Vol. 35 No. 1– Winter 2019
Editor: Christie Stilson
LAHAINA – I had not visited Aloha Mixed Plate since its major remodel. Previously it had been a small restaurant with very casual dining featuring local foods. Now it is open to the ocean with a huge seating area and table service. They are owned by the same folks who do the Old Lahaina Luau (which is next door) as well as Leoda’s in Olowalu and Star Noodle in the industrial area of Lahaina. This is THE place to come if you want to sample some local style ‘grinds’ but certainly not as affordable as the pre-remodel! One day my friend and I decided we needed some exercise so determined that we would check out the walking path from Ka`anapali (Canoe Beach at Honokao`o) to Lahaina Harbor. It is a lovely walk along the ocean on a paved path. With a fringe of beach parks you get some shade. Aloha Mixed Plate was our planned rest stop at about the 3 mile mark. We were hungry and were fortunate enough to get a table right next to the water. The cool breeze coming in off the ocean was very pleasant! We opted to share a mahi entrée and a shoyu poke for appetizer. The mahi was a very small portion but it was delicious and it had a huge portion of sautéed vegetables and rice. Market price was $27 which seemed a lot for a lunch size meal. My daughter ordered a ‘to go’ fresh fish dinner a couple of weeks after my visit. She said the sautéed vegetables were onions and celery (what????) but the fish was a bigger piece than mine. So were they out of ALL other vegetables? Other items are less expensive such as saimin deluxe or chow funn ($10), loco moco with two beef patties, two sunny side up eggs, brown gravy, white rice and mac salad ($17), mochiko chicken ($12), farmers stir fry ($15) and shoyu chicken ($12). A nice selection of salads and a keiki menu as well. The assorted cocktails for $8-9 should bring in the crowds especially since most bars are now up to $15 range! I suggest reservations for peak dining times or order food to go! (808) 661-3322. www.alohamixedplate.com 1285 Front Street.
Not a typical Hawaiian activity, but I enjoy stopping by Warren and Annabelle’s every couple of years. You can choose to have dinner at the theater or my preference is to arrive at 6pm for the first show. (A second show is often available as well.) You can still order dessert and beverages off the menu during their pre-show with Annabelle. They have two magicians each night and I have enjoyed seeing a number of performers. If you get selected to be along the stage then be prepared to be in the show! The shows starts in the lobby with Annabelle, the ghost, greeting you and then you continue into the theater. The air conditioning is on HIGH and believe them when they say to bring a sweater. I really bundle up with long pants and layers as once I was under a vent and it was frigid. It must need to be coolish for the performers??? Two shows nightly and you might book before your trip if you want a certain night as they often sell out. You need to show ID when you check in. They do validate parking. (808) 667-6244.
The DLNR (Department of Land and Natural Resources) periodically imposes restrictions on certain bottom fish species to protect their numbers. In mid-January they opened some small areas around the island to fishing for `ulua, onaga, opakapaka, lehi, ehi, and a few others. We noticed that with the closure of fishing for these species we found mostly mahi and ono as fresh fish options at most restaurants. Should you dine at the high end restaurants you may find other fish options.
The Sugar Cane Train revved up its engine and had a nice run for families of all ages as the Holiday Express in December. The train traveled between the Ka`anapali station and Puukolii station (tickets were $35). Both steam locomotives Myrtle and Anaka were Pittsburgh built in 1943 and have been fully refurbished. Fingers crossed that rumors of their reopening in May might come true. They will focus on private and public events as well as holidays. You can read about updates at www.sugarcanetrain.com
There are some changes in the Lahaina Gateway Shopping Center (across from Safeway). The Sunday Arts & Crafts Fair has moved from behind the Lahaina Post Office to this parking lot and free admission now! We saw some fun new booths this year. One gal was selling really cute tropical themed throw pillow covers. Several vendors had lotions and essential oils and of course tee-shirt and aloha wear booths were plentiful. This location has a much better layout but less shade. There is construction in the shopping center and the two stores are reportedly going to be Ross and Ace Hardware.
A new vegan restaurant, Moku Roots, opened in May 2018 at Lahaina Gateway. It is a little hard to spot with the black lettering posted above their location but near the ATV excursions (which is well marked). Moku has a large menu up on the chalkboards. It changes daily but they have gluten free pancakes and taro burgers! They practice a fellowship to the environment and you’ll not find any consumable paper products. If you want a sandwich to go it will arrive in a ti leaf. Brilliant! Want a hot beverage ”to go” then you’ll need to bring or buy one of their mason or thermal mugs. Open Monday to Saturday 9am-8pm and Sunday brunch 10:30am-3pm.
Hungry for a burger? For those of you who are carnivores, try Teddy’s Bigger Burgers in the back of the Lahaina Gateway parking lot. (Other non-beef options as well.)
Foodland Farms is a bit on the high end but you might find specialty products that aren’t available at The Times or Safeway. A decent deli here as well where you could pick up some salads or a sandwich for your flight home.
Every restaurant deserves a second chance and I just have never caught onto the passion folks have for Paia Fish Market. Apparently I was not ordering the right thing. I had found the tacos rather spicy and the quesadillas were just so big and heavy. So this time I went for the seafood Caesar salad. I am in love! I went back for a second one! Enough for lunch the next day!
Makai Adventures departs out of Lahaina Harbor. They offer trips five times daily during whale season. This January we did two trips with Makai and were fortunate to have calm waters and each trip was phenomenal. But each trip is different. On our first trip we arrived in waters fronting Lahaina, at a spot that had reported activity by a previous whale excursion. Just as we arrived and were being given the general information on the whales, a large whale breached about 60 yards from the boat. We hadn’t even seen him/her coming! It was a consensus that it was so remarkable we could just go back to port now. One fellow managed to catch the action with his go-pro! The rest of the tour was a little less spectacular but, as always, informative and we spotted other whale behavior. The second trip, a few days later, found us with Captain Kevin and Sergio for crew. We’ve sailed and written about Kevin. He’s a punster of great merit and constantly popping into the conversation with tidbits like, “Well that was a fluke!” The pun got a funny low groan from the passengers. We were a few miles offshore when we saw a mom and baby. All the females have an escort who is not the father of the calf and the relationship is platonic at this point. The floppy top fin indicated that the calf was young. We were told the moms are pretty chill with the boats and it appeared this mom was going to allow the calf a close up first time experience with this ‘toy’ in the water. This mom was unusual because the top of her right pec fin was white (usually only the bottom is white). It made it really easy to spot her traveling underwater. She seemed to be under the calf giving it some support. The escort came up a couple times and checked things out and then retreated to the lower depths. (Kind of like men waiting for women to shop!) The ocean in this area is very calm with the islands of Kahoolawe, Lana`i and Moloka`i forming a protected area and shallow waters (which is the same reason the beaches on South and West Maui are safer with less rip currents than islands with open ocean such as Kaua`i). The depth of water at our location was about 200 feet. The calf seemed to like the hum or perhaps the bubbles from the motors. She was less interested when it was turned off. I use the pronoun ‘she’ because Captain Kevin bestowed the name “Calf-leen” on her. At one point the mother went under the boat but mostly she was just feet away from the boat while the calf spent time with her head out of the water giving us a look. Perhaps a face only a mother could love.
I love that this yellow power boat gets you out to the whale watching areas quickly so you spend more time looking for whales. They just beefed up their engines so they now have 660hp in two units. The back of the boat is a little smoother and offers shade while he front is a little bumpier but open air. And they do take young children and even infants. They recommend a front carrier for babies. Last week my five month old grandson took a trip with Makai and he was awake the entire time. I was sent some hysterical pictures of him belly laughing when the boat was speeding out to the find the whales. They were fortunate to see a baby learning to breach and a mother who did one to show her kid how it is done!
I understand that not every trip to visit the whales will be this action packed. But you know it is a remarkable day when the crew snaps some photos. Just being out on the boat with a view of the Islands is so invigorating. Be sure to don sunscreen. They have water available on the boat. If you are concerned about any motion while in the boat, I recommend over-the-counter Bonine over Dramamine as the later often results in such sleepiness that I’ve seen people doze thru their whole tour. You can also ask your doctor for motion sickness patches if you are sensitive and some have found benefit in the wrist bands with pressure points.
When the whales head north, Makai Tour offers snorkeling tours to the back side of Lana`i.
You can stop by their booth or book online at Makaiadventures.com. We’ve been given permission to provide our readership with a promocode which will save you 10% on your next Makai Adventure. Promocode is SAVEME10
The Noodle Bar opened about a year ago but it wasn’t until recently that I stopped by. It is under the same ownership as Pho Saigon located in the Wharf Cinema Shops. The Noodle Bar is tucked into the shops next to Foodland and it has free short term parking. For their Wharf Cinema shops location, There is a small, almost hidden parking lot, behind the shopping center and Pho Saigon validates. The menus are the same at both and the prices are very reasonable. The Pad Thai is delicious and I love their fried rice and Pho bowls. They are at opposite ends of Lahaina so you now have two great choices. Food to go! Noodle Bar 170 Papalaua (808) 661-1200. Pho Saigon at Wharf Cinema (808) 661-6628.
The old Hard Rock Café on Front Street is now a construction zone and the space will reopen as a new Tommy Bahama.
I loved Maui Sugar Shop, the best and only dedicated gluten free bakery on Maui. They shuttered their doors but were selling some products in the evenings at the Pour House in Kapalua. Now only available via special orders. Their cakes are beautiful and delicious! info@mauisugarshop.com
KAANAPALI – The Ka`anapali Beach Hotel is offering guests a tour in an Outrigger canoe. The trip includes a cultural lesson, sightseeing and snorkeling and is 9am-10:30am. Introductory price is $109 plus tax for non-hotel guests and $99 plus tax for hotel guests. Available for youth 8 and older and maximum size is 5 people. You must be able to paddle to participate. I have done outriggers a couple of times and it is truly a one-of-a-kind experience. (808) 661-0011.
Always a fun time walking around the grounds of the Hyatt Regency Ka`apanapli. Apparently I have never seen a flamingo sit before. It looks pretty amusing.
The Tiki Tiki Sushi Bar in Wharf Cinema Center (658 Front Street) has now moved into the Thai restaurant just around the corner.
If you’ve driven down Prison Street you may have noticed crumbling walls at the Old Lahaina Prison. With community fundraising their goal of $10,000 has been reached and the walls will be historically rebuilt.
HONOKOWAI – Just up the road from Ka`anapali is the little hamlet area of Honokowai. Less expensive high and low rise condominiums are mixed in with small strip malls. The Fish Market at 3600 Lower Honoapiilani is one of our favorites for fresh ahi poke as well as fresh fish for dinner. You choose the fish and they provide an aluminum pan and a marinade of your choice to cook at home. We decided to try their ready-made foods and were disappointed. A counter and a couple tables outdoors is the only seating or you can get food to go. The tacos were dry and the fish had a hard blackened crust, a little cabbage and a side of sour cream and pico de gallo. Even at $4.75 each they were not worth the price. The fresh fish ahi plate and mahi plate had a nice piece of fish but had no seasoning at all. It was incredibly bland and served with white rice on a few pieces of wilted cabbage.. Another customer said the same thing about their fish plate. One in our group had a shrimp BLT and said it was delicious and the coconut shrimp that passed by me looked pretty good. The line was surprisingly long. Burritos ($11.00-14.99) are filled with fish of the day, shrimp, pork or veggie. Fish plates ($13.00-15.99), lobster salad sandwich ($15.99). Open 10am-7pm (808) 665-9895. 3600 Honoapiilani Highway.
Honokowai Okazuya was a favorite of ours years ago and changed hands a couple of times. It seemed to go downhill so we had not been back. We were surprised that they haven’t changed their prices in years! I had friends check it out for me and it got a thumbs up! The ono with sun dried tomatoes and a lemon caper sauce was delicious they report. Also on the menu is panko fried mahi, blackened seared ahi, coconut shrimp, Korean style chicken, chicken katsu and teriyaki steak ($13.95-16.95.) Burgers and sandwiches too. Bring cash as no cards accepted. They are located in the same complex as The Fish Market. Open 11am-2:30pm and 4:30-8:30pm. Closed Sunday
Just across from Times Market is a new Food Truck Court with nearly 10 trucks. They are featuring burgers, seafood, or assorted other ethnic cuisine mostly in the $10-12 range. A great opportunity for a family of picky eaters to each get the lunch or dinner that suits them.
NAPILI – Still loving the meals at Kitchen 5315! You’ll find them in the Napili Shores property along the Lower Honoapiilani highway. Their name denotes their address. Lots of specials and the place is really busy this year. Last year I was there right after they opened. They currently do not have a liquor license so they have a BYOB/W (beer or wine.) No corkage fee and they even open the wine bottle for you! A nightly Early Bird dinner special runs $26 and includes salad, entrée and dessert. For Taco Tuesdays you can order these corn versions individually with pork or chicken $3 each and breaded ono for $4 each. I went two weeks in a row for their burger special. On Wednesday any of their Maui beef burgers are just $10 and they are double patties! I had mine with bacon and cheddar. Yum! Friday and Saturdays they have a prime rib special for $30 which includes broccoli and mashed potatoes. On the regular menu they have a yummy crispy calamari, coconut shrimp or KFC (Korean fried chicken) appetizers ($9-12) and entrees include fish and chips, grilled cheese with tomato soup, macadamia crusted mahi, or seared ahi ($12-26.) Very friendly wait staff and keiki menu too! They are only open for dinner 5-9pm and you might want to make a reservation. (808) 442-3700.
Joey’s at Napili Plaza has remodeled and is now twice the size. (Their small location in Whaler’s Village has a smaller menu, slightly higher prices and not much of an eating area.) We tried the kalbi ribs ($17), fish tacos ($14) and chow fun ($10) plus our regular side of fried Brussel sprouts ($8). The chow fun wasn’t anything I would order again, but being gluten free it was SO wonderful to jump into a big bowl of noodles. (I can tolerate soy sauce thankfully!) They have nightly specials and one night it was rib eye steak with sides for only $35 (cheap for this Island). My second trip I had the bone-in kalbi ribs and the flavor was there but it was tough and I couldn’t cut it with my dinner knife. of us ordered it and one liked it and two of us did not! I think next time I might try the boneless kalbi for $22. I recommend a stop at Joey’s for a great meal and change left over. Obviously some items on the menu are just better than others. 4-5095 Napilihau Street Suite 107. (808) 214-5590.
Wednesdays are always a fun night at the Napili Kai Beach Resort with the Slack Key Show featuring Grammy Award winning George Kahumoku Jr. and co-host Peter deAquino. They offer a weekly guest master starting at 7:30pm and then follow that up with a bit of fun with Peter and a jam session with all the musicians. Visit www.slackkeyshow.com (808) 669-3858. And for you slack key guitar and ukulele players, enjoy tutelage from master musicians at George Kahumoku Jr.’s 22nd annual workshop. It is offered June 12-June 19, 2019 at the Napili Kai Beach Resort. The workshop includes a cultural track with lei making, hula, language, kapa, lauhala, singing, cooking and fishing! George is heading out on a 33 state tour for the next few weeks so look for him coming to a town or city near you soon!
KAPALUA – Recently the Sue D. Dooley Trust donated a 1.2 acre conservation easement to the Hawaiian Islands Land Trust. It might not be a lot of land but it is crucial to make an available link to the Kapalua Coastal Trail.
The Pour House is at 700 Office Road next to Sansei. Their popularity seems to be picking up as we peeked in. Open for dinner 5-10pm they have a burrata ‘bar’ on their menu. If you know mozzarella then you have tasted the cousin of this cheese but there is no comparison. The best burrata is buffalo milk and it literally melts in your mouth. However it can also be made from regular milk. It is an Italian cheese that is shaped with a thin outer layer of mozzarella and an inner section that is fresh cream. At the Pour House a few options are burrata with fresh pears and local honey married with toasted pecans and crystalized ginger, burrata with prosciutto and melon, or with artichoke hearts, grape tomatoes and Kalamata olives ($19-24). A small plate antipasti includes a marinated olives, shrimp cocktail, tomato bruschetta ($8-18) or an array of cheese and charcuterie boards. Salads ($14-24) can be followed by entrees such as chimichurri rib eye, five cheese tortellini, pesto clams, Italian meatballs or garlic herb lamb chops ($22-42). (808) 214-5296
Taverna Restaurant in the Kapalua Resort is now serving lunch and weekend brunch. Lunch hours are Monday – Friday 11am-2:30, Happy hour 2:30-5:30 pm daily, Dinner 5:30-9pm. Late Happy Hour 9pm-midnight and weekend brunch 9am – 2:30pm.www.tavernamaui.com
MA`ALAEA – The Maui Ocean Center recently unveiled their new $3 million “Humpbacks of Hawai`i” exhibition and sphere. Unfortunately I had headed back to Oregon before the exhibit opened to the public on February 10th. The exhibit includes an area with interactive learning stations, a 25-foot convex screen (single slab concrete) and theater seating in the sphere for 118 that features a 3D underwater experience. The sphere has advanced visual and audio systems and uses laser projection imagery. Visitors wear 3-D glasses which allows you to feel as though you are in the water with these magnificent mammals. This is not an IMAX or a movie or a documentary, explains their media information, but an experience. The filming was done off the shores of Maui and in their winters up north over two seasons. It follows the whales lifestyle including the annual 6,000 mile journey they take from the Arctic to the warm waters of the Hawaiian Islands. In addition to this new attraction you can enjoy a variety of exhibits in the 30-acre park including daily presentations by naturalists and a 750,000 gallon Open Ocean Exhibit. Last year I really enjoyed the extra tour behind the scenes. Admission prices include aquarium and the “Humpbacks of Hawai`i” exhibit. $34.95 adults, $31.95 seniors and $24.95 children.
The Pacific Whale Foundation has a new and improved Stargazing Cruise. It is currently only offered Saturdays and departs from the Ma`alaea Harbor. The harbor, we were told by the captain, is actually one of the windiest in the US. We were fortunate to have barely a breeze and unusually calm seas as we set out in mid-January. We had checked in a bit before sunset so once onboard we had time to see the coastline as the ship settled in a clearing beneath the cloud cover. It was a magnificent sunset but the clouds began to accumulate. A few whales danced about in the distance and the onboard astronomer, Harriet Witt, came around to talk to each guest and ask about their interests and answer specific questions. Pupus included chicken or pork sliders, dips and chips and beverage. Guests each received a couple of tickets for complimentary alcoholic beverages. The ship was equipped with red lights which allowed the guests to move around the ship after dark but allowed better viewing of the night sky. As Harriet began her talk about us being a blue-green planet which is our home that is orbiting a golden star, she used her pointer to pick out stars and planets in between the openings in the clouds. We were able to see Betelgeus, a dying red star, which is 800 light years away. Because of the distance required to reach our eyes on earth, this star could be dead by now and we won’t know it for centuries. We looked at white stars and even a Nebula. I found the information on the early Hawaiian system of navigation to be particularly interesting. These sea faring people used birds and even their body parts to feel, see, and taste the ocean to aid in their navigation. The tour lasts two and a half hours and ends with a coffee or hot chocolate as we slide thru the dark Maui skies back into port. It would have been terrific if this cruise had been offered on the evening of the full blood moon in January when the island had clear skies. The Pacific Whale Foundation has many other tours as well from Ma`alaea and Lahaina aboard a large fleet of vessels. Check out their website at www.pacificwhale.org or (808) 249-8811.
Tantes Fishmarket, Restaurant and Bar is the newest eatery in the Ma`alaea Harbor Maui. Up on the main level, it has a terrific harbor view and a long happy hour (noon to 5pm) featuring $3.50 Mai Tais or Margaritas and $3 draft beer along with pupus. This may be a perfect stop before or after a boat excursion or a visit to the aquarium. The dinner menu has hamburger steak, island mixed plate (chicken shrimp and beef), oxtail soup, bone-in pork chop, teriyaki beef, mahi mahi or kalbi ribs ($16-22). Take away food too. (808) 868-2148.
KIHEI – Call the Kealia Pond National Wildlife Refuge if you are interested in a schedule for guided bird watching walks. Admission is free but sturdy walking shoes, binoculars and water are recommended. Currently (and thru the end of March) they offer a bird walk at 9am on Tuesdays. (808) 875-1582.
A new dining option opened the first of the year in Kihei. The Kihei Bar and Grill is in the former Ruby Tuesday location. There is a menu board and you order at the counter and get your own utensils. I couldn’t find a website but reviews on Yelp were not positive. 303 Piikea.
Shearwater, in Kihei, opened to rave reviews. This new inventive eatery was opened by D. K. Komoda of Sansei Sushi fame. It offered healthy eating options but it just didn’t fly in the long run and it has now closed. D.K. said he would return to focuses on his sushi and steak houses. (A new one of these is opening soon in Kihei.)
Coconuts Fish Café, with two locations in Kihei, is still one of my favorites for fish tacos. Or try the “Taco Mountain” which is all the taco fixings but on rice. (The key here is it is easier to eat!) Those tacos are so full of yummy goodness that they barely fit in your mouth. I am delighted they use gluten free corn tortillas! On a bun you can get grilled ono, mahi, ahi, chicken, hamburger or veggie burger. Fish, shrimp or calamari and chips $14-15. Plenty of salads $9-17. Seafood pasta is the most expensive at $22.99. I recommend going off peak meal hours or you’ll be enjoying some time standing in line. I think the location at Kamaole Center is better since the restaurant is triple the size of the Azeka Center. 1279 South Kihei Road open 10am-9pm. 2463 South Kihei Road (Kamaole Center) www.CoconutsFishCafe.com You can also do take out or have a party catered!
WAILEA -- Sheldon Simeon stepped out on his own a few years ago opening the popular Tin Roof restaurant in Kahului. He has now moved up to the big league with the opening of his second solo project in the Shops of Wailea. Lineage is a full service restaurant featuring local fare that has been upscaled. This restaurant is only open for dinner 5-10pm. The concept is family style with shared plates. I suggest you go to the website to appreciate his fabulous and innovative menu. Here is a sneak peek. The first items on the menu are called ‘snacks’ and include chicharon (pig skin, adobo spice, chili water back with a take home flask) or try the “Bottom of the Plate Lunch” featuring shaved cabbage, kalbi dressing, mac salad mayo and smoked beef fat. Pupus ($18-26) include katsu curry (fried cauliflower), or cold ginger chicken (green onion pesto, salted black bean and chili oil.) Moving onto the rice and noodles there is “Hoppin’ Juan” with garlic rice, black eyed peas, oxtail. Shared plates include roasted chicken with vegetables ($75) or beef shank, short rib, cabbage and oprah potatoes ($40-75). Limited reservations at 5 or 9pm and open seating at all other times with first come. 3750 Wailea Alanui Drive (808) 879-8800. www.lineagemaui.com
KAHULUI and WAILUKU – Studies are underway for a new Windward Hotel that is being planned for five acres near Costco and the Kahului Airport. The four story hotel would have 200 rooms and be geared to business travelers. Right now there is only the Courtyard Marriott near the airport and some of the old hotels near the harbor in Kahului. Once the zoning is changed and other approvals are given they expect Hotel Ike to be completed in a couple of years at a price of $17.8 million.
Best new bar in Wailuku is the Wai Bar. Drink specials daily and happy hour 4-5pm. 45 N. Market Street (808) 214-8929.
Sheldon Simeon was born and raised on the Big Island and made a name when he opened his first small eatery in 2016. His menu reflects his Filipino ancestry with some delightful and unusual offerings. The first location in Kahului, Tin Roof, has lines coming out the door. The hours are short, only 10am-2pm, and the line can be long. It is hard for me to resist ordering mochiko chicken but there are lots other choices! Fat chow funn or garlic noodles ($7), saimin ($10), spicy chicken sandwich or kale salad ($6-7), Poke bowl or fish of the day ($13-15). Seating is a bench on the front of the restaurant or standing at a counter inside. I’d recommend grabbing your lunch and heading to Kanaha Beach Park behind the airport! Prices are low and portions are large. I always have left overs! Above you read about Sheldon’s newest venture in Wailea!
PAIA – The former Paia Inn Café at the Paia Inn has been rebranded as Vana. A med of Japanese cuisine with the flavors of Hawai`i, they are open from 9am-2pm daily for brunch and dinner begins 6pm Wednesdays to Sundays. Salads, steaks, sandwiches, vegan dishes, sushi, seafood and salads. 93 Hana Hwy. (808) 579-6002. www.vanapaia.com
UPCOUNTRY – Lumeria is a lovely retreat and upcountry lodging. Their on-property restaurant, The Wooden Crate, is now open daily with breakfast 7-10 am and dinner at two seatings 6:30 and 7pm. Thursdays is Kama`aina Night for local residents with valid Hawai`i ID. With a pre-fixe menu, this is a family style farm to table dinner. Friends visited recently and raved about it! www.lumeriamaui.com (808) 579-8877.
The US Geological’s survey updated its ratings for volcanoes and they measured the potential for eruption. The 2018 survey found 161 volcanoes were considered a very high threat for erupting, 39 were a high threat, 49 were moderate, 34 were low threat, and 21 were a very low threat. Kilauea was in the highest threat volcano category as was Mauna Loa. Hualalai on the Big Island was also in the high risk category. Haleakala rated a score of 45 which put it in the 86th position and in a moderate risk for eruption. The previous report was compiled back in 2005. Mauna Kahalawai (West Maui) is considered extinct.
The Upcountry Farmers Market is on Saturdays 7am-11am. And you need to arrive by 9-9:30am as folks sell out early and pack up. Did you know you can take orchids home? They are in bark and not earth so you can pick out something unique and exotic and wrap it in newspaper and carry it on the plane. It will be checked as you go thru Agricultural Inspection but I’ve never heard of any problems. The same goes for leis and cut flowers. Many of the vendors at this market are backyard growers, produce their own products or sell directly to the public.
Skyline Hawai`i has added a few new zipline experiences to the menu of ziplining opportunities. The course is on Haleakala Ranch and was the first zipline course in the United States. Now they offer a Haleakala Classic Sunrise Tour which includes breakfast at Kula Lodge, ziplining and then a downhill bike trip. Check out their website at www.skylinehawaii.com for more information (808) 518-2740.
Cowgirl Coffee is next to Stopwatch Sportsbar in Makawao. Their food truck is a repurposed 1960’s horse trailer! You can pick up coffee to go and some sweet or savory snacks as well. I like that they have macadamia milk as an option for their coffee drinks! They aren’t leaving out you tea fans with wild orange, green, chai teas and turmeric-based golden milk.
Kojima’s Sushi and Japanese Cuisine has new hours. Open for dinner Tuesday – Thursday 4-9pm and Saturday and Sunday 4:00-9:30pm. 81 Makawao Avenue in Pukalani.
MISCELLANEOUS – Mahi Pono LLC recently purchase 41,000 acres from Alexander & Baldwin. This property purchase ensures its preservation as open space in Central Maui and it is designated only for agriculture. Mahi Pono’s plans include growing high quality non-GMO foods for local consumption with a future potential for exporting. It will create additional jobs, have educational programs for employees, and provide land and water in an agricultural park for use by small local farmers.
As of December 31 2018, Maui is foam free. A ban on polystyrene foam (the kind used for to-go boxes and beverage containers) went into effect. Plastic straws are also a big issue so many places will not provide a straw unless you request one and the new straws are made of paper. I also now saw reusable bamboo straws available for sale in shops and stores around the island.
Maui Airport has grown up. Now there are almost 40 gates! My first visits were walking off a stairway from the plane to the tarmac and into a small terminal where you’d pick your bags up from a table!
Maui Brewing Company brews up some great root beer. It is available in grocery stores in cans and at restaurants around the island. They also feature a ginger beer which doesn’t get as high marks with me as the root beer.
A made-on-Maui movie will be released in mainland theaters in 2019. Originally it was called Kuleana, which means spiritual responsibility, but they have opted for the title to be just MAUI which is easily identifiable. The film’s director is Brian Kohne.
While Southwest Airlines have begun flying into the Islands, their only departure cities will be Oakland, San Jose, San Diego and Sacramento. I hear they are giving a little competition to the airfare market! Maybe one day they will add Portland to their itinerary!
Southern Airlines, based in Mississippi, has acquired Mokulele. This makes it the largest commuter airlines in the US. Don’t look for any huge changes as they will continue using the same planes, uniforms, schedules, employees and state that the rates will remain the same. It is terrific to fly out of the Kapalua airport to neighboring islands and avoid the drive to Kahului and the lines for security!
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