Kapalua to Kā‘anapali

North of the landmark Pu‘u Keka‘a and around the necklace of bays of Chief Pi‘ilani (Na Hono-a-pi‘ilani) is Kapalua Resort. In old Hawai‘i, the area was identified by the names of its principal bays, Honokahua and Honolua, which saw the comings and goings of voyaging canoes and fleets of war canoes. In the 1890s, one of Maui’s first missionary sons inherited this land and purchased thousands of acres more to found what would become one of Hawai‘i’s largest corporations, Alexander & Baldwin. As the pineapple crops flourished, Baldwin’s Honolua Ranch grew, importing laborers from Asia and the Azores and building homes in camps, a company store and offices. Some buildings can still be seen around the resort today, including the landmark Honolua Store, built in 1929, which is still in operation. Perhaps Kapalua Resort’s most significant legacy is that of environmental conservation. When the resort was conceived in the late 1970s, owners Maui Land & Pineapple Company instituted conservation programs for a majority of their priceless landholdings: Honolua Bay and Mokulē‘ia Bay were designated a Marine Life Conservation District. On the mountainside, the Pu‘u Kukui Watershed Preserve is the largest privately owned nature preserve in the state and home to plant and animal species that exist nowhere else in the world.

T hrough the centuries, Ka - ‘anapali has been revered in legend and is an attractive landscape of natural beauty. This area, which encompasses Hanakao‘o (Canoe) Beach at the south end to Kahekili (Keka‘a) Beach in the north, has always beckoned people to explore long stretches of golden sand, cultivate fertile plains, and wonder at the peaks of Mauna Kahalawai. In ancient times Ka - ‘anapali (then known as Keka‘a) was the site of a thriving fishing village, lush fields of taro, warrior training grounds and a fierce battle between two royal brothers. The resort area was steeped in legends, such as the feats of Maui, the demi-god and Pueo, the guardian owl. The lore from a 15th century high chief who ruled the community at Keka‘a and banished his mischievous son to the neighboring island of Lana‘i to tame its ghosts, to the feats of Kahekili, the Thunderer, a chief who excelled in the sport of cliff diving and was fearless. In modern times, before the development of Hawai‘i’s first master-planned resort, the area boasted a horse race track, and railroad tracks that led to a pier for shipping sugar cane. The early years of Ka - ‘anapali Resort saw the establishment of a convenient airstrip, which guided visitors in prop planes right to their hotel’s front desk.

“Food Finery, Golden Sunsets and Bright Breezy Mornings”

Cane & Canoe restaurant at Montage Kapalua Bay draws its design from old Hawaiian peaked canoe shelters. The leeward end is open, giving stunning views of the Pacific Ocean from the main dining area. Enclosed sides protect diners from the sun and northeasterly trade winds. Rich hardwood and a full-size sailing and fishing canoe carved on Maui frames the view in an authentic traditional ambiance. The canoe bow points toward the open sea, ready for launch.

Cane & Canoe dinner guests enjoy spectacular sunsets with a backdrop of Moloka‘i island. Choosing among delicious modern menu items like Ora King Salmon with Meyer lemon risotto or smoked tea-brined Muscovy Duck with crispy ‘ulu hash and poha berry compote can be difficult. The broad menu includes something for everyone with Hamachi Aguachile, Beet and Burrata Salad, Wagyu beef cuts, and creative vegan dishes. Wine pairings are easy with one of the best wine collections on Maui to select from and help from well-trained sommeliers.

The resort's executive chef Eric Faivre insists that its signature restaurant serves the finest ingredients sourced on Maui. Hawaiian tradition always connects mountain and sea, like the restaurant's name. From upcountry, where sugar cane and pineapple once grew, comes grass-fed beef, lamb and pork. From the waters surrounding Maui, local fishermen bring in chef's creative "Catch of the Moment." Elevated vegan preparations showcase the freshest produce of Maui's finest boutique farms, where harvest time is all year long.

As the sun sinks into the sea, the Cane & Canoe interior takes on a rosy luster and resonates with the rhythmic melodies of live island-style music. Maui residents, returning visitors and business travelers favor reliable, excellent food, attentive service and entertainment. An added appeal of this comfortable and inviting restaurant is the acoustics that allows comfortable conversation; dining is, after all, a social experience—a time to create memories.

Cane & Canoe is about more than just dinner. It's trending for the most relaxing west Maui breakfast. In the morning, the sun sparkles on three infinity pools with the glimmering ocean below and Moloka‘i in the distance. Before striking out for a day of exploration, outdoor sports, sun and spa rejuvenation, restaurant guests can enjoy lite bites like tropical fruit, berryfilled pineapple cup, or avocado toast. And choices abound for the heartier fare: lox with all the fixings, oatmeal, and granola, omelets, or pancakes and waffles. For an early brunch experience, visitors can indulge in an elegant Lobster Benedict or fresh pastries.

Cane & Canoe

Open Daily | Breakfast 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

Dinner | 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Complimentary valet parking available.

Montage Kapalua Bay

One Bay Drive

Lahaina, HI 96761 www.caneandcanoe.com

(808) 662-6681