resort-scale organic landscaping is growing in Maui, don’t feel left out—it’s easy for homeowners to join in. If you’d like to dive deeper into organic landscaping, the UH Master Gardener program is a great place to start. You can also sign up to volunteer at Kipuka Olowalu to learn more about traditional and chemical-free landscape management and agriculture.

Even if you don’t own or manage your own property, you can support the reduced use of synthetic -icides and fertilizers by spreading the word and encouraging local businesses to try it out. Tell your legislators that this is an important issue. Last year, Maui County Council passed a bill, now Ordinance 5242, which mandates the use of organic pesticides and fertilizers on the majority of county properties due to strong public support for the measure.

Thanks to this, Maui has the strongest organic policy for public lands, but there is more to do. Atrazine—the herbicide that castrates frogs—has

been banned by the European Union since 2003. It was only banned statewide in Hawaiʻi and U.S. Territories in 2020 and is still legal in the rest of the country.

Hopefully, as organic and chemical-free landscaping and gardening continue to become more mainstream, it will become clear that the expense, danger, and ecological consequences of synthetic chemical-based landscaping are not worth it. Care for the land and the land will care for you. Mālama ʻāina.

RESOURCES

UH Master Gardener Program cms.ctahr.hawaii.edu/uhmgprogram/Home/Maui

Kipuka Olowalu kipukaolowalu.com

MNMRC Reef Friendly Landscaping mauireefs.org/what-we-do/ reef-friendly-landscaping

Worm Composting ctahr.hawaii.edu/oc/freepubs/pdf/ hg-45.pdf

Herbicide free campus rewild.org/rewild-your-campus

Introduction to organic lawns montgomerycountymd.gov/lawns/ homeowner/why-organic.html

• Swap out synthetic chemicals for organic options.

• Plant natives that will benefit native pollinators, may reduce introduced and invasive species that don’t do well on local plants, and tend to reduce water use as native plants are adapted to thrive and survive with local conditions.

• Alter your watering regimes to keep out weeds and invasive species. Duane Sparkman noted that nutsedge, a persistent weed generally treated with herbicides, is actually an indicator of overwatering and it can readily be controlled by changing to a deep but infrequent watering schedule.

• Get a mulching blade for your mower and mulch around plant beds with fallen leaves to help retain water in the soil and return nutrients to the soil as the leaves break down.

• Start a worm farm in a few five-gallon buckets to compost kitchen scraps and generate compost that you can use to make your own compost tea. Your yard and house plants will appreciate the effort.

Courtesy

The Kipuka Olowalu Cultural Reserve exhibits modern organic landscaping practices.

There are many simple ways to improve the landscape ecology of where you live.

Courtesy Pixabay / Akil Mazumder

SUMIKO INABA’S RISE CONTINUES

By Jacob Shafer

Sumiko Inaba’s latest fight was tough. But she was tougher. The Pukalani-born, King Kekaulike High graduate’s most recent mixed-martial arts victory came at Long Beach Arena’s Bellator 286 in Southern California in October. It was a rematch with Nadine Mandiau, and raised her professional record to 5-0.

In their previous bout, in 2018, when they were both competing as amateurs, Inaba defeated Mandiau in a little over a minute.

This time, the competition was fiercer.

The fight went three hard rounds, with the competitors trading blows. At certain points, Inaba seemed on the verge of victory; at other points, defeat seemed more than possible.

In the end, Inaba won by unanimous decision, but it wasn’t easy. While she landed multiple jabs and front kicks, she was unable to end the match by knockout or submission.

It was the first time in her pro career she had a fight go to the judges. Though they ruled in her favor, it was a reminder that this sport requires growth and discipline.

Inaba—who is a warrior in the cage but exceedingly kind and soft-spoken outside of it—described the Bellator 286 experience with typical humility.

“Completely new, different ring, bigger crowd, more to the fight week and all the emotions that come with

it,” she said. “So, I took it as a completely new fight. She was a great new opponent, as well. She came with a lot more skill and a lot more fight, and she gave it to me.”

Nicknamed the “Lady Samurai”, the 5’4” Inaba was a nursing student before

she entered the MMA world. In May, she told MauiTimes, “Being a mom and pursuing this career is awesome. I get to show my [13-year-old daughter] what it means to have confidence and feel strong as a growing girl.”

Sumiko is growing, too. The next step is to move up the rankings in the female flyweight division with Bellator, which is one of the world’s largest combat sports promoters, alongside Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).

Comparisons have been made between Inaba and Ilima-Lei “The Ilimanator” Macfarlane, an Oʻahu-born wahine flyweight who achieved fivetime champion status with Bellator.

“I can only be grateful for Ilima for paving this way for me as a Hawaiian fighter,” Inaba told Cageside Press prior to her Bellator 286 win. “She’s done so much. I’ve watched both of her fights in Hawaiʻi—they were chicken skin from the walkout to the fight and performance itself. To be able to keep up with that is just inspiration, and I think that, yeah, I strive to be exactly what she was, and that’s the champ.”

Based on her unblemished record and rising-star status, that goal is within reach.

Local MMA fighter remains undefeated in professional competition

Courtesy Instagram/sumiko.inaba

Courtesy Instagram/sumiko.inaba

Maui singer-songwriter Lily Meola could give a master class in discovering the beauty and grace within the paralyzing sadness of losing a loved one. Through her emotional appearances on “America’s Got Talent!”, she already has. At age 28, Meola is more familiar with grief than she ought to be. She was a rising star in the music world with a record contract in hand and the support of collaborators like country music legends Willie Nelson and Kris Kristofferson when her mother was diagnosed with cancer and her world fell apart.

Lily’s mother Nancy had been her biggest cheerleader as she developed her talent and found her sultry and soulful voice. Now an inoperable tumor was constricting her pulmonary artery. A longtime assistant to talent manager Shep Gordon, her passing was felt across the local music community.

“Even though she’s not here, physically, I’m still chasing every day to try and make her proud,” Meola told MauiTimes during a rest stop on her

fall tour of the deep South. “It’s been really difficult and what I’m finding is that chasing after stuff and going on this tour and just continuing on is how I communicate with her.”

The two held a deep mother-daughter bond, strengthened by their mutual love of music and butterflies. “I talk to my mom all

Lily Meola, Home for the Holidays

But she threw caution to the wind and went for it, choosing a heartfelt, inspirational original song, “Daydream” for her first audition. The song, which exhorts the listener not to let go of their youthful ambitions, was a favorite of her mom’s.

Simon Cowell’s questioning before the performance led to Lily revealing

throughout the day every day,” said Meola. “I still feel lost, but you’ve got to make do with what you’ve got and try to keep a smile on my face.”

“America’s Got Talent!”

When a last-minute opportunity to audition for “America’s Got Talent!” came up last spring, Meola wasn’t quite ready for the limelight, still mired in a lingering depression brought on by her mother’s death.

the loss of her mother, and with it, the loss of her first major label record deal. The tearful, heartbreaking performance made her an immediate audience favorite and earned her the Golden Buzzer from judge Heidi Klum.

“It was a bit more of a sob story than I would have liked,” she said of the way the show focused on her mother’s passing. “I guess being super honest and spilling my heart out might be uncomfortable for me— and maybe for some viewers, too—

By Dan Collins

but it’s a moment to connect.” And connect she did, winning thousands of new fans literally overnight.

“Honestly, I don’t think I did well,” she admitted. “I’m all about showing myself in my rawest forms, but I lost it during that performance.” Her emotion was genuine, and intense.

“You know when you’re, like, crying and you have a lump in your throat? I felt like I didn’t hit one right note the whole song,” she said. “I was so choked up and had snot dripping from my nose. It was so bad! But another day arose and I’m still kicking and people still understood the message and felt connected to it, and that’s all that matters.”

‘Butterfly’

For Meola’s second performance, on the program’s fourth live show August 30, she chose an original song she had written about her mother’s passing called “Butterfly,” its bittersweet chorus ending with the words, “I know we’ll meet between Heaven

Weaving a tapestry of grace from the shreds of a grieving heart

Vivian Kim

“I talk to my mom all throughout the day every day. I still feel lost, but you’ve got to make do with what you’ve got….”

and the sky, I’ll try, I’m gonna try to find the good after goodbye.”

“After going on the show, I kind of felt inspired again. I was in a moment of kind of needing to take my own advice,” she explained. “It wasn’t just to inspire other people, but to inspire myself, too. I felt so much love after the show it got me back in the studio writing again.”

“Butterfly” was the first song Meola had written since her mother’s death. “It was just so healing and really helped me kind of understand where I was in my emotions and stuff,” she explained. “So, it felt like the natural thing to do, rather than a song about a heartbreak or something.”

The story behind “Butterfly” is a beautiful one. When she was little, Lily’s mother would collect caterpillars from the garden and they’d watch them pupate and emerge from their cocoons as monarch butterflies. It was a hobby the two shared throughout her childhood.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, family members weren’t allowed into the hospital where Nancy went for treatment, so Lily found herself absent from her mother’s presence for the first time in months. “I went upcountry, and it was kind of weird to be away from her,” she recalls. “I ended up stumbling across some milkweed, which is the plant that hosts the butterflies. I was so excited, I said ʻOh, my gosh, I’m going to bring some caterpillars home to

mom and we’ll watch the butterflies grow, like we had done in the past.’”

She brought the branch home and put it in a vase and the two watched the little caterpillars grow until they formed cocoons. “The first one hatched just 20 minutes before my mom took her last breath,” she explained. “It’s like it hatched while she was transitioning. It was just such a beautiful moment in such a tragic moment. Then the day that they took her body, our first day without her, the next butterfly hatched and it stayed with me and my brother for what seemed like hours.”

Despite a beautiful performance of “Butterfly,” Meola didn’t garner enough viewer votes to continue in the competition, but an online survey the following day found that 48 percent of those polled felt like she had been robbed of a spot in the finals.

“Just thinking back on it, I think, ʻWow, I can’t believe I actually did that.’ I stepped out of my comfort zone,” she reflected. “But I’m really grateful for it, even though it pushed me really emotionally.” She’s tripled her social media following and gets recognized by strangers, now.

Jazzy roots

It was her mother’s love of jazz that gave Lily her start in music.

“She loved Ella Fitzgerald and Aretha Franklin and Louis Armstrong and all these old jazz standards,” she said.

Lily thinks she was only about six when she first performed for an audience, and 10 or 11 when she landed her first job as a vocalist.

“I remember my first paid gig was at the MACC (Maui Arts and Cultural Center) and I couldn’t believe it,” she recalls. Her mother had landed her the gig, singing in the courtyard before a show. “They gave me a check and I was like, ʻthat means I’m a professional,’” she said with a laugh.

Meola got even more serious about having a music career after she landed the lead in a high school musical, portraying Dulcinea in “The Man of La Mancha.” “It’s really funny. I was so bad!” she said of the performance. “I found the video of it recently and I was like, ʻwhat the heck was I thinking?’” Mom promptly enrolled her in voice lessons.

She eventually landed a weekly gig singing at Café Des Amis in Paia, where the old outlaw Willie Nelson was so moved that he invited her to record with him.

Befriending Willie

“Our families knew each other,” Lily explained. Her brother, pro

surfer Matt Meola, went to school with Willie’s sons, Lukas and Mikah, which led to Nancy becoming good friends with their mother, Willie’s wife Annie. “Annie would come to my shows, and occasionally she would drag Willie along,” said Meola. “So, one day he sat in and we sang ʻCrazy’ together.”

After her set, Willie handed her a napkin with a list of song titles scrawled on it and simply said, “If you’d ever like to record any of these, let me know.”

Sadly, a bad sound board corrupted the files from their session together, rendering them unusable, but the friendship led Nelson to ask Meola to appear on his 62nd studio album, “To All The Girls…”, a collection of duets with female singers on which she joins Willie for the soulful, heartbreaking ballad, “Will You Remember Mine.” The album put young Meola in the company of Dolly Parton, Roseanne Cash, Emmylou Harris, and Loretta Lynn.

Their collaboration led to an invitation to join Nelson on tour, followed by duet performances at several Farm Aid benefit concerts over the years. Now if they find themselves performing in the same part of the

Meola and her older brother, Matt, comfort their mother, Nancy, as she battles lung cancer.

Vivian Kim

country, Meola is often invited to open for Nelson and join him onstage for a song or two.

She found another mentor in Jackson Browne, whom she met at a benefit concert in Oregon. Browne felt that Meola was ready to begin crafting her own songs and told her, “Next time you’re in L.A., come over to my house and I’ll teach you everything you need to know about songwriting in one sitting,” she recalled. “So, I’ve sent him some songs that I’ve worked on and he really listens to every line, and…gives his two cents. It’s really cool. For such an incredible songwriter to listen to such a newbie’s work is pretty exciting.”

Meola released a solo album titled “They Say” in 2016—which included duets with Nelson and Kristofferson—but has since cast it aside because the songs were not her own. “I threw that record away, because that was before I really started writing,” she explained. After I found my voice and knew what I wanted to say, I said ʻthis isn’t me.’

“I need to represent myself in the way that I want to and put out songs that came from my heart.” A second “debut” album of all original songs is in the works. It might have been released sooner had the representative from Interscope records who signed her stuck around. But he moved to Warner Brothers, and being under contract, Lily couldn’t follow him there. So, she languished until Interscope abruptly canceled her contract, just as her mother took ill.

In March 2016, Rolling Stone magazine listed her among their “10 new country artists you need to know,” but Meola doesn’t like to be pigeon-holed. “It’s funny, I don’t really think of myself as a country singer,” she asserted, despite being associated with Nelson and Kristofferson. “I mean, there’s part of me that feels I have a bit of country soul in me, and in parts of my voice you can hear it, but I’d say more of a singer-songwriter and pop singer. I don’t like to limit myself.”

Homeward bound

Meola has been living in Encinitas, just north of San Diego, as she pursues her music career in California, but she still calls Maui home “forever and forever.” Her wing-foiler father Gary and pro surfer brother Matt seldom leave the island.

She spent most of the fall on a 20-city U.S. tour opening up for folk

rocker Ray LaMontagne. Two members of her all-girl Maui band have joined her on tour, Olivia Morreale on keys and Tina Hughes on guitar. Having them along helps to keep Meola grounded.

“The girls I’m with are so sweet, and we obviously have a lot in common, she said. “We’re all three female musicians hustling, trying to make it in this world.”

Her boyfriend, Forrest Dein, joined the tour for a few days, between hosting events for his hard kombucha business, Juneshine. She keeps in touch with friends and family on Maui as best she can. “FaceTime is my best friend,” she declared.

But it’s still not easy knowing that her biggest cheerleader is no longer by her side. “Obviously I would do anything and everything to have her back here,” Lily said, “but I have no control over that so I’m just trying to make her proud.”

Cover Girl

For MauiTime’s 2016 cover story about Lily Meola, we featured a photo of her with her pet pig, Maple Bacon. Whatever became of the adorable piglet?

“We ate her in a lau lau,” Meola states, flatly. Then, with a laugh, “No I’m just kidding. She lives with a family on Awalau Rd. in Haʻikū. They’ve got kids and dogs, so she’s happy. I’m super stoked that she got to go to a good home.”

It had been a dream of hers since she was a little girl to have a pet pig. “And I finally got one and then I moved to LA. I was really sad about that,” she lamented. “That was a really unfortunate farewell for me.”

Check out lilymeolamusic.com for more information.

Broke Da Mout

By Jen Russo

Cool Cat Cafe

658 Front St., Lāhainā Coolcatcafe.com 808-667-0908

Cool Cat is one of Maui’s quintessential burger joints, winning burger awards year after year. They have the whole deal: great burgers in a variety of flavors, fries, onion rings, ice cream shakes, and boozy adult shakes, too. On top of that, they have salads, steaks, ribs, fresh fish sandos, and tacos. Their burger of the month specials read like an irresistible dare; check their instagram feed for the latest one. It’s so satisfying to tuck into one of their burgers, be it veggie, beef, fish, or chicken. Biting into the juicy patty layered with crispy veggies and tasty condiments surrounded by pillows of warm bread is an experience to savor. They also have live music, a full bar, and great banyan tree harbor views from their top-level dining at the Wharf.

Pita Paradise Mediterranean Bistro

34 Wailea Ike Dr., Kīhei Pitaparadisehawaii.com 808-879-7177

Pita Paradise has nailed Wailea Mediterranean dining, combining their Greek-inspired menu with elegant European-style dining and their outdoor garden grotto. Their owner is the restaurant’s very own fisherman, so Johnny’s fresh catch is popular on the menu. Their Australian free-range lamb dishes are my go-to because they have their own Greek family recipes, and you can get it with salad, in a lamb burger or gyro, or as an entree served with sauteed veggies, pilaf and tzatziki. The menu is easily accessible for vegans and vegetarians as well.

Las Pinatas

395 Dairy Rd, Kahului Pinatasmaui.com 808-877-8707

Take your chicken taco cravings to Pinatas, like I do. The crispy freshmade corn tortilla taco shell is stuffed with their succulent shredded chicken, topped with cheese, chopped lettuce and cabbage, tomato, and their housemade salsa. You can also get their tacos in grilled fish, shrimp, carne asada, or whatever protein floats you. Their homestyle Mexican recipes are bomb, and they have kept their prices reasonable. You can’t beat their options and combo plates. Pinatas has renewed their climate-controlled interior with a completely copasetic new vibe. They also do live music shows called Sunday Sessions, next door in another completely renewed space. Get your tickets online, kick back on Sundays and enjoy tunes, chips, salsa, drinks, and desserts.

Sean M. Hower

Jen

Should You Watch ‘Blonde’ on Netflix?

By Barry Wurst II

Andrew Dominick’s “Blonde” not only earns every bit of controversy it has generated but seems to have initiated it by design. In shaping a film on the life of Marilyn Monroe, Dominick isn’t remotely interested in creating nostalgia comfort food or a jukebox of greatest hits, like Baz Luhrman’s “Elvis.” Instead, we have a harrowing, highly stylized art movie, nearly

through letters. Of course, this being “Blonde,” even this plot strand heads to a devastating reveal.

There’s no joy to this. It’s rough going for nearly every minute of the three-hour running time.

“Blonde,” with its overindulgent length, unceasingly downbeat tone, harrowing scenes, and lack of fun in its portrayal of Monroe’s life, was always going to be a hot topic.

Having a movie this extreme just sitting on a Netflix queue may be the biggest I-dare-you-towatch-this the streaming site has ever initiated.

three hours long, mostly in black and white and extremely hard to like.

Ana De Armas plays Monroe, who we see experiencing a tortured career, where the monster success on magazine covers and movie screens hides a lifetime of agony. As depicted here, Monroe is always a target for men, who are unceasing in the ways they exploit and abuse her.

The film opens in Los Angeles in 1933. We meet Monroe, formerly known as Norma Jean (played very well by a young Lily Fisher), raised by an unstable mother who, at one point, tries to drown her daughter. The only aspect of hope that follows Monroe her entire life is reconciling with her father, who keeps in touch

The film premiered on Netflix and presents a first for the streaming giant: its rated NC-17 and has many scenes involving rape and an abortion that, according to the film, Monroe regretted having (which has resulted in many editorials declaring the film anti-abortion).

This is among the most high-profile, lavish, and sexually frank movies to premiere on Netflix. Do not let your kids watch “Blonde.”

There’s no getting around how this impressively produced, large-scale and self-conscious art movie wants to rattle its audience and leave them shaking, but the result is a work that doesn’t cover enough of its subject, yet is still too much.

Courtesy Netflix

Based on the 2000 Joyce Carol Oates novel of the same name, “Blonde” is a series of scenes with crushing reveals and often painful depictions of what Monroe endured in an era where female movie stars, let alone world-wide sex symbols, were at the mercy of a male-dominated system. If Dominick is attempting to draw parallels between the “casting couch” horrors of the 20th century with the current #Metoo climate, then the film offers a valuable subtext. However, audiences may jump ship long before the revolting scene where Monroe is raped by President John F. Kennedy. Despite unfair claims that the film is “anti-choice,” it’s the angle of demonizing Kennedy on film that may be the aspect most will remember.

The prominent subplot involving Monroe’s abortion doesn’t position this as propaganda in either direction, but, like everything else here, it’s too much. The operation is graphically depicted with outrageous POV shots in the birth canal. An even bolder touch is how the film depicts President Kennedy. Few films have ever suggested, let alone outright depicted him as the womanizing monster he’s shown to be here.

Despite characters with names like The Playwright and The Athlete, the film never tells us we’re looking at. For example, Joe DiMaggio or Arthur

Courtesy Netflix

Miller. There’s also no mention of “The Misfits,” Monroe’s best film, which showed the world how talented she truly was.

Of Monroe’s films, “Some Like It Hot,” “Niagara” and “The Seven Year Itch” are referenced, but neglecting to bring up “The Misfits” and the unfinished “Something’s Got to Give” was a misstep.

Dominick’s film frequently tries too hard and bludgeons its audience over the head, but De Armas’ amazing performance and the cinematography are both Oscar worthy. “Blonde” matters because most depictions of Monroe lean into her beauty and iconic qualities as one of the ultimate symbols of Hollywood glamor, but few explore the dark side of her life to the degree this one does.

Everyone from Ashley Judd to Kelli Garner have credibly played Monroe, but De Armas’ performance, a careful recreation as much as a real test of any actress, is incredible. Having a movie this extreme just sitting on a Netflix queue may be the biggest I-dare-you-to-watch-this the streaming site has ever initiated. There are great scenes and performances here to savor, but make no mistake: “Blonde” tells us it was no fun to be Marilyn Monroe and offers us a threehour presentation of how a radiant smile hid so many inner bruises.

It’s a question as complicated and difficult as Marilyn Monroe’s life

Da Kine Calendar

By Shan Kekahuna

DIY: PRINT YOUR OWN HOLIDAY CARDS! DEC 4. Make your holidays handmade! Design your own holiday cards using relief and mono printing techniques. Leave with a stack of beautiful 5”x7” cards with envelopes, just in time for you to send to your loved ones. 11am-4pm. Hui Hui Noʻeau Visual Arts Center (Makawao); Huinoeau.com

HOLIDAY POPS - DEC 4. Under the baton of Music Director James Durham, Maui Pops Orchestra invites you to ring in the holiday season with a festive concert featuring 23-time Nā Hōkū Hanohano award winners ‘Na Leo Pilimehana and a dance performance by Hālau Kekuaokala‘au‘ala‘iliahi. Enjoy some of their most-loved songs of the islands, as well as many holiday favorites. 3pm. Maui Arts & Cultural Center (Kahului); 808-244-SHOW; Mauiarts.org

EMPTY THE SHELTER HOLIDAY HOPE - DEC 5-11. The Bissell Pet Foundation is bringing hope to homeless pets across the country this holiday season. $0 adoption fees for all animals (excluding puppies). Maui Humane Society (Puʻunene); Mauihumanesociety.com

HOLIDAYS

VETERANS DEAL - Proud supporters of our United States Veterans, they are pleased to offer ALL Veterans 20 percent OFF all year long! Mala Tavern (Lāhainā); 808-667-9394; Malatavern.com

SALVATION ARMY ANGEL TREE - NOWDEC 10. Bring happiness to a keiki or kupuna in need this Christmas! Select an Angel, then purchase gifts from the suggested list, and drop off at the table located at center court. Queen Kaʻahumanu Center (Kahului); 808-877-3369; Queenkaahumanucenter.com

HUI HOLIDAYS - NOW-DEC 24. It’s a winter wonderland of local and handmade items for everyone on your list! One-of-akind handmade gifts by local artists and crafters like paintings, ceramic pieces, handblown glass ornaments, locally-made beauty products, holiday ornaments and more! Tuesdays-Saturdays, 9am-4pm. Hui Hui Noʻeau Visual Arts Center (Makawao); Huinoeau.com

PHOTOS WITH SANTA - NOW-DEC 24. Reserve a date with Santa for memorable holiday photos with the whole ‘ohana! Go online for a complete schedule. Queen Kaʻahumanu Center (Kahului); 808-877-3369; Queenkaahumanucenter.com

HOLIDAY GIFT WITH PURCHASE - NOWDEC 31. Guests who provide $200 or more in retailer receipts at QKC mall management office will receive a $20 Foodland Gift Card. One gift per person per promotion. Mall employees may participate. While supplies last. Queen Kaʻahumanu Center (Kahului); 808-877-3369; Queenkaahumanucenter.com

MISTLETOE AT MONTAGE - NOW-JAN 2. Visit the resort entrance, where you may step under the mistletoe, snap a photo with friends and family, and share on social media using the hashtags #MontageMistletoe and #MontageMemory. They’ll share guest memories underneath the mistletoe every Friday on their Instagram account. Montage Kapalua Bay (Kapalua); 808-662-6627; Montagehotels.com/kapaluabay

PHOTOS WITH SANTA: SANTA CARES - DEC 1-22. Santa Cares is for those who need a little extra time with Santa. Reservations required. Fridays, 11am7pm. Queen Kaʻahumanu Center (Kahului); Queenkaahumanucenter.com

DECEMBER MATCH CAMPAIGN - DEC 1-31. This holiday season, you can give the greatest gift to animals in our community: a second chance. You can save the lives of twice as many animals. Donate online or stop by the shelter. Maui Humane Society (Puʻunene); Mauihumanesociety.com

HUI HOLIDAYS FIRST NIGHT

CELEBRATION - DEC 1. Do your holiday shopping in style as you sip, sample, and shop to spirited music. Pop-up vendors will glitter the courtyard in a winter wonderland of local and handmade items. Enjoy a special performance by Maui Madrigale and see this year’s paper dress created by Maui artist Melody Koerber. 5-8pm. Hui Hui Noʻeau Visual Arts Center (Makawao); Huinoeau.com

LIVING WREATH MAKING WITH NATIVE PLANTS - DEC 3. Join Executive Director Tamara Sherrill and Horticulturalist Emmely Felipe to make a holiday wreath with living, growing native plants. 9am-12pm & 1pm4pm. Maui Nui Botanical Gardens (Kahului); 808-249-2798; MNBG.org

LAULIMA DAY - DEC 3. Those in the giving spirit can drop off toys, household items, and monetary donations that will be distributed to ʻohana in need on Maui. 10am4pm. Queen Kaʻahumanu Center (Kahului); Queenkaahumanucenter.com

CHRISTMAS FAIR & ELECTRIC GOLF CART PARADE - DEC 3. The 4th annual event will feature keiki activities, ʻono eats and a special visit by Santa. Proceeds benefit Upcounty projects. 4-7pm. Pukalani Country Club (Pukalani); 808-344-7134; Pukalanicommunity.com

LĀHAINĀ BANYAN TREE LIGHTING - DEC 3. Celebrate the holiday season on the West Side! Watch the eye-catching lighting of the oldest living Banyan Tree on Maui. 5:30pm. Tree is lit nightly 5:30pm-midnight throughout December. Lahainarestoration.com

MELE MONDAYS - DEC 5-19. Be on the lookout for the roaming caroler’s as they harmonize to your favorite holiday tunes around the mall. Mondays, 5-7pm. Queen Kaʻahumanu Center (Kahului); 808-877-3369; Queenkaahumanucenter.com

HOLIDAY PET PHOTOS - DEC 6,13 & 20. Santa welcomes pets to come visit and take photos with him this holiday season. Maui Humane Society’s Community Outreach team will be there to share information about their programs, volunteer and fostering opportunities, and will be accompanied by an adoptable dog to give love to! 11am-7pm. Queen Kaʻahumanu Center (Kahului); Queenkaahumanucenter.com; Mauihumanesociety.org

WIRE WRAPPED CHRISTMAS ORNAMENTS - DEC 7 & 10. Teaching Artist Roberta Weisenburg will teach students about wire types and gauges, along with basic wire wrapping techniques to make free form wire-wrapped ornaments using copper and brass. $85 (members); $103 (non-members). 10am-1pm. Hui Noʻeau Visual Arts Center (Makawao); Huinoeau.com

HOLO HOLO HOLIDAYS - DEC 9, 16 & 23. Fun festivities for the entire ʻohana! Keiki edible crafts by Happie Happie Joie Joie, followed by musical performances featuring Maui artists. 6-8pm. Queen Kaʻahumanu Center (Kahului); 808-877-3369; Queenkaahumanucenter.com

A CHRISTMAS CAROL - DEC 9-18. Enjoy this classic holiday story with a twist. Thursdays, Fridays & Saturdays, 7pm; Sundays, 2pm. ProArts Playhouse (Kīhei); 808-463-6550; Proartsmaui.org

LAU NIU HOLIDAY CRAFTS - DEC 10. Uʻi Kahue of Maui Grown 808 will teach the basics of coconut weaving/plaiting. Projects include a lau niu (coconut fronds) ornament set, a traditional Hawaiian toy - the palaʻie (ball and loop game), a holiday wreath, traditional gift wrapping using ki (often called po‘ulu), and a small ʻumeke (woven bowl). 10am-12pm & 1-3pm. Maui Nui Botanical Gardens (Kahului); 808-249-2798; MNBG.org

SANTA’S WORKSHOP - DEC 10. An exciting holiday family event featuring music by George Kahumoku Jr, a keiki art

activity, chances to meet Santa, shopping for handmade ceramics, and more. 10am-4pm. Hui Hui Noʻeau Visual Arts Center (Makawao); Huinoeau.com

HOLIDAY MARKET - DEC 10. Stop by the taproom for some holiday shopping with an amazing group of hand selected local artisans. 10am-9pm. Mahalo Aleworks (Makawao); Mahaloaleworks.com

NĒNĒ CHALLENGE - HOLIDAY EDITION!

- DEC 10. Spend a festive afternoon getting to know the community, doing a variety of holiday themed challenges around town. Then end at your final destination and enjoy games, entertainment, items for purchase and lunch. A benefit for hālau hula, Pāʻū O Hiʻiaka, under the direction of Kumu Hula Hōkūlani Holt. Check in: 11:30; 12-5pm. UH Maui College parking lot (Kahului); Eventbrite.com

A HOLIDAY FUNDRAISER ART PARTY

- DEC 10. Come ready to paint, sip, eat and be entertained at What Makes You Feel Beautiful’s fun festive holiday party. Livingroom Legenz will provide the entertainment, there’ll be a complimentary champagne toast, wine, delicious pupus and door prize give-a-way. 1-5pm. Island Art Party (Kīhei); Givebutter.com/heartparty

WINTERFEST - DEC 10. Fun for the whole family, enjoy live entertainment, holiday gifts & crafts. Proceeds to benefit Pōmaika‘i PTSA. 5-8pm. Pōmaika‘i Elementary School (Kahului); Pomaikai.k12.hi.us

LĀHAINA SNOWMAN PHOTO OP - DEC 10. Cookie decorating for keiki. 6-8pm. Campbell Park (Lāhainā); Lahainarestoration.com

12 DAYS OF GIVEAWAYS - DEC 12-24. QKC will be giving away $100 gift cards on Instagram each of the 12 days leading up to Christmas! Follow on (@QKCMaui) for details. Queen Kaʻahumanu Center (Kahului); 808877-3369; Queenkaahumanucenter.com

HOLIDAY AUCTION - DEC 15-18. The Maui Humane Society’s holiday silent auction is back! Maui made arts & crafts, local restaurants, tours, trips and everything for the pet lover in your life! Check out the website and get your mouse ready to bid on the best of Maui! 12pm-6pm. App.galabid.com/ mhsholidayauction

WAʻA KALIKIMAKA GALA - DEC 15. Marking the 75th Birthday of President and Founder of Hawaiian Outrigger Canoe Voyaging Society, Kimokeo Kapahulehua. Celebrate this milestone with dinner, live entertainment, a silent auction, dj and dancing. Monies raised from the silent auction will go towards youth program: Hoʻoulu Ka ʻIke (Growing with Knowledge). 5-9pm. The King Kamehameha Golf Club (Waikapū); Wearevoyagers.org

THE NUTCRACKER BALLET - DEC 16-18. Alexander Academy presents a holiday classic showcasing their jazz, tap, hip-hop and acting students. Telling the tale of a girl who befriends a nutcracker that comes to life on Christmas Eve, and wages a battle against the evil Mouse King. Friday, 6-8pm; Saturday, 2-4pm & 6-8pm; Sunday, 12-2pm & 4-6pm. Seabury Hall ʻAʻaliʻikūhonua Creative Arts Center (Makawao); Alexanderacademy.info

KAMAʻĀINA NIGHTS: HOLIDAY EDITION - DEC 16. Leading up to Christmas enjoy a local grown concert series featuring some

The Lāhainā Banyan Tree will be twinkling with thousands of festive holiday lights throughout the month of December! More info below.

Courtesy Facebook/lahainarestoration

Entertainment (Weekly)

Open Mic 7-10pm, (Weekly)

Trivia Night 9-11pm, (Weekly) Live Band 8-10pm, (Weekly)

Mahalo

Works

of Hawaiʻi’s favorite artists! 7-8pm. Queen Kaʻahumanu Center (Kahului); 808-877-3369; Queenkaahumanucenter.com

GIFT WRAPPING - DEC 16-24. No time to wrap all those holiday gifts? Gift wrapping by various non-profit organizations will be available at center court by donation. All proceeds go directly to the nonprofit organization. Queen Kaʻahumanu Center (Kahului); 808-877-3369; Queenkaahumanucenter.com

IMUA KEIKI HOLIDAY FESTIVAL - DEC 17. Imua Family Services, 808-244-7467; Imuafamily.org

ORNAMENT PAINTING CLASS - DEC 17. Create your own hand-made ornaments to decorate your Christmas tree. 10am & 11:30am. Island Art Party (Kīhei); Islandartparty.com

HOLIDAY OF DANCE MAUI - DEC 17. The annual dance recital features Alexander Academy of Performing Arts dance students in their jazz, hip hop, contemporary, and acting departments. All dances have a holiday or winter theme. 11:30am-12:30pm. Seabury Hall ʻAʻaliʻikūhonua Creative Arts Center (Makawao); Alexanderacademy.info

SNOW ZONE - DEC 17. 6-8pm. Keiki 12 and under can have fun in the snow. Campbell Park (Lāhainā); Lahainarestoration.com

HOLIDAY WREATH WORKSHOP - DEC 19. Create a special holiday wreath that showcases the beauty of the native plants and flowers. 5-7pm. Hui Hui Noʻeau Visual Arts Center (Makawao); Huinoeau.com

FOSTER FOR THE HOLIDAYS - DEC 19JAN 2. By opening your heart and home to a shelter animal for the holidays, you can give this animal the best holiday present – a comfortable place to spend the holiday season. Not to mention, starting 2023 with a fresh start! Maui Humane Society (Puʻunene); Mauihumanesociety.com

HOLIDAY SLACK KEY SHOW - DEC 21. Enjoy a holiday performance featuring Herb Ohta, Jr. & Jon Yamasato, George Kahumoku & the slack key ‘ohana. $40-60. 6:30-8:15pm. The Napili Kai Beach Resort Aloha Pavilion (Napili); 808-669-3858; Slackkeyshow.com

A KANEKOA CHRISTMAS - DEC 23. Get ready for the ultimate Holiday ride with the ʻukulele masters of Kanekoa. Enjoy Christmas

Live Band 8-10pm, (Weekly) Live Band 8-10pm, (Weekly)

Karaoke 7-11:30pm, (Weekly) Karaoke 7-11:30pm, (Weekly) Karaoke 7-11:30pm, (Weekly) Karaoke 7-11:30pm, (Weekly)

Live DJ 8pm, (Weekly) Live DJ 8pm, (Weekly) Live DJ 8pm, (Weekly)

Entertainment (Weekly) Entertainment (Weekly)

Live DJ 10pm, (Weekly)

Karaoke 7-11:30pm, (Weekly)

Trivia Night (Weekly)

Karaoke 10pm-12am, (Weekly)

Live DJ 10pm, (Weekly)

Entertainment (Weekly)

Live DJ 10pm, (Weekly)

Karaoke 6pm-close, (Weekly)

classics with some original Kanekoa tunes mixed in. Special Guest and MC, Kathy “Tita” Collins will be performing “Twas Da Night Befo’ Christmas.” 7:30pm. ProArts Playhouse (Kīhei); 808-463-6550; Proartsmaui.org

HALONA KAI HOLIDAY VILLAGE - DEC 2325. Celebrate with a delicious holiday buffet, festive music, Christmas themed activities for the family, and a visit by Santa Claus. After sunset, a holiday movie will be shown and fresh popcorn, sweets and hot chocolate will be offered. Festive drinks and cocktails will be available for purchase. 5-8pm. Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa (Lāhainā); 808-661-1234; Hyattregencymaui.com

HALE KAU KAU’S FREE CHRISTMAS MEAL FOR THE HUNGRY - DEC 25. A special holiday feast from the folks who feed the needy every day, year ’round. The day will include entertainment, Santa Claus and gifts for the keiki. 12-2pm. St. Theresa Catholic Church (Kīhei); 808-875-8754; Halekaukau.org

BILL MAHER NEW YEAR’S EVE EVE SHOW - DEC 30. The tradition continues as Bill rings in the New Year! To make this year’s 11th anniversary celebration extra memorable, Bill will be joined by two very special guests, Jeff Ross and Wendy Liebman. 8pm. Maui Arts & Cultural Center (Kahului); 808-244-SHOW; Mauiarts.org

BIG GIGS

WORLD AIDS DAY - DEC 1. For the first time in history, the squares from the National AIDS Memorial Quilt representing individuals lost in Hawaiʻi will be on display for your viewing. Join Maui AIDS Foundation to raise awareness, gather in remembrance of those lost and celebrate their progress. The event will feature the film “Common Threads: Stories from the Quilt,” a special musical performance, and guest speakers. Concessions will be available for purchase. 5pm. The Historic ʻIao Theater (Wailuku); Mauiaids.org

DOMBRESKY - DEC 9. French dance music producer, Quentin Dombres—professionally known as Dombresky—has been producing music for nearly a decade and a half now, surely cementing himself as one of new faces to the international house music scene. $30. 9pm. Da Playground Maui (Ma‘alaea); 808727-2571; Daplaygroundmaui.com

ONSTAGE

Entertainment 10pm-12am, (Weekly) Entertainment 10pm-12am, (Weekly)

Karaoke 7pm, (Weekly) Live DJ (Weekly) Strickly Vibes (Weekly)

ART SCENE

BACKLIT BUDDHA STUDIOS SUNDAY SESSIONS - DEC 18. Legendary Maui singer-songwriter Dorothy Betz has been playing at almost every venue since 1976. The trio is rounded out with Vince Esquire of Kanekoa and Dave Fraser of Soul Kitchen. (Chips & Salsa included. Drinks, ceviche & desserts available for purchase). $15. 6-8pm. Las Piñatas (Kahului); 808-877-8707; Backlitbuddhastudios.com/shows

THE MAGICAL MYSTERY SHOW - Stunning magical entertainers bring you an evening of magic, mystery and mirth, blurring the lines between fantasy and reality. Showtimes: 5pm & 8pm daily, except Wednesday. Fairmont Kea Lani Resort (Wailea); Hotel-magic.com

HULA PERFORMANCE - Watch a beautiful hula performance and enjoy live music. Daily, 6:30-7:30pm. Huihui Restaurant (Kā‘anapali); 808-667-0124; Huihuirestaurant.com

POLYNESIAN SHOW - Watch a graceful Hawaiian hula performance and dances of Polynesia. Tuesdays & Thursdays, 5:306:30pm. The Shops at Wailea (Wailea); 808891-6770; Theshopsatwailea.com

BRENTON KEITH & HIS BAG O’ TRICKS - High-energy comedy & magic with tons of laughs, audience interaction, and more laughs. Wednesdays, 5-8pm. Gilligan’s Bar & Grill (Kīhei); 808-868-0988; Gilligansmaui.com

SLACK KEY SHOW - Enjoy a performance with the slack key ‘ohana featuring contemporary island music to heartfelt Hawaiian mele, and more. Wednesdays, 6:30-8:15pm. The Napili Kai Beach Resort Aloha Pavilion (Napili); 808-669-3858; Slackkeyshow.com

JOHN CRUZ: ISLAND STYLE - The Grammy- and Nā Hōkū Hanohanowinning Hawaiian singer-songwriter shares lyrical stories about everyday people and experiences. Wednesdays, 7:30pm. ProArts Playhouse (Kīhei); 808-463-6550; Proartsmaui.com

STAGE CLASSES

MAGIC CLASSES - Come and learn multiple tricks from world-famous magicians featured in The Magical Mystery Show! Classtimes: 3pm daily, except Wednesday. Fairmont Kea Lani Resort (Wailea); Hotel-magic.com

HAWAI‘I CRAFTSMEN EXHIBIT - NOWDEC 23. In partnership with Hawai‘i Craftsmen Organization, their Annual Statewide Juried Exhibition will travel to Schaefer International Gallery to extend the exposure of the selected artists and their competence in traditional and contemporary craft. Tuesdays-Saturdays, 10am-4pm. Maui Arts & Cultural Center (Kahului); 808-244-SHOW; Mauiarts.org

ART OF TRASH 2023: SUBMISSIONS NOW OPEN! - NOW-JAN. 31, 2023. Mālama Maui Nui is accepting submissions to the Art of Trash and Trashion Show slated to open in April 2023. All pieces must be made from recycled and/or reused material. MNui.org/ArtOfTrash

KELLY HSIAO OF SEA ALCHEMY - This collection takes you beneath the surface to discover magical mermaid adventures in wonderland. Featuring shots from the making of the documentary film, “Oceans Apart.” Filmed at stunning locations on Maui and underwater, “Oceans Apart” is a short dance film by filmmaker/performer Audrey Billups. ProArts Playhouse (Kīhei); 808-463-6550; Proartsmaui.com

PLANTATION MUSEUM - The self-guided tour features a collection of authentic artifacts. Attendees can view historic information for the Camp Maps, which are the most complete and comprehensive maps of plantation workers’ housing locations. Daily, 10am-6pm. Lāhainā Cannery Mall (Lāhainā); Lahainarestoration.org

ART NIGHT - Walk through Lāhainā’s art scene – meet the artists, view new artwork and enjoy live music. Show some interest and you just might find a glass of wine in your hand. Find participating galleries online. Fridays, 5-8pm. Lahainarestoration.org

ART CLASSES

RELAXATION THROUGH EXPRESSIVE ART THERAPY - DEC 12. Visiting Artist, Christina Wilson, will teach you what Expressive Art Therapy is and how you can use art to help calm your system and teach you skills you can use each day to reduce anxiety and increase your mood. 5-7pm. Hui Hui Noʻeau Visual Arts Center (Makawao); Huinoeau.com

LEI PO‘O MAKING - Learn how to weave basic ti leaf lei using flowers and ferns that can be worn on the head or around the neck. Mondays, 2:30-3:30pm; Wednesdays, 1:30-2:30pm. The Shops at Wailea (Wailea); 808-891-6770; Theshopsatwailea.com

LEI MAKING - Learn how to make your own lei and gain understanding of their significance, traditional uses, gathering protocols, and how they are used today. Tuesdays & Thursdays, 11am-12pm. Whalers Village (Kā‘anapali); 808-661-4567; Whalersvillage.com

LIFE DRAWING - Join a unique noninstruction drawing class. For info or reservations, call or text. Wednesdays, 6-9pm. Gallery Lele (Lāhainā); 808-205-1389.

ART CLASSES - Let your inner artist come out! A different theme is offered each day. Wednesdays-Sundays. Island Art Party (Kīhei); 808-419-6020; Islandartparty.com

COCONUT FROND WEAVING - Use to make baskets, mats, jewelry, and toys for the keiki. Learn how to make your very own keepsake. Thursdays, 4:30-5:30pm. The Shops at Wailea (Wailea); 808-891-6770; Theshopsatwailea.com

COCONUT WEAVING - Discover the basics of palm weaving and its many uses while talking story with Uncle Ron. Fridays, 12-1pm. Whalers Village (Kā‘anapali); 808-661-4567; Whalersvillage.com

SANDAL MAKING WORKSHOP - An experienced sandalmaker will discuss the history of sandalmaking and guide you through the sandalmaking process from choosing leather to lacing up your finished sandals. Go online for availability. Good Earth Sandals (Pāʻia); Goodearthsandals.com

CRAFT FAIRS

HONUA KAI CONDOMINIUMS

- Wednesdays & Saturdays, 9am3pm. (Kā‘anapali); 808-268-9822; Mauisfinestcraftfair.com

LAHAINA CANNERY MALL - Fridays & Saturdays, 9am-4pm. (Lāhainā); Lahainaarts.com

LAHAINA GATEWAY CENTER - Sundays, 9am-2pm. (Lāhainā); Mauigiftandcraftfairs.com

MARRIOTT’S MAUI OCEAN CLUBWednesdays, 9am-3pm. (Kā‘anapali); 808268-9822; Mauisfinestcraftfair.com

THE HYATT RESIDENCE CLUB MAUIThursdays, 9am-3pm. (Kā‘anapali); 808-2689822; Mauisfinestcraftfair.com

THE SHERATON MAUI RESORT - Sundays, 9am-3pm. (Kāʻanapali); 808-268-9822; Mauisfinestcraftfair.com

THE WESTIN KAʻANAPALI OCEAN RESORT VILLAS - Tuesdays & Fridays, 9am-3pm. (Kā‘anapali); 808-268-9822; Mauisfinestcraftfair.com

THE WESTIN NANEA OCEAN VILLASMondays, 9am-3pm. (Kā‘anapali); 808-2689822; Mauisfinestcraftfair.com

FOODIE

CHAMPAGNE HALE AT THE CLIFF HOUSE - DEC 17-19, 24-26, 31. Set on the beachfront, experience the finest champagnes from the Veuve Clicquot portfolio accompanied by a plethora of freshly-caught seafood dishes. Seating times: 3pm & 5pm. Montage Kapalua Bay (Kapalua); 808-6626627; Champagne-hale.eventbrite.com

GUIDED CACAO FARM TOUR & CHOCOLATE TASTING - This interactive and educational tour introduces you to cacao trees, hands-on fruit harvesting techniques, and finishes with an exclusive 9-piece tasting of award-winning chocolate. Daily tours happen every half hour between 9am-3:30pm. Maui Kuʻia Estate Chocolate (Lāhainā); 808793-6651; Mauichocolatetour.com

HAWAII SEA SPIRITS TOUR & TASTINGLearn how they nurture and cultivate more than 30 Polynesian sugarcane varieties; practice sustainable farming; transform organic cane juice blended with pure deep sea water into ultra-premium spirits; and exercise a life of ecological responsibility.

Daily, 11am-5pm. Ocean Vodka Organic Farm and Distillery (Kula); 808-877-0009; Oceanvodka.com

LUANA - Pull up the best seat in the house and enjoy a taste of Hawai‘i’s modern culture through poke, cocktails, and live music.

Sundays-Fridays, 4-8pm. Fairmont Kea Lani (Wailea); 808-875-4100; Fairmont-kea-lani.com

Eric Gilliom is back with his popular one-man show "White Hawaiian!" More info page 9.

Courtesy Eric Gilliom

SERIOUSLY SANDWICH SUNDAYS! - More than just a sandwich! Made with sweet bread, American cheese, kalua pig, jalapeño-bacon macaroni and cheese, and Alabama-style white bbq sauce on the side. Sundays, 10am. Down the Hatch (Lāhainā); 808-661-4900; DTHmaui.com

BRUNCH AT THE BEACH - Enjoy your favorites, like banana-mac nut pancakes and focaccia eggs Benedict, plus new offerings. Sundays, 10am-2pm. Hula Grill (Kā‘anapali); 808-667-6636; Hulagrillkaanapali.com

WHAT MAUI EATS - Experience a local favorite—Sunday brunch at Ko. Sundays, 11am-2pm. Fairmont Kea Lani (Wailea); 808875-4100; Korestaurant.com

BREAKFAST & COFFEE TOURParticipants connect with both the agricultural history of coffee and the “seed-to-cup” process by strolling through the orchard and experiencing sights, sounds, and smells of a real roasting operation. BYOB. MondaysFridays, 8:30-11:30am. Oʻo Farms (Kula); 808-856-0141; Oofarm.com

COCONUT FARM TASTING TOURDiscover the life cycle of coconut trees. Learn how to open and taste coconuts at varying stages of maturity, as well as their health benefits and creative culinary applications. Monday-Saturday, 9am, 11:30am & 2pm. Punakea Farms (Lāhainā); 808-269-4455; Punakeapalms.com

FARM LUNCH TOUR - Connect to the land as you sit down to a gourmet lunch prepared with fresh natural products. BYOB. MondaysFridays, 10:30am-1:30pm. Oʻo Farms (Kula); 808-856-0141; Oofarm.com

HALIʻIMAILE DISTILLERY TOUR - Located in the heart of Maui’s pineapple region, they start with local ingredients and distill in small batches, using unique stills, to create authentic Hawaiian spirits. Tours begin every half hour between 11am-4pm, MondayFriday. Maui Pineapple Tours (Haliʻimaile); 808-665-5491; Mauipineappletour.com

EXOTIC FRUIT ADVENTURE - Explore an organic farm near Hāna aboard Kawasaki 4WD “Mules.” Mondays & Fridays. Ono Organic Farms (Nāhiku); 808-268-1784; Onofarms.com

WILD FOODS HIKE - Forage with confidence. Internationally-recognized wild food forager Sunny Savage has taught thousands about wild foods. Tuesdays, 10am-12pm. 808206-8882; Support@sunnysavage.com; Sunnysavage.com

WINE TASTING - Experience an historic winery where wines are made from estategrown grapes, pineapple, and raspberries. Enjoy wine by the glass, wine flights, wine cocktails and pupus. Tuesdays-Sundays, 11am-5pm. Maui Wine (Kula); 808-878-6058; Mauiwine.com

MALA ‘TIL MIDNIGHT - Indulge in “the Kitchen Assassin” Chef Alvin Savella’s raw fish & Wagyu menu. Enjoy selections like spicy ahi poke salad, sashimi, and “the Assassin burger.” Plus select cocktails. Fridays & Saturdays, 10pm-midnight. Mala Tavern (Lāhainā); 808-667-9394; Malatavern. com/late-night-menu

MAUI DRAGONFRUIT FARM TOURSOffering multiple tours, like a tropical fruit tasting adventure, along with zipline and aquaball combo tour packages. Contact for availability. Maui Dragon Fruit (Lāhainā); 808264-6127; Mauidragonfruit.com

GRAND DAIRY TOUR - Enjoy an authentic Maui goat farm experience from feeding, hand milking a goat, and learning all about the cheese-making process. Call for availability. Surfing Goat Dairy (Kula); 808-878-2870; Surfinggoatdairy.com

FOODIE WORKSHOPS

COCONUT HUSKING - See demonstrations of traditional and modern methods of coconut husking. Tuesdays, 2:30-3:30pm. The Shops at Wailea (Wailea); 808-891-6770; Theshopsatwailea.com

MAKAʻAKA LOʻI - Kumu Penny will teach keiki all about the different aspects of kalo (taro), from how to make a loʻi (taro patch) to caring for and cooking kalo. She will also show how to make poi pounders from pohaku (stone) the traditional way. Wednesdays, 3:30-5:30pm. Maui Hui Malama, 808-2445911; Mauihui.org

FARMERS MARKETS

HĀNA FARMERS MARKET - Fridays, 3-5pm. (Hāna); Hanafarmersmarket.com

FARMERS MARKET KĪHEI - Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays & Fridays, 7am-4pm. (Kīhei); 808-875-0949

FRESH FARMERS MARKET - Tuesdays, Wednesdays & Fridays, 8am-4pm. (Kahului); Queenkaahumanucenter.com

KŌ MAHIʻAI MĀKEKE - Saturdays, 8am12pm. (Kīhei); 808-359-9103

KUMU FARMS AT THE COUNTRY MARKET - Tuesdays-Saturdays, 9am-5:30pm. Maui Tropical Plantation (Waikapū); 808-244-4800; Kumufarms.com

LA‘A KEA COMMUNITY FARM - TuesdaysSaturdays, 10am-5pm. (Pāʻia); 808-579-8398; Laakeavillage.org

LĀHAINĀ JODO MISSION - 2nd & 4th Thursdays, 4-7pm. (Lāhainā).

LIPOA STREET FARMERS MARKETSaturdays, 8am-12pm. ( Kīhei); 808-298-5813

MAUI HUB ONLINE FARMERS MARKETOpen for shopping from noon Saturdays to 11:55pm, Tuesdays. Home delivery & drivethru pickup options available for South, West, Central, Upcountry Maui and Haʻikū. Grocery delivery: Fridays & Saturdays each week. Mauihub.org

MAUI SUNDAY MARKET - Sundays, 4-8pm. Kahului Shopping Center parking lot. (Kahului); Mauisundaymarket.com

MAUI SWAP MEET - Saturdays, 7am-1pm. (Kahului); 808-244-2133; Mauihawaii.org

NAPILI FARMERS MARKET - Wednesdays & Saturdays, 8am-12pm. (Napili); 808-6335060; Napilifarmersmarket.com

ONO ORGANIC FARMS FARMERS MARKET - Mondays & Thursdays, 8am4pm.. (Hāna); 808-344-6700.

POʻOKELA FARMERS MARKETWednesdays, 8am-12pm. (Makawao); 808419-1570

SOUTH MAUI GARDENS - Thursdays, 9am1pm. (Kīhei); Southmauigardens.com

UPCOUNTRY FARMERS MARKETSaturdays, 7-11am. (Pukalani); 808-572-8122; Upcountryfarmersmarket.com

WAILEA VILLAGE FARMERS MARKETTuesdays, 8-11am. (Wailea); 808-760-9150

COMMUNITY

HĀNA 4EP OUTREACH EVENT - DEC 2. 4EverPets distribution of pet food and flea/ tick medicine, as well as other pet supplies as available. MHS veterinarians will also be on hand to provide vaccinations, microchips, and basic first aid to dogs and cats. The Humane Enforcement Officer will be offering log licensing. 12-4pm. Hāna Farmer’s Market (Hāna); Mauihumanesociety.org

MOBILE ADOPTION EVENT - DEC 10-11. The Maui Humane Society will bring adoptable dogs and kittens to meet hotel guests and the public. In addition, the mixologist will create a special Cocktail of the Month in honor of MHS, with partial proceeds from the sale of the drinks to benefit MHS. 11am-2pm. Andaz Hotel (Wailea); Mauihumanesociety.com

SHOP THE STREET - DEC 11. Showcasing Maui’s small businesses at 4 pop-up

locations: Rooted In Wailuku, Wailuku Food Trucks, Maluhia Collective, and Friends and Faire. 10am-2pm. Wailuku Town.

SINGING FOR WORLD PEACE - DEC 11. Come and enjoy an afternoon of singing songs like: Love Can Build A Bridge, Heal The World, Peace Train, Imagine, and many more! Light refreshments. Limited to 15. Text reserve your spot. 12pm. Baha’i Center (Makawao); 808-871-0866.

KĪHEI’S 4TH FRIDAY TOWN PARTY - DEC 23. Come to the South Shore of Maui for a town party, with live entertainment, fun activities for keiki and teens, plus local eats and retail shops. 6-9pm. Azeka Shopping Center Mauka (Kīhei); Kiheifridays.com

TOMMY BAHAMA MOVIE NIGHT - Bring your family, friends and your beach chairs and enjoy complimentary movies. Go online for movie schedule. Mondays-Fridays, 6:30-9pm. Whalers Village (Kaʻanapali); 808-661-4567; Whalersvillage.com

WILDLIFE WEDNESDAYS - Join naturalists from the Hawaiʻi Wildlife Discovery Center and learn all about humpback whales, honu, monk seals, and more Maui wildlife. Wednesdays, 10am-12pm. Whalers Village (Kā‘anapali); 808-661-4567; Whalersvillage.com

A LOOK AT MISSIONARY LIFE IN A HAWAIIAN VILLAGE - A recognizable landmark in the heart of historic Lāhainā. Built between 1834-35 in what was then referred to as the “missionary compound.” Tours begin every half hour. Self-guided: WednesdaysSaturdays, 10am-4pm; Candle Lit: Fridays, 5-8pm. Baldwin Home Museum (Lāhainā); 808-661-3262; Lahainarestoration.org

MAUI GHOST WALK - Soak up the haunted history. Discover colorful characters, haunted beaches, fairies, Hawaiian kings, and more! Daily, 5:30pm. Kamehameha Iki Park (Lāhainā); Americanghostwalks.com/hawaii

COMMUNITY WORKSHOPS

MAUI MAUKA CONSERVATION AWARENESS TRAINING - DEC 1. Suzanne Conlon, Biological Technician at the US Fish and Wildlife Service Keālia Pond National Wildlife Refuge, will discuss Keāliaʻs unique wetland birds, public access to visit the refuge, and ongoing restoration efforts. 123pm. Keālia Pond National Wildlife Refuge (Kīhei); Mauimauka.org

SUMMER IN DECEMBER HAWAII CE PROGRAM - DEC 9-11. This year’s Univ. of Western States Chiropractic program brings you 20 hours of continuing education over four diverse courses in a hybrid format with five hours of asynchronous online learning before you travel, on your own schedule. Drs. Moreau and Harger return with a grand rounds learning format that provides interactive sessions with presenters and colleagues. 10am-7pm. Wailea Beach Resort, Uws.edu/continuing-education/hawaii

HULA LESSONS - Learn hula and the importance of preserving Hawaiian culture, language, history and stories through this sacred dance. Mondays 11am-12pm. Whalers Village (Kā‘anapali); 808-661-4567; Whalersvillage.com

Surround yourself with fellow nerds for a weekend at Maui Comic Con! More info page 9.

Courtesy Alika Seki

HANDS-ON HONEY BEE WORKSHOPLearn about the life cycle of the beehive and the important role that honey bees play in agriculture. Fridays-Sundays, 10am. Maui Bees (Kula); 808-359-8012; Mauibees.com

ʻUKULELE LESSONS - During a lesson with Uncle Ron, you can easily learn the basics of the ʻukulele: chords, finger placement, and a few simple tunes. Fridays, 10:30-11:30am. Whalers Village (Kā‘anapali); 808-661-4567; Whalersvillage.com

ʻUKULELE LESSONS - Strum, sing and play. Fridays, 3-4pm. The Shops at Wailea (Wailea); 808-891-6770; Theshopsatwailea.com

PAPA HULA - Discover the art of Hawaiian hula. Lessons include an overview of the music and instruments, the costume, and meaning of dance movements. Fridays, 4-5pm. The Shops at Wailea (Wailea); 808891-6770; Theshopsatwailea.com

KEIKI KINE

TINKER TUESDAYS! - DEC 6. In this fun after school program, keiki can use their creativity and imagination! Materials, toys and tools will be available to learn, create, explore, collaborate, and share. 2:30-3:30pm. Lāhainā Public Library, Librarieshawaii.org/events

KEIKI CLUB - DEC 17. Learn about the vast sea life of Hawaiʻi with one of Maui Ocean Center’s marine naturalists. Enter to win giveaways and enjoy family friendly festivities! 10-11am. Queen Kaʻahumanu Center (Kahului); 808-877-3369; Queenkaahumanucenter.com

ULTIMATE TODDLER TRAMPOLINE TIME

- Bring your keiki to burn off that energy while having tons of fun. Mondays, Fridays & Saturdays, 10am-12pm. Ultimate Air Trampoline Park (Wailuku); 808-214-JUMP; Ultimateairmaui.com

KEIKI NATURE DAY CAMP - Come join accredited educators and experienced camp counselors in a day of gardening, arts & crafts, outdoor games, fire-building, nature skills and more. Select Saturdays, 9am-3pm. Laulima Garden ʻOhana (Haʻikū); Laulimagardenohana.com

HEALTH & WELLNESS

BODY IN BALANCE CLASSES - Barre Sculpting & Toning, Aerial Yoga Hammock, Functional Barre, Functional Flexibility and more. Contact for schedule. Body in Balance at Emerald Plaza (Lāhainā); 808-661-1116; Bodybalancemaui.com

SUNDAY SUNSET RESTORATIVE YOGA & SOUND BOWLS - Slow gentle movement designed to restore the body and calm the nervous system. Receive healing powers of the sound bowls, reconnecting body and mind to its harmonic vibration. Sundays, 5pm. Wailea Healing Center (Wailea); Eventbrite.com

OUTDOOR YOGA - Breathe ocean air as you practice gentle yoga postures and breathing techniques. Mondays, Wednesdays & Saturdays, 8-9:15am. Waipuilani Park (Kīhei); 808-214-2766; Easyyogamaui.com

MIND BODY CYCLE - This is a full-body cycling class to get physical in a sociallyengaging and exciting atmosphere! Mondays & Tuesdays, 5:30pm; Fridays, 8:30am. Enjoy the Ride Maui at Emerald Plaza (Lāhainā); 808-667-7772; Enjoytheridemaui.com

YOGA FOR CANCER WARRIORS AND SURVIVORS - Designed to strengthen and lengthen while connecting mind, body, and breath. For participants of all abilities and all stages of treatment. Mondays, 6-7pm. Imua Physical Therapy (Kīhei); 808-879-0077; ImuaPT.com

EXERCISE AND MOVEMENT CLASSAnyone afflicted with Parkinson’s, as well as caregivers are welcome to attend. Tuesdays & Thursdays, 10-11am. Risa Pascal (Kahului); 808-281-1224; risa.pascal@gmail.com

SACRED PLANT MEDICINE YOGA - Join Bre Wolfe and experience plant medicine. Tuesdays, 4pm. Wailea Healing Center (Wailea); Waileahealingcenter.com

THE MANIFESTATION WORKOUT - Learn fundamentals of yogic principles, designed to synergize your body’s energy with your creative intentions. Access to virtual classes is available as well. Wednesdays, 9:3010:30am. Wailea Healing Center (Wailea); Joiefullee.com

BELLY DANCING - Get fit and feel fantastic with Jade Rose while waking up the dancer within. Wednesdays, 5:30-6:45pm. Wailea Healing Center (Wailea); 808-205-2005; Waileahealingcenter.com

SELF CARE SUPPORT GROUP - Join Sandra Diaz, LCSW, on a self-care journey. Each group will include rejuvenating mindfulness practices Thursdays, 5-6pm. Mindful Living Group (Kīhei); 808-206-9371; Mindfullivinggroup.org

SPIN REVOLUTION - High intensity class followed by a military boot camp-inspired segment! Bring a yoga mat. Fridays, 5:30pm. Enjoy the Ride Maui at Emerald Plaza (Lāhainā); 808-667-7772; Enjoytheridemaui.com

LOCAL SPORTS

MAUI PADDLE & CANOE CLUBS - Paddling enthusiasts can join clubs across the island to share their love of rowing and the water. A dozen clubs for various skill and experience levels can be found on the North Shore and East, West, and South sides. A list of clubs with contact information can be found at: Mauipaddle.com

PICKLEBALL - Games are played at the following locations: Wailuku’s War Memorial Complex (upper tennis courts), Fridays-Sundays, 7:45-11am; Tuesday & Thursdays, 4:30-8:30pm; and a novice/ beginner only session on Wednesdays, 7:45-10:30am. Lāhainā Civic Center, daily, 7-11am & 4-9:30pm. The Napili Park courts are available daily, 7am-7pm (no set pickleball times). Waipuilani Park in Kīhei, daily, 8am-noon & 4-7pm. Kula Community Center, Tuesdays & Thursdays, 8am-noon. Eddie Tam Gym in Makawao, Wednesdays, 9-11:30am. Everyone from beginners to experienced players are welcome.

NATURE ADVENTURES

FAMILY TOUR DAYS - DEC 3 & 4. On the slopes of Haleakalā offers some of the freshest foods on Maui. Grab the ohana to tour the farm while also enjoying music and Thai food. 8am-5pm. Maui Nui Farm (Kula); 808-280-6166; Mauinuifarm.com

REGENERATIVE AGRICULTURE FARM TOUR - Visit a working farm and learn about stewardship models of soil fertility, composting, animal husbandry, and beekeeping. Call for availability. Maui Bees (Kula); 808-280-6652; Mauibees.com

PINEAPPLE FARM TOUR - Experience a working pineapple plantation and learn about the history plantations have played in Hawaiian culture. Daily, 9.30am, 11:45am & 1:45pm. Maui Pineapple Tours (Haliʻimaile); 808-665-5491; Mauipineappletour.com

BEE TOUR - Explore the internal workings of bee hives with an experienced beekeeper. Mondays-Fridays, 9am, 11am & 1pm. The Maui Bee Tour & Lāhainā Honey Co. (Lāhainā); 808-793-4660; Mauibeetour.com

ZOO TOUR - Meet, feed and play with animals while learning about their life stages. Daily, 9:30-11am; Tuesdays & Thursdays, 4:30-6pm. Maui Animal Farm (Lāhainā); 808280-2597; Mauianimalfarm.com

SUGAR MUSEUM TOUR - Exhibits depict 168 years of “King Sugar,” a chapter in Maui’s history that impacted the island’s landscape and multiculturalism. Mondays-Wednesdays, 10am-2pm. Alexander & Baldwin Sugar Museum (Puʻunene); Sugarmuseum.com

FARM ADVENTURE TOUR - Provide shelter and care for abused and rescued animals, and provide humane treatment education to the community. Mondays & Wednesdays, 12pm; Saturdays, 10am. Leilani Farm Sanctuary (Haʻikū); 808-298-8544; Leilanifarmsanctuary.org

CASUAL DAIRY TOUR - Meet working dairy goats, dogs, and cats. See modern milking machines and view inside the dairy operations for a quick glimpse into the cheese making process. Tuesdays-Saturdays, 9:30am-3pm. Surfing Goat Dairy (Kula); 808-878-2870; Surfinggoatdairy.com

TROPICAL EXPRESS TOUR - All aboard! Loop around the lagoon and cruise through parts of the plantation on this scenic tram ride. Tuesdays-Sundays, 10am-4pm. Maui Tropical Plantation (Waikapū); 808-633-2464; Mauitropicalplantation.com

INTERACTIVE FARM TOUR - Come experience a wide variety of unique subtropical plants, learn about gardening techniques that can help any backyard garden. Select Saturdays, 9-10:30am. Laulima Garden Ohana (Haʻikū); Laulimagardenohana.com

FARM TOURS - Meet friendly animals, see how food grows, and learn how to start a garden. Offers support in designing, building, and maintaining a school, backyard, or community garden. Every second Saturday, 9-11am. The Maui Farm (Makawao); 808-5798271; Themauifarm.org

VOLUNTEERING

PULEHU ROAD CLEANUP EVENT - DEC 3. Assist in offloading collected materials at the Malama Maui Nui transfer & disposal station, join Pulehu Posse at the top of the road, or Full Circle Ocean Gear at the bottom and stage materials for pick up on the roadside. 8-11am. Register online for team meet up locations. Malamamauinui.org/volunteer

WAIHEʻE COASTAL DUNES & WETLAND

REFUGE - DEC 5. Join Scott Fisher, HILT’s Chief Conservation Officer, for a guided interpretive hike. Learn about the area’s history, geology and ecology. 9am. Waiheʻe Coastal Dunes Base Yard (Waiheʻe); 808-744-AINA; Hilt.org

FARM VOLUNTEERING - In search of hands and hearts to help with projects around the farm. Mondays & Wednesdays, 9am. Leilani Farm Sanctuary (Haʻikū); 808-298-8544; Leilanifarmsanctuary.org

MĀLAMA HAWAIʻI VOLUNTOURISM

PROGRAM - Learn about Maui’s rich history by measuring, describing, photographing, and transcribing historic artifacts and documents from Lāhainā’s past, Tuesdays & Thursdays. Lahainarestoration.org

THE MAUI FARM’S PROGRAMSParticipate in gardening, work in the plant nursery, farm- or garden-related service

project, carpentry, farm structure repairs, welding, mural design, planting, equipment work, or assist with fundraising events, and various marketing efforts. Tuesdays-Fridays, 9am-12pm. The Maui Farm (Makawao); 808579-8271; Themauifarm.org

EVENING CHORES AND MILKINGLearn to hand milk a goat, then help with the evening feedings and learn about goat cheeses and how they are made. TuesdaysSaturdays, 3:30pm. Surfing Goat Dairy (Kula); 808-878-2870; Surfinggoatdairy.com

WEED AND POT CLUB - Volunteers will help to maintain the public native Hawaiian plant garden by weeding and then potting up plants in the nursery. Wednesdays, 8:30-10:30am. Maui Nui Botanical Gardens (Kahului); 808249-2798; MNBG.org

OLOWALU CULTURAL RESERVE - Learn about the environment and the culture of Native Hawaiian land and practices, while malama ‘āina. Wednesdays & Thursdays. Sign up online. Kipukaolowalu.com

HONOKOWAI VALLEY - Join regular maintenance projects dedicated to preserving the valley. Saturdays. Maui Cultural Land (Lāhainā); 808-276-5593; EkoluMCL@hawaii. rr.com; Mauiculturallands.org

LIVE MUSIC

CENTRAL

DA PLAYGROUND - Fri, Sat & Sun: various times. (Maʻalaea); 808-727-2571; Daplaygroundmaui.com

LAS PIÑATAS OF MAUI - Sun: 7-9pm. (Kahului); 808-877-8707; Pinatasmaui.com

MAUI COFFEE ATTIC - Daily: various times. (Wailuku); 808-250-9555; Mauicoffeeattic.com

NORTH

DOLLIES NORTH SHORE - Periodically: various times. (Pāʻia); 808-579-9070; Dolliespizzanorthshore.com

FARM STAND FOOD TRUCK COURT - Fri: 6-9pm. (Spreckelsville).

ISLAND FRESH CAFÉ - Sun: 12:30-2:30pm; Wed: 11:30am-1:30pm; Sat: 12:30-2:30pm. (Pāʻia); 808-446-0298; Islandfreshmaui.com

PA‘IA BAY COFFEE BAR - Tue-Sat: 5-7pm. Sun: 11am-1pm. (Pāʻia); 808-578-3111; Paiabaycoffee.com

SOUTH

DIAMONDS ICE BAR & GRILL - Sat & Sun: 10am-12pm. (Kīhei); 808-874-9299

GILLIGANS BAR & GRILL - Tue: 5:30pm & Thu: 5pm. (Kīhei); 808-868-0988; Gilligansmaui.com

HALE KAVA - Sat & Sun: 8-10pm. (Kīhei); 808-344-0427

LUANA - Wed & Fri: 5-8pm. (Wailea); 808875-4100; Fairmont-kea-lani.com

MAUI BREWING CO. - Daily: 6:30-8:30pm. (Kīhei); 808-201-2337; Mauibrewingco.com

MONKEYPOD KITCHEN - Daily: 122pm & 6-8pm. (Wailea); 808-891-2322; Monkeypodkitchen.com

MULLIGANS ON THE BLUE - Daily: 6-8pm. (Wailea); 808-874-1131; Mulligansontheblue.com

NALU’S SOUTH SHORE GRILL - Sun, Thu & Fri: 6:30pm; Mon-Wed & Sat: 7:30pm. (Kīhei); 808-891-8650; Naluskihei.com

OHANA SEAFOOD BAR & GRILLDaily: 6-9:30pm. (Kīhei); 808-868-3247; Ohanaseafoodbarandgrill.com

PITA PARADISE - Sun: 6-8:30pm. (Wailea); 808-879-7177; Pitaparadisehawaii.com

SOUTH SHORE TIKI LOUNGE - Daily: 4-6pm. (Kīhei); 808-874-6444; Southshoretiki.com

THE SHOPS AT WAILEA - Wed: 4-6pm. (Wailea); 808-891-6770; Theshopsatwailea.com

WHAT ALES YOU - Wed: 6-8pm; Fri: 6:30-9pm. (Kīhei); 808-214-6581; Whatalesyoukihei.com

UPCOUNTRY

AUMAKUA KAVA LOUNGE - Wed & Sat: 7:30-9:30pm. (Pāʻia); Aumakuakava.com

MAHALO ALE WORKS - Mon & Thu: 6-8pm; Sun: 5-7pm. (Makawao); 808Mahaloaleworks.com

WEST

CANE & CANOE - Daily: 4-9pm. (Kapalua); 808-662-6627; Montagehotels.com

COOL CAFÉ- Thu-Sun: 6:30-8:30pm. (Lāhainā); 808-667-0908; Coolcatcafe.com

DOWN THE HATCH - Daily: 8-10am & 3-5pm. (Lāhainā); 808-661-4900; DTHmaui.com

DUKE’S BEACH HOUSE - Daily: 5:30-8pm. (Kā‘anapali); 808-662-2900; Dukesmaui.com

FLEETWOOD’S ON FRONT ST. - Daily: 7:30-9:30pm. (Lāhainā); 808-669-6425; Fleetwoodsonfrontstreet.com

HANA HOU BAR - Daily: 4:30-6:30pm. (Kapalua); 808-662-6627; Montagehotels.com

HUIHUI RESTAURANT - Daily: 2-5pm & 5:30-8:30pm. (Kā‘anapali); 808-667-0124; Huihuirestaurant.com

HULA GRILL - Sun-Wed: 2-4pm & 6:30-9pm. (Kā‘anapali); 808-667-6636; Hulagrillkaanapali.com

INU POOL BAR - Sun-Wed: 3:30-5:30pm. The Westin Nanea Ocean Villas (Kā‘anapali); 808-662-6300; Westinvacationclub.com

JAVA JAZZ - Daily: 7-10pm. (Honokowai); 808-667-0787; Javajazzmaui.com

KIMO’S - Daily: 6-8pm. (Lāhainā); 808-6614811; Kimosmaui.com

KOHOLA BREWERY - Sun, Wed, Fri & Sat: 6-8pm; Mon & Thu: 4-6pm; (Lāhainā); 808446-3007; Koholabrewery.com

MALA OCEAN TAVERN - Daily: 2-4pm. (Lāhainā); 808-667-9394; Malatavern.com

MONKEYPOD KITCHEN - Daily: 1-3pm, 4-6pm & 7-9pm. (Kā‘anapali); 808-878-6763; Monkeypodkitchen.com

THE DIRTY MONKEY - Daily: 3-5pm & 6-8pm. (Lāhainā); 808-419-6268; Thedirtymonkey.com

THE POUR HOUSE RESTAURANT - FriSun: 5-9pm. (Kapalua); 808-214-5296; Thepourhousekapalua.com

THE WHARF CINEMA CENTER - MonThu: 5-7pm. (Lāhainā); 808-661-8748; Thewharfshops.com

To see a full list of events visit our website at calendar.mauitimes.org Submit your upcoming events to shan@mauitimes.org

Get ready for the ultimate Holiday ride with the ʻukulele masters of Kanekoa. More info on page 30.

Courtesy Scott Johnson

Black

By Daisy Finch

DECEMBER FORECAST

From November 21st to December 21st the Sun travels through the sign of Sagittarius and brings with it the joy and excitement of the holiday season. As we resurface from the murky waters of Scorpio season, the uplifting energy of Sagittarius brings with it a sense of relief. Sagittarius reminds us that there is magic in the world. Around midway through the month, Venus will return as an evening star visible to the west at sunset. Venus is the most beautiful star in the sky, sparkling like a brilliant multi-faceted diamond. The return of Venus in the evening sky is an event worth celebrating. Venus has returned from her trip to the underworld when she was not visible in the sky. The return of Venus is a visual reminder of the cyclical returning of love, faith and the things we hold dear. When you get a chance, take a moment to visit with Venus just after sunset. Feel into the things that Venus represents such as love, connection and the things we value. This month’s Full Moon will occur on December 7th in the sign of Gemini. Here, the Moon will be with Mars highlighting the themes that have been at work for the last few months. These themes include energy management, communication and our desires. Mars will be visible burning bright red in the evening sky and at its closest proximity to Earth. Mars in Gemini can feel scattered and all over the place. This will be an important time to focus on the best use of your energy. With the busy nature of the holiday season we can easily get overcommitted, frustrated and drained. Making solid, realistic plans can be helpful in order to utilize the best use of your time. Making adjustments to the way we manage our energy is key. How do we manage our time on a daily basis? Do we spend our time aimlessly scrolling on social media and feeling energetically depleted afterwards? We can use this intensified Mars energy wisely by focussing on what is important, making a plan, and sticking to it. Be honest about what you have the energy for and cut out the rest. This involves having to say no to some of the things that sound like a nice idea, but you realistically don’t have the time for. This holiday season, try your best to keep things simple to avoid overwhelm. Schedule in some creative time and make something with your hands to get into your body and out of your head.

The winter solstice occurs on Wednesday, December 21st. Historically, this is the darkest time of year and a time of introspection as our energy is drawn inwards. We can symbolically hold in the light at the darkest time of year by lighting candles and putting lights on the tree. Whether it be religious or not, the act of ritual gives life meaning. With the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, take some time to turn inward and reflect on the past year honoring the unseen forces of life that connect us all.

In the days leading to and on the Solstice, release the things that are no longer working and set intentions for the year ahead. This is a time of rebirth and a turning point when the light of the Sun will begin to increase once again.

SUN/RISING SIGN HOROSCOPES

Most accurate using your Rising Sign. Use your Sun sign if you don’t know your Rising Sign.

ARIES (MAR 21- APR 19)

Celebrate all you have accomplished this year. Enjoy some good times and cheer with the people who made it possible.

Make plans for more soul fulfilling work in the year ahead.

TAURUS (APR 20 - MAY 20)

Take some time to get in touch with what is driving your ambitions. Your sense of purpose is coming more closely into focus. Have gratitude for the helpful support of others that make obtaining your goals a possibility.

GEMINI (MAY 21 - JUN 20)

By taking care of yourself, you can better take care of others. Work to find the balance between your personal needs and what you have to give. Plan a day of adventure with your partner to illuminate your love connection.

CANCER (JUN 21 - JUL 22)

This is a great time to express affection in your closest relationships. Opening up allows for deeper connection and authenticity. Take the initiative to share your desires rather than waiting for someone to read your mind.

LEO (JUL 23

- AUG 22)

Spending time with your true friends can help alleviate social tensions. Working together helps get you through the hard stuff. Teamwork makes the dream work.

VIRGO (AUG 23 - SEP 22)

Disconnect from work and enjoy some downtime. Spend some quality time engaging with children and loved ones. Plan some creative activities and express yourself.

LIBRA (SEP 23 - OCT 22)

Brighten things up by using your artistic skills to beautify your home this holiday season. Incorporate family traditions or create your own to connect with family and loved ones.

SCORPIO (OCT 23 - NOV 21)

Decorating for the holidays can be deeply fulfilling. Turn up the tunes and thoroughly enjoy transforming your space. Head out for a walk or drive to check out the splendor of your neighborhood.

SAGITTARIUS

(NOV 22 - DEC 21)

Careful spending is of the utmost importance even though there are indulgent temptations at every turn. Try being mindful and thinking of needs rather than wants. Experiences are richer than material things.

CAPRICORN (DEC 22 - JAN 19)

Step away from work obligations and enjoy some festive holiday gatherings when you get the chance. Relating to others feels extra agreeable this month.

AQUARIUS (JAN 20 - FEB 18)

Explore the ways that you talk yourself out of taking care of you. Self-care has got to be at the top of the to do list. Make an extra effort to put yourself first and most importantly, have fun doing it.

PISCES

(FEB 18 - MAR 20)

Getting together with friends can help fill your cup this holiday season. Spending time with those you are in alignment with can be reassuring. Plan some festivities with your inner circle.

EASIER HARDER